Gibson "Monroe" model F-5s - 200 of 'em

[mandobouy]

Hi,
Does any one know if these "Monroe" models had any construction differences or features which give them sonic traits different from the ferns or any other gibson model from that era ('91-'94?). I think there were both varnish and lacquer finished Monroe models.

I know some of their models are the same build and construction, but some just get dressed up different externally.

Maybe Big Joe will see this, maybe he would know.
Thanks, Bruce

[mandotrout777]

Hi,
Does any one know if these "Monroe" models had any construction differences or features which give them sonic traits different from the ferns or any other gibson model from that era ('91-'94?). I think there were both varnish and lacquer finished Monroe models.

I know some of their models are the same build and construction, but some just get dressed up different externally.

Maybe Big Joe will see this, maybe he would know.
Thanks, Bruce

I don't know the answer to your question, but Greg Boyd listed one of these a while back and said that they used a special stash of wood for the Monroe models. You might try to contact him for some history, or you might even give Bruce Weber a call. I think he was around there when they built those.

[mandobouy]

How does one get ahold of Bruce Weber to ask? Any contact info for him?
thanks. bruce

[Gary Hedrick]

Having owned a varnish one of them I would say that they are nothing to write home to moma about......in other words.....nothing special there.....now get into the Derrington era Master Models and the tune changes......and on into the Harvey era whew mighty fine....mighty fine as a certain bluegrass icon used to say...

[jim simpson]

Seem to recall non-dovetail neck construction (mortise?).

[Wolfmanbob]

Bruce is a forum member. I've seen him post occasionally.

[mandobassman]

Having owned a varnish one of them I would say that they are nothing to write home to moma about......in other words.....nothing special there.....

I know two people who owned one. One of them belonged to a friend of mine who I played in a band with for 10 years. Got to play it often. Like Gary said, nothing special. At the time I owned a Kentucky KM-850. The Gibson Monroe wasn't any better. I actually recorded a band project and used my Kentucky on all but 2 tracks and used the Monroe for those 2. Honestly, the tracks recorded with the Kentucky sounded slightly better.
I never had a chance to play the other Monroe model, but it belonged to another local player. It sounded OK when he played it but, once again, nothing special.
I recall being amazed that such a average mandolin cost over $8K.

[Nick Triesch]

Yes, mortise and tennon just like all Weber and Collings mandolins. Nick

[AlanN]

I recall 12K, could that be right?

[Bernie Daniel]

Yes, mortise and tennon just like all Weber and Collings mandolins. Nick

Yes I think that is correct. They had the special Weber mortise and tenon joint with a bolt -- so they are like the Webers -- but I am not sure they are the same as the Collins though were they?

That is, Bruce Weber has his own personal style on that neck joint I thought?

And I totally agree with Gary in post #4. That is, these mandolins also do not have the same top plate carvings as the later Charlie Derrington, Nashville-made F-5's. They represent one step on the path of Gibson Inc. getting back to the 1924 Loar style mandolins.

I would also argue that David Harvey has taken it yet one more step beyond the Derrington era and my opinion is that the new Gibsons are probably as close as one is going to get to a Loar-era Gibson F-5. NO everyone will agree with that.

But I agree with other opinions in this string those Monroe-signed mandolins are not comparable to the new Gibsons (are not a good) and I think their price is simply due to the fact that it was a limited production run and they have Bill Monroe's signature.

That said they are still pretty decent mandolins just not $10 K mandos - -again IMO.

[Nick Triesch]

I called the collings factory. A lady in the shop told me they use a mortice and tennon neck joint. Like Weber but without the bolts

[Bernie Daniel]

I called the collings factory. A lady in the shop told me they use a mortice and tennon neck joint. Like Weber but without the bolts

Thanks for checking -- interesting the different approaches that are used.

[Spruce]

I remember I had just set up a sawmill on the East Coast in '90/91, and had just got into cutting Red Spruce...
Gave two tops to Charley D., who later said that they found their way into those Monroe Models...

So-ooo, at least 1% of 'em sport Picea rubens...
Whether they are marked or not, I have no idea...