Lloyd Loar Mandolin #73675
Gibson F-5 #76375, signed and dated by Lloyd Loar on June 13, 1923. An extraordinary sounding mandolin in excellent condition thanks to a brilliant restoration by Australian luthier Steve Gilchrist. Made in the batch immediately preceding Bill Monroe’s legendary F-5, #73987, and only 312 serial numbers away, this mandolin has much of the same tonal characteristics of that illustrious instrument. Big, woody bottom, bright bell notes in the treble and a coarse chop that can tame the most raucous RB-Mastertones.
Like Bill Monroe’s famous mandolin, this instrument suffered misguided treatment and thick lacquer refinish by Gibson in the post-war years, but fortunately the restoration of the finish was performed by a master and there was never a jealous fire-poker involved. In fact, #73675 has been played by a succession of talented and appreciative owners, thus it has that well-played, cared for presentation that players of fine vintage instruments cultivate.
Features and appointments are consistent with factory specifications for this model and year and include the classic carved top and parallel tone bar construction with f-holes and long, one-piece curly maple neck (which places the bridge in the center of the f-holes); headstock inlay consisting of “The Gibson” and abalone flowerpot; hand-engraved tailpiece; pick guard following body points; all hardware silver plated; and Cremona shaded-sunburst varnish finish. Silver plated, pearl button Waverley tuners have been installed for professional tuning and the mandolin happily travels snug in a Hoffee case.
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