Description
Exc+ condition • SN: 689
Tone Bar Bracing • 2-pc back
Fern Peghead • Dlx Calton Case
This 2011 Gilchrist F model 5 mandolin, #689, is a sweet sounding mandolin. All original, with beautiful woods, perfect workmanship and with a wonderfully nuanced, yet powerful, tone. No fret wear (you can tell it was played some, but no Vee dents at all). There is some slight hand wear through the finish on the back of the neck, only in the first position. There is no problem area, no repairs, etc.
For any of you not acquainted with Gilchrist mandolins, let me start by saying that this is one of the highest quality, best sounding mandolins that are made! It is traditionally built, being directly inspired by the 1922-1924 Gibson F-5 mandolins built under Lloyd Loar’s brief tenure at Gibson. Those early F-5’s are regarded as the epitome of mandolins from that era. This Gilchrist is widely considered to be the modern day example of the “same thing” – a high quality, hand-built mandolin from the best woods and parts, that is exquisitely constructed and finished out.
Highly figured hard Maple back, sides and neck with Adirondack Red Spruce top and Ebony fittings.
The entire instrument is multiple bound with ivoroid bindings that show a thin black accent line from all sides. This includes the peghead, the fingerboard, the top and the back.
The peghead overlay has Gilchrist script logo at top and abalone Fern inlay below. Truss rod access is near bottom of peghead face, just above the nut.
Pearl Nut. Flat Gabon Ebony fingerboard has medium pearl dot inlays and large dot position markers inside the bass side ivoroid binding. The fingerboard has a traditional double-cut extension with no frets scalloped away. Original full tortoise plate pickguard with matching multiple ivoroid binding. Ebony 2-pc Loar style adjustable bridge. Tailpiece is the excellent Gilchrist tailpiece with engraved lid.
Tuners are Waverly (made in Montana).
The body is also in great shape with only the barest signs of playing.
Comes with Calton Dlx Flight Case.
