Mandolin Central

Gibson F-5 mandolin #73753, Lloyd Loar, July 9, 1923

Gibson F-5 mandolin # 73753, signed “Lloyd Loar / July 9, 1923.”       This extraordinary sounding mandolin has journey from the the factory on 24 Parsons Street in Kalamazoo, Michigan, to a popular teaching studio in upstate New York; from there to the concert hall, and after a period of neglect, experienced a complete revitalization in Australia, and finally a new lease on life at the Bluegrass festivals.   The date July 9, 1923 is often excitedly referred to as the Bill Monroe date, and when Mr. Monroe was given a chance to play this one, he pronounced it “powerful.”  That says it all!!

Features and appointments of Gibson F-5 # 73753 consistent with factory specifications for this model and year include: the classic carved top and back with parallel tone bar construction; f-holes and long, one-piece curly maple neck (which centers the bridge mid-point of the f-holes); top of Adirondack spruce; back and sides of book-matched sugar maple; neck of slab cut sugar maple; top and back bound with ivoroid/black/ivoroid celluloid plastic; front of peghead with ivoroid binding; ebony fingerboard with mother-of-pearl dot position markers; fingerboard binding of ivoroid with black border and black side-dot position markers; black stained pearwood headstock veneer with inlay consisting of “The Gibson” (“G” with open top loop and dot of the “i” on foot of the “T”) and abalone flowerpot; truss rod with black “bell” plastic cover; hand-engraved tailpiece; silver plated hardware; and “Gibson Cremona Brown” finish consisting of dark shaded-sunburst stains and varnish (yellow shellac and Gibson’s unique varnish formula); and Geib and Schaefer #440 faultless rectangular case with green silk-plush lining. 

The features of Gibson F-5 # 73753 not consistent with factory original specifications are modern Waverly tuning machines (original pearl button tuners with “arrowhead” points and notched endplate are extant and included) and reproduction pickguard identical to original, with period-correct ivoroid/black/ivoroid binding and tortoise colored acetate.  In addition, the mandolin underwent restoration by brilliant luthier Stephen Gilchrist in Wernambul, Australia in 2012.  That restoration included seamless repairs on the back near the neck heel and on the rim of the cut-away (reglue back joint and install perfectly disguised maple grafts). Those repairs were performed nearly 40 years ago, and have remained intact beautifully and do not detract from structural or cosmetic condition.  Otherwise, Gibson F-5 # 73753 is in original condition, and is one of the best sounding mandolins we have ever had.  Based on our research, we have evidence that this Gibson F-5 was shipped to Mrs. Julius Blakely of Highland, New York shortly after the signing date.  Born Florence Clearwater in Lloyd, New York, in 1875, she was an English teacher and amateur mandolin player when she met her husband, Dr. Blakely.  Mrs. Blakely fulfilled her musical aspirations with local events and mandolin clubs.After receiving the mandolin, she wrote Gibson: “The Gibson Master Mandolin has arrived, and it is a beauty.  I am delighted with it—the tone is wonderful.” The mandolin surfaced again in 1980, and eventually found its way to New England Bluegrass musician and author, Phil Zimmerman, best known for his book, “Bluegrass Time: A Musician’s Photographs of the Early Days of Bluegrass Festivals.”  Mr. Zimmerman sent the instrument to Mr. Gilchrist for restoration.  In late 2022, Tony Williamson began his time with the mandolin and performed with it at many venues including Merlefest, Savannah Music Festival, and, most recently, David Benedict’s “Mandolin Mondays,” webcast on “Mandolin Café.”

This is indeed an extraordinary instrument, now in search of a new home and another century of music. For a fun and completely improvised romp, check out this video.

For a quieter and more introspective assessment of the range of this versatile instrument, check out Tony’s appearance on David Benedict’s Mandolin Mondays.

Please email us at mandolincentral@gmail.com for terms of purchase and delivery. Feel free to ask questions or request additional photos and informaiton. Thank you!