The F-5L Mandolin - A turning point in the history of Gibson's ac

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The Mandolin Cafe has posted news:
The F-5L Mandolin - A turning point in the history of Gibson's acoustic string instruments
http://www.mandolincafe.com/news/publish/mandolins_001217.shtml

Roger Siminoff recounts his days working with Gibson during the 1970s and time that saw the birth of the F-5L and Gibson's return to once again building great mandolins.

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[wjsandman]

Thank you so much for both your efforts in returning Gibson to old school craftsmanship and for this article.

[Mike Bromley]

Lovely Story. And no, Roger, no trace of any vainglory. It's clear you loved what you were doing.

[Michael Lewis]

Excellent article from a hero of mine. Thanks Roger.

[grassrootphilosopher]

This is a nice piece of history revisited. It also shows the initial efforts that several people undertook to raise production standards and quality.

I also appreciate the nod towards Charlie Derrington and Dave Harvey and their efforts.

All in all this is an excellent read.

(And as a sidenote I´d like to see and hear more of Bill Halsey´s mandolins)

[Skip Kelley]

Very nice story! A great read!!

[MikeEdgerton]

Without a doubt this is historical information first hand that needs to be preserved. Wonderful.

[violmando]

Great story--thank you for sharing your history with us; it's so important to keep this all alive. Hey, can we have more like this? It's addicting and exciting to read about all the details!

[JEStanek]

Great history on the great Gibson Mandolin Revival. Thanks, Roger.

Jamie

[JimRym]

Great article, Roger. I'd love to hear your take on the current crop of Gibson F5L's and Gibson acoustic instruments in general. The topic is always fodder for a lively debate. -Jim

[woodwizard]

I'm a sucker for Gibson history, very enjoyable read. Thanks for all you did for Gibson.

[BadeInBulverde]

It just doesn't get any better than a first hand historical account!!! Thanks Roger!

[Bernie Daniel]

Thanks for the detailed historical account of a great chapter in American mandolin history. This was a huge piece of the story

I knew that Roger had played a role in it but I had no idea how amazingly involved that he actually was. And even better anyone can go to Roger's website, look up his number and end up getting advice right from him in real time!

Fantastic job Roger we all owe you big time!

Now can someone fill in the Carlson/Weber/Flatiron part! (<:

[rhicksnm]

Thank you, Roger, for writing this article. It is so important for its historical significance. If not for you and your Gibson team, the original Loar F-5 concept would have been lost. We who love the mandolin appreciate your great contribution to its revival and continuing improvement.

[sgarrity]

Great article. Thanks Roger!!

[Nelson Peddycoart]

Thank you for the article. I could read stuff like this all day!

[Mike Romkey]

What a fascinating tale! Thanks for everything you've done for mandolins and mandolin players.

[D C Blood]

I have a question...In 1996 I bought an F-5L at Gruhn's. It was a 1982 model, very clearly marked on the label. (can't remember the exact date.) Also very clearly marked was the signature. It was signed by Steve Carlson. Now I know he was not supposed to have been at Gibson until what? '86 or '87 or something like that? But I know it was his signature as I had grown up as a Phillies fan and I immediately noted the similarity in his name to the Phillies great pitcher Steve Carlton. Is there some way Carlson could have been there and signed that 1982 F-5L? Unfortunately I didn't keep it, as I traded it back to Gruhn later. Somebody help here...

[jim_n_virginia]

GREAT story! Thanks for all your work you deserve it Roger! I am on my second F-5L and I couldn't ask for a finer mandolin!

[Plectrosaurus]

Thanks for posting this article. I enjoyed reading about the 're-invention' of the 'Gibson' mandolin. A great article for those whose interest in the mandolin is deeper than just playing one.

[bropete]

Thank you Roger.

[Rich Evans]

Great article Roger. It was a real treat seeing you play the prototype F5L on Friday night at Parkfield. It must make you feel a real sense of accomplishment to see the mandolins Gibson had made in the last 10 years.

[Bernie Daniel]

If it exists, and if Roger approves, could anyone post a video of this performance? (referred to in the post #22 above) Thanks!

[hank]

Roger your modesty is amazingly LARGE considering your contributions to acoustic excellence and the revival of Gibsons Master Model Mandolins. Your selfless dedication and hard work are the foundation so many stand upon today. Great read for "The rest of the story".

[Denny Gies]

Loved it, thanks.