Gibson F-5 82916 FON 8231
Comparison of finishes: Left to Right: (1) ca. 1927 Gibson F-5 “fern”; (2) F-5 82916; (3) February 18, 1924 F-5 signed, Lloyd Loar.
Gibson F5 82916, FON 8231. When I first touched the strings with my pick, the sound coming out hit me like an open field tackle. Wow! Such commanding power, such presence! I have always been a fan of the early post-Loar Gibson instruments, but this one is in a category of its own, combining the best of the mid-1920s sound with the deep resonance of a 1924 Loar. In fact, even though this instrument appears to be original and shows a stamp date of early 1926, some features, including the finish and peghead overlay, are identical to those on 1924 F5s signed by Lloyd Loar in 1924. Of course, Loar and many workers who were assigned to the Master Model project had left Gibson by the time of this stamp date. So how and why, such a throwback? Rather than offer our guesses, we have decided it best to observe the features and report the facts. We invite you to decide!
There is evidence that Gibson F-5 82916 was originally shipped to Miles Music in Knoxville, Tennessee, the same store that first showcased the mandolins later associated with Bobby Osborne, Marty Stuart and Wyatt Ellis. T.A. Miles, the owner of the store was a large-volume Gibson dealer and orchestra leader. We suspect he had enough clout with Gibson to acquire the best of the best. F5 82916 later surfaced at Lane Music in Knoxville, and has been in service with a fine Bluegrass player since that time. It is now available for a new home, but first, some consideration of appointments.
Original features of F5 82916 consistent with factory specifications include the classic Lloyd Loar designed carved top and parallel tone bar construction with f-holes and long, curly maple neck (which places the bridge in the center of the f-holes); back and sides of book-matched well-figured sugar maple; Adirondack spruce top; white binding on top and back; 29-fret ebony fingerboard with white binding; gold plated Waverly “arrow-head” pointed tuners; gold plated tailpiece; Master Model Label; and original dark red-lined Geib and Sons case. Original features and appointments of F5 82916 unusual for this model and year include the finish and color of back and sides which seem a throwback to February of 1924, except with a thin nitroceullose top coat; the fern peghead overlay with ivoroid binding identical to March 31, 1924 fern-Loar F-5s; neck profile similar to 1924; white plastic point caps. Features not original on F5 82916 include Eco frets; replacement tailpiece cover (by Greg Rich while at Gibson, circa 1998); replacement pick guard.
Please inquire for price, delivery options and terms. For further inquiries on the finish, we have additional photographic evidence, including slide show of the interior; black light examinations; more finish comparisons.
mandolincentral@gmail.com 507-62MANDO (507-626-2630)