Description
Exc (-) condition / Serial number: 161
Width at nut: 1 1/16″ /
This 1979 Givens F-5 mandolin is typical of the period, having a brown burgundy gradation with nice two-piece figured back and Engelmann Spruce top. Fingerboard is original, but started as a traditional double-cut with full extension. It appears that Mr. Givens cut the fingerboard and rebound for a customer to eliminate the extension. This is a custom modification by the builder at construction and blends very naturally.
Flat Gabon Ebony fingerboard with abalone dot inlays. Traditional F-5 peghead, bound with cream binding. Veneer is Rosewood with R.L. Givens logo inlaid at top and elaborate hand-cut fern inlay in center. This mandolin is rare for Givens, in that is has an adjustable truss rod. This was probably added by the luthier when the fingerboard was truncated and is access at the bottom of the peghead veneer above the nut. Newer bone nut. The small mandolin frets are in amazingly perfect condition.
Currently setup with a Fishman-style Piezo pickup mounted inside an Ebony bridge with jack in the endpin. Original tailpiece with the gold plating rubbed off the top portion. This mandolin is fully bound with single cream binding around the peghead and fingerboard. Top and back have 3-ply binding with the accent line seen on the top and back edges. The back is in great shape, with a little bit of random marks here and there. Neck has wear as if someone had a ring on their index finger while playing. There are a few touch marks inside the bottom of both f-holes, possibly from installing the pickup. Some touchup of lacquer under the bridge. A small crescent of armwear is visible near the tailpiece. Original gold Gotoh tuners with beautiful pearloid buttons.
The sound on this mandolin is great.
Comes with original hard case.
