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Thread: 2017-2017 Gibson F5s - Dave Harvey still involved - quality same?

  1. #1

    Default 2017-2017 Gibson F5s - Dave Harvey still involved - quality same?

    Has gibson been keeping up its quality in 2017 and 2018? I am reading many good reports on some earlier years when Dave Harvey got involved.

    THANKS!

  2. #2
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    Default Re: 2017-2017 Gibson F5s - Dave Harvey still involved - quality s

    Good question, I was just thinking the same thing as I just noticed a new Sam Bush F5 show up on TMS site.

  3. #3

    Default Re: 2017-2017 Gibson F5s - Dave Harvey still involved - quality s

    I have a March/2017 David Harvey signed TMS custom.

    I got it second hand, it was never played and was mint.
    It's a beautiful instrument.
    The binding on the scroll isn't "perfect", but you'd be hard pressed to tell unless you REALLY looked.
    Otherwise the inlay is very clean and tastefully done and the finish looks great.

    Now that I've been playing it for the past 6-7 months it sounds spectacular.
    Has the Gibson/Trad tone in spades and is loud and sweet.
    A different, yet complimentary voice to my Duff.

    Click image for larger version. 

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    Last edited by oliverkollar; Mar-03-2018 at 10:50pm.

  4. #4
    Registered User Hallmark498's Avatar
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    Default Re: 2017-2017 Gibson F5s - Dave Harvey still involved - quality s

    The new Master Model I played at SPBGMA makes me vote yes. It was really nice, sounded great and played smooth as butter.

  5. #5

    Default Re: 2017-2017 Gibson F5s - Dave Harvey still involved - quality s

    Does Dave Harvey actually sign the certificate inside the mandolin? I received one where he signs the inspection/warranty form - but I am not sure I see a place for signature on the seal inside the mando?

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    Loarcutus of MandoBorg DataNick's Avatar
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    Default Re: 2017-2017 Gibson F5s - Dave Harvey still involved - quality s

    David Harvey signs the "Acoustical Engineer" labels that are in the F-5L, MM, and signature or other specialty models, like the 120th Anniversary model, Sam Bush, Lawson, etc.

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  8. #7
    Registered User KGreene's Avatar
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    Default Re: 2017-2017 Gibson F5s - Dave Harvey still involved - quality s

    He was signing the F5G's as well in '14 (at least mine is signed anyway) ... But, maybe he's only signing specific models in '17-'18...??Either way, the instruments that I have read about, heard and played under his reign, overall seem to be exceptionally well made.
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  9. #8

    Default Re: 2017-2017 Gibson F5s - Dave Harvey still involved - quality s

    Well - the one I just received has his signature on the inspection certificate, but there is not signature of anyone on the inside of the instrument.

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    Registered User almeriastrings's Avatar
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    Default Re: 2017-2017 Gibson F5s - Dave Harvey still involved - quality s

    Should be two labels in there.... one behind each 'F' hole.
    Gibson F5 'Harvey' Fern, Gibson F5 'Derrington' Fern
    Distressed Silverangel F 'Esmerelda' aka 'Maxx'
    Northfield Big Mon #127
    Ellis F5 Special #288
    '39 & '45 D-18's, 1950 D-28.

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  12. #10

    Default Re: 2017-2017 Gibson F5s - Dave Harvey still involved - quality s

    Yes - I found second label inside signed by Mr. Harvey. The mando sounds ok. I suppose it needs some breaking in. I was hoping with being Sitka that it would be fairly well opened.
    Thoughts on this?

  13. #11

    Default Re: 2017-2017 Gibson F5s - Dave Harvey still involved - quality s

    Sometimes it takes me a little to acclimate to a new instrument. A change of strings can help too.

  14. #12

    Default Re: 2017-2017 Gibson F5s - Dave Harvey still involved - quality s

    Josh - that could be it. I also wonder if they used the light strings. I like medium. Does it take a little while for even sitka spruce to open up?
    THANKS!!

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    Registered User Mike Snyder's Avatar
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    Default Re: 2017-2017 Gibson F5s - Dave Harvey still involved - quality s

    I have a 2005 that took the better part of four years and 72 hours with a Tonerite, but since it opened, it opened in a big way. That’s why I tell folks to never give up on a mandolin until you’ve worn out a set of frets. Bummer that Gibson has been so inconsistent on the label signing thing. My F5G has no sig. Not really a big deal. I use flat wound d’Addario flat wound on both instruments and get plenty of chop and volume.
    Mike Snyder

  16. #14

    Default Re: 2017-2017 Gibson F5s - Dave Harvey still involved - quality s

    I had a Collings Mt satin I should have never sold. It had the magic sound from the beginning. Like a harp - but not strident at all!

  17. #15

    Default Re: 2017-2017 Gibson F5s - Dave Harvey still involved - quality s

    Quote Originally Posted by ABmando View Post
    I had a Collings Mt satin I should have never sold. It had the magic sound from the beginning. Like a harp - but not strident at all!
    Wtf?

  18. #16
    Registered User Roger Adams's Avatar
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    Default Re: 2017-2017 Gibson F5s - Dave Harvey still involved - quality s

    There are two labels in my 2016 GoldRush, and one is signed by Dave Harvey. It is a spectacular instrument by any measure one cares to use.
    If you can read this, thank a teacher. If you can read this in English, thank a vet.

  19. #17
    Loarcutus of MandoBorg DataNick's Avatar
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    Default Re: 2017-2017 Gibson F5s - Dave Harvey still involved - quality s

    Quote Originally Posted by ABmando View Post
    Josh - that could be it. I also wonder if they used the light strings. I like medium. Does it take a little while for even sitka spruce to open up?
    THANKS!!
    Try J75s, and as Mr. Monroe said "whip it like a mule"...often, new mandolins need to be beat up with aggressive playing, for those of us who subscribe to the "opening up" phenomena...YMMV

  20. #18
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    Default Re: 2017-2017 Gibson F5s - Dave Harvey still involved - quality s

    Quote Originally Posted by ABmando View Post
    I had a Collings Mt satin I should have never sold. It had the magic sound from the beginning. Like a harp - but not strident at all!
    Respectfully, if your ears find "the magic sound" in a Collings, then you are unlikely to find that tone reproduced in a Gibson.
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  21. #19
    Registered User almeriastrings's Avatar
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    Default Re: 2017-2017 Gibson F5s - Dave Harvey still involved - quality s

    That said, my own F-5 Fern was spectacular right out of the box... even the setup was spot on..... did not even have to touch it. Bridges and such can shift/or be otherwise messed with in transit, so I would suggest checking it over thoroughly and re-doing the setup. I have played a few recent F5's (G's, Ferns and Goldrush) and they were all extremely good... I use J74's...
    Gibson F5 'Harvey' Fern, Gibson F5 'Derrington' Fern
    Distressed Silverangel F 'Esmerelda' aka 'Maxx'
    Northfield Big Mon #127
    Ellis F5 Special #288
    '39 & '45 D-18's, 1950 D-28.

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  23. #20

    Default Re: 2017-2017 Gibson F5s - Dave Harvey still involved - quality s

    It came with Elixir coated strings - which I normally do not use - could that be affecting the tone?

    THANKS!

  24. #21

    Default Re: 2017-2017 Gibson F5s - Dave Harvey still involved - quality s

    I am not sure what is confusing you about my post?

    Quote Originally Posted by stevedenver View Post
    Wtf?

  25. #22
    Registered User almeriastrings's Avatar
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    Default Re: 2017-2017 Gibson F5s - Dave Harvey still involved - quality s

    Quote Originally Posted by ABmando View Post
    It came with Elixir coated strings - which I normally do not use - could that be affecting the tone?

    THANKS!
    Yes. Mine hates them! Sounds much 'thinner'... I really like them on guitar, but neither my Gibson or Ellis mandos get along with them. I don't normally use coated on the mandolins, but when I have tried them, I found the D'Addario EXP's worked much better than Elixirs. Sounded far 'richer' and more like a normal string.
    Gibson F5 'Harvey' Fern, Gibson F5 'Derrington' Fern
    Distressed Silverangel F 'Esmerelda' aka 'Maxx'
    Northfield Big Mon #127
    Ellis F5 Special #288
    '39 & '45 D-18's, 1950 D-28.

  26. #23

    Default Re: 2017-2017 Gibson F5s - Dave Harvey still involved - quality s

    Quote Originally Posted by almeriastrings View Post
    Yes. Mine hates them! Sounds much 'thinner'... I really like them on guitar, but neither my Gibson or Ellis mandos get along with them. I don't normally use coated on the mandolins, but when I have tried them, I found the D'Addario EXP's worked much better than Elixirs. Sounded far 'richer' and more like a normal string.
    I have to agree.
    I find that my Gibson F5 sounds best with J74's, and to my ear, after they're well broken in. (2weeks of heavy playing)

    As to another inquiry from the OP regarding Sitka, yes it needs to be played in.
    A year or two of heavy playing will yield the best results.

  27. #24

    Default Re: 2017-2017 Gibson F5s - Dave Harvey still involved - quality s

    The setup needed a little help. It now sounds great.

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