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Thread: Gibson F5G

  1. #1

    Default Gibson F5G

    I'm a rank beginner. I've been using my sons Loar. A 2009 F5G came up on Craigslist. It has some cosmetic issues. Structurally it looks sound. I haven't seen it yet but if I can buy it right is it a good instrument? I understand that the F5G is an F5 with fewer adornments. What is their reputation?

  2. #2
    Teacher, repair person
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    Default Re: Gibson F5G

    Yes, an F-5G is an F-5 with plainer appointments.
    Some have very narrow, U-shaped necks with steep sides that may be comfortable to some players, but uncomfortable to others. So make sure the neck is comfortable to you before pulling the trigger.

  3. #3

    Default Re: Gibson F5G

    From around 1999 to 2002, Flatiron Performers were essentially the same as F5-G's, and they can be found occasionally used for good prices.

  4. #4
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    Default Re: Gibson F5G

    Yes, an F5G should make you a very good mandolin. As long as the price accounts for the cosmetic issues you mention. Good luck and let us know how it goes.

    Adam

  5. #5

    Default Re: Gibson F5G

    I would make sure you get a handle on usual sale prices for that model. If it's the one I think it is (also listed here) the price seems high, especially for one that's been written on.

  6. #6

    Default Re: Gibson F5G

    I’m assuming it’s the same instrument but I don’t see it. When was it listed? I agree if the asking price is the same as on Craig’s it is way high. The signatures make it a crap shoot that they can be removed and even if removed I suspect there will be a ghost image.

  7. #7

    Default Re: Gibson F5G

    Found it. It is the same Mando. Any thoughts on value?

  8. #8
    Moderator MikeEdgerton's Avatar
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    Default Re: Gibson F5G

    The price is actually more than a 2022 Danny Roberts signed F5G that is in the classifieds. It's also more than a custom model F5G that's in the classifieds that is listed at the Mandolin Store. Why pay a premium for two signatures you're trying to remove anyway?
    "It's comparable to playing a cheese slicer."
    --M. Stillion

    "Bargain instruments are no bargains if you can't play them"
    --J. Garber

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    newton 

  10. #9

    Default Re: Gibson F5G

    Totally agree. Any thoughts on reasonable value? I’m thinking the fair value if I’m good to excellent shape +\- 5000-5500. With the problems of the signatures and the chips to the back I’m thinking in the 3000 range. Thoughts?

  11. #10
    Registered User grassrootphilosopher's Avatar
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    Default Re: Gibson F5G

    In the price range of an F-5G you have a ton of instruments that are really nice. To me it would boil down to playing/trying out as many instruments that you can and form an educated opinion about the sound that you like to follow and then purchase the respective instrument.

    Places to see more than one brand of instrument would be at your local/favorite jam session (asking fellow musicians nicely to let you try out their instrument), Elderly Instruments (allthough I do not see as many interesting mandolins any more), Carter Vintage, Gruhn guitars, The Mandolin Store, Retrofret, Grypon Strings, The Music Emporium, Greg Boyd's. That´s a road trip worth of shops in the USA.

    Your taste will dictate the choice. My son likes my Strad-O-Lin better than my expensive F-5 style mandolin (because of the vintage vibe and tone).
    Olaf

  12. #11

    Default Re: Gibson F5G

    I don't know what the value would be, but for me, signatures would reduce the value considerably.

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  14. #12
    Mando-Afflicted lflngpicker's Avatar
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    Default Re: Gibson F5G

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    I own and enjoy my Gibson F5G. It is a David Harvey-era build from 2015. It sold for $4,995. I have owned a number of $2-4,000 mandolins. It is a traditionally structured F-5 mandolin. It has a flat fretboard, a V-neck profile and is an excellent bluegrass mandolin. I don't mind the V-shaped neck or flat fretboard, though I have big hands with long fingers. I fancy the classic Gibson nature of it. It is a strong Gibson example, though it is not a high-end Gibson model. It has a beautiful nitro finish with highly flamed maple and an Adirondack top. Both the Grover tuners and tailpiece that is stamped "Gibson" are silvered and it sports a "The Gibson" logo with the flower pot inlay on the peghead. The lack of binding on the back and corners is barely missed. I think an excellent or excellent minus quality F5G should come for between $4900 and $5,200. I prefer this Gibson version over other domestic F5 options with more embellishment. I like a traditional Gibson bluegrass mandolin. If you would too, you will love it. If you want a US-made F5 with a radiused board, a round neck profile, and more binding on the fretboard and back, you can find that in the same $5,000 price range (IMHO, Northfield mandolins are equal to the US domestic products). I hope this helps.
    Last edited by lflngpicker; Mar-26-2023 at 7:24pm.
    2014 BRW F5 #114
    2022 Kentucky KM 950 Master Model

    YouTube Original Recording of My composition "Closer Walk"

  15. #13

    Default Re: Gibson F5G

    Quote Originally Posted by lflngpicker View Post
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    You did a great job lighting those photos to make the flame stand out beautifully-- too bad you can't play that mandolin with the back facing the audience because it's gorgeous!

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  17. #14
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    Default Re: Gibson F5G

    The F5G model was built with an ebony fret board up until approx. 2015, at which point they changed to a rosewood fret board. Some people care about this and some don"t.

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  19. #15
    Mando-Afflicted lflngpicker's Avatar
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    Default Re: Gibson F5G

    Thanks, Keb! So kind!
    2014 BRW F5 #114
    2022 Kentucky KM 950 Master Model

    YouTube Original Recording of My composition "Closer Walk"

  20. #16
    Mando-Afflicted lflngpicker's Avatar
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    Default Re: Gibson F5G

    Quote Originally Posted by Hudmister View Post
    The F5G model was built with an ebony fret board up until approx. 2015, at which point they changed to a rosewood fret board. Some people care about this and some don"t.
    Hudmister, I agree. I like the look of ebony better. I can't tell any difference in sound or playability.
    2014 BRW F5 #114
    2022 Kentucky KM 950 Master Model

    YouTube Original Recording of My composition "Closer Walk"

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  22. #17
    Mando-Afflicted lflngpicker's Avatar
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    Default Re: Gibson F5G

    I have a correction on the specs for my 2015, F5G. I have reason to believe that my top is Sitka spruce. I love the woody chop and tone.
    2014 BRW F5 #114
    2022 Kentucky KM 950 Master Model

    YouTube Original Recording of My composition "Closer Walk"

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