Does this look legit to you?

[asmith9509]

Found this listing on the local Craigslist. I've done a fair amount of work on various instruments, and I think I could probably put the finish back into respectable shape.

I'm not an expert on Gibson mandolins. The pictures look pretty consistent with other pictures I've found of F5G's, but... any chance this is a fake?

http://atlanta.craigslist.org/atl/msg/5348466032.html

Thanks in advance.

[Kip Carter]

for a 15 year old mandolin this has been used harsh! It looks like a 80 year old instrument. Sorry no input here.. just comment on the condition.. I'm not impressed but that is just me.

[slimt]

Wow is that beat.. abuse at its finest..

[Isaac Revard]

Looks like either the kids got a hold of that one with some screw drivers or it was a failed "relic" attempt...or possibly both.

[Ron McMillan]

Three comments from folk who didn't read the ad or would have known that someone did a disastrous job of spraying it with shellac. I am no expert on what constitutes an F5G, but I think it looks legit; anyone with something to hide would not have put up such a comprehensive set of photos.

[slimt]

The Gibson F5 is correct.. I read and looked at the ad.. for 2 gs not a bad deal.. but not a good one either..

[Bill Snyder]

It can be fixed. All it takes is money.
Or if you are the adventurous type and know a bit (or a lot) about finishes you might be able to fix it yourself.

[DataNick]

Looks legit to me; natural shellac "distressing"...LOL! Thought I'd seen just about everything...I'd be more concerned about the neck joint/condition (just to do due diligence) and condition of the fretboard etc. if it plays & sounds good. At it's present condition if all checks out, not a bad price...

[Isaac Revard]

Three comments from folk who didn't read the ad or would have known that someone did a disastrous job of spraying it with shellac. I am no expert on what constitutes an F5G, but I think it looks legit; anyone with something to hide would not have put up such a comprehensive set of photos.

I did read the ad, but I'll never forget to post about the shellac again. Thanks for your observations Ron....I guess.

[OldGus]

I saw this a while ago, it looks legit. Heavy finish damage, of course!

[Ivan Kelsall]

I think that it's the real deal,but it's crying out for a re-finish, at least on the front to do it justice. Or,if you don't mind the look as it is,it could be a really nice mandolin,
Ivan

[Mike Snyder]

Overpriced in that condition. No doubt a Gibson f5g, but at least $500 over market, and you could not find anyone who would give you $1500 trade value on that. I am a big f5g fan, Montana or Nashville, and I am sure that this one could be a great mandolin with a little rehab. Not at 2K.

[MikeEdgerton]

I'd buy that. An F5G at $1000.00 less than what they sell for that just needs some refinish work. I'd buy that in a heartbeat. As a matter of fact if it was local to me it would be gone already. I'll also note it says make offer. You might get a few hundred more off it.

[asmith9509]

Thanks for the replies everyone. If it's a legit Gibson mando, And it's in good shape other than the finish, I might try to work out a deal on it. Finish repairs are painful and time consuming, but I've done a few before on guitars with suitable results. If I had to pay someone else to do the work, I wouldn't even be looking.

[MikeEdgerton]

Getting rid of shellac isn't going to be that painful if indeed it really was shellac. Good luck if you go for it.

[Ken Waltham]

Try $1200.00. You can always go up, but you can't go down. A refinish is very doable, but, it will affect value, and that needs to be considered in the purchase price.

[GTison]

Don't yall think the back center seams looks a bit prominent? Looks like it may have opened in the past. I'd look inside to see if it was cleated ( There sure are several shots of the back.) I think if I bought it, I would leave it as is, if it plays OK. With that much wear and failed refinish, I would be expecting it to need frets too. If I wanted a clean one there are plenty to choose from. Buying with an eye on making it look new doesn't seem like a way to save money.

[Bill Snyder]

If I knew without a doubt that the overcoat was straight shellac, I would not hesitate to purchase it if the rest of the instrument was ok. A couple of hours, some alcohol and lots of rags can go a long way if you are familiar with shellac.

[fatt-dad]

bring a bottle of alcohol and see if it wipes off?

I'd be interested, but not that far away. . .

f-d

[DHopkins]

That mandolin has been on CL for several months. It started at $4000. I looked at the ad and moved on.