Page 1 of 2 12 LastLast
Results 1 to 25 of 31

Thread: Fern?

  1. #1
    Every day is a gift. Sheila Lagrand's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2020
    Location
    San Tan Valley, Arizona
    Posts
    271

    Default Fern?

    I'll happily reveal my ignorance in order to dispel it: what does it mean to say a mandolin is a "Fern?"
    Phoebe, my 2021 Collings MT mandolin
    Dolly, my 2021 Ibanez M522 mandolin
    Louise, my 193x SS Maxwell mandolin
    Fiona, My 2021 GSM guitar-bodied octave resonator mandolin
    Charlotte, my 2016 Eastman MDO 305 octave mandolin
    And Giuliana, my 2002 Hans Schuster 505 violin, Nehenehe, my 2021 Aklot concert ukulele,
    Annie, my 2022 Guild M-140 guitar, Joni, my 1963 Harmony 1215 Archtone archtop guitar,
    Yoko, my ca. 1963 Yamaha Dynamic No.15 guitar, and Rich, my 1959 husband.

  2. #2
    Registered User sunburst's Avatar
    Join Date
    Nov 2003
    Location
    Kentucky
    Posts
    15,863

    Default Re: 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!?

  3. The following members say thank you to sunburst for this post:


  4. #3
    Registered User
    Join Date
    Jul 2003
    Location
    Portland, OR
    Posts
    821

    Default Re: Fern?

    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

  5. #4
    Purveyor of Sunshine sgarrity's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2002
    Location
    San Diego, CA
    Posts
    5,658

    Default Re: Fern?

    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.
    Last edited by sgarrity; Apr-09-2021 at 3:28pm.

  6. #5

    Default Re: Fern?

    Quote Originally Posted by Sheila Lagrand View Post
    I'll happily reveal my ignorance in order to dispel it:
    Well put. I'm going to have to borrow that one!

  7. The following members say thank you to fishermike for this post:


  8. #6
    Every day is a gift. Sheila Lagrand's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2020
    Location
    San Tan Valley, Arizona
    Posts
    271

    Default Re: Fern?

    Thank you, John.
    Phoebe, my 2021 Collings MT mandolin
    Dolly, my 2021 Ibanez M522 mandolin
    Louise, my 193x SS Maxwell mandolin
    Fiona, My 2021 GSM guitar-bodied octave resonator mandolin
    Charlotte, my 2016 Eastman MDO 305 octave mandolin
    And Giuliana, my 2002 Hans Schuster 505 violin, Nehenehe, my 2021 Aklot concert ukulele,
    Annie, my 2022 Guild M-140 guitar, Joni, my 1963 Harmony 1215 Archtone archtop guitar,
    Yoko, my ca. 1963 Yamaha Dynamic No.15 guitar, and Rich, my 1959 husband.

  9. #7
    Every day is a gift. Sheila Lagrand's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2020
    Location
    San Tan Valley, Arizona
    Posts
    271

    Default Re: Fern?

    Thanks, Kirk.

    - - - Updated - - -

    And thank you, Shaun.

    - - - Updated - - -

    Quote Originally Posted by fishermike View Post
    Well put. I'm going to have to borrow that one!
    You're welcome to it.
    Phoebe, my 2021 Collings MT mandolin
    Dolly, my 2021 Ibanez M522 mandolin
    Louise, my 193x SS Maxwell mandolin
    Fiona, My 2021 GSM guitar-bodied octave resonator mandolin
    Charlotte, my 2016 Eastman MDO 305 octave mandolin
    And Giuliana, my 2002 Hans Schuster 505 violin, Nehenehe, my 2021 Aklot concert ukulele,
    Annie, my 2022 Guild M-140 guitar, Joni, my 1963 Harmony 1215 Archtone archtop guitar,
    Yoko, my ca. 1963 Yamaha Dynamic No.15 guitar, and Rich, my 1959 husband.

  10. The following members say thank you to Sheila Lagrand for this post:

    Miked 

  11. #8
    Every day is a gift. Sheila Lagrand's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2020
    Location
    San Tan Valley, Arizona
    Posts
    271

    Default Re: Fern?

    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?
    Phoebe, my 2021 Collings MT mandolin
    Dolly, my 2021 Ibanez M522 mandolin
    Louise, my 193x SS Maxwell mandolin
    Fiona, My 2021 GSM guitar-bodied octave resonator mandolin
    Charlotte, my 2016 Eastman MDO 305 octave mandolin
    And Giuliana, my 2002 Hans Schuster 505 violin, Nehenehe, my 2021 Aklot concert ukulele,
    Annie, my 2022 Guild M-140 guitar, Joni, my 1963 Harmony 1215 Archtone archtop guitar,
    Yoko, my ca. 1963 Yamaha Dynamic No.15 guitar, and Rich, my 1959 husband.

  12. #9
    Registered User Bren's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2002
    Location
    Aberdeen, Scotland
    Posts
    1,036

    Default Re: Fern?

    It means we'll have Fern Fern Fern til her daddy takes her T-bird away!
    Bren

  13. The Following 5 Users Say Thank You to Bren For This Useful Post:


  14. #10
    Registered User Bren's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2002
    Location
    Aberdeen, Scotland
    Posts
    1,036

    Default Re: Fern?

    Also, I guess (e.g) a Weber Fern has both the fern inlay and is saying that it's built on the same principles?
    Bren

  15. The following members say thank you to Bren for this post:


  16. #11
    coprolite mandroid's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2002
    Location
    Outer Spiral Arm, of Galaxy, NW Oregon.
    Posts
    17,103

    Default Re: Fern?

    & Fern 'fiddle heads' are the Original scroll of Nature.. forest asparagus any one?

    http://www.marksdailyapple.com/how-t...#axzz6rZvfMPNR
    writing about music
    is like dancing,
    about architecture

  17. The following members say thank you to mandroid for this post:


  18. #12
    Registered User jim simpson's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2002
    Location
    Wheeling, WV
    Posts
    5,508

    Default Re: Fern?

    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".
    Attached Thumbnails Attached Thumbnails Click image for larger version. 

Name:	F5L (81) & Fern (06).jpg 
Views:	156 
Size:	746.4 KB 
ID:	193437  
    Old Hometown, Cabin Fever String Band

  19. The following members say thank you to jim simpson for this post:


  20. #13
    Registered User sunburst's Avatar
    Join Date
    Nov 2003
    Location
    Kentucky
    Posts
    15,863

    Default Re: Fern?

    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.)
    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	7peghead.jpg 
Views:	261 
Size:	69.7 KB 
ID:	193438

  21. The Following 11 Users Say Thank You to sunburst For This Useful Post:

    + Show/Hide list of the thanked


  22. #14
    Registered User John Soper's Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 2004
    Location
    Durham, NC
    Posts
    1,356

    Default Re: Fern?

    John Hamlett: that is a real fern inlay! Kudos!

  23. The following members say thank you to John Soper for this post:


  24. #15
    Registered User
    Join Date
    Apr 2017
    Location
    Shenandoah Valley, VA
    Posts
    27

    Default Re: Fern?

    That is a great fern indeed! And from 1970!

  25. The following members say thank you to Gene Lewis for this post:


  26. #16
    ************** Caleb's Avatar
    Join Date
    Nov 2006
    Location
    DFW, Texas
    Posts
    3,676

    Default Re: Fern?

    Quote Originally Posted by Sheila Lagrand View Post
    I'll happily reveal my ignorance in order to dispel it...
    This really is a wonderful little quip. I'll be borrowing it myself.
    ...

  27. The following members say thank you to Caleb for this post:


  28. #17
    Registered User Dave Hicks's Avatar
    Join Date
    Dec 2002
    Location
    Hoosierlandia
    Posts
    705

    Default Re: Fern?

    Quote Originally Posted by sunburst View Post
    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.)
    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	7peghead.jpg 
Views:	261 
Size:	69.7 KB 
ID:	193438
    Looks like Asplenium platyneuron!

    D.H.

  29. The Following 2 Users Say Thank You to Dave Hicks For This Useful Post:


  30. #18
    Registered User sunburst's Avatar
    Join Date
    Nov 2003
    Location
    Kentucky
    Posts
    15,863

    Default Re: Fern?

    Quote Originally Posted by Dave Hicks View Post
    Looks like Asplenium platyneuron!

    D.H.
    Could be, but it also might be a composite. I went around my old place in Virginia with a camera snapping pictures of ferns, then mixed and matched in Photoshop to create the image.

  31. The Following 2 Users Say Thank You to sunburst For This Useful Post:


  32. #19
    Every day is a gift. Sheila Lagrand's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2020
    Location
    San Tan Valley, Arizona
    Posts
    271

    Default Re: Fern?

    Thanks, Caleb. I make my living with words. . . .
    Phoebe, my 2021 Collings MT mandolin
    Dolly, my 2021 Ibanez M522 mandolin
    Louise, my 193x SS Maxwell mandolin
    Fiona, My 2021 GSM guitar-bodied octave resonator mandolin
    Charlotte, my 2016 Eastman MDO 305 octave mandolin
    And Giuliana, my 2002 Hans Schuster 505 violin, Nehenehe, my 2021 Aklot concert ukulele,
    Annie, my 2022 Guild M-140 guitar, Joni, my 1963 Harmony 1215 Archtone archtop guitar,
    Yoko, my ca. 1963 Yamaha Dynamic No.15 guitar, and Rich, my 1959 husband.

  33. The following members say thank you to Sheila Lagrand for this post:

    Caleb 

  34. #20
    Registered User J Mangio's Avatar
    Join Date
    Feb 2012
    Location
    Willow Spring, NC
    Posts
    563

    Default Re: Fern?

    The name Fern is used to describe Mandolins with a Fern on the Headstock.
    2021 The Loar LM700 VS

  35. The following members say thank you to J Mangio for this post:


  36. #21
    Registered User darylcrisp's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2010
    Location
    Banner, Ky
    Posts
    2,654

    Default Re: Fern?

    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).

    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	thumbnail_20180114_020654_resized.jpg 
Views:	102 
Size:	157.5 KB 
ID:	193468

  37. The following members say thank you to darylcrisp for this post:


  38. #22
    Registered User sunburst's Avatar
    Join Date
    Nov 2003
    Location
    Kentucky
    Posts
    15,863

    Default Re: Fern?

    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.
    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	head1.jpg 
Views:	149 
Size:	109.6 KB 
ID:	193469

  39. The Following 4 Users Say Thank You to sunburst For This Useful Post:


  40. #23
    Registered User EvanElk's Avatar
    Join Date
    Dec 2016
    Location
    Portland, Oregon
    Posts
    428

    Default Re: Fern?

    It means that it thrives in damp, shaded forests
    2003 John Sullivan F5 "Roy"
    2015 Heiden F Artist
    2019 Ruhland F5 #35

  41. The following members say thank you to EvanElk for this post:


  42. #24
    Every day is a gift. Sheila Lagrand's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2020
    Location
    San Tan Valley, Arizona
    Posts
    271

    Default Re: Fern?

    Quote Originally Posted by EvanElk View Post
    It means that it thrives in damp, shaded forests
    Those characteristics would be handy for an Oregonian mandolin. . . .
    Phoebe, my 2021 Collings MT mandolin
    Dolly, my 2021 Ibanez M522 mandolin
    Louise, my 193x SS Maxwell mandolin
    Fiona, My 2021 GSM guitar-bodied octave resonator mandolin
    Charlotte, my 2016 Eastman MDO 305 octave mandolin
    And Giuliana, my 2002 Hans Schuster 505 violin, Nehenehe, my 2021 Aklot concert ukulele,
    Annie, my 2022 Guild M-140 guitar, Joni, my 1963 Harmony 1215 Archtone archtop guitar,
    Yoko, my ca. 1963 Yamaha Dynamic No.15 guitar, and Rich, my 1959 husband.

  43. #25
    Registered User EvanElk's Avatar
    Join Date
    Dec 2016
    Location
    Portland, Oregon
    Posts
    428

    Default Re: Fern?

    Quote Originally Posted by Sheila Lagrand View Post
    Those characteristics would be handy for an Oregonian mandolin. . . .
    Yes, every spring we have to scrape the moss off our mandolins...
    2003 John Sullivan F5 "Roy"
    2015 Heiden F Artist
    2019 Ruhland F5 #35

  44. The following members say thank you to EvanElk for this post:


Bookmarks

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •