❌SOLD❌ Gibson F5 Master Model Mandolin Vintage Varnish, 2003

Here’s a very rare treat – a Gibson F5 Master Model mandolin, built at the Nashville custom shop, signed by Charles Derrington and dated September 26, 2003.

Orville Gibson revolutionized the instrument building worlds at the end of the 19th century, brining Violin concepts and construction methods to both mandolins and guitars. This was the beginning of all the arched-top guitars and mandolins that are now common to us. In 1919, Lloyd Loar joined Gibson, and before he left in 1924 produced significant designs including the F5 mandolin. The instruments Loar worked on are among the most sought after.

This is a Gibson F5 Master Model in original condition, with a Tone-Gard support added. It is in very good condition, but has evidence of being played in the form of moderate to heavy fret wear on the top A and E strings, plus a bit of marking on the top lower bass edge just where the player would rest their forearm. The varnish finish shows some oxidization and has been cleaned. The bound, faux-tortoise pickguard has the original-style stamp of ‘Pat Mar.30.09’ just by the bridge.

Like other F5 mandolins, the Gibson F5 Master Model uses a hand-carved Spruce top paired with a hand-carved Flame Maple back. The sides and neck are also Flamed Maple, with Ebony for the bridge and bound fingerboard. The headstock carries a Script ‘The Gibson’ logo and Flowerpot inlay, very well executed in Mother of Pearl. Unusually, and in an illustration of skill,  the nut is made from a small block of Mother of Pearl. 

The tuners are vintage Waverly models with faux-pearl buttons.   These models use hide glue throughout.  

This example of the Gibson F5 Master Model is signed and dated to September 26, 2003 by the late Charlie Derrington, then a Master Luthier at Gibson in Nashville. Derrington died in mid 2006. It plays well, and has the distinctive, loud and highly effective tone that makes the F5 so popular in Bluegrass and Country circles.

A black rectangular hard shell case, and a Jean Cavallaro fleece-lined nylon cover, are included.