When the F-5 rolled out in 1922, Lloyd Loar's new design revolutionized the mandolin, greatly expanding the instrument's role in American music. But that doesn't mean Gibson mandolins made before 1922 should be overlooked! Orville Gibson founded the Gibson Mandolin-Guitar Mfg. Co., Ltd with a carved mandolin design, so from its outset, the Gibson brand was always ahead of the curve with mandolins.
In 1910, Gibson updated its novel F body style—with the distinctive carved scroll—to the familiar 2-point design that became ubiquitous in the mandolin world. The F-2 was introduced in 1902, and this 1910 F-2 is an early example of that 2-point body shape. Typical of Gibson's pre-Loar mandolins, this 1910 F-2 features an oval soundhole with a single Transverse brace that runs the width of the top in between the soundhole and the bridge. It sports a black top finish, and the ivoroid/wood soundhole rings pop against the dark finish.
This 1910 Gibson F-2 has survived the last 114 years in nice playable condition. It still includes its original tailpiece, bridge, and elevated pickguard. The original tuning machines still have their elaborate engraved buttons, which often deteriorated with age, but these work as they should! At some point along the way, someone carved precise Ebony saddles for the bridge, and these greatly improve the intonation. From there, it appears the fingerboard was refretted and then re-bound with grained Ivoroid, leaving a slight gap between the nut and the end of the fingerboard binding on both sides. The nut appears to be a replacement, too. Because of the bridge, refret, and nut, this F-2 plays about as nicely as you'll find from a pre-1920 Gibson mandolin.
It's hard not to love the sound and character of an instrument this old. This 1910 F-2 produces the tubby old-time tone we love from prewar oval-hole Gibsons. It is mellow and round with prominent midrange and nice sustain. This might not be your first choice for a bluegrass mandolin, but there's a sweetness and richness that make it a joy to play. With such a nice setup, the authentic deep V neck profile feels just right in your hand. Amazingly, this 1910 F-2 still includes its original leather case. It's mostly just for show these days—the handle is broken and the trap door is unreliable—so this mandolin also includes a proper hard case. But the old leather case is so cool! A previous owner—R.A. Gregory—customized it with an engraved nameplate. Mojo!