The H.F. Torro Gibson F5 was signed by Lloyd Loar March 31 1924.We are celebrating the ninety three years it has existed. What a pleasure to spend time with this mandolin. It is my music partner that God has sent my way.
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The H.F. Torro Gibson F5 was signed by Lloyd Loar March 31 1924.We are celebrating the ninety three years it has existed. What a pleasure to spend time with this mandolin. It is my music partner that God has sent my way.
Nice rhinestones on the headstock. Has anyone made a perfect copy of this one with the rhinestones. Has anyone found out much aboit Mr. Torro?
He was a "bull" of a man, never went in China shops.
I know... back to my corner!
I am not aware of anyone making a copy including the rhinestones but that would be neat.HF.Torro was from Rhode Island was a orchestra conductor. He had a thing about rhinestones.He had a F4 with them even on the body. Gibson was putting them on the florentine banjos and he ordered 75940 with them. He was a prominent musician and so was some of his children. Thanks for the interest.Quote:
Originally Posted by Jim Garber
Happy birthday to your Loar. Glad you're enjoying it!
I remember pics of that F4 with rhinestones showing up somewhere on the cafe. Was it on ebay? I think CJ Lewindowsky ended up with it--saw some pics on fb too.
Found the pics on fb--this is a little less tasteful than the rhinestones on the Loar.
Attachment 155570Attachment 155571
Over the years I've seen dozens of instruments decorated with rhinestones. Most aren't done nearly as well these were :cool:
I wonder if vintage rhinestones sound better than new ones?
One of Roy Smeck's top of the line B&D banjos had rhinestones factory installed. One of them also had an ebony *neck* (not fretboard). Deluxe!
Here is an updated photo of the H.F Torro Lloar.Attachment 155704Attachment 155704
I was asked to look at the mandolin by the owner because of my affiliation with the Rhinestone Loar/ HF Torro mandolin. After looking at it, it was determined that the F-4 could have possibly been inmates with the rhinestones at the Gibson Factory because that particular mandolin had a slightly thicker top than most. As for me owning it, I do not. I offered a price to its current owner, but being that I couldn’t confirm it was truly a Gibson Custom, I wasn’t comfortable. There was eveidence of a pencil name on the inside. Hard to read but had a prominent H to start, which led to the question of whether the mandolin belonged to HF Torro, as well as the Rhinestone Loar. Nothing can be confirmed. The rhinestones in the F-4 are drilled and glued at varying depths. The Rhinestones on the Loar are slightly recessed and cleated in like jewelry and very finely done. Some say that it was done after the purchase of the mandolin, but the story I always heard was HF ordered the Loar from the factory that way due to seeing the rhinestones in banjo pegheads.Quote:
Originally Posted by Don Grieser
Of course they do!Quote:
Originally Posted by MikeEdgerton
A vintage rhinestone experiences the same "opening up" process as the rest of the mandolin.
Just one properly played-in rhinestone will improve the tone a little bit, but when you add up the cumulative effect of dozens of rhinestones, wow! :cool: :)) ;) ;) ;)
Ah, this is where Swarovski got the idea from...
Doesn't the great player Danny Roberts have that bedazzled Loar? If so he makes it sound pretty darn awesome! Well I think he could make a 50 dollar bad set up mando sound great! I think that and that F-4 look neat and I sure wouldn't change em, that's history, maybe get the F-4 playable? There also is an A model floating around that's all bedazzled that I've seen somewhere. I'm still waiting for a Amana "white" F-5 to be found. I know there is an F-2 or 4 like the white A-3's. Shame to cover up the wood but pretty KOOL!
You're talking about #71629. (Does Danny still own it? I believe, it was mentioned here on the Café to be up for sale at one point; not sure.) The Loar is refinished and may have actually gained from the process (of thinning the top and back plates, that is).Quote:
Originally Posted by bluegrasser78
Does anyone know what the story is with that nut? Street Compensation?