Gibson F-2 Model Carved Top Mandolin (1912), made in Kalamazoo, Michigan, serial # 14966, black top, dark stained back and sides finish, birch back and sides, spruce top; mahogany neck with ebony fingerboard, black tolex hard shell case.
When this beautiful instrument was made in very early 1912 the F-2 "Artist Model" was the next to the top of Gibson's mandolin line, and at $75.00 "net" price very expensive by period standards. It is built to the same structural design as the top-line F-4, but lacking some that model's fancier decorative elements. The single major difference is the F-4 was the only early Gibson actually built with maple back and sides; like the rest of the line the F-2 is built of birch despite what the catalogs said! This sometimes gives them a slightly softer tone, sweeter and not as strident; sometimes it seems to make no difference at all!
The fittings are standard for the period with a raised celluloid pickguard and clamp, "The Gibson" slanted pearl headstock logo, Tuners with inlaid celluloid buttons, engraved tailpiece cover and a solid ebony bridge with compensated saddle pieces. In 1912 many of these design elements wear recent developments, and the Gibsons from this period represent the first full flowering of these incomparable and at the time absolutely unique mandolins. This nearly 110 -year-old F-2 looks beautiful with a lovely ebony top and sounds even better, ready to celebrate its next 100 years.
Overall length is 26 1/4 in. (66.7 cm.), 10 1/16 in. (25.6 cm.) width, and 1 11/16 in. (4.3 cm.) in depth, measured at side of rim. Scale length is 14 in. (356 mm.). Width of nut is 1 3/16 in. (30 mm.).
This beautiful sounding mandolin has had some wear and repair work over the last century but remains a lovely instrument to play. The finish on the body has had what looks like a French polish treatment over the original varnish; the surface is still quite thin but somewhat shined up. There are a few small dings and dents but mostly the body finish is quite clean. The neck finish remains original with some wear down to the wood.
The mandolin has had the fingerboard trued and refretted with correct style wire. Most of the binding un the upper side of the fingerboard has been neatly replaced with similarly grained celluloid. The hardware is original and complete including the tuners, tailpiece, and bridge; the individual saddle pieces have been lowered a bit for a suppler action. There are no visible crack repairs; it is possible a couple of back/side seams have been resealed as is typical on Gibsons of this era. Overall this is a very sweet and enjoyable mandolin to play with a sparkling sound and a most comfortable action. It includes a modern HSC. Overall Excellent - Condition.
