F-Style Gibson Mandolins

So you're in the market for a new F-style mandolin? Well you couldn't have chosen a better place to buy one. In the early 1900s, Gibson was the first to produce the F-style style mandolin and its exquisite body scroll and luxurious appointments quickly made it one of their most popular instruments. Today, Gibson continues to design F-style mandolins for bluegrass, country and folk musicians around the world, and this catalog is loaded with choices. In fact, many Gibson F-style mandolins are exact replicas of their original and most sought-after models.

If there's one thing you'll notice about the Gibson's F-style mandolins in these pages, it's that they're obviously made with professionals in mind. Of course, some mandolins are pricier than others, so if you still can't decide where to begin your search, we'll suggest beginning with one of the more affordable models. For example, check out the F-9 Mandolin. From its stunning satin vintage brown finish to the hand-fitted dove neck and solid maple neck, the F-9 has all the design features that give the F-5 its classic tone - but its no-frills layout puts it at a price that won't drain your savings.

Now, if you're willing to spend a little more, turn your attention over to F-5L "The Fern" Mandolin. This work of art is a replica of the 1925 original that was favored for its abalone fern headstock inlay. Meticulously crafted by Gibson's top luthiers, it has all the makings of a masterpiece, including a tuned parallel tone bar with a carved spruce top, hand-engraved gold-plated hardware and triple binding. Simply put, the F-5L may very well be the greatest mandolin you've ever played.

So with those two choices in mind, feel free to start browsing the rest of Gibson's F-style mandolins. Honestly, exploring this selection of mandolins is just as much fun as playing them. After all, we're talking about Gibson F-style mandolins: it all started with these beauties, and whichever one you ultimately choose, it will be sure to provide you with a lifetime of musical satisfaction.