A Note of Caution. Antique-Vintage-1916-GIBSON-F-2-F2-Mandolin Just thought I should point out that this mandolin sold about two weeks ago here . I saw and photographed the F2 and, while it is very pretty and mostly original, Handel tuners, tailpiece and cover, pickguard -though loosely attached, the condition was not what was stated in the eBay listing.
In answer to very specific questions on the original listing, the seller answered (and I quote) "NO top sinkage.....Neck is straight....NO CRACKS what so ever." Unfortunately, not only was there an old repaired crack on the top which had not been mentioned (and would be completely acceptable - if mentioned), but the top was sunken and split under the fretboard, the back was separating at the heel, and the neck was openly cracked at the volute and peghead as well!
I hate to be the snitch, because there was a complete refund including postage, but rather than owning up, the seller's response was "I never said it was perfect"!
So re-posting without being honest about the condition puts me in the position of ignoring something I know is wrong, or trying to save someone else the grief of not knowing what's coming, and paying a price that IMHO doesn't match the merchandise. For the seller to say "I've owned this since 1983, there has been no repairs since then" either means the neck is still cracked, or it has been repaired since last week. There isn't enough resolution or focus in his photos to see what's up.
I see a lot of people are watching this - just thought inquiring minds might want to know.
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