Gibson

Gibson F5 Lloyd Loar signed (Dec 11, 1923)

$135,000.00
Please Contact Us For Purchase

This site is protected by hCaptcha and the hCaptcha Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

That surreal experience of playing functional art—equal parts historical object and inspiring musical partner. It is uncanny, and addictive!


There is, of course, no single "Loar" sound. While all Loar-signed F5 mandolins share a common blueprint, the Loars we have handled have all sounded different from one to the next, sometimes remarkably so.

This beauty, dated December 11, 1923, strikes a wonderful balance between the earlier, brighter bluegrass stingers and the slightly darker-voiced examples more associated with the 1924 batches. Depending on your attack, there is a lovely range of timbre on tap. When driven hard, it will cut hard with great midrange focus.

For all that power, this mandolin rewards a light touch with a super satisfying, dare-we-say haunting tone. With that singular, dry, direct, throaty quality that only decades of life can deliver, there is a lot here to explore.

The condition is remarkable, even by Loar standards. The only significant wear is to the lower bout at the forearm contact area, and in the lower reaches of the neck where the fretting hand thumb would rest. An old, very slight center seam separation on the back has been filled with hide glue. Worm under Waverly tuners are original, as is the tailpiece. Overall, this is a remarkable example of the pinnacle and formative Loar-signed Gibson F5.

Two cases are included: a period (likely original) rectangular case as well as a Canadian-made Calton flight case. Payment requested by wire transfer or check.


Materials

Top
Spruce
Back & Sides
Maple
Neck
Maple
Fingerboard
Ebony
Bridge
Ebony
Headstock
Ebony w/Flowerpot and Pearl Logo
Tailpiece
original Gibson
Binding
Ivoroid
Nut
Pearl
Tuners
Four on a plate w/pearl buttons
Bracing
Tone Bars

Neck Specs

Carve
Soft V profile
Nut Width
1 3/32"
Frets
Nickel

Other

Cases
Period oblong case and Canadian Calton flight case
Serial #
74660

Preserving The Past. Played Into The Future.

Whether you're chasing a tone, honoring the history, or building a collection, we seek out the finest vintage instruments and, when needed, perform tasteful restoration to ensure they’ll play beautifully for decades to come.

Pricing

We price vintage instruments using current market trends and our extensive in-house sales history, ensuring each piece is accurately valued and fairly positioned.

Tasteful Restoration

When restoration is needed, we approach it with respect and restraint - always in service of preserving the instrument’s integrity and extending its musical life for decades to come.

Accurate Listings

Every vintage instrument we list is authenticated by our seasoned team and photographed in high detail, with clear, honest descriptions that show exactly what you’re buying - no surprises.

Shipping

With decades of experience shipping high-value guitars, we know how to pack and protect vintage instruments so they arrive exactly as they should: safe, sound, and ready to play.