They're Back...
For enthusiasts and aficionados of the mandolin, October 10th, 2023, marks a significant date on the calendar. After a hiatus that left mandolin enthusiasts craving new models and questioning the fate of the legendary instruments, the Gibson Custom Shop is set to unleash two eagerly awaited instruments that are poised to re-establish Gibson’s dominance in the mandolin world. These instruments will not only celebrate the century-old legacy of the F-5 but also introduce innovative features that will set the stage for the next era of mandolin greatness.
A Resurgence of Excellence: The F-5G Reimagined
The first of these two remarkable mandolins is an updated version of the beloved F-5G. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail and a focus on enhancing the player's experience, this mandolin incorporates several features from The Acoustic Shoppe Custom F-5G which was a top seller for the shop.
Some of these standout improvements include a wider nut, designed to enhance playability and comfort for musicians of all skill levels. The 14-degree radiused fretboard ensures smooth playability and improved comfort for the left hand. Larger fret wire promises precision and control that will be appreciated by both seasoned professionals and budding artists.
In addition to these technical enhancements, the F-5G features a stunning burst finish on the top and back, adding a touch of elegance and visual appeal to this already iconic instrument. Perhaps the most distinctive upgrade is the introduction of a new "birds beak" cut fretboard extension, providing a unique aesthetic that sets it apart from its predecessors, while eliminating the “pick-click” of the more traditional extensions.
A Tribute to a Legend: The 1923 F-5 Master Model Reissue
The second offering from Gibson Custom Shop is the 1923 F-5 Master Model Reissue, a mandolin that pays homage to the unparalleled craftsmanship of the past. This instrument is more than a reissue; it's a faithful recreation of the mandolin that defined a genre a century ago.
Designed to celebrate the 100th Anniversary of the iconic F-5 and its creator, Lloyd Loar, this mandolin captures the essence of the original with an authenticity that's unparalleled. Every detail, from the varnished Cremona Brown finish to the silver-plated hardware, has been meticulously replicated to transport players and enthusiasts back to the golden age of mandolin building.
The 1923 F-5 Master Model Reissue features a highly-figured red maple back and sides, and a Red Spruce top, just like its historic predecessor. This combination of woods ensures a rich, resonant tone that embodies the soul of bluegrass and mandolin music. Each instrument comes complete with a replica case and unique case candy, adding to the sense of nostalgia and reverence for the past.
According to Gibson, the 1923 F-5 Master Model Reissue is “An exacting clone of the priceless originals which only Gibson Custom Shop could create. Every contour and spec are incorporated thanks to scientific analysis, 3D scanning, and detailed notes from Lloyd Loar himself, found in the Gibson archives. The talented luthiers of Gibson Custom Shop meticulously construct and refine each until it is a perfect representation, not only in looks but in sound and feel.”
“It’s a lot of handwork,” says Gibson Custom Master Luthier and mandolin virtuoso David Harvey. “It’s passionate people who want to do a great job to recreate something, and it is a piece of art—it’s functional art. It’s a beautiful instrument from top to bottom. We’re not copying, we’re recreating.”
The importance of the F5 mandolin in the birth of Bluegrass Music can’t be overstated as told in the new mini-documentary we filmed in honor of the 100th Anniversary of Bill Monroe’s legendary mandolin and The Acoustic Shoppe exclusive July 9, 2023 signed Gibson Monroe Hall of Fame reproduction.
The Most Famous Mandolin In The World | Full Documentary on Bill Monroe's Gibson F-5
An Exciting Preview at IBMA World of Bluegrass
The anticipation for these two remarkable mandolins reached a fever pitch when they were previewed at The Acoustic Shoppe booth during the 2023 IBMA World of Bluegrass event. This preview unveiling drew the attention of top mandolin players in the industry, including the legendary Sam Bush, who was inaugurated into the Bluegrass Hall of Fame at the same event.
Sam Bush trying the new Gibson 1923 F5 Master Model Reissue.
These new releases from Gibson Custom Shop represent not just a revival of tradition but also a leap forward in mandolin innovation. With features designed to enhance playability and craftsmanship that pay homage to the classics, they are poised to become cherished companions for mandolinists around the world.
As the release date of October 10th, 2023, finally arrives, mandolin enthusiasts and musicians alike can't help but feel a sense of excitement and anticipation. Gibson Custom Shop's commitment to excellence ensures that these mandolins will be cherished by players and collectors for generations to come. Whether you're a seasoned performer or an aspiring musician, these mandolins offer a chance to own a piece of American-made history and shape the future of mandolin music.
To purchase or reserve one of these incredible mandolins which will be in short supply and high demand, call The Acoustic Shoppe at 417-720-1223 or check our website for current availability at
www.theacousticshoppe.com/shop/Instruments/Mandolins/Gibson.htm
See Siera Hull experience the 1923 F-5 Master Model Reissue for the first time.
