❌SOLD❌ Gibson F2 Oval Hole Mandolin Sunburst, 1915

Built from 1904 to 1934, the Gibson F2 Oval Hole mandolin featured the stylized ‘F’ body with scrollwork, but also an oval sound hole rather than F-holes. Oval sound holes seem to provide a bit more sound to the player, while F-hole models tend to project their sound outwards, further.

It’s always fascinating to see an instrument like this Gibson F2 Oval Hole mandolin that dates to 1915, now over a century old and still in good playing condition. It is in largely original condition, though the original faux-tortoise pickguard is missing. The case is a newer lightweight model by Gator.

Based on the groundbreaking designs of Orville Gibson that merged violin, guitar and mandolin construction methods, Gibson mandolins featured a carved Spruce top, paired with a carved back of either Mahogany or Maple. In the case of the Gibson F2 Oval Hole mandolin, the sides and carved back are Mahogany. The neck is also Mahogany with Ebony used for a center stiffening layer, bound fingerboard, the head plate and back strap. At this point, Gibson was not building mandolins with adjustable truss rods. That innovation appeared in 1921, and soon found its way into most models. Mother of Pearl is used for the dot position markers and the script-style ‘The Gibson’ peghead logo. Fret wear is medium. The finish is largely original but some repairs have been done to it over the years. On the back, a ‘buckle rash’ area was re-covered and more clear was applied to move blend lines to the edges. A crack in the top near the bass-side scroll has been repaired, and the top may have also been recovered on top of the original finish.

This wonderful Gibson F2 Oval Hole Mandolin still plays well, and has a full, rich sound.

A non-original Gator lightweight hard shell mandolin case is included.

Gibson does not presently offer mandolins. For some years following the devastating 2010 Nashville floods, mandolin production ceased. A few years ago, Gibson started shipping a very few mandolins, and perhaps will again; the ‘new’ Gibson owners seem to have discontinued mandolin production for the time being.