I have read about this and searched and found a thread that discussed the existence of 2 Sam Bush Gibson mandolins. The thread was entitled something along the lines of “Sam Bush Master Model vs. Sam Bush F5.” It appears there were two different models bearing Sam’s name from that thread, if I read it correctly; but I came away a little confused. Someone referred to the Sam Bush Signature as opposed to the MM. I just bought a Sam Bush, still trying to get to the bottom of the vintage; because seller is the second owner, but thought it was early 2000, which I think would be Derrington, if I understand correctly; but Gibson says the serial number is a 2018. I’m waiting to hear back from a different division to clarify that issue. There is only one sticker inside, and it says “Master Model.” But, I see very few Sam Bushes listed on MM lists. Is that just because they are so differently spec’ed from Loar mandolins? That’s why I wanted it - Sam Bush is one of my favorite players, but honestly, I’m generally turned off by “signature” models of any kind. I got this one for a great price, less than a new F9 with with wide nut and radiused board, which I really wanted; so, I pulled the trigger, even with the ambiguity.
Below are a couple of photos - one reason I got the good price was the rough finish removal job on the back of the neck. I don’t mind finish, don’t mind a “speed neck,” getting a good price based on that was good with me.
So, it says Master Model on the label, obviously it is a MM; but is it just not considered one; or am I misunderstanding this whole situation? Sorry if that’s a dumb question, I can’t find any clear answer from Gibson or the interwebs, except the one post to which I referred, which thoroughly confused me.
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