Re: Fern Loar F5 Attic Find
I believe this is the San Jose CA, flea market Loar that was bought for 20 bucks over a year ago? There is some Lore right there!
Re: Fern Loar F5 Attic Find
I believe, you're right, Billy, that should be the one. Don't know, how long it has been available through g.base.
Re: Fern Loar F5 Attic Find
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Henry Eagle
... only costs 165k...
"Only" and ""165k" don't belong in the same sentence, IMHO -- unless you're talking about a house...
Re: Fern Loar F5 Attic Find
That's a beauty for sure!
One thing (maybe a few things) that I don't understand. If you're Joe Weed (who is quoted in the ad) and you own a Loar, why would you make the statement "This one blows mine away!"?
First of all, if it's really that good, I'd think you'd want to keep still and work out some kind of a trade. I know I would.
And second, doesn't that statement sort of devalue the one you own?
I don't know. It doesn't matter I guess, but it doesn't make much sense.
Re: Fern Loar F5 Attic Find
That instrument has been listed on Reverb for the past 7 months.
Anyone who is seriously interested in the mandolin would probably be best off inspecting it very carefully in person before they pull the trigger. "This instrument falls under our used/vintage policy and is therefore not eligible for return." In other words, if something is not right, "Sorry Charlie."
I will add that most of the long established vintage dealers who handle Loars, pre-war Martin 45s, and original Granadas have a return policy.
The instrument is probably fine, but I would advise any buyer to require a current letter of authentication from Gryphon [since the instrument is in California] or another highly qualified third party; unless you know old Gibsons really well.
Re: Fern Loar F5 Attic Find
Well, it does say Gary Vessel had a go at it; Gary has built some acclaimed Loar copies and certainly is no dummy when it comes to authenticity. One could ask him about it.
Ad begins, "Not only is this one of the rarest of all Loar signed F-5’s ..." I am not sure what that is supposed to mean. In what sense is an individual Loar rarer than another? There are 34 other known Loar mandolins with the same signature date, not to mention a number of H5 mandolas and L5 guitars.
This one is currently listed in the Archive, without photos. Archive and the Reverb ad mention that it has a Virzi.
Re: Fern Loar F5 Attic Find
Its the real deal, They said they haven't even set it up? To me that's nuts! Get that thing running right and I'm sure it may sell better but lots of Loars have been sitting a long time without getting bought at dealers. I believe its a small market on who buys these things, not everyone is going to shell out their hard earned cash like that unless they are die hard man! Loar prices sure aint what they were. I believe its because there are so many great independent builders out there, but still there is only so many of the REAL deal!
Re: Fern Loar F5 Attic Find
Quote:
Originally Posted by
rcc56
I will add that most of the long established vintage dealers who handle Loars, pre-war Martin 45s, and original Granadas have a return policy.
In addition, I will add that someone is paying for the item to be authentic, which goes beyond just a normal return period. Many "vintage dealers" have been taken to court for misrepresenting a high dollar instrument, if it is later to be found to be repaired, or otherwise non-original, etc. THIS can occur YEARS after the sale has taken place.
Not saying anything is wrong with this instrument, of course. It looks very nice. NFI.
Re: Fern Loar F5 Attic Find
As is sometimes the case - the 'story' can be just as (or more) entertaining as the mandolin . . .
Re: Fern Loar F5 Attic Find
Quote:
Originally Posted by
mrmando
Ad begins, "Not only is this one of the rarest of all Loar signed F-5’s ..." I am not sure what that is supposed to mean. In what sense is an individual Loar rarer than another? There are 34 other known Loar mandolins with the same signature date, not to mention a number of H5 mandolas and L5 guitars.
They are calling it rare because it has a fern peghead.
They are also selling a 1942 L-00 that they are calling "one of the latest pre-war Gibsons we have seen." :whistling: They are asking $6000 for it [!!!]. They didn't bother to clip the string ends at the tuners before they took the pictures.
They are also selling a 1964 LG-1 for $2400 [!!!!].
There are enough disclaimers in their "Returns-used/vintage gear" no returns policy to keep a lawyer busy for 3 months. Caveat emptor.
'Nuff said.
Re: Fern Loar F5 Attic Find
If I had cash I'd offer 100G for the F-5 and they would still be making a profit! Nowadays Loars aren't bringing 150-200K!
Re: Fern Loar F5 Attic Find
My concept of "rare" in Loar signed instruments would include the following:
1. F-5 with one piece back
2. F-5 with "side binding"
3. K-5 mandocello
There are 24 ferns listed in the archive. Undoubtedly, there are others that are not listed.
Re: Fern Loar F5 Attic Find
Billy, I think if you offered $40 they’d be ahead..haha.
Re: Fern Loar F5 Attic Find
Quote:
Originally Posted by
FLATROCK HILL
That's a beauty for sure!
One thing (maybe a few things) that I don't understand. If you're Joe Weed (who is quoted in the ad) and you own a Loar, why would you make the statement "This one blows mine away!"?
First of all, if it's really that good, I'd think you'd want to keep still and work out some kind of a trade. I know I would.
And second, doesn't that statement sort of devalue the one you own?
I don't know. It doesn't matter I guess, but it doesn't make much sense.
I like your powers of reason. I have a a couple of mottoes that I live by, one goes, 'if it don't make sense, it isn't.'
Re: Fern Loar F5 Attic Find
Actually, this one has been documented for awhile, just not with pictures, so says Dan at the Mandolin Archive.
http://www.mandolinarchive.com/gibson/serial/76785
Re: Fern Loar F5 Attic Find
Well, let me check my lotto numbers and I’ll get right on that one! Well, after the bathroom remodel.
Re: Fern Loar F5 Attic Find
Lot of money for a conversation piece..
Re: Fern Loar F5 Attic Find
Quote:
Originally Posted by
rcc56
My concept of "rare" in Loar signed instruments would include the following:
1. F-5 with one piece back
2. F-5 with "side binding"
3. K-5 mandocello
There are 24 ferns listed in the archive. Undoubtedly, there are others that are not listed.
I may be wrong, but I'm thinking there are only two Loars with one-piece backs. I've seen them both. Have heard of a third but have not seen it.
Re: Fern Loar F5 Attic Find
Well then: "only" 165k. :)
Re: Fern Loar F5 Attic Find
Quote:
Originally Posted by
rcc56
My concept of "rare" in Loar signed instruments would include the following:
1. F-5 with one piece back
2. F-5 with "side binding"
3. K-5 mandocello
There are 24 ferns listed in the archive. Undoubtedly, there are others that are not listed.
Can we also add the A5? I'd love to play a few notes on that one. But buying it?!?!? That's a rare instrument!
f-d
Re: Fern Loar F5 Attic Find
Quote:
Originally Posted by
fatt-dad
Can we also add the A5? I'd love to play a few notes on that one. But buying it?!?!? That's a rare instrument!
f-d
The A-5 is a fabulous instrument with all the Loar tone. Tut was kind enough to let me play it about 20 years ago.
Re: Fern Loar F5 Attic Find
Quote:
Originally Posted by
f5joe
The A-5 is a fabulous instrument with all the Loar tone. Tut was kind enough to let me play it about 20 years ago.
Yes! I know a few of our café folks have played that Loar A5. What fun!
f-d
Re: Fern Loar F5 Attic Find
F-5 Joe...Are you sure it was only 20 years ago that Tut let you play the A-5...I didn`t know he had it then, but I don`t keep up with such things.....
Willie
Re: Fern Loar F5 Attic Find
Quote:
Originally Posted by
f5joe
The A-5 is a fabulous instrument with all the Loar tone. Tut was kind enough to let me play it about 20 years ago.
That is my personal favorite of all I have played. If I had the $$$, I'd pair it up with the snakehead mandola for everything I'd ever need! Ok, maybee a snakehead L5 too....