Gibson F4 Mandolin.
About 20 years ago I saw a very old, very rough looking mandolin in a shop in London. I ventured in to the shop, where I heard and felt one of the best sounding mandolins I had ever heard.
Sure at this time I had not played many mandolins, and the 'Gibson' name meant nothing to me but it was perfect.........except for the price tag. I left the shop empty handed, but returned to visit it many times over the coming weeks until one day it wasn't there. The instrument was a Gibson F4 mandolin and I never forgot it !
The Gibson F4 was the top of the line mandolin for the Gibson company untill the F5 took that title, but it still stands today as one of the most delightful creations in the instrument world. The F4 reigned from the early 1900's until it was discontinued in 1943.
Above, is a wonderful example of the F4 from 1916, and featuring the exquisite 'Handel' tuners. I found this in amazing condition, except for a hair line top crack. It is an stunningly beautiful mandolin and the detail and tone of these early F4 mandolins in simply breathe taking.
This one is even better than the one I remember................
Kieron