Gibson Mandolins - 2002 F5 Master Model - Used - Derrington Signed
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This F5 Master Model is a Loar-inspired mandolin from a Gibson luthier that knew a thing or two about that famous era in mandolin building. Crafted and signed by Charlie Derrington, the famed luthier who was a huge part of the vintage-inspired charge at the Gibson mandolin shop and also rebuilt Bill Monroe's F5, this model delivers that vintage-inspired woody chop and tremolo tone that has been sought after by mandolin players for decades.
Featuring a red spruce top over maple back and sides, this model was designed as a replica of the Loar-era (1922-1924) F5s, with many of same specs and appointments. Here with the same Loar-inspired flat fingerboard radius, flowerpot inlay, and a stunning sunburst varnish finish that has aged beautifully over the past 20-plus years. There is minor playwear throughout the instrument, but nothing one wouldn't expect from an instrument that got played.
The silver-plated tailpiece has aged gracefully over the years, developing a lovely patina along with the original silver-plated vintage-style worm under tuners. Impressions in the finish of an armrest that had previously been installed (included in the case). The original bridge top had cracked and failed over time, the replacement was installed here in our shop and has been appropriately slotted and setup.
There have been so many Loar-era inspired Gibson Mandolins over the decades, and the Derrington F5 Master Model is seen by many as one of the most meticulous and era-appropriate examples.
- F-style Loar-era inspired Triple bound Body
- Red Spruce top
- Maple Back and Sides
- Sunburst Varnish finish
- Maple neck with Soft-V profile
- Ebony fingerboard with flat radius
- Ebony adjustable bridge, original base, replaced top
- Tortoise-style pickguard
- Flower Pot headstock inlay, bound headstock
- Original Tailpiece
- Original Worm-under Tuners
- Signed by Charlie Derrington (Feb. 2002)
- Original Vintage-inspired hardshell case
- Serial# V70329
