DESCRIPTION:
The Gibson F-12 mandolin was built for two periods – from 1934 to 1937, and from 1948 to 1980. This example was built during 1959.
As an F-Style mandolin, the Gibson F12 is similar to other versions such as the famous F5, but there are differences. The fingerboard end is squared, instead of having a small ‘peninsula’ extension for the top two courses. The fingerboard is bound, but the headstock is not. Inlays are restrained compared to models like the F5 – simple dot inlays on the Rosewood fingerboard, and a Mother of Pearl crown and Gibson logo. Here, the fingerboard is suspended - not attached fully to the top as on some other F models.
The Gibson F12 Mandolin back and top are bookmatched and carved. The top is Sitka Spruce, while the back, sides and neck are Maple – the back is nicely flamed. The bridge and bound fingerboard are both Brazilian Rosewood, standard for this period.
Overall, this Gibson F12 Mandolin is in good clean condition with very little wear. The single-line, strip mount Kluson tuners and tailpiece are gold-plated and the plating shows very little wear. The top finish shows some pick wear and there may be some finish touchups around the neck joint. The frets are low and there is some fingerboard wear, but the instrument plays well and cleanly with low action.
This wonderful piece has the look, feel and tone of a vintage Gibson mandolin, and plays well.
The original hard shell case is included and contains a bag with picks and the original warranty card plus a deArmond 'Monkey on a Stick' single-coil pickup.
Gibson mandolins broke new ground when Orville Gibson combined traditional Mandolin and Violin designs in the closing years of the 19th century. To this point, mandolins mostly followed the European style with a bowl back and flat, folded top. Gibson substituted carved, arched plates as on violin family instruments. This resulted in dramatically improved volume, clarity and strength, while making the instruments easier to hold. The concept was adopted almost immediately and quickly displaced the traditional construction styles. Gibson mandolins remained many of the most sought-after models for decades. However in 2010, devastating floods in Nashville caused serious damage to Gibson production facilities and fixtures.
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There are no refunds or returns on used items unless authorized in advance by a Twelfth Fret Sales Associate at time of sale. View Our Full Terms Here |
DETAILS:
- Instrument Model: F-12
- Instrument Manufacturer: Gibson
- Instrument year: 1959
- Instrument Finish: Sunburst Nitrocellulose Lacquer
- Instrument Class: Used, Vintage
- Instrument serial number: A31493, built during 1959 at Kalamazoo Michigan
- Country of Origin: USA
- Instrument Condition: Good
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Playing Condition: Very Good
- Right-handed
- CITIES Documentation Required: Yes
- Case included: Yes
- Case original: Yes
- Case Type: Hard
- Instrument Weight Imperial: 2.42 lbs
- Instrument Weight Metric: 1.1 kgs
- Scale Length Imperial: 13.85 in
- Scale Length Metric: 352 mm
- Nut Width Imperial: 1.205 in
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Nut Width Metric: 30.65 mm
- Items in Case: bag with picks and the original warranty card plus a deArmond 'Monkey on a Stick' single-coil pickup
- Consignment: Yes
- Product ID: 190348
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There are no refunds or returns on used items unless authorized in advance by a Twelfth Fret Sales Associate at time of sale. View Our Full Terms Here |