1923 Gibson F4 Mandolin
(Serial No. 74134 FON 11757) You can see that the red sunburst top on this mandolin was oversprayed black. I contacted Gibson to see if this was factory, and Dave Harvey explained that this was probably Gibson factory work. In 1923 mandolins were used for classical music, and the performers dressed in formal wear such as a tuxedo. The performers wanted the instrument to match their attaire, so it was common for a red top instrument to be oversprayed black. You did not have your local luthier back then. if you wanted work done on your mandolin, you sent to it back to the factory. 1923 was the first year for Lloyd Loar at Gibson, and his innovations are evident throughput this mandolin. Completely original hardware. Flamed maple back and sides, truss rod in the neck, adjustable bridge, original transition clamp style pickguard, and arrow end tuners. No issues of any kind. Neck is straight, frets are good. Sound is rich and full, with the pop you are looking for in a oval hole. Set up by my luthier so it plays like butter. Shows some expected playing wear and a small hole in the original pickguard. Comes with a nice modern hardshell case but I probably have an original case I can provide instead if desired.
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