Gibson Master Model F5 For Restoration

[your_diamond]

https://ebay.us/Dmn9nr

[MikeEdgerton]

Over 2 grand and climbing for a stripped 70's F5 carcass? Wow.

From the "Gibson Head Luthiers" thread - basically people who signed labels:

Carl Spinoso (1976-1977) *

[William Smith]

Yeah I seen that and thought about bidding when it was less than 500 bucks but now no way for a 70's F-5, one can buy a nice one for around 2G? Wonder what that'll climb to! Well isn't there a 70's F-5 on Reverb for almost 10G! Now that aint part of nutin!

[jim simpson]

Serial: 969378

Built in: 1968. If 'Made in USA' in headstock; 1970, 1971 or 1972. (Year overlap as a result of random method 70s) (Manufactured in Kalamazoo)

* the lack of the dovetail joint riser and the volute on the back of the headstock are turn-offs for me plus the price.

[rcc56]

The date on the signature label looks like 11/23/76 to me.
This mandolin was built during the Norlin period.

Add $1000+ for a good finish. Add another $200+ for tuners, bridge, and a replica tailpiece. Add some more for a pickguard. If it needs to be re-fretted, that's another ~$300 or more. Add another $1000+ to re-graduate it and [possibly] turn it into a good instrument.

That's a lot of money for a 70's F-5. For the sake of comparison, there is a 1961 F-5 in excellent condition for $5000 at Intermountain [NFI].

[Jeff Mando]

I'm thinking in the eyes of someone born, let's say, in 1994, the 70's was a long time ago.....possibly even VINTAGE!!!

I see it all the time in band reviews showing someone playing their "vintage" 1974 Gibson Marauder.......they are probably making a HUGE statement and I'm just rolling my eyes........

To each his own, even if they are wrong...........IMHO.

OTOH, if there is that kind of money to be made, I say GO FOR IT!!!!

[MikeEdgerton]

I don't see anyone coming out ahead on this one.

[William Smith]

People don't do their homework-they see something like that and think WOW what a rare F-5! I'm sure with a ton of work it could be sweet but way too many choices for people in the know! I personally like the inlays used in those years but I'm also a fan of pearl blocks and the Lucus and pre-war 10 and 12 inlays!

[pops1]

I looked at it when it was $500 and decided to pass, now over 2k. I hope someone is happy when it comes.

[your_diamond]

In the eyes of someone born in 1994, the 70's was a long time ago... VINTAGE!!!

I agree with Jeff. There are those who have run up the price of 1970's "vintage" Gibson instruments and have no idea just how bad some of the Norlin stuff was. Also, there are those who say, "it's signed", so it must be good.

We'll see if this crazy price goes through, or if it's a shill bid, or if the high bidder comes to his senses and it gets relisted

[MikeEdgerton]

All the bidding seems to be centered on two or three people and there are some retracted bids. Who knows.

https://www.ebay.com/bfl/viewbids/14...p2047675.l2565

[jim simpson]

Here's a '76 Gibson that needed a little work that sold for $2300.00. The current price on the project discussed is approaching that!

https://www.ebay.com/itm/1974-Gibson...p2047675.l2557

[Timbofood]

Well, it was sold from someone in Battle Creek, it may have gone out the side door and has just been sitting in his closet for that long. Possibly never completed or assembled from proper parts a la “One Piece At A Time” Johnny Cash style?
The stories the walls could tell...

[MikeEdgerton]

Sold for $2,046.00 plus $40.00 shipping. The seller should do a happy dance if it doesn't come back.