{"product_id":"gibson-f-5-lloyd-loar-master-model-carved-top-mandolin-1924-5508","title":"Gibson F-5 Lloyd Loar Master Model Carved Top Mandolin (1924)","description":"Gibson F-5 Lloyd Loar Master Model Model Carved Top Mandolin (1924), made in Kalamazoo, Michigan, Cremona Brown Sunburst varnish finish, flame maple back, sides and neck, spruce top, ebony fingerboard, original black hard shell case. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eJust past its 89th birthday, this beautiful original Gibson F-5 remains the stuff mandolinists' dreams are made of. From the subtle shadings of its Cremona brown sunburst finish to the exquisite graining of the maple back and sides, this is a lovely creation fully worthy of this instrument's reputation as the finest of all mandolins. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe label inside the treble F-hole was signed by Lloyd Loar on Feb. 18, 1924 as part of a fairly large batch of F-5's inspected that day. The instrument still retains its original Virzi Tone Producer, with a separate interior label bearing the serial number 10167. The instrument is in excellent playing condition, with the expected heavenly sound.\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003eOverall length is 27 1\/2 in. (69.8 cm.), 9 15\/16 in. (25.2 cm.) body width, and 1 11\/16 in. (4.3 cm.) in depth at side. Scale length is 14 in. (356 mm.). Width of nut is 1 1\/8 in. (29 mm.). This F-5 has been well played over the years but not abused; the only alteration is a correct professional refret with period style wire. All hardware is original including the bound tortoise celluloid pickguard with the celluloid mounting bracket, silver plated tailpiece and silver plated tuners with pearl buttons. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOverall the varnish finish shows general wear particularly to the upper area of the back (which has some occlusion and checking as well) and back of the neck. There are small nicks and dings overall but no major pick wear to the top; there is finish loss and general wear around the neck heel from contact with players' hands. The silver plating, especially to the tailpiece cover has typical tarnish but could be cleaned if desired. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe instrument retains its original Virzi, often removed by Bluegrass players; overall the impression is of a seriously played but well cared for instrument, not altered or modernized and ready for its next century of use and appreciation.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ciframe width=\"560\" height=\"315\" src=\"\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/a4tX1euMI9E\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e Excellent - Condition.","brand":"Gibson","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46853316608140,"sku":"5508","price":185000.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0672\/8702\/3756\/files\/01_5c15fa45-497e-44b0-a3eb-4b187d013f99.jpg?v=1774334374","url":"https:\/\/retrofret.com\/products\/gibson-f-5-lloyd-loar-master-model-carved-top-mandolin-1924-5508","provider":"RetroFret","version":"1.0","type":"link"}