Chris Thile

Chris Thile Instagram – As of today, my two beloved Gibson F5s are 100 YEARS OLD. They were born at the Gibson factory in Kalamazoo, MI, and signed by Lloyd Loar on February 18th, 1924. As far as I’ve gathered, #75316 (2nd and 4th pics) was purchased new by an 18 year old kid in Kansas who played it in his mandolin orchestra for a year, then married his high school sweetheart, who found it under their wedding bed the year after he died, 60 years later. #75318 (1st and 3rd pics) on the other hand was played throughout its life by a fellow in the Bronx. They were both in original condition when I bought them (#75316 looked straight-up unplayed!). A collector’s dream, a player’s nightm—OBSTACLE, let’s say. I’ve never encountered an unmodified Loar-era F5 that played well, or even in tune. Infinite thanks to master luthiers, Steve Gilchrist, Lynn Dudenbostel, and Tom Crandall, for helping me get them into fighting shape.
|: SOUND > COLLECTIBILITY 😐
Ahem. HAPPY CENTENNIAL, YOU TWO!!! The beauty you’re capable of never ceases to amaze/tantalize me, and I’m deeply honored to be your current guardian. | Posted on 19/Feb/2024 03:26:21