1909 Gibson F2. Worth it?

[Steve VandeWater]

I saw this sweet 1909 F2 three point in my local guitar shop today. It's in great shape and plays nicely. Supposedly all original. It has an un repaired hairline crack on top. He's asking $4800. Opinions please on the price.

[Jim Hilburn]

That's back when "The Gibson" inlay was just perfect.

[CWRoyds]

Those are so cool.
They have two at Schoenberg Guitars in Tiburon (Marin).
They have incredible Torch and Wire inlay headlocks.
They had amazing tone too.
Sounded a bit like a cross between an F5 and an F4.
Deep and rich tone.

[rcc56]

Nice mando, and fairly rare, especially in that condition.
But . . . since you asked. that might be a high-end price.
You can always try making an offer.

[rcc56]

Minor detail, and I can't tell for sure from those pictures, but I believe that the bridge is from the mid to late teens.

Also, can't tell from the pictures if the tuners are the early version or also from the mid to late teens [not that it makes any difference].

The tailpiece, pickguard, and clamps look good.

[zookster]

I don't think that is unreasonable, given the condition. The body appears to be maple, rather than birch, which really changes the equation for the better. If the Handels work well, and you like the sound (of course -- the most important part) I'd say go for it.

[frshwtrbob]

You should check out this link for comparisons sake -
(i hope the cafe doesn't mind me posting this link - if so, sorry. Just trying to help...

https://reverb.com/marketplace/folk-...uery=Gibson+F2

I think THIS same mandolin is listed among the others that are advertised...

Bob

[Steve VandeWater]

Frshwtrbob, yes that is the same one. I didn't know he ever listed stuff online. I just happened upon it when I visited the store the other day and was really taken with it. Now reality has set in and I know I'm not buying it. But it's a nice one!

[danb]

The price is high compared to market that I've seen.. these can change hands around $3k-3500. Crack under scroll very common on these. The back appears to be maple or unusually figured birch. In my humble opinion, Gibson 3-pts from this period (easily spotted by the raised pickguard vs inlaid!) are among the very finest oval hole mandolins Gibson ever made. I have had a few of these black top F2s, and one F4.. unusually nice tone. The 3-point body has also always spoken to me, something about it just seems 100% right.

The label shows a bit of glue (back seam re-done?), and the peghead scroll also looks repaired. I'd not call this one of the more pristine ones I've seen as it has most of the common tells of the usual repairs.

I see original handel tuners and pineapple tailpiece, as well as the chin-rest style pickguard hardware from late 1909-1910.

My advice is that if you have 3-pt mania, you can probably get one for a better price. If this particular one really speaks to you, offer a bit lower but go for it. The possible maple back intrigues me- that's always a nice upgrade. Unusual, but not unheard of.

Summary: overpriced but from a very good period.

[j. condino]

The reverb ad has a make an offer option. Post a link to Dan's response and then make an appropriate offer....or you can pass and wait decades for another to show up in a local store....

[danb]

They aren't too rare, I bet if you check

Elderly
Gryphon
Carter vintage
vintage mandolin
Mandolin Central
Gruhn
Intermountain Guitar and Banjo
vintageinstruments.com
vintage-instruments.com

(and many other worthy sites I've left out)

you will probably find another one, if not now in the next few months. They come up on ebay as well relatively often.