The Gibson F-5, first designed by Lloyd Loar in 1922, forever changed the mandolin’s place in American music. With its two-point F-style body, parallel bracing, and raised fingerboard, it became the blueprint for the modern mandolin—both visually and sonically. This 2000 Gibson F-5 Master Model, signed by the late Charlie Derrington, carries that same legacy forward. Derrington, renowned for restoring Bill Monroe’s original F-5 and leading Gibson’s acoustic division, oversaw some of the finest instruments built since Loar’s era. His signature on this piece adds both prestige and collectability.
This mandolin is as close to the real thing as you can get. It’s been played in just the right amount, giving it an open, mature tone that only comes with time. Beautiful finish checking adds to its vintage character, and while there are a few small touch-ups, the instrument remains in excellent overall condition. This Master Model sounds phenomenal—thick, resonant, and full of subtle nuance. The truss rod cover has been replaced, and both a tone guard and armrest have been added for enhanced comfort and projection.
Comes with OHC