Description
Exc condition / SN: 61044109
1 3/64″ nut
This 1996 Gibson F-5G is an exceptional mandolin. It is a traditionally built, American made, solid wood instrument. Nicely figured maple back, sides, and neck. High grade Sitka spruce top. This is a double labeled instrument – One label is signed January 22nd, 1996, by Bruce Weber, who was the head luthier at Gibson at that time.
The neck is figured maple with a very comfortable modified V profile. It has an ebony peghead veneer with blackened peghead back. On the peghead front, “The Gibson” logo is inlaid in mother of pearl. It has the mother of pearl flowerpot inlayed in the middle. Nickle Schaller tuners with pearlescent buttons. The nut is made from either fossilized ivory or unbleached bone and appears to have been shimmed. Flat ebony fingerboard with double cut-away extension. Pearl dot fingerboard inlays, and pearl side dot position markers.
The back of the neck has had the finish removed in a way that looks like natural wear. There is a sealer coat only on the neck, leaving a very smooth, satin speed-neck feel. The neck is in great shape – no dings or divots. The frets are the small style mandolin frets and have only the smallest amount of player wear. There is plenty of life left in the frets.
This mandolin has all original parts with the exception of the pickguard, which is missing. Original two-piece ebony adjustable bridge. The two-piece nickel tailpiece is also in place, as is the ebony end strap button.
The body is finished in a very attractive reddish – amber – tobacco sunburst. The top is in great shape with a few common areas of lacquer wear from being played. There are a few small dings, but no heavy wear. The sides are in great shape. The two-piece highly figured maple back is also in great shape. The top is bound with ivoroid binding.
Comes with the original hard case.
The sound of this mandolin is very strong. A very good bluegrass mandolin with power, chop, and great single string voice.
