1909 Gibson F-4

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1909 Gibson F-4

Gibson’s F-4 mandolin was first cataloged in 1902 and featured a “3 point” body until the more familiar 2 point shape was introduced in 1910. This example is a phenomenally well-preserved F-4 from 1909 which features a natural top finish, highly figured bookmatched maple back, Handel tuning machines, pearl nut, and “Patent Applied For” pickguard.

This particular instrument was previously owned by David Grisman and is accompanied by a letter documenting that provenance. Grisman’s 1976 Rounder Record features a nearly identical 1909 Gibson F-4 on its cover, which is one of Grisman’s longtime mandolins. That same F-4 is featured on Grisman and Tony Rice’s seminal album, Tone Poems, from 1994.

In exceptional condition and completely original, this F-4 has a crack free body with no top sink or repairs, gorgeous original lacquer finish, Torch and Wire headstock inlay, Violin chinrest pickguard clamps, pineapple tailpiece cover, original bridge, frets, and nut. The neck may or may not have been reset – it’s quite hard to tell but for from a few minor cracks in the finish near the body joint.

Set-up in shop, this F4 plays well on original frets that are largely unworn.

With non-original hardshell case
1909 Gibson F-4
  • 1909 Gibson F-4
  • 1909 Gibson F-4
  • 1909 Gibson F-4
  • 1909 Gibson F-4
  • 1909 Gibson F-4
  • 1909 Gibson F-4
  • 1909 Gibson F-4
  • 1909 Gibson F-4
  • 1909 Gibson F-4
  • 1909 Gibson F-4
  • 1909 Gibson F-4
  • 1909 Gibson F-4
  • 1909 Gibson F-4
  • 1909 Gibson F-4
  • 1909 Gibson F-4
  • 1909 Gibson F-4
  • 1909 Gibson F-4
  • 1909 Gibson F-4
  • 1909 Gibson F-4
  • 1909 Gibson F-4

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