1988 Gibson F5L Mandolin
(Serial No. 8173118) If you are looking for a nearly new 1988 Gibson F5L it is unlikely you will find one cleaner. You might find a mark or two, as the mandolin has been used in a bluegrass band, but it looks nearly unplayed. Excellent plus condition, "ice tea" Cremona brown sunburst finish. This is the classic Gibson scroll mandolin - long neck, f-holes, elevated fingerboard, beautifully flamed maple back and sides, solid spruce top, bound ebony fingerboard, and the Fern peghead inlay in pearl. It has been upgraded with silver plated Schaller tuners and tailpiece cover, as later used on the Monroe model. In 1988 this model was the top of the line for Gibson. This was made in the Bozeman, Montana plant, and was signed by the legendary luthier Steve Carlson on September 19, 1988. The mandolin has just been set up by my luthier. Action is great - easy and low. This mandolin sounds great with a strong chop and bark, even though it is still needs to be broken in. Click here for a video clip of this mandolin as played by Nathan Beaumont of the Remedy Tree Band, Brandon FL. Comes in the original rectangular hardshell case.
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