This isnt just a mandolinits a piece of Bluegrass history.

The October 1993 Gibson Bill Monroe F-5 is a certified, limited-edition model that was built to the specs of Monroes legendary 1923 Loar, and this particular example was owned and played by the Father of Bluegrass himself. Gibson crafted only a handful of these instruments to be given directly to Bill Monroe, and this one bears the handwritten serial number S04L on the interior label. It also features a second label signed by Gibson engineer Phil Brug and a signed statement of provenance from Dana Cupp, Monroes longtime banjo player. The original rawhide strap unfortunately is no longer with the instrument.

This F-Style mandolin showcases classic Gibson craftsmanship: a hand-carved spruce top with f-holes, highly flamed maple neck, back, and rims, and a vintage-style sunburst varnish finish that has aged naturally with checking and light playwear. The scroll and two-point body are double bound in ivoroid, complementing the bound ebony fingerboard with its treble-side extension and pearl dot inlays. It plays with a traditional 14-inch scale and a slim 1 1/8-inch pearl nut on a V-shaped neck that offers fast, accurate fretting.

Signature details abound, including the engraved Bill Monroe pearl truss rod cover, flowerpot inlay with script Gibson logo on the peghead, silver-plated hardware, and engraved tailpiece. The tuners are classic 4-on-a-plate with pearl buttons, and the mandolin comes in its original rectangular hardshell case with green plush interior.

This instrument was appraised by Gruhn Guitars based on detailed photos and supporting documentation, confirming its originality and connection to Bill Monroe. Its current market value reflects not only the quality of its build and preservation but also its unmatched historical significance. As a mandolin personally owned and played by the Father of Bluegrass, its provenance elevates it beyond a fine instrument into the realm of a true collectors piecesomething exceptionally rare and culturally important in the acoustic world.

*This mandolin is in Excellent Condition. Please note of Finish Checking throughout the instrument.*

SPECS
Year: October 1993
Finish: Sunburst Varnish
Binding: Ivoroid
Body Style: Double Bound 2-Point F-Style
Top Material: Carved Spruce with F-Holes
Back and Sides: Highly Flamed Maple Neck, Back, and Rims
Fingerboard: Bound Ebony
Fingerboard Extension: Treble Extension
Fingerboard Inlays: Pearl Dot Inlays
Number of Frets: 29
Scale Length: 14″
Nut Width: 1-1/8″ Pearl Nut
Neck Profile: “V” Neck Profile
Tuners: F-Style 4-on-a-Plate with Pearl Tuning Buttons
Truss Rod Cover: “Bill Monroe” Engraved Pearl Cover
Hardware: Silver Plated
Tailpiece: Engraved Tailpiece with Script Logo
Headstock Binding: Bound Peghead
Headstock Inlay: Flower Pot Inlay and Script Logo
Label: Signed by Bill Monroe, Reads The Gibson Monroe Model
Case: Original Rectangular Hard Shell Case with Green Lining

All the paperwork confirming that Bill Monroe did own this instrument is within the case.

Notice: This is a used item. While we do a basic cleaning and setup before shipping, we are unable to make any modifications to, or guarantees of condition, and or history, outside of what we have personally found, or been informed of by the previous owner, which is included in the description.

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