Re: Gibson F5
What you're finding is related to the variations in Gibson's manufacturing quality over the years. From the 1950's through the mid-'70's, the consensus is that Gibson mandolins (basically F-5's and F-12's, with other models showing up for a few years) got fairly steadily worse. Then Gibson introduced Roger Siminoff's idea of a "return to Lloyd Loar specs and quality," the F-5L, around 1978. Things got better, and Gibson's current mandolins are well respected.
The used market reflects the generally accepted opinion, that '60's and '70's F-5's aren't very good, and that those made before and after that period should command higher prices. Of course, there are individual variations in condition, provenance, and perceived quality among instruments, which may make a particular mandolin more or less desirable, and influence the asking price.
Allen Hopkins
Gibsn: '54 F5 3pt F2 A-N Custm K1 m'cello
Natl Triolian Dobro mando
Victoria b-back Merrill alumnm b-back
H-O mandolinetto
Stradolin Vega banjolin
Sobell'dola Washburn b-back'dola
Eastmn: 615'dola 805 m'cello
Flatiron 3K OM
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