Gibson

Gibson F4 (1915)

$6,500.00

Pickup available at 165 Showroom

Usually ready in 1 hour

Shipping Calculated At Checkout

Product information

Why We Love This

This is a wonderfully clear, focused, powerful Gibson F-4 in lovely condition, with some rare features for a 'teens Gibson mandolin.

We sold this one several years ago, and it is a treat to be able to hear it again! It boasts great, engaging responsiveness with surprising definition and pop for a vintage oval hole.

The mandolin looks to have been refinished at Gibson, most likely in the late 1920s or early '30s. Curiously, the nut width measures 1 1/8"—whether a one-off custom order, or a later, well-executed modification is up for speculation.

A vintage Gibson F4 with great projection, "modern" neck measurements, and a '30s sunburst sounds like a dreamed up magical combination, yet here it is. In short, this is an uncommonly powerful, cutting example of a 'teens Gibson oval hole, with a neck more akin to what you'd find on a Loar-era snakehead A.

The top has strong arch with no signs of sinking. Body seams are tight with no signs of separation. Double flowerpot peghead inlay, original Handel tuners, bridge and tailpiece assembly. Pickguard is not included. With original hard case also in fine condition. Serial Number #32871 (shipped 1917) FON 3247 (made 1915)

Materials

Top
Spruce
Back & Sides
Maple
Neck
Maple
Fingerboard
Ebony
Bridge
Ebony
Headstock
Ebony w/ Gibson logo and flowerpot inlay
Tailpiece
Gibson
Binding
Ivoroid
Tuners
Engraved Handel

Neck Specs

Carve
Soft V
Nut Width
1 1/8"

Other

Case
Hardshell
Serial #
32871

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