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.
Introduced in 1902, the F-4 was Gibson's top-of-the-line mandolin until the F-5 hit, and this F-4 certainly looks the part. This one rolled rolled out of Kalamazoo in 1915, and its red sunburst finish has aged beautifully over the years. Something about the color sets off the detail of the carved scroll and the figure of the one-piece Maple back so nicely. The play wear and patina give it the authentic character of a well-loved prewar instrument. Plus, it's an earlier F-4 so was made without a metal truss rod in the neck—a subtle detail for sound, but it allows the elaborate double flowerpot inlay on the peghead.
As for tone, this F-4 sounds every bit as beautiful as it looks. The shorter neck positions the bridge closer to the tailpiece. Combined with the oval hole, this produces a mellower, sweeter tone than you expect from an F-model. A natural choice for classical or old-time music, this F-4 would also shine for gypsy jazz or folk music—really anything where a softer, more rounded mandolin sound is desired. Nevertheless, it remains fuller than an A–just not as in your face as the Lloyd Loar design.
This 1915 Gibson F-4 is a great player with warm, nuanced tone. As to be expected from a 100+ year old instrument, it shows some signs of wear and tear. There is a repaired top crack by the scroll that involved some drop-fill lacquer to mask the witness line. There are various binding repairs and breaks, and there are some lacquer overspray touchups on the top. The nut and bridge have both been replaced, and the new bridge is a standard adjustable bridge so an upgrade from the original in terms of sound and intonation. The headstock scroll looks like it was slightly reglued (luckily the peghead overlay was spared, so you don't see anything from the front). At present, it plays clean and true, but the frets are on the low side. The worn-in back of the neck feels just right.
This 1915 Gibson F-4 includes its original case, which has some leather straps in place of the broken leather handle. This mandolin has some serious vibe, and it's a joy to play. How about those engraved tuner buttons? They don't make them like they used to.