{"product_id":"gibson-f-4-carved-top-mandolin-1917-6251","title":"Gibson F-4 Carved Top Mandolin (1917)","description":"Gibson F-4 Model Carved Top Mandolin (1917), made in Kalamazoo, Michigan, red sunburst varnish finish, maple back and sides, spruce top; mahogany neck with ebony fingerboard, original black hard shell case. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis is very fine playing 1917 F-4, Gibson's top of the line mandolin at the time, and the company flagship in the 1910's. The scroll-body F-4 had been fully perfected from its early 3-point body form by this time and was an utterly distinctive creation, almost certainly the finest mandolin in the world in 1917. All binding is grained ivoroid, and with the double-flowerpot pearl and abalone inlay on the headstock and the inlaid Handel tuned buttons the F-4 exudes a particular Art Nouveau grace and class. The beautiful one-piece maple back has a pronounced flame figure under a beautiful deep red sunburst. This instrument would have been the top choice for any virtuoso mandolinist in the WWI era, and today is still an iconic creation.\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003eOverall length is 26 3\/8 in. (67 cm.), 10 in. (25.4 cm.) wide at lower bout, 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 1\/4 in. (32 mm.). A very good sounding and sweet sounding old F-4. All hardware is original including the oft-missing celluliod pickguard and inlaid tuner buttons. There are two old tightly repaired top cracks, along with some polish out and light wear overall to the original red sunburst varnish finish. There appears to be a very old and extremely well-sealed heel crack, with no added finish to the area. A very good player, not as punchy as some but with a nice singing tone. Includes a well-preserved OHSC. Overall Excellent - Condition.","brand":"Gibson","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46853011177612,"sku":"6251","price":5750.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0672\/8702\/3756\/files\/01_c4d3fb3f-059a-42ed-8819-75337ac05d15.jpg?v=1774330555","url":"https:\/\/retrofret.com\/products\/gibson-f-4-carved-top-mandolin-1917-6251","provider":"RetroFret","version":"1.0","type":"link"}