1916 Gibson F-2 Carved-Top Mandolin

What's not to like about a sweet old Gibson F-2? They're gorgeous, they sound great, and they handle quite well once they've been given the proper care. This one is a local customer's instrument and was really only in for a replacement saddle as the old one had split from fatigue. Manny made a new one from scratch, restrung it, and gave it a good setup. It's now playing spot-on and fit to serve.

I think it may have been either entirely refinished or "strategically refinished" at the heel and neck joint area, especially. I have never seen another F-2 from this era with a reddish sunburst in quite this style, though the coloring of the headstock appears normal.

The hardware all appears original, as well, save for a replacement adjustable bridge. Anyone swooing over those Handel tuners, yet?















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Howard Emerson said…
Hi Jake! It's strange to see a Gibson mandolin with an adjustable truss rod listed as being a 1916. I believe they first invented/developed the adjustable truss rod in 1921, and first used them on the Loar F-5's. Perhaps this mandolin was sent back to the factory for a refit? Is there an FON inside?
February 25, 2025 at 4:37 AM
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