1942 Gibson F4 Mandolin
(Serial No. 96390 FON 565F) This is one of last Gibson F4 models produced. Gibson F style mandolins from the 1930's and 40's are extremely rare. By then, the mando craze from the teens and early 20's had faded away. This particular mandolin features a 20s style slanted script logo in pearl and the single flowerpot in the unbound peghead and dot inlays in the fingerboard. Has an adjustable truss rod. Sunburst top finish with chocolate brown stained maple back and sides, a checkerboard pattern soundhole rosette, and a pointed fingerboard end like an F7 instead of the normally seen treble side extension. The fingerboard is elevated off the top like the F5. The condition is overall excellent. Has a well repaired hairline heel crack but no other repairs noted. It retains all of it's original hardware except the missing pickguard. The metal button tuners and the tailpiece and cover are all original and correct. Its been fitted with a new Cumberland Acoustic bridge and the original bridge is in the case. Shows some playing wear on the treble side on the top that was not touched up well. The best thing about this mandolin is the sound!! It is really a great sounding mandolin. It has a very deep throaty bass response. The playability is great. As a general rule, the F-4/F-2s from this era are consistantly good sounding. I have had several of them and these are real sleepers. This is one that you can walk up to the guy with the Loar era 1923 model F4 that he just paid a lot more for and you can hang in there with him. Comes in the original red line hardshell case.
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