I'll happily reveal my ignorance in order to dispel it: what does it mean to say a mandolin is a "Fern?"
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I'll happily reveal my ignorance in order to dispel it: what does it mean to say a mandolin is a "Fern?"
Ha!
Yes, That would be confusing to those who don't know.
When the F5 was introduced the peghead inlay was the "flower pot". Later, some of them had a different inlay with sort of leaf-like frilly shapes, and the inlay was referred to as the fern inlay. All mandolins with Loar's signature on the label are called "Loars" because of that signature, even the ones with fern inlays. Those relatively rare mandolins with both a signature and a fern inlay are sometimes called fern Loars.
After Lloyd Loar left the building and there were no longer Loar-signed labels inside of F5, the fern inlay remained and such a mandolin came to be known a "fern".
There are some F5 mandolins that were in production before ol' Lloyd left them behind and didn't sign their labels and those are often called "unsigned Loar" mandolins. That has always been a funny contradiction of terms to me, but... what do I know!?
This refers to the peg head inlay on a mandolin, typically an F-5. Early Gibson F-5's either had a Fern or a Flower Pot - someone far more tech savvy than me can probably post pictures.
(looks like we were typing at the same time...)
Kirk
And today the Gibson Fern is kind of their standard model. Has been since its reintroduction around 1980-ish.
Another distinguishing difference is that Ferns (vintage and new) are typically Sitka topped with a lacquer finish. The Loars and today’s Master Models are Adirondack topped with a varnish finish.
Thank you, John.
Another question for the Fern-Explication Team: I have on a few occasions (I've been reading lots of ads lately) seen the non-Gibson mandolins described as Fern. From what I've learned from your responses, I take it this is a misuse of the label?
It means we'll have Fern Fern Fern til her daddy takes her T-bird away!
Also, I guess (e.g) a Weber Fern has both the fern inlay and is saying that it's built on the same principles?
& Fern 'fiddle heads' are the Original scroll of Nature.. forest asparagus any one?
http://www.marksdailyapple.com/how-t...#axzz6rZvfMPNR
Here are my 2 Ferns although technically the one on the left is an F5-L ('81) and the one on the right is a Fern ('06). According to Joe Vest, formerly of Gibson, " In 2003 the designation of F5L was discontinued to keep the current Fern from being confused with it".
It's doubtful that anyone here would remember this one. I Think I posted pictures of it back in the early part of this century when I finished it. Serial # 007.
(My sense of humor slips right past a lot of people. I sometimes say my jokes go under people's heads.)
Attachment 193438
John Hamlett: that is a real fern inlay! Kudos!
That is a great fern indeed! And from 1970!
Thanks, Caleb. I make my living with words. . . .
The name Fern is used to describe Mandolins with a Fern on the Headstock.
i think this is considered a "fern" inlay on this headstock of this Weber. I have no idea how similar or dis-similar it may be compared to the Gibson, assuming that it is indeed a fern style inlay(i am not versed in all the different inlay style patterns-i either like or dislike something).
Attachment 193468
I don't think the owner of this mandolin would object to me posting this picture. This is reported to be the first "fern", so at the very least it is the first known fern.
(I took some pictures when it was in the shop for some minor repairs and maintenance.)
So, this is the Gibson fern inlay.
Attachment 193469
It means that it thrives in damp, shaded forests