Instrument List
Updated January 8, 2012

• Gibson F-5 # 72857, signed by Lloyd Loar on April 12, 1923; with original case & memorabilia. Beautiful, all original example in excellent condition, with original Virzi Tone Producer # 10300 intact and unaltered.  This mandolin was purchased new and used exclusively by Wallace Zeibarth of Minnesota who performed with the Albert Bellson Quartet. Features and appointments on Gibson F-5 # 72857 are consistent with factory specifications for this model and year and include the classic carved top and parallel tone bar construction with f-holes and long, one-piece curly maple neck  (which places the bridge in the center of the f-holes); headstock inlay consisting of “The Gibson” and abalone flowerpot; pearl button tuners with notched endplate; hand-engraved tailpiece; pick guard following body points; all hardware silver plated; and a unique light Cremona shaded-sunburst varnish finish. Gibson F-5 # 72857 is excellent condition. There have been no repairs, this mandolin is completely original including frets and bridge, showing play wear on the back of neck only. Original Geib and Sons case is included, also in excellent condition.  Also included is a collection of memorabilia associated with Mr. Zeibarth's career and includes music, photographs, articles and concert bills.  Photograph included here shows Mr. Zeibarth holding F-5 #72857 in the top left and proceeds clockwise with Clifton Peterson on mandocello, Vergel Vanzora with mandola and Albert Bellson, mandolin, circa late 1920s.  The tone of this mandolin is one of a well played classical virtuoso, full and rich in every position. Please call or email for an appointment to examine and play this great, historical mandolin; and for pricing.  919-663-3551; tony@mandolincentral.com.
• Gibson F-4 mandolin, 1922 #69917.  Excellent condition and playability on this beautiful well figured one piece back oval hole mandolin from very early in the Loar transition.  The low positioned single flower pot earmarks an early aspect of truss rod installation.  The peghead was broken off at some point and there has been a highly professional neck graft behind the nut.  The touch up finish makes this nearly invisible, and the original peghead overlay was saved and is installed and has refinish. The repairs are top quality and the mandolin is structurally sound and has shown no signs of problem over the ten years since these repairs were done. The rest of the mandolin is in extremely fine condition, and sounds wonderful: full, rich, especially nice warm bass, bright upper register and warm mids. This is a great buy on a Loar era instrument at only $6500.00.
• 1923 Gibson F-2 mandolin # 73221. Extremely fine completely original example of a Loar era oval hole mandolin with truss rod and adjustable bridge, spruce top, birch back and sides, dark mahogany finish with sunburst top, mahogany one piece neck, tortoise colored acetate pick guard with patent stamp, rounded neck heel, "The Gibson" peg head inlay. Original case, also in excellent condition.  A veritable time capsule from the Lloyd Loar period of Gibson.  $6900.

• Paul Duff F-5 mandolins.  World class quality varnish finish mandolins in the great Loar tradition imported from Australia.  Now in stock!!
• Paul Duff F-5.  Flat and radius fingerboard models now In Stock!!  Varnish sunburst, Paul Duff from Western Australia has taken his place as one of the top luthiers working today.  His current works have to be seen and heard to be believed!  (photo of 2006 1 pc back F-5).  Building the F-5  for Rebecca Lovell, the brilliant young mandolinist with the Lovell sisters, is unfolding right before our eyes!  check it out here: building process; and the next steps, building process2.   More progress here:  building process 3.  It gets really exciting when colour is added, and then the French polish!  Current price: $9000, add Waverly tuners, $9500.
• Paul Duff A-5.  Same state of the art construction and attention to detail, not to mention great sound, like Paul's F-5; $5000.
  
•  Wade Master model, IN STOCK! Features include F-body style with flamed maple back & sides, Adirondack spruce top, top & back carved, tone bar bracing, flamed maple neck, pearl dot inlaid bound ebony fingerboard, adjustable ebony bridge, pearl nut, bound tortoise pickguard, gold hardware, "The Wade" script logo and classic flowerpot peghead inlays, engraved tailpiece cover, top, back & peghead triple bound, pearlescent tuning machine buttons, varnish sunburst finish, includes hardshell case. And the sound is that tremendous presence associated with some of the best pre-war mandolins. Not only does this mandolin combine exceptional quality unheard of in this price range, but in our opinion this is a builder to watch for those interested in speculating on whose mandolins will rise in price! Retail: $6150.00  Virzi available.  Inquire for discounted price.

Randy Wood Mandolins

• New! Randy Wood limited edition Mandolin Central F-5.  At the request of Tony Williamson, with this limited edition instrument Randy Wood has returned to the classic construction and sound that made him THE legendary figure in the history of 1920s Loar F-5 reproductions.  This instrument combines classic wood selection of red spruce and northern curly maple with the tap tuning skill that Randy has honed since the 1960s.  This amazing mandolin features a classic varnish finish, and most importantly the woody sound that all Bluegrass players are seeking.  Just a few examples are being built (plans are to do only a half dozen instruments) and the LAST mandolin of this LIMITED EDITION is now available for sale at $8500.  Call for more information.
  

• RW A-5 .   Randy's classic 2 point A-5 in stock ready to ship.  The prototype for this model was originally built for Clarence White.  Clean and  clear voice, plenty of volume and plays like a dream.  Cremona sunburst model in stock.  Price $5500.

VIOLIN FAMILY

• Many fiddles, mostly German, can outfit with case and bow. $500 to $1950. Inquire for additional details.

• We will no longer be offering Calton cases made at the new factory at Moncton, Canada due to disappointment in quality, fit, and most of all, reliability of office staff.