$3,800 plus shipping.
I’m offering this 1955 Gibson F-12 on consignment for its third owner, who purchased it in 2003. It’s a loud, fine-sounding mandolin with the bark and rhythmic punch you want for bluegrass, along with the nuance for blues, jazz, and other styles.
The mandolin was in collector-quality condition when the current owner acquired it. Since then, it has been played extensively on working-musician gigs and has received significant professional work from Randy Wood and Indiana acoustic-instrument repair specialist Ben Taylor. This is a vintage player’s instrument with modifications and playing wear, all detailed below.
The owner has maintained an unusually thorough ownership and repair history, including the original 2003 Mandolin Cafe advertisement. Copies of these records are available to the buyer upon request, with the owner’s name removed for privacy.
Construction and specifications
- Spruce top
- Curly maple back and sides
- Mahogany neck
- Nut width: 1¼ inches
- Serial number: 20546
- G-string action: 3/32 inch at the 12th fret and 1/16 inch at the first fret, measured from the top of the fret.
Original components and modifications
The original pickguard, nut, and gold-plated tuners remain with the instrument. The bridge and tailpiece have been replaced, and the pickguard screw is not original. A Baggs RTSII pickup system was installed in 2008.
Documented professional work
- 2005, Randy Wood: graduated the top; reset the neck; made a replacement bridge; replaced the first 12 frets.
- 2008, Ben Taylor: installed replacement tailpiece and Baggs RTSII pickup system.
- 2011, Ben Taylor: dressed and crowned the frets.
- 2017, Ben Taylor: leveled the fingerboard and performed a refret.
The owner has played the mandolin less frequently since the 2017 work, in part because of the pandemic.
Current condition
This mandolin shows wear from years of regular playing, including finish wear on the top where the player rested a finger while picking, finish crazing, and nicks along the sides. The small decorative scroll on the headstock was broken off and reglued.
These cosmetic details and the headstock scroll repair are disclosed as part of the instrument’s history, alongside the professional work listed above. It should be considered a well-played, modified vintage mandolin rather than an untouched collector example.
Sound
This F-12 delivers the volume and bark that make a bluegrass rhythm chop work, but its appeal extends beyond bluegrass. It’s also a nuanced, expressive instrument for blues, jazz, and other styles. For a player seeking a vintage Gibson with a strong voice and a carefully documented history, this is a fine mandolin to consider.
Case and price
The original hardshell case is included. The case handle has been repaired with tape. $3,800 plus shipping. Offered on consignment through Jim Richter.
Contact
Email Jim at jim@jimrichter.com with questions or to inquire about purchasing.
Video demonstration
Photo gallery
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