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Thread: New Gibson Master Models-- do they actually exist??

  1. #1
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    Default New Gibson Master Models-- do they actually exist??

    I hear a lot of talk about the current Gibson Master Model mandolins. I thought I might want to look one over and come to my own conclusions about them.

    So I tried to locate one on-line. Not only could I not find one within driving distance, I could not find one at all. The only on-line listings are with Guitar Center and Musician's Friend, and they show none in stock. The Mandolin Store, which is 2000 miles away from me, says that they "have new Gibson mandolins in stock, but are not allowed to advertise them on-line."

    Question 1: Are any of these mandolins actually being made?
    Question 2: If so, are any of them available for viewing in the southeastern US?

  2. #2
    Registered User Ivan Kelsall's Avatar
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    Default Re: New Gibson Master Models-- do they actually exist??

    Unless you're in a hurry,maybe your best bet would be to keep a close eye on the Classified ads. on here. Every now & again a MM does pop up,
    Ivan
    https://www.mandolincafe.com/ads/123274#123274
    Weber F-5 'Fern'.
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    Registered User William Smith's Avatar
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    Default Re: New Gibson Master Models-- do they actually exist??

    Call the Mandolin Store, Dennis and crew are very accommodating. He will tell if they have one. Actually this part of the year is when old stock goes, last year was the case and they had a MM and it was the past years mandolin, What a deal on her, someone got a deal I want to say that it sold for around 12! I decided on an old 30's Fern or I would have bought it.
    CALL HIM!!!

  4. #4
    Loarcutus of MandoBorg DataNick's Avatar
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    Default Re: New Gibson Master Models-- do they actually exist??

    Dave Harvey is really good about posting new mandolin builds on Facebook; I'm one of his many FB friends, so I see the posts in my newsfeed. By my calculations he builds 4-6 MMs a year. They usually go to TMS, call Dennis and get on their notification list, or watch Dave on FB, or buy a used one that pops on the Cafe classifieds.
    1994 Gibson F5L - Weber signed


    "Mandolin brands are a guide, not gospel! I don't drink koolaid and that Emperor is naked!"
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  6. #5
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    Default Re: New Gibson Master Models-- do they actually exist??

    I seem to have been misunderstood. I am not looking to order or purchase a mandolin-- I already have a good instrument. I was simply looking for one to evaluate.

    As a teacher and a semi-retired professional performer, people sometimes ask for my advice on instruments. I cannot give them an informed opinion if I have not seen one.

    Anyway, my questions have been answered. Apparently very few of these instruments are being made, and it appears that it would be difficult to find one in my part of the country to evaluate.

    I thank everybody for their help.

  7. #6
    Moderator MikeEdgerton's Avatar
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    Default Re: New Gibson Master Models-- do they actually exist??

    Contact Dave Harvey and see if he knows of any. You're near Nashville, right?
    "It's comparable to playing a cheese slicer."
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    "Bargain instruments are no bargains if you can't play them"
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  8. #7
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    Default Re: New Gibson Master Models-- do they actually exist??

    Well, I can drive to Nashville and look at 20 or 30 high grade modern instruments by other makers without having to do anything except get in my car and go.

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    Registered User JAK's Avatar
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    Default Re: New Gibson Master Models-- do they actually exist??

    The "Music" Emporium has a 2004 MM signed by Charlie Derrington, $18K, with a VIDEO, so you can at least see and hear a MM in action (NFI).
    John A. Karsemeyer

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    Mandolin Production Head dhmando's Avatar
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    Default Re: New Gibson Master Models-- do they actually exist??

    rc56,
    Yes Gibson Master Model F-5s' are always in process an do exist! I have a beautiful Fern Master Model we just finished up and will post pics and a video, hopefully today, on my Facebook! It looks incredible, sounds and plays great!
    I would be glad to discuss, please contact me and thanks for your interest in a Gibson mandolin!

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    Registered User Timbofood's Avatar
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    Default Re: New Gibson Master Models-- do they actually exist??

    This is why this site is SO COOL! Real people, involved with mandolins, talking to one another!
    Thank you Dave!
    Strong work Scott!
    If I could go see a bunch of instruments as easily as you could rcc56, I would simply do that. For me, it’s an hour and a half to Elderly then, it’s sorting out what to get for lunch, being mad about not coming home with a seriously killer new instrument but being very satisfied with a new sets of strings, it’s generally a pretty fun day!
    Timothy F. Lewis
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  16. #11
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    Default Re: New Gibson Master Models-- do they actually exist??

    Man, kinda crazy that there are no contemporary MM's at either Gruhn or Carter Vintage
    Mitch Russell

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    Registered User Glassweb's Avatar
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    Default Re: New Gibson Master Models-- do they actually exist??

    Man, it would great if Dave Harvey could somehow purchase the Gibson Mandolin Division and make it his own. Imagine the kind of work he'd be able to turn out. The fact that "Gibson Lifestyles" has made it impossible (just about) to find and purchase Gibson mandolins say a lot about how not to run a business...

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    Americanadian Andrew B. Carlson's Avatar
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    Default Re: New Gibson Master Models-- do they actually exist??

    The photos and video on his facebook are awesome! I'm not sure how to link them here, but he's still on his game!
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  19. #14
    Loarcutus of MandoBorg DataNick's Avatar
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    Default Re: New Gibson Master Models-- do they actually exist??

    Quote Originally Posted by dhmando View Post
    rc56,
    Yes Gibson Master Model F-5s' are always in process an do exist! I have a beautiful Fern Master Model we just finished up and will post pics and a video, hopefully today, on my Facebook! It looks incredible, sounds and plays great!
    I would be glad to discuss, please contact me and thanks for your interest in a Gibson mandolin!
    For the OP:

    posted yesterday on Facebook

    Click image for larger version. 

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    1994 Gibson F5L - Weber signed


    "Mandolin brands are a guide, not gospel! I don't drink koolaid and that Emperor is naked!"
    "If you wanna get soul Baby, you gots to get the scroll..."
    "I would rather play music anyday for the beggar, the thief, and the fool!"
    "Perfection is not attainable; but if we chase perfection we can catch excellence" Vince Lombardi
    Playing Style: RockMonRoll Desperado Bluegrass Desperado YT Channel

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  21. #15
    Registered User William Smith's Avatar
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    Default Re: New Gibson Master Models-- do they actually exist??

    Yes it looks pretty sweet and sounds just as great! How about the sound of the new F-7 that David plays and has posted right under the fern MM on Facebook, not too shabby either.

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    Registered User f5loar's Avatar
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    Default Re: New Gibson Master Models-- do they actually exist??

    A Gibson booth was set up at SPGBMA this year and I got to pick on several MMs. Came close to buying one it was so nice. Most of them do seem to go to the Mandolin Store. They seem to have a standing order of new ones.

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  25. #17

    Default Re: New Gibson Master Models-- do they actually exist??

    Are the Gibson Master Models so special? [I simply don't know, and am not trying to pick an argument]. My dream F5 is an Ellis; they seem to be beyond criticism in any department - yet they go for considerably less than the Gibson Master Model.

    As I said, just wondering.

  26. #18
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    Default Re: New Gibson Master Models-- do they actually exist??

    Quote Originally Posted by Ron McMillan View Post
    Are the Gibson Master Models so special? [I simply don't know, and am not trying to pick an argument].
    As I said, just wondering.
    This is what I wanted to find out also. And I'm not going to be able to determine that from pictures or recordings.

  27. #19
    Registered User William Smith's Avatar
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    Default Re: New Gibson Master Models-- do they actually exist??

    put it this way there is only one true MM out there and that is a Gibson! Not knocking an Ellis but you want that Gibson vibe you best go with a Gibson!

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  29. #20
    Registered User Timbofood's Avatar
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    Default Re: New Gibson Master Models-- do they actually exist??

    Quote Originally Posted by rcc56 View Post
    This is what I wanted to find out also. And I'm not going to be able to determine that from pictures or recordings.
    History!
    The F-5 was the original Master Model.
    No one else can make that claim, regardless of the caliber of the builder.
    Timothy F. Lewis
    "If brains was lard, that boy couldn't grease a very big skillet" J.D. Clampett

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  31. #21
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    Default Re: New Gibson Master Models-- do they actually exist??

    IF I was a rich touring bluegrass picker I would surely own one...BUT what I have now suits me just fine and I bet only 1% of anyone in the audience would even know the difference...I do play a copy of a Gibson F-5 and I have had people come back stage and want to look at it because they thought it was the "real deal", a signed Loar...I am sure that the MM`s are the top of the line so to speak and as I said if my life was different I would own one myself...I also hope Gibson continues to make such good mandolins...

    Willie

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