1933 Gibson F-12 Mandolin

The original Gibson F-12 mandolin was introduced in 1934 and only built for 3 years until being discontinued in 1937. The F-12 designation reappeared in 1949, but was an entirely different instrument This model featured a short, F-4 length neck, but has the same scale length as an F-5 which places the bridge somewhat closer to the tailpiece. The fretboard and headstock are both bound and feature fancy inlays identical to those found on the lesser-priced all black F-10. With a spruce top finished in a beautiful red/yellow sunburst, the F-12 had a figured maple back and sides, finished in dark maroon and a mahogany neck with a Brazilian rosewood fingerboard.

This instrument is in very clean original condition with original gold-plated tuners and tailpiece. The tone is clear, bright and balanced and the instrument plays easily and is well suited for many styles. This mandolin is extremely rare, as very few were manufactured It was priced just under the top-of-the-line F-5.

Attention serious mandolin collectors — We also have listed a pre-war F-7 and F-10 and are open to offers on the complete set of all three of these hardest to obtain Gibson mandolins.

$19,500 with original “red-line” hard case.

Contact: dawginstruments@gmail.com