Gibson F-5 mandolin #73731, July 9, 1923
Gibson F-5 signed by Lloyd Loar July 9, 1923 in extremely fine original condition.
Gibson F-5 73731 July 9, 1923
1923 Gibson F-5 mandolin # 73731 signed by Lloyd Loar on July 9, 1923 in extremely fine original condition. This one is for the serious mandolin player, and for that person, this is a dream come true: condition, originality and sound all score 10 out of 10. In fact, 73731 is a marvel to behold in every way! Whether you are a fan of Bill Monroe (this mandolin was signed the same day as Mr. Monroe’s famous F-5 #73987) or an advocate of one or all of the other styles we steer our mandolins toward these days, this one gets the job done with elegance and refinement, or if you dial up the right hand, majestic power and command. It goes anywhere you want to steer it.
Features and appointments on this Gibson F-5 # 73731 are consistent with factory specifications for this model and year and include the classic carved Adirondack Spruce top with f-holes and parallel tone bars; Quarter sawn, book matched and highly flamed Sugar Maple back and sides; long, one-piece curly maple neck (which places the bridge in the center of the f-holes); headstock inlay consisting of “The Gibson” in mother-of-pearl and flowerpot in highly colored abalone; pearl button tuners with notched endplate; hand-engraved tailpiece; pick guard following body points; all hardware silver plated; Cremona dark shaded-sunburst varnish finish and Geib and Schaefer case with green silk liner. In the last 102 years, the only repair this mandolin ever encountered was by the world’s greatest Loar F-5 restoration expert, Steven Gilchrist. The neck reset was so well done, we have yet to discover any evidence of that repair, if Mr. Gilchrist had not told us.
Let’s get back to Bill Monroe. On January 11, 1945, the Blue Grass Man walked into a barber shop in Miami, Florida and walked out with a pristine Gibson F-5 mandolin dated July 9, 1923. That mandolin energized his style and exemplified his persona for the next half century. Now, F-5 73731 awaits the next King Arthur to pull the sword out of the stone and build his or her legacy for the next half century! We can even meet you in a barbershop (or salon) and we’ll let history repeat itself!!
(Read more on Bill Monroe’s famous acquisition, and other illustrious July 9, 1923 F-5 owners)
Please ask for Tony Williamson at Mandolin Central for more information, photos and terms.
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