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1917 Gibson F-4 mandolin - Martin Barre Collection
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1917 Gibson F-4 mandolin - Martin Barre Collection

1917 Gibson F-4 mandolin - Martin Barre Collection

$4,995.00
1917 Gibson F-4 mandolin - Martin Barre Collection—
$4,995.00

The Story

A beautifully preserved example of one of Gibson’s flagship mandolin from the golden age of acoustic instrument production, this 1917 Gibson F-4 embodies the craftsmanship, tonal richness, and aesthetic detail that defined the company’s pre-war artistry.

Martin has used this very mandolin on tours and various recordings through the years and is easy to record with the classic Gibson F series, unmistakable sound.

Finished in its classic dark red Cremona sunburst, the carved spruce top and carved birch back display remarkable depth and character, with the kind of patina and subtle ageing only a century can produce. The elegant triple binding, ornate flowerpot headstock inlay, and the signature scroll body highlight why the F-4 was Gibson’s top-of-the-line mandolin prior to the Loar-signed era.

Tonally, this instrument is everything an F-4 should be: warm, full, and beautifully balanced, with a deep, resonant low end and a round, singing treble response. The oval soundhole offers a more open, lyrical voice than its later f-hole counterparts—ideal for classical, Celtic, old-time, and melodic ensemble playing.

The mahogany neck with its classic early-20th-century profile remains straight and comfortable, and the original ebony fingerboard shows only minimal wear for its age. Hardware, including the ornate hand-engraved tailpiece cover and original tuning machines, is intact and functioning well. Structurally, the instrument is excellent, with no concerning repairs or stability issues aside from a small piece of binding that has become loose from the side (see pics).

Finding a 1917 F-4 in this condition is increasingly rare. This is a soulful, highly collectible mandolin with outstanding tone and remarkable originality—equally suited to the discerning player or the serious vintage collector.

Includes: Original hard case.
1917 Gibson F-4 mandolin - Martin Barre Collection - Image 2

Details & Craftsmanship

Every detail has been carefully considered to bring you the perfect product.

1917 Gibson F-4 mandolin - Martin Barre Collection - Image 3

Details & Craftsmanship

Every detail has been carefully considered to bring you the perfect product.

1917 Gibson F-4 mandolin - Martin Barre Collection - Image 4

Details & Craftsmanship

Every detail has been carefully considered to bring you the perfect product.

1917 Gibson F-4 mandolin - Martin Barre Collection - Image 5

Details & Craftsmanship

Every detail has been carefully considered to bring you the perfect product.

1917 Gibson F-4 mandolin - Martin Barre Collection - Image 6

Details & Craftsmanship

Every detail has been carefully considered to bring you the perfect product.

1917 Gibson F-4 mandolin - Martin Barre Collection - Image 7

Details & Craftsmanship

Every detail has been carefully considered to bring you the perfect product.

1917 Gibson F-4 mandolin - Martin Barre Collection - Image 8

Details & Craftsmanship

Every detail has been carefully considered to bring you the perfect product.

1917 Gibson F-4 mandolin - Martin Barre Collection - Image 9

Details & Craftsmanship

Every detail has been carefully considered to bring you the perfect product.

1917 Gibson F-4 mandolin - Martin Barre Collection - Image 10

Details & Craftsmanship

Every detail has been carefully considered to bring you the perfect product.

1917 Gibson F-4 mandolin - Martin Barre Collection - Image 11

Details & Craftsmanship

Every detail has been carefully considered to bring you the perfect product.

1917 Gibson F-4 mandolin - Martin Barre Collection - Image 12

Details & Craftsmanship

Every detail has been carefully considered to bring you the perfect product.

1917 Gibson F-4 mandolin - Martin Barre Collection - Image 13

Details & Craftsmanship

Every detail has been carefully considered to bring you the perfect product.

1917 Gibson F-4 mandolin - Martin Barre Collection - Image 14

Details & Craftsmanship

Every detail has been carefully considered to bring you the perfect product.

1917 Gibson F-4 mandolin - Martin Barre Collection - Image 15

Details & Craftsmanship

Every detail has been carefully considered to bring you the perfect product.

1917 Gibson F-4 mandolin - Martin Barre Collection - Image 16

Details & Craftsmanship

Every detail has been carefully considered to bring you the perfect product.

1917 Gibson F-4 mandolin - Martin Barre Collection - Image 17

Details & Craftsmanship

Every detail has been carefully considered to bring you the perfect product.

1917 Gibson F-4 mandolin - Martin Barre Collection - Image 18

Details & Craftsmanship

Every detail has been carefully considered to bring you the perfect product.

1917 Gibson F-4 mandolin - Martin Barre Collection - Image 19

Details & Craftsmanship

Every detail has been carefully considered to bring you the perfect product.

1917 Gibson F-4 mandolin - Martin Barre Collection - Image 20

Details & Craftsmanship

Every detail has been carefully considered to bring you the perfect product.

1917 Gibson F-4 mandolin - Martin Barre Collection - Image 21

Details & Craftsmanship

Every detail has been carefully considered to bring you the perfect product.

1917 Gibson F-4 mandolin - Martin Barre Collection - Image 22

Details & Craftsmanship

Every detail has been carefully considered to bring you the perfect product.

1917 Gibson F-4 mandolin - Martin Barre Collection - Image 23

Details & Craftsmanship

Every detail has been carefully considered to bring you the perfect product.

1917 Gibson F-4 mandolin - Martin Barre Collection - Image 24

Details & Craftsmanship

Every detail has been carefully considered to bring you the perfect product.

1917 Gibson F-4 mandolin - Martin Barre Collection - Image 25

Details & Craftsmanship

Every detail has been carefully considered to bring you the perfect product.

1917 Gibson F-4 mandolin - Martin Barre Collection - Image 26

Details & Craftsmanship

Every detail has been carefully considered to bring you the perfect product.

1917 Gibson F-4 mandolin - Martin Barre Collection - Image 27

Details & Craftsmanship

Every detail has been carefully considered to bring you the perfect product.

1917 Gibson F-4 mandolin - Martin Barre Collection - Image 28

Details & Craftsmanship

Every detail has been carefully considered to bring you the perfect product.

1917 Gibson F-4 mandolin - Martin Barre Collection - Image 29

Details & Craftsmanship

Every detail has been carefully considered to bring you the perfect product.

1917 Gibson F-4 mandolin - Martin Barre Collection - Image 30

Details & Craftsmanship

Every detail has been carefully considered to bring you the perfect product.

1917 Gibson F-4 mandolin - Martin Barre Collection - Image 31

Details & Craftsmanship

Every detail has been carefully considered to bring you the perfect product.

1917 Gibson F-4 mandolin - Martin Barre Collection - Image 32

Details & Craftsmanship

Every detail has been carefully considered to bring you the perfect product.

1917 Gibson F-4 mandolin - Martin Barre Collection - Image 33

Details & Craftsmanship

Every detail has been carefully considered to bring you the perfect product.

1917 Gibson F-4 mandolin - Martin Barre Collection - Image 34

Details & Craftsmanship

Every detail has been carefully considered to bring you the perfect product.

1917 Gibson F-4 mandolin - Martin Barre Collection - Image 35

Details & Craftsmanship

Every detail has been carefully considered to bring you the perfect product.

1917 Gibson F-4 mandolin - Martin Barre Collection - Image 36

Details & Craftsmanship

Every detail has been carefully considered to bring you the perfect product.

1917 Gibson F-4 mandolin - Martin Barre Collection - Image 37

Details & Craftsmanship

Every detail has been carefully considered to bring you the perfect product.

1917 Gibson F-4 mandolin - Martin Barre Collection - Image 38

Details & Craftsmanship

Every detail has been carefully considered to bring you the perfect product.

1917 Gibson F-4 mandolin - Martin Barre Collection - Image 39

Details & Craftsmanship

Every detail has been carefully considered to bring you the perfect product.

1917 Gibson F-4 mandolin - Martin Barre Collection - Image 40

Details & Craftsmanship

Every detail has been carefully considered to bring you the perfect product.

Description

A beautifully preserved example of one of Gibson’s flagship mandolin from the golden age of acoustic instrument production, this 1917 Gibson F-4 embodies the craftsmanship, tonal richness, and aesthetic detail that defined the company’s pre-war artistry.

Martin has used this very mandolin on tours and various recordings through the years and is easy to record with the classic Gibson F series, unmistakable sound.

Finished in its classic dark red Cremona sunburst, the carved spruce top and carved birch back display remarkable depth and character, with the kind of patina and subtle ageing only a century can produce. The elegant triple binding, ornate flowerpot headstock inlay, and the signature scroll body highlight why the F-4 was Gibson’s top-of-the-line mandolin prior to the Loar-signed era.

Tonally, this instrument is everything an F-4 should be: warm, full, and beautifully balanced, with a deep, resonant low end and a round, singing treble response. The oval soundhole offers a more open, lyrical voice than its later f-hole counterparts—ideal for classical, Celtic, old-time, and melodic ensemble playing.

The mahogany neck with its classic early-20th-century profile remains straight and comfortable, and the original ebony fingerboard shows only minimal wear for its age. Hardware, including the ornate hand-engraved tailpiece cover and original tuning machines, is intact and functioning well. Structurally, the instrument is excellent, with no concerning repairs or stability issues aside from a small piece of binding that has become loose from the side (see pics).

Finding a 1917 F-4 in this condition is increasingly rare. This is a soulful, highly collectible mandolin with outstanding tone and remarkable originality—equally suited to the discerning player or the serious vintage collector.

Includes: Original hard case.

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