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I can't confirm that Jim. But, I think whatever Spann has in print should be trusted information

I have studied this subject extensively over the years. My F5Journal, if you have ever seen the print version documents the entire metamorphosis for F5 Mandolin peghead inlay. In general, the...

I am going to have to disagree with some of the posters here. The pickguard you have is Loar era. No, it would not have come on a 1923 like you have. I'm guessing your A2 is from the July batch...

I believe your question has been answered. But, I find the case to be equally important to a vintage instrument as the various parts attached to the instrument itself. Anything short of the...

Very good

That spot has been there since I've known the mandolin(1966). I believe it came from the case. The A5 does not fit exactly right in an F5 case (which it came with) and rubs right there. ...

This serial number is so close to '24 that it would be hard to argue whether it's a 23 or 24. The Loar mandolins signed on December 11, 1923 are about 300 numbers earlier

The prices are all over the place. I know for a fact that several snake A4's have recently sold for $6000 or a bit more. It requires the right person at the right time. The $4000-$4500 range does...

The crack sounds like a "heat bending crack" in the side. These are common and usually left the factory that way. They are like a layer of wood sticking up slightly. They were glued down and...

I would like to add this. Outside of a very few high end builders, most builders are not fantastic at everything. Whether it be frets, finish, fit, creating a specific sonic quality, following a...

Max, I do this all the time. On a router table, with pattern bit, template and carpet tape. The trick is to work the celluloid down close to the pattern you are using via a spindle sander. This...

You may be correct there. I can't see the texture in any photos, but the color is there

An accurate Loar style adjustable bridge will do the following to your mandolin: 1) Provide a better balance of bass and treble, 2) provide a tighter more attackable feel to the strings, for a bit...

I agree on the assessment of the finish. I see no evidence of refinish. The bridge and pickguard appear to be original to the mandolin. There are no marks from a shorter smaller solid bridge. ...

I may have one or two if that does not work

I must ask this question here. Is there another set of holes in the fingerboard where the guard may possibly have been installed in another position?

I ask only because the guard tip usually...

Hogo and RC are exactly correct. They are at an angle and are usually somewhat corroded and very difficult to remove.

I believe these were installed at like a 30 degree angle so the nails could...

I meant no harm. I just meant to clarify that it's not some secret handshake society of Shieks

Oddball stuff needs to be one offs. We do usually have an F4 or F7 although they don't meet the...

Well, Bill, that's a bit schmaltzy, I run the Loar Fest portion of the Banjothon event. The entire event is not advertised and is by word of mouth for numerous reasons which we will not discuss. It...

I recommend no. It's original to the mandolin. Removal was tried on an unsigned currently for sale. End result is "finish has been messed with"

The are no repairs to the instrument. The pickguard is one of my replacements. As to it being "refreshed/French polished". This is an enigma. The mandolin bears a 1925-ish finish, but is of 1918...

Here are some photos of an F4 I got a few months back. Also included is a rare case I just got from a Café member

I apologize for the orientation stuff, it's an iPhone. Maybe Scott will be nice...

I fully believe that Gibson started overspraying all instruments that left the factory at some point around early 1925. I believe this happened in conjunction with the change to a soft lacquer...

Correct. Simply paint your teeth with white Rust-O-Leum. Voila, enamel is fixed

This is how the frets are supposed to line up
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