A Meticulous Recreation of the Most Legendary Mandolin Model of All Time

Orville Gibson invented the modern mandolin, and Gibson Master Luthier Lloyd Loar perfected it with the F-5. It’s hard to believe that was one hundred years ago, and yet the F-5 is still the gold standard of mandolin tone, playability, and beauty. Generations of artists and even new musical genres have been influenced by it. Original examples have become holy grails.

Enter the new 1923 F-5 Master Model Reissue, an exacting clone of the priceless originals which only Gibson Custom Shop could create. Every contour and spec are incorporated thanks to scientific analysis, 3D scanning, and detailed notes from Lloyd Loar himself, found in the Gibson archives. The talented luthiers of Gibson Custom Shop meticulously construct and refine each until it is a perfect representation, not only in looks but in sound and feel. Features include a hand-selected red spruce top and highly-figured maple back, an authentic varnished Cremona Brown finish, silver-plated hardware, a replica hardshell case, and an assortment of vintage-inspired case candy.

SPECIFICATIONS 

NECK


Profile : Authentic 1923 Profile
Scale Length : 353.06 mm / 13.9 in
Fingerboard Material : Ebony
Fingerboard Radius : Flat
Fret Count : 29
Frets : Historic
Nut Material : Mother of Pearl
Nut Width : 27.051 mm / 1.065 in
Inlays : Mother of Pearl Dot
Joint : Glued In, Set Neck


BODY


Body Style : F-Style
Body Shape : F-5 Mandolin
Body Material : 2-piece Quarter Sawn Figured Red Maple
Top : Red Spruce
Back : 2-piece Quarter Sawn Figured Red Maple
Side : Flat Sawn Figured Red Maple
Binding : Celluloid Nitrate; Multi-ply Top, Back, Fingerboard, and Pickguard, Single-ply Headstock
Body Finish : Hand-applied Varnish


HARDWARE


Finish : Silver Plated
Bridge : Ebony; Patent Date Stamped
Tailpiece : Silver-plated Tailpiece Cover, Engraved with "The Gibson"
Tuning Machines : Waverly
Pickguard : Celluloid Nitrate Tortoise Shell; Multi-ply Bound, Patent Date Stamped
Truss Rod Cover : Bell-shaped, Black
Strap Buttons : End Pin - Ebony with Mother of Pearl Dot


MISCELLANEOUS


Strings Gauge : .011, .016, .026, .040
Case : Vintage Replica