Established 1970

Featured Inventory Archives 1999-2012

Gruhn Guitars Gibson Loar F-5

1924 Gibson F-5


In 1922, Gibson "acoustic engineer" Lloyd Loar made a number of design changes to the Gibson F-style (scroll-body) mandolin to create the Style 5 Master Model. The F-5 mandolins made under Loar's supervision, and signed by him, from 1922 until he left Gibson in 1924, are considered to be the pinnacle of American mandolin design.

This 1924 F-5 exemplifies the mystique of the Loar models, with a dark Cremona brown sunburst finish, beautifully grained wood, and a powerful sound. The tuners are new vintage replicas from Gibson, the tailpiece is an F-4 style from the 1920s, and the pickguard is missing. The most recent owners have had this mandolin for 65 years, but the Loar signature and date as well as model number and serial number have been scratched off the labels. It is equipped with a Virzi Tone Producer, and the serial number on the Virzi is consistent with F-5s signed on March 31, 1924.

This mandolin (inv. #MF4481) is in excellent condition and with hardshell case is priced at $65,000

This instrument is SOLD

For further enjoyment...
Close of body
Scroll area
Back of scroll area
Back of body
End of fingerboard
Headstock