This Gibson F-5, number 450054, is a quintessential powerhouse of a mandolin. While the 70s were not a beacon decade for the company, this example sounds as good as the best Gibson F-5s from any era you want to choose. The low-end response from the G and D are simply massive, while the A and E maintain a very sweet tone. It sports that classic wolf/ big and beefy chop, while having that certain element of dryness the brand has been famous for. The neck has a prominent V shape, as we see on modern examples, and is thicker than mini examples from the 70s. It has had a recent refret, new nut and Cumberland Acoustics Bridge installed; we also believe these are replacement tuners. Overall the condition is very good, with small bumps, scratches and scrapes throughout, which can be viewed in the photos. It is pretty doggone clean considering its age, and we detect no repairs, with the exception of the reglueing of the point on the treble side of the body. The case is a hard shell, which is serviceable, but not up to the standards of most traveling musicians today. This is a very fine sounding instrument, and can’t be beat in this price range in our opinion, so hear the video and judge for yourself.
Demo Video: https://youtu.be/loLxzopbQAM
This Gibson F-5, number 450054, is a quintessential powerhouse of a mandolin. While the 70s were not a beacon decade for the company, this example sounds as good as the best Gibson F-5s from any era you want to choose. The low-end response from the G and D are simply massive, while the A and E maintain a very sweet tone. It sports that classic wolf/ big and beefy chop, while having that certain element of dryness the brand has been famous for. The neck has a prominent V shape, as we see on modern examples, and is thicker than mini examples from the 70s. It has had a recent refret, new nut and Cumberland Acoustics Bridge installed; we also believe these are replacement tuners. Overall the condition is very good, with small bumps, scratches and scrapes throughout, which can be viewed in the photos. It is pretty doggone clean considering its age, and we detect no repairs, with the exception of the reglueing of the point on the treble side of the body. The case is a hard shell, which is serviceable, but not up to the standards of most traveling musicians today. This is a very fine sounding instrument, and can’t be beat in this price range in our opinion, so hear the video and judge for yourself.
Demo Video: https://youtu.be/loLxzopbQAM
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