Gibson Master Model List

[craigw]

Don't know if mine truly qualifies, but I have an F5-L with Master Model label plus signature label signed by Charlie Derrington on 3/9/2000. Could this also have been a prototype?

[drewgrass]

A 96 F5 Varnish? The Monroe models predate that and most of those were varnish and closer to Loar specs then the F5L of same period. However the varnish used back then was not the same used today in MM and DMM.

Sorry it was not a varnished fern I left that out. I was just trying to say the one Montana mandolin i owned was a hoss. Did not have the tone I liked (not woody enough) but a real cannon

[f5loar]

If it is a regular lacquer finish F5L it does not qualify for this list. Must be varnish finish and have the "MM" model or the "DMM" model numbers. F5L or Fern models are generally lacquer but a few were done in varnish and should be listed. These also carried a MM labels and signed dated labels but are not considered MM models. Confused? You should be.

[drewgrass]

yes I understand the differences between the two red spruce hand signed master model etc I was just agreeing with dannyb's comment about the Montana ferns. I was not recomending that mandolin that I previously owned be added to the list. Just saying there was at least one good mandolin from the weber period at Gibson.

[Dave Greenspoon]

Just saying there was at least one good mandolin from the weber period at Gibson.

About two weeks ago I had the chance to pick on a '94 F5L from Bozeman. It was the first post-WW2 Gibby F-5 that I ever played that gave me a sense as to why some folks insist on a Gibson. Even the Victorian Age I drooled over--metaphorically-- last year at Grey Fox didn't sound or play as good. Then again, it wasn't 15 years old, either. In any event, while the F-5L wasn't a MM or DMM model, it did sound great. Even so, there are plenty of mandos that sound just as good for half the green.

[Mike Romkey]

This thread makes me light headed...

[Mike Bromley]

put mine up there july 9th 1999 serial #0001 derrington signed master model prototype. a.k.a. god. because all yours were made in his image im just joking but thats what i call him. hes got a mighty powerful voice.

You might consider calling it the "Spirit of 76" seeing how it's 76 years younger than the Original.....

[carleshicks]

put mine up there july 9th 1999 serial #0001 derrington signed master model prototype. a.k.a. god. because all yours were made in his image im just joking but thats what i call him. hes got a mighty powerful voice.

do you have any pics of this MM. I would love to add them to my records.

[Steve Whitaker]

If it is a regular lacquer finish F5L it does not qualify for this list. Must be varnish finish and have the "MM" model or the "DMM" model numbers. F5L or Fern models are generally lacquer but a few were done in varnish and should be listed. These also carried a MM labels and signed dated labels but are not considered MM models. Confused? You should be.

Yeah, I'm really confused at this point. So are the Montanna made varnish F5's considered "Master Models" since they were the first ones to try and capture the Loar era specs? I recall reading an interview with Charlie where he discussed this very subject. I believe it was on mandozine? Any one recall that? I am also trying to determine what the top wood was. Red spruce, or the same material as the F5L.

[pjlama]

Charles, can you post a link to the original thread that this list started from? I'm being lazy and can't remember the serial of my first MM. Honestly selling that one was a big mistake, it was the best sounding mandolin I've ever played or heard. The reason I got rid of it was because it had some sinkage on the upper bass side. I've been keeping an eye out for it but lost the serial. I'm about to take possession of a nice high-end mando tomorrow and have to say the MM's are my favorite of all the high dollar stuff I've owned and played.

[carleshicks]

http://www.mandolincafe.com/forum/sh...=master+models

[pjlama]

Thanks, I really miss my first MM.

[reverhar]

I have another DMM that can be added to the list. D70303 signed by Danny on April 8, 2005. Should call this one 'Stinky' because the 'Loar' smell is really strong on this one.

[drewgrass]

do you have any pics of this MM. I would love to add them to my records.

sure i can email you some just pm me where you want them to go i will take some pics tonight

[AKD18GE]

Deleted

[carleshicks]

I updated the list. keep the info coming. I have a pretty extensive collection of Master Model pics all organized. If you have any of yours let me know I would like to add them

Master Models Derrington's
F-5V 10222040 2001 Prototype Derrington
V-70281 october 29, 1999 Derrington
V-70282 February 7, 2000
V-70284 November 1, 2000 Derrington Old Style FP
V-70286 December 22, 2000 according to an article
V-70287 December 31, 2000
V-70293 March 30,2001 Derrington
V-70294 April 11, 2001 Derrington
V-70299 June 21, 2001
V-70301 June 29,2001 Derrington
V-70304 August 2, 2001 Derrington
V-70306 August 2, 2001 Derrington
V-70309 Sep 19,2001 Derrington one piece back
V-70311 September 27, 2001 Derrington
V-70317 November 2 2001 Derrington one piece back (formly owned by Chris Thile)
V-70320 2002 one piece back Derrington
V-70321
V-70323 December 28, 2001
V-70327 February 1, 2002
V-70329 February 20, 2002
V-70334 Uncertain if Derrington
V-70335 March 22, 2002
V-70339 April 26,2002 one piece back Derrington
V-70341 May 28, 2002 One piece back
May 29,2002 Derrington (at Gryphon's have not got serial # yet)
V-70342 May 2,2002 Derington one piece back
V-70350 Aug 06,2002 Derrington
V-70355 Sep 27,2002 Derrington formly owned by Chris Hillman
V-70360 October 31 2002 one piece back, Fern, wide grain top
costum order Derrington signed
V-70365 December 18 ,2002 Derrington Dark burst
V-70368 January 27, 2003 Sam Bush Master Model
V-70370 Febuary 18,2003 Derrington Light tobacco burst
V-70371 Febuary 22, 2003 One-piece back
V-70373 March 19, 2003 Derrington signed
V-70376 May 30, 2003
V-70377 May 31, 2003 Derrington one piece back
V-70379 June 27,2003 Derrington
V-70384 July 31,2003 Cherry Master Model Derrington
V-70387 August 28, 2003
V-70388 August 29, 2003 Derrington
V-70391 2003 custom Fingerboard Vine, Fern, One Piece Back
Derrington Signed
V-70392 August 26,2003 Derrington
V-70394 September 27, 2003 One-piece back, light finish, Charlie and Danny
V-70397 Nov 8,2003 Derrington
V-70398 November 22,2003 Derrington
V-70400 December 15, 2003 Derrington
V-70404 Febuaruy 24, 2004 Derrington
V-70405 March 11,2004 Derrington
V-70407 April 20,2004 Derrington
V-70410 April 27,2004 Derrington (Shaved Neck)
V-70411 May 18,2004 Derrington
V-70412 May 27, 2004 One-piece back
V-70413 june 11, 2004 One Piece Old Flowerpot Light finish Derrington
V-70415 August 16, 2004 Derrington (No Pickgaurd from Gibson)
V-70416 August 18,2004 Derrington Rad. Board Large frets, no finish on neck, dark burst.
V-70417 August 24, 2004
V-70424 November 19, 2004 Derrington
V-70425 November 24,2004 Derrington Medium burst
V-70440 Sep 29,2004 Derrington redish tint radiuse board old style Flowerpot.
V-70778 April 18, 2003
V-70779
V-70780 April 29, 2003 Derrington
V-70781 december 23,2004 F-5VX X-brace Blonde Fern Last one Charlie Derrington Signed
V-73732 October 18, 2000
V 70281, Dec 22, 2003 "Bush" Master Model, Derrington

Start Of Danny Roberts Signature
V-70427 Jan 8, 2005 Roberts
V-70430 Jan 8,2005 Roberts
V-70435 July 25, 2005 Roberts
V-70438 September 8, 2005 Roberts
V-70439 September 13, 2005 Roberts

Casey Sullivan Signd MM
V-70446 June 25,2007 Sullivan

Harvey signed MM
V-70451 March 14, 2008 Dave Harvey
V70454 Dave Harvey

Distressed Master Models Derrington's
D-70286 October 12,2003 proto type 1 piece back Derrington
Charlie Derrington's Personal Master Model
D-70287 November 21,2003 proto type Derrington
D-70289 May 27,2004 Derrington
D-70392 July 9, 2003 Derrington Formly owned by Big Joe

Distressed Master Models Roberts'
D-70300 April 20,2005 Roberts
D-70302 May 19, 2005 Roberts
D-70303 April 8, 2005 Roberts
D-70304
D-70305 June 03, 2005 Roberts
D-70309 June 24, 2005 Roberts
D-70314 July 26,2005 Roberts
D-70315 August 4, 2005 Roberts
D-70316 August 29,2005 Roberts "Brutus" Formly owned by Big Joe Vest
D-70319 September 19, 2005 Roberts
D-70324 November,8 2005 Roberts
D-70327 December 14, 2005 Signed by Roberts
D-70328 December 16, 2005 Roberts

Skagg's Distressed Master Models
#5 of 30
#9 of 30 8/7/07





__________________
'02 Gibson master model #70327 02-01-02
'25 Gibson A-4 Snakehead #82626
'06 Hicks #1 and #2 F-5 almost done

[carleshicks]

Here is a picture of me playing my 2002 Derrington MM a few weeks ago

[carleshicks]

thought I would give this thread a bump.

[Mark Seale]

Is there another thread with pictures?

[carleshicks]

http://www.mandolincafe.com/forum/sh...rington+signed
Here is one. there is one more but I can't seem to find it.

[Big Joe]

Re: Gibson Master Model List

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Quote:
Originally Posted by f5loar
If it is a regular lacquer finish F5L it does not qualify for this list. Must be varnish finish and have the "MM" model or the "DMM" model numbers. F5L or Fern models are generally lacquer but a few were done in varnish and should be listed. These also carried a MM labels and signed dated labels but are not considered MM models. Confused? You should be.

Yeah, I'm really confused at this point. So are the Montanna made varnish F5's considered "Master Models" since they were the first ones to try and capture the Loar era specs? I recall reading an interview with Charlie where he discussed this very subject. I believe it was on mandozine? Any one recall that? I am also trying to determine what the top wood was. Red spruce, or the same material as the F5L.
__________________
steve whitaker

Steve...The Montana made mandolins with varnish were a different formula (spirit varnish) and differnt woods and graduations from the Nashville MM's. They were certainly good mandolins, but nor very close to the Loar specs. The ones made after 01 in Nashville were much closer and the finish was an oil varnish with french polish rather than the spirit varnish used in Montana. The neck joints in Montana were a mortise and tenon with bolt to hold while the Nashville MM uses a Dovetail neck joint like the vintage Gibson mandolins. There are plenty of threads on the cafe discussing these and other various neck joints.

While the Monatan varnished mandolins were good mandolins, there are a lot of differences from the Nashville MM's. Everyone has their own opinion on which is best, and like all, I have my opinion and bias. Nonetheless, this is why they are considered seperate mandolins and not lumped with the MM's.

[drewgrass]

ok so i dropped some coin and bought a good camera. here are some pics of jul 9th 1999 mm prototype serial 001

[carleshicks]

that is awesome. you definetly better hang on to that one.

[carleshicks]

Updated

Master Models Derrington's
F-5 Prototype 01 July 9 1999 Derrington and Daley
F-5V 10222040 2001 Prototype Derrington
V-70281 October 29, 1999 Derrington
V-70282 February 7, 2000
V-70284 November 1, 2000 Derrington Old Style FP
V-70286 December 22, 2000 according to an article
V-70287 December 31, 2000
V-70293 March 30,2001 Derrington
V-70294 April 11, 2001 Derrington
V-70299 June 21, 2001
V-70301 June 29,2001 Derrington
V-70304 August 2, 2001 Derrington
V-70306 August 2, 2001 Derrington
V-70309 Sep 19,2001 Derrington one piece back
V-70311 September 27, 2001 Derrington
V-70314 October 23, 2001 Derrington
V-70317 November 2 2001 Derrington one piece back (formly owned by Chris Thile)
V-70320 2002 one piece back Derrington
V-70321
V-70323 December 28, 2001
V-70327 February 1, 2002
V-70329 February 20, 2002
V-70334 Uncertain if Derrington
V-70335 March 22, 2002
V-70339 April 26,2002 one piece back Derrington
V-70341 May 28, 2002 One piece back
May 29,2002 Derrington (at Gryphon's have not got serial # yet)
V-70342 May 2,2002 Derington one piece back
V-70350 Aug 06,2002 Derrington
V-70355 Sep 27,2002 Derrington formly owned by Chris Hillman
V-70360 October 31 2002 one piece back, Fern, wide grain top
costum order Derrington signed
V-70365 December 18 ,2002 Derrington Dark burst
V-70368 January 27, 2003 Sam Bush Master Model
V-70370 Febuary 18,2003 Derrington Light tobacco burst
V-70371 Febuary 22, 2003 One-piece back
V-70373 March 19, 2003 Derrington signed
V-70376 May 30, 2003
V-70377 May 31, 2003 Derrington one piece back
V-70379 June 27,2003 Derrington
V-70384 July 31,2003 Cherry Master Model Derrington
V-70387 August 28, 2003
V-70388 August 29, 2003 Derrington
V-70391 2003 custom Fingerboard Vine, Fern, One Piece Back
Derrington Signed
V-70392 August 26,2003 Derrington
V-70394 September 27, 2003 One-piece back, light finish, Charlie and Danny
V-70397 Nov 8,2003 Derrington
V-70398 November 22,2003 Derrington
V-70400 December 15, 2003 Derrington
V-70404 Febuaruy 24, 2004 Derrington
V-70405 March 11,2004 Derrington
V-70407 April 20,2004 Derrington
V-70410 April 27,2004 Derrington (Shaved Neck)
V-70411 May 18,2004 Derrington
V-70412 May 27, 2004 One-piece back
V-70413 june 11, 2004 One Piece Old Flowerpot Light finish Derrington
V-70415 August 16, 2004 Derrington (No Pickgaurd from Gibson)
V-70416 August 18,2004 Derrington Rad. Board Large frets, no finish on neck, dark burst.
V-70417 August 24, 2004
V-70424 November 19, 2004 Derrington
V-70425 November 24,2004 Derrington Medium burst
V-70440 Sep 29,2004 Derrington redish tint radiuse board old style Flowerpot.
V-70778 April 18, 2003
V-70779
V-70780 April 29, 2003 Derrington
V-70781 december 23,2004 F-5VX X-brace Blonde Fern Last one Charlie Derrington Signed
V-73732 October 18, 2000
V 70281, Dec 22, 2003 "Bush" Master Model, Derrington

Start Of Danny Roberts Signature
V-70427 Jan 8, 2005 Roberts
V-70430 Jan 8,2005 Roberts
V-70435 July 25, 2005 Roberts
V-70438 September 8, 2005 Roberts
V-70439 September 13, 2005 Roberts

Casey Sullivan Signd MM
V-70446 June 25,2007 Sullivan

Harvey signed MM
V-70451 March 14, 2008 Dave Harvey
V70454 Dave Harvey

Distressed Master Models Derrington's
D-70286 October 12,2003 proto type 1 piece back Derrington
Charlie Derrington's Personal Master Model
D-70287 November 21,2003 proto type Derrington
D-70289 May 27,2004 Derrington
D-70392 July 9, 2003 Derrington Formly owned by Big Joe

Distressed Master Models Roberts'
D-70300 April 20,2005 Roberts
D-70302 May 19, 2005 Roberts
D-70303 April 8, 2005 Roberts
D-70304
D-70305 June 03, 2005 Roberts
D-70309 June 24, 2005 Roberts
D-70314 July 26,2005 Roberts
D-70315 August 4, 2005 Roberts
D-70316 August 29,2005 Roberts "Brutus" Formly owned by Big Joe Vest
D-70319 September 19, 2005 Roberts
D-70324 November,8 2005 Roberts
D-70327 December 14, 2005 Signed by Roberts
D-70328 December 16, 2005 Roberts

Skagg's Distressed Master Models
#5 of 30
#9 of 30 8/7/07

[carleshicks]

I just went through my pictures and found a few that I didn't have on the previously updated list. Also if anyone has any pics of The Skaggs DMM I only have three of them registers.

Master Model Derrington's
F-5V 10222040 2001 Prototype Derrington
V-70281 2000 Probably Dec 22, 2000
V-70282 February 7, 2000
V-70284 November 1, 2000 Derrington Old Style FP
V-70286 December 22, 2000 according to an article
V-70287 December 31, 2000 Derrington
V-70293 March 30,2001 Derrington
V-70294 April 11, 2001 Derrington
V-70299 June 21, 2001
V-70301 June 29,2001 Derrington
V-70304 August 2, 2001 Derrington
V-70306 August 2, 2001 Derrington
V-70309 Sep 19,2001 Derrington one piece back
V-70311 September 27, 2001 Derrington
V-70314 October 23 2001 Derrington
V-70317 November 2 2001 Derrington one piece back (Formerly owned by Chris Thile)
V-70320 2002 one piece back Derrington
V-70321
V-70323 December 28, 2001
V-70327 February 1, 2002 Mine
V-70329 February 20, 2002
V-70334 Uncertain if Derrington
V-70335 March 22, 2002
V-70339 April 26,2002 one piece back Derrington
V-70341 May 28, 2002 One piece back
V-70342 May 2,2002 Derrington one piece back
V-70350 Aug 06,2002 Derrington
V-70355 Sep 27,2002 Derrington Formerly owned by Chris Hillman
V-70360 October 31 2002 one piece back, Fern, wide grain top
V-XXXX Custom order Derrington signed
V-70365 December 18 ,2002 Derrington Dark burst
V-70368 January 23, 2003 Sam Bush Master Model
V-70370 February 18,2003 Derrington Light tobacco burst
V-70371 February 22, 2003 One-piece back
V-70373 March 19, 2003 Derrington signed
V-70376 May 30, 2003
V-70377 May 31, 2003 Derrington one piece back
V-70384 July 31,2003 Cherry Master Model Derrington
V-70387 August 28, 2003
V-70388 August 29, 2003 Derrington
V-70391 2003 custom Fingerboard Vine, Fern, One Piece Back Derrington Signed
V-70392 August 26,2003 Derrington
V-70394 September 27, 2003 One-piece back, light finish, Charlie and Danny
V-70395 October 28, 2003 Derrington
V-70397 Nov 8,2003 Derrington
V-70398 November 22,2003 Derrington
V-70400 December 15, 2003 Derrington
V-70404 February 24, 2004 Derrington
V-70405 March 11,2004 Derrington
V-70407 April 20,2004 Derrington
V-70410 April 27,2004 Derrington (Shaved Neck)
V-70411 May 18,2004 Derrington
V-70412 May 27, 2004 One-piece back
V-70415 August 16, 2004 Derrington (No Pick guard from Gibson)
V-70416 August 18,2004 Derrington Radiuses Board Large frets, no finish on neck, dark burst.
V-70417 August 24, 2004
V-70424 November 19, 2004 Derrington
V-70425 November 24, 2004 Derrington Medium burst
V-70440 Sep 29, 2004 Derrington reddish tint radiuses board old style Flowerpot.
V-70777 April 17, 2003 Derrington Loar According to Derrington Calendar
V-70778 April 18, 2003
V-70779
V-70780 April 29, 2003 Derrington
V-70781 December 23,2004 F-5VX X-brace Blonde Fern Last one Charlie Derrington Signed
V-73732 October 18, 2000
V 70281, Dec 22, 2003 "Bush" Master Model, Derrington

Start Of Danny Roberts Signature
V-70427 Jan 8, 2005 Roberts
V-70430 Jan 8,2005 Roberts
V-70435 July 25, 2005 Roberts
V-70438 September 8, 2005 Roberts
V-70439 September 13, 2005 Roberts

Casey Sullivan Signed MM
V-70446 June 25,2007 Sullivan

Distressed Master Models Derrington's
D-70286 October 12,2003 proto type 1 piece back Derrington
Charlie Derrington's Personal Master Model
D-70287 November 21,2003 proto type Derrington
D-70289 May 27,2004 Derrington
D-70392 July 9, 2003 Derrington Formerly owned by Big Joe

Distressed Master Models Roberts'
D-70300 April 20,2005 Roberts
D-70302 May 19, 2005 Roberts
D-70304 Uncertain if Derrington
D-70305 June 03, 2005 Roberts
D-70309 June 24, 2005 Roberts
D-70314 July 26,2005 Roberts
D-70315 August 4, 2005 Roberts owned by Roberts and used in the grascals
D-70316 August 29,2005 Roberts "Brutus" Formerly owned by Big Joe Vest
D-70324 November,8 2005 Roberts
D-70327 December 14, 2005 Signed by Roberts
D-70328 December 16, 2005 Roberts

Skagg's Distressed Master Models
#5 of 30
#7 of 30,"side binding," handpicked by Ricky Skaggs for his personal collection,
#9 of 30 8/7/07
#12 of 30