F-5G versus F-9

[Bill Kammerzell]

I have owned an F-9. I'm looking at a F-5G floor model, which can be had at a considerable discount, around $4500.00. Besides the fingerboard configuration what are the major differences in the two mandolins? Such as binding, quality of woods used, finish etc? Price wise the F-5G seems to be an upgrade. Just not that familiar with the Gibson product line. Thanks.

[MikeEdgerton]

How old is the F-9 and how old is the F-5G?

[Bill Kammerzell]

How old is the F-9 and how old is the F-5G?

The F-5G is from January 29th 2016 signed by Dave Harvey. It's basically New Old Stock and a floor model at a store in Fraser, Michigan called Huber Breese Music. I guess I was wanting to compare it to one of the newer F-9's they are now making.

[MikeEdgerton]

Honestly there was a whole lot more apparent differences between the older F-9's and the older F-5G's. The newer models look a whole lot alike.

[Bill Kammerzell]

Honestly there was a whole lot more apparent differences between the older F-9's and the older F-5G's. The newer models look a whole lot alike.

That's what I thought. Though there seems to be about an $1100.00 difference in price. The F-5G being the more expensive. Anyway, I pulled the trigger. Got it for $4250.00 and it's virtually brand new as I'm the first owner. It was a floor model. I think I got a pretty good deal. I'll have to sell a couple of mandolins to pay for it, but I think it will be worth it.

[MikeEdgerton]

I've had mine since 2005. It's a great instrument. Congratulations.

[oliverkollar]

I pulled the trigger. Got it for $4250.00 and it's virtually brand new as I'm the first owner. It was a floor model. I think I got a pretty good deal.

That is a good deal.
The David Harvey signed Gibson's are no joke.

I have a Mandolin Store Custom that is a few years old, it has developed into a very powerful instrument.

Congratulations and enjoy!

[KGreene]

You won't be sorry!! I can't count the number of compliments that I've had about mine (sound and appearance) ... Enjoy!!

[Bill Kammerzell]

Thanks to everyone for the kudos and warm well wishes!

[lflngpicker]

I like the F5G over the F9, but I have only owned the F-9 and the Flatiron Festival. I feel certain my Festival, (exactly life the F5G with a different peghead name) has better tone and sustain than my F9 did, but I would be proud to own and play either. My F9 was a 2006 and my Festival is a 2001. Congratulations on a Dave Harvey signed instrument!

[Bill Kammerzell]

I like the F5G over the F9, but I have only owned the F-9 and the Flatiron Festival. I feel certain my Festival, (exactly life the F5G with a different peghead name) has better tone and sustain than my F9 did, but I would be proud to own and play either. My F9 was a 2006 and my Festival is a 2001. Congratulations on a Dave Harvey signed instrument!

It just arrived yesterday. I was up until 3 AM playing it! Wait. Make that 5 AM! I got to get some sleep! Anyway, it has the most perfect intonation of any mandolin I have owned. I just restrung it with DR Phosphor Bronze Heavy (.0115, .016, .026, .041). Also put it in a English Hiscox Case. I put my Breedlove in the Gibson Factory TKL Canadian Case. What a wonderful sound too. Great pop, on the chop. Terrific playability. Looks great too.

[lflngpicker]

It looks fantastic! Great find.

[Bill Kammerzell]

It looks fantastic! Great find.

Thank you! I threw that offer out, never really being sure it would be accepted. Just mailed the warranty card as I'm the 1st owner. Besides the great sound and looks, I was really impressed with the checklist card that comes with the warranty. In addition to the Dave Harvey signature on the mandolin label, the checklist is also signed by Dave. It's difficult putting the mandolin down. It's the best sounding mandolin I have owned.

[Bill Kammerzell]

Actually the string sizes on those DR strings are are .012 .016 .028 and .041. Just about the heaviest gauge of strings I've used.
I couldn't resist. I put my US made Breedlove in the factory Gibson TKL case that the F5G came in. Already, the Breedlove sounds better.

[lflngpicker]

Man, that F5G is something to behold! The case switch makes sense.