F Mandolins
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Brand New Altman MF5, Maple/Adirondack Spruce
Altman just dropped off this brand new MF5, and already we’re smitten. Red Spruce top over Figured Maple body (ditto for the neck), all finished in varnish for a velvety, hand-rubbed feel in hand. 1 3/16″ nut and a smooth V profile makes for an easy and familiar experience for the left hand. Setup is also easy peasy. We got our own Drew Matulich to put it through its paces, and we’re sure glad we did–he let’s this Altman MF5 sing out! Give us a shout if you want to learn more or take it out for a spin yourself.
Other keywords/misspellings – blue grass, f-5, mando
SOLD Read moreScale Length 13.875 in Nut Width 1.1875 in String Spacing 1.5 in Woods Spruce - Adirondack (Red), Maple 
2003 Breedlove Cascade Mandolin Flamed Maple/Sitka
We’ve got a live-wire of a mandolin from the folks at Breedlove Guitars in the story today! In addition to making distinctive and expressive guitars, Breedlove also makes fine mandolins, like this 2003 Breedlove Cascade. With Flamed Maple for the back, sides, and neck, and Sitka Spruce on top, this modified F-style (which Breedlove has coined the “K-style“) has great drive and an energetic, punchy tone. The clarity and articulation of this mandolin set it apart from others in this price range (no damp, flubby notes here), making it an excellent buy for either the guitarist looking to expand his repertoire or the mandolinist looking for a great gigging mando. This one is set up great for Bluegrass, but it could be easily adapted for Blues or Traditional music. Lastly, this mandolin comes with the original briefcase-style Breedlove hardshell case.
SOLD Read moreScale Length 14 in Nut Width 1.19 in String Spacing 1.69 in Woods Spruce - Sitka, Maple - Figured 
Collings MF5OV Flamed Maple/Adirondack First Ever Oval Hole
This was the very first Collings Oval Hole MF Style Mandolin. It has a one piece highly figured Maple back and a stunning Adirondack Spruce top. It is finished in Varnish for maximum tone. This beautiful mando was so good it sold before we could get on the website.
2012 Ellis F Style Flamed Maple/Sitka
Here we have a Tom Ellis F style Mandolin in Highly Figure Maple and Sitka Spruce. Tom is widely regarded as one of the best Mandolin Luthiers in the world, If you are a bluegrass mandolin player you know Toms name and his instruments. This F style is easily one of the nicest sounding and playing mandolins we have had, it has plenty of tone and chop to cut through a heavy bluegrass mix, but it is also sweet and excels at solo work. There is little doubt after playing this mandolin that Tom Ellis is a master Luthier, this instrument is flawless in every aspect from construction to finish, a true masterpiece.
SOLD Read moreScale Length 13.88 in Nut Width 1.19 in String Spacing 1.5 in Woods Spruce - Sitka, Maple 
1923 Gibson F-5 Lloyd Loar, Maple/Spruce
Amazing. This is among the rarest, and finest, Gibson mandolins we’ve had the pleasure of hosting: a 1923 F-5 Lloyd Loar. All original, right down to the virzi inside, and still in great playing shape today, 100 years later. That in itself is amazing–this beauty is still going strong! This ’23 Loar comes to us with serial number 72857, carved body of Maple body with Spruce top, light sunburst finish, smooth tuner operation and weighs in just over two pounds.
The Loar era has forever changed the definition of the American mandolin, and here we have a pristine example of his early magic that’s inspired so many generations of builders and players.
Check out this link through Mandolin Central to learn more about the provenance of this piece of Gibson history: http://www.mandolincentral.com/lloyd-loar-mandolin-zeibarth
Other keywords: loyd, f5, f 5, verzi, drew matulich, f-style
SOLD Read moreScale Length 13.937 in Nut Width 1.063 in String Spacing 1.531 in Woods Spruce - Adirondack (Red), Maple 
1920 Gibson F4 Mandolin, Maple/Spruce
A gorgeous, mostly original Gibson F4 from 1920. Figured Maple body with Spruce on top and a Varnish finish throughout, Ivoroid bindings and half rope rosette trim, original inlaid tuners and pickguard—it’s a sweetheart. Gibson wasn’t using adjustable bridges until the 1920s, so we believe this bridge was added afterwards, although the footprint of the bridge matches the impressions in the top finish. If it is replaced, it appears to have been done very early in its life. Our repair staff recently went over it from tuner to tail and have given it a clean bill of health (and refretting it for a killer setup).
Other keywords: f style, bluegrass mandolin, mando, chop, 565421, flamed maple
SOLD Read moreScale Length 12.875 in Nut Width 1.25 in String Spacing 1.5 in Woods Spruce, Maple - Figured 
2001 Gibson Sam Bush Flamed Maple/Spruce
Here is the wonderful Gibson Master Model Sam Bush Signature F-5 Mandolin. This is an exacting replica of Sam Bush’s own 1930 Gibson F-5. Made with the finest Flamed Maple and Spruce and featuring a slightly wider nut and spacing to allow you more room to fly up the fingerboard. The tone is wonderfully vintage, rich and smokey with great chop and power. Single note lines ring out and cut beautifully. This one is in excellent condition and comes with the original case as well.
1910 Gibson F-2 Maple/Spruce
Here we have a very sweet Gibson F-2 Mandolin from 1910. FON #1191, and featuring Inlaid Handel Tuners as well as the original Tooled Leather Case with the ‘drop out’ bottom design. This one appears to be all original and plays beautifully. There is a label inside reading ‘Sole British Agent: A. de Vekey indicating this one has spent it’s life on the other side of the pond until coming back home to America now. Collectors and players alike will love this, nearly 100 year old, mandolin.
2002 Henderson F-5 Mandolin, Flamed Maple/Spruce
From the famed workbench of Wayne Henderson, we have another Henderson F5 Mandolin here to prove what an F-style mando is supposed to sound like! This 2002 F5 has a gorgeous sunburst finish, Grained Ivoroid trim, and custom-made brass tailpiece with a hinged cover engraced with Wayne’s own moniker. Lloyd Loar would be proud to call this mandolin a descendant of his own creations–quick response, stellar string-to-string separation, and impressive projection.
Weighing in at 2lbs on the nose, this Henderson F5 is a Maple-and-Spruce featherweight in the hands, but offers some meaty sustain, especially with the crystalline treble strings. Lots of chop for a Bluegrass session, but clarity and articulation enough for Jazz and experimental flavors, too. There are only ever a few of Wayne’s mandolins available on the market: jump before this one disappears!