Gilchrist Model 5 Model Carved Top Mandolin (2000), made in Warrnambool, Australia, serial # 00491, Cremona Brown Sunburst varnish finish, flame maple back, sides and neck; red spruce top, ebony fingerboard, grey Calton road case.
Stephen Gilchrist is widely considered the finest builder of traditionally-styled mandolins in the world today, and his instruments are highly sought after by the most discerning players. He hand builds them in small batches in rural Australia, eschewing most modern production techniques in favor of traditional methods. Over the past few decades Gilchrist has secured a reputation second to none, and there is a considerable waiting list for a newly made instrument from him.
This mandolin is an older example of his Model 5, a subtly refined copy of the original Gibson Lloyd Loar era F-5 which is the template for all Bluegrass mandolins. Many players say Gilchrist's mandolins are the best that they've ever played, even compared to the vintage Gibsons that inspired them. Based on the ones we have handles would agree; this not-quite 23 year old Gilchrist is simply as fine as a "modern" mandolin gets.
It bears serial number 00491 and belongs to a batch started in June 2000 (is there Y2K nostalgia yet?) and finished in September that year. The finish is the traditional Loar-style Cremona Brown Sunburst varnish. The one-piece back and sides are carved from gloriously flamed European maple, the top is fine-grained red spruce. As per vintage Gibson spec, the top has the traditional twin parallel braces. An evolved feature is the slightly radiused fingerboard, never used on vintage Gibsons. The fingerboard extension (where the "dog notes" lay) is dressed away above the 19th fret so the pick stroke will clear it.
Appointments include nickel plated hardware including an engraved tailpiece reminiscent of Gibson's pre-War style but uniquely refined by Gilchrist. A lovely feature inherited from the 1920's F-5's is the pearl nut, and mother of pearl buttons on the tuners. The elegant scrolled headstock maintains a timeless grace, with the traditional Style 5 flowerpot inlay under Gilchrist's logo. The elevated pickguard is made of triple bound Celluloid; even the securing clamp is the 1920s Celluloid design.
The design and craftsmanship on this mandolin are truly exemplary, but the real delight is in the sound. The dynamic range is greater than most similar instruments regardless of age. It has a full, rich tone with the high-end power sought in an F-5 without ever edging into shrill, even on the highest notes. It also has excellent note separation -- strong fundamentals, clear trebles and powerful mids across all the strings and along the length of the fingerboard. This is a truly exceptional modern mandolin exquisitely built in the tradition of pre-war instruments but with musical response and tonal excellence as the overriding considerations.
Overall length is 27 1/4 in. (69.2 cm.), 10 in. (25.4 cm.) across at the widest point, and 1 5/8 in. (4.1 cm.) in depth, measured at side of rim. Scale length is 14 in. (356 mm.). Width of nut is 1 1/16 in. (27 mm.).
This beautiful mandolin has been played over the last 20+ years, which has certainly only enhanced its sonic signature. The original finish shows some light wear since it was completed 20 years ago. The finish has some minor scuffs, dings and pick marks to the top and a decent amount of finish worn to the wood on the back of the neck, feeling just like the older Gibsons that wear the same way. There is a VERY neatly done typical scroll repair to the headstock, noticeable on close inspection that does not cause any playing or sonic issues.
Other than this the mandolin looks played in but well cared for; The frets have been recently crowned and show no subsequent wear. The tailpiece cover has some plating wear and the lower corner can come off the pin when it is opened; this plate is securely locked in place when closed so this is only noticeable when the cover is opened to change strings.
The instrument plays and sounds exactly like what it is; one of the finest 8-string instruments in the world regardless of age or pedigree. It happily resides in an older Calton case, very road worthy and ready for new musical adventures. The original hand-signed Gilchrist guarantee card is still in the case. Overall Excellent - Condition.
