Gibson F5 1972

[Gary Auten]

i was wondering if anybody has any information about Gibson F5 1972 Master Model serial number 684450. Like was Gibson making good mandolins back then. Does anyone know how to read Gibbon's serial numbers prior to 1975. Can't find much info on Gibson s web site.
Thanks for your help
Gary

[Big Joe]

You could find some decent mandolins in that era, though it was a little spotty. There are some issues with those instruments that can be problematic. The mortise and tenon joint used may not hold all that well. We have had to reset a number of them over the years. Neck angles had a tendency to be too low as well. The bodies were pretty thick and could be a bit thumpy sounding. Some have been regraduated and that has helped, though still not as good as many mandolins available today. Also the binding can be an issue. Binding rot is prevalent in the 70's Gibson mandolins. The inlays on the fingerboard sometimes come out and need to be replaced. It is mostly a pain to do those. Nonetheless, a good one is still a good one. Just be careful and ensure there are no issues that may cost you greatly to get fixed down the line. The binding rot is not an easy fix and is not that cheap. Low neck angle can be from the way it was built or from the neck actually needing reset. That is not an inexpensive repair either. Make sure you know what you are getting. If it is in good shape and sounds like you want, then go for it. Otherwise you may wish to wait for a better choice.

[Gary Auten]

Thanks Joe, ever heard of a label having L Ridell name on it. Seller says approved by him. Again thanks for you help.
Gary

[f5loar]

That serial no. actually could be one of 5 years and really nobody knows especially Gibson.
It could be a 1970, 1971,1972 or a 1974 or 1975.
Sometimes you can narrow the date down by the sunburst finish coloring but I would have to see photos of it to do that.
You would be safe in calling it a 1972.

[Ken Waltham]

I think you could be 99% sure that it would be a really poor mandolin, from any standpoint you cared to look at.
Avoid like the plague.
Ken

[Gary Auten]

thanks kb