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.