Gibson 1921 F-4

[Martian]

I have found one, oval hole, maybe they all were, and was given a purchase price of $6800. Is this over, under ,close? Also I am curious if this would be a short neck, player, or collectible inst. VGC Thanks

[William Smith]

Pretty high priced IMHO, 1921 wouldn't have a truss rod, just shy of the so called desired "Loar Period" They are fine mandolins, if you like it and can negotiate? it may be worth it to you but not as collected as later years!

[Willie Poole]

Just my opinion on the price but I think that is somewhat high,,,All F-4`s were oval hole, short necked mandolins...They are still very playable by many folks and there are some that buy them speculating that they will go up in value....If it is all original then maybe it would be considered a collectors item...

I always wanted one myself but never got around to it...

Willie

[Jim Garber]

Assuming it is in excellent condition, cosmetically and structurally, that price is on the high side, closer to what one would pay for a Loar era one with truss-rod. I would say $500-1000 less would be reasonable. Personally, I have played quite a few 1921 Gibsons and they were already at the height of perfecting the tone and playability and aside from the Loar era, having thinner necks and somewhat different tone, I would say that if you can get it for a decent price it would be an excellent mandolin to own.

[Martian]

thank you all, a lady i found has it, and was given this price range by Elderlys and Gruens

[Br1ck]

Perhaps that price is what Elderly or Gruhn's would sell it for. But they have competent luthiers to check for issues and a business reputation to protect. So someone calls them and asks about consignment and are given a sell price then trys to sell it for that on their own. Good luck with that.

[Dacraw54]

I have seen them sell on Ebay for mid $4K in pretty good condition. The market is pretty soft right now. There's a couple on Ebay for Mid $5K - one's taking offers (maybe $5K gets it). The market is what the market is. You can get an F2 in the low $2K's.

[Jim Garber]

Fiddle and Fret have a 1922 with truss-rod (Loar Era and specs, I assume) for $6500 on this page.

[Northwest Steve]

I have not dabbled in that market and my only reference is a late 20's F4 that I had the privilege of playing. It is a terrific mandolin. But I watch for them and pay attention to the ones that come up for sale. $6800 seems way above the market to me for a private individual. Maybe one that is truly in as new condition or there is a special story attached. Do a search for F4's and F2's there are several for sale. I would guess that the $6800 estimate she was given was for insurance purposes? I just can't see an private party getting anywhere near that for that mandolin. My thought would be more like $5000 to 5500 range and that would be in very good condition with not issues. It might be hard the work with her in price since she thinks it is worth that and probably has sentimental value until she has it listed for a long time with no interest.
Good luck those F4's are like looking at a sports car.

[mrmando]

Assuming Elderly or Gruhn was able to sell it for $6800, they'd take their 20 percent and the lady consignor would get $5440, perhaps minus a few annoying expenses like credit card fees. So tell her, "Fifty-four forty or flight!"

[Eric Platt]

I would say that's a very optimistic price. It sound like they may have given her a range of prices and she's taken with the high end? Without photos, it would be tough to guess why that price.

Just my opinion, but the market seems to be soft on vintage non F-5 Gibson right now. Lots of good deals to be had if you don't need mint. The F-4 can be a wonderful sounding mandolin. Chirps Smith uses one. Perfect for old-time fiddle tunes.

[Martian]

thanks for all the repleys i think i will pass

[rcc56]

F-4's typically don't bring much more than 6k maximum unless they are Cremona brown or were made between '22 and '24.

[Willie Poole]

Mike, don`t give up on it, make her an offer and ask to try it for a few days to look it over and play it, I did that with a Lyon and Healy and bought it and the lady was glad to get what I offered...

Willie

[Bob A]

5-6k is about tops for one of these.

Personally I much prefer the pre-trussrod F4, but that might be due to familiarity, as it's been my main mandolin for decades.

[Jim Garber]

I agree with Bob A. I had a 24 F4 but after awhile was not all that enamored of it. Almost every 1921 I have played has been very nice. I have a friend who owns two Cremona brown '21 F-4s. Obviously he likes them.