Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 5 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
5.0 (8)
$5,999.00
Guitar Center
5.0 (1)
$5,999.00
Musician's Friend
2.0 (2)
$5,999.00
zZounds
$5,999.00
Thomann
$6,444.00 $6,199.00 $245.00 · All time low

Average Price: $6,039

High-end/Boutique

$100

$501+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 5 merchants for "Gibson F-5G". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

Description

Discover the Gibson F-5G, a masterful blend of tradition and modernity in the world of mandolins. Drawing inspiration from the legendary Lloyd Loar-designed F-5, this mandolin offers a contemporary twist for today's discerning musicians. Crafted with a carved Sitka spruce top, the F-5G delivers a punchy sound with a broad dynamic range. Its figured maple back and sides not only captivate the eye but also provide bright, cutting tones with substantial projection. The maple neck, paired with an unbound ebony fingerboard featuring a 14-inch radius, ensures effortless playability and comfort.

The F-5G's design pays homage to its roots with period-accurate features such as a curled scroll, F-holes, and a pickguard-less aesthetic. The instrument’s elegance is further enhanced by a gloss nitrocellulose finish and mother-of-pearl headstock inlays, all while maintaining a simple, stripped-down vibe without the pickguard. For musicians who value both authenticity and innovation, the Gibson F-5G stands as an icon of enduring craftsmanship and modern playability.

Key Features:

  • Sitka spruce top for a broad dynamic range
  • Figured maple back and sides for bright, cutting tones
  • Comfortable maple neck with unbound ebony fingerboard
  • 14-inch radius and short fingerboard extension
  • Period-accurate F-holes, curled scroll, and pickguard-less design
  • Light-catching gloss nitrocellulose lacquer finish
  • Includes a form-fitting hardshell case
  • Made in USA

Product specs

Type Acoustic
Body Shape F Style
Top Material Carved Sitka Spruce
Body Material 2-piece Quarter Sawn Figured Red Maple
Neck Material Maple
Neck Shape Wide Neck
Fingerboard Material Ebony
Fingerboard Inlay Mother of Pearl Dots
Number of Frets 20
Scale Length 13.9"
Nut Material Mother of Pearl
Nut Width 1.187"
Bridge Material Ebony
Tuners Grover
Hardware Nickel
Strings .011-.040
Case/Gig Bag Hardshell Case

FAQs

What materials are used in the construction of the Gibson F-5G mandolin?

The Gibson F-5G mandolin features a carved Sitka spruce top, a 2-piece quarter sawn figured red maple body, and a maple neck. The fingerboard is made of ebony, with mother of pearl dot inlays.

What is the body shape of the Gibson F-5G mandolin?

The Gibson F-5G mandolin has an F-style body shape, which is known for its distinctive scroll and ornate design, offering a traditional aesthetic favored in bluegrass and folk music.

How many frets does the Gibson F-5G mandolin have?

The Gibson F-5G mandolin has 20 frets, allowing for a range of notes suitable for various playing styles and musical genres.

What type of neck does the Gibson F-5G mandolin have?

The Gibson F-5G mandolin features a wide neck, which provides comfortable playability and ample space for finger positioning, making it suitable for both intricate melodies and chordal accompaniment.

Does the Gibson F-5G mandolin come with a case?

Yes, the Gibson F-5G mandolin comes with a hardshell case, ensuring protection for the instrument during transport and storage.

The Acoustic Shoppe

The Acoustic Shoppe

NEW 2023 Gibson F-5G Mandolin Review: Unbelievable Price Drop - Best Value Mandolin?

Video thumbnail for NEW 2023 Gibson F-5G Mandolin Review: Unbelievable Price Drop - Best Value Mandolin? by The Acoustic Shoppe

NEW 2023 Gibson F-5G Mandolin Review: Unbelievable Price Drop - Best Value Mandolin?

The Acoustic Shoppe

The Acoustic Shoppe

Video thumbnail for Gibson's Mid-Level Artist Series Might Be The Mandolin For You! | Gibson F-5G Mandolin Review by The Acoustic Shoppe

Gibson's Mid-Level Artist Series Might Be The Mandolin For You! | Gibson F-5G Mandolin Review

The Acoustic Shoppe

The Acoustic Shoppe

Video thumbnail for Quinton Plays Mandolin Too | Gibson F-5G Review by Acoustic Letter

Quinton Plays Mandolin Too | Gibson F-5G Review

Acoustic Letter

Acoustic Letter

Video thumbnail for Everything You Could Want In A Mandolin! | NEW Gibson F-5G Tone Samples by The Acoustic Shoppe

Everything You Could Want In A Mandolin! | NEW Gibson F-5G Tone Samples

The Acoustic Shoppe

The Acoustic Shoppe

Reviews

PROS

  • Exceptional craftsmanship with top-notch fit and finish

  • Classic Gibson dry tone, admired by enthusiasts

  • Resonance and projection are impressive, offering rich overtones

  • Playability enhanced by radiused board and larger frets

  • High-quality wood selection and beautiful burst finish

  • Considered a great long-term investment, potential heirloom

  • Consistent production in limited quantities adds exclusivity

  • Ideal setup potential with detailed factory spec card

CONS

  • Initial out-of-the-box setup may require adjustments for optimal playability

  • Higher price point might not suit all budgets

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Gibson F-5G.

Build quality

  • Gibson F-5G mandolins reportedly feature hand-carved tops and upgraded flame maple backs, often with a varnish finish for superior tone and aesthetics.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners of the Gibson F-5G emphasize its superior tone and playability, noting that it holds its own in bluegrass jams and live performances.

    Source
  • Some owners advise considering A-style mandolins from the same builders as F-style models for similar tonal quality at a lower price.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The Gibson F-5G is often compared to high-end models like the Duff and Ellis, with users finding it delivers comparable tonal quality at a lower price point.

    Source
  • Owners often draw parallels between Gibson F-5G and high-end Collings or Northfield models, noting the difficulty in accessing these brands in certain regions for direct comparisons.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • It's noted that the F-5G provides a significant tonal improvement over $1K models, with diminishing returns apparent only when surpassing the $5K mark.

    Source
  • It's recommended to buy used F-5G mandolins to save costs, often finding them at around $3,000 compared to the new price.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The F-5G reportedly offers better tuning stability and louder projection compared to lower-priced mandolins, attributed to its higher-quality materials and construction.

    Source
  • The F-5G's use of Sitka spruce for the top is a point of interest among potential buyers, with some questioning its tonal impact compared to Adirondack spruce.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Professional musicians emphasize the importance of matching the instrument's value with gig earnings, suggesting not to exceed your gig income with the instrument's cost.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • High-end mandolins like the Gibson F-5G may require controlled environments to maintain optimal condition, such as specific humidity levels and annual checkups with a builder.

    Source

Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star

More Gibson Mandolins

Gibson F5-G Mandolin

$5,999.00 - $6,199.00

# 15

Rank

Marcus Mumford Chris Thile Zac Brown
3 artists using
Rogue RM-100A Mandolin

$69.99 - $129.99

# 1

Rank

Gene Ween Rob Scallon Zachary M. W. Corsa
5 artists using
Ibanez M510E

$199.00 - $232.00

# 2

Rank

Mauricio Durán Gene Ween Aaron Freeman
4 artists using
Ibanez M510 Mandolin

$180.49 - $199.99

# 6

Rank

Ariza
1 artist using
Washburn M3SWK

$599.00 - $849.99

# 14

Rank

Lil Nas X
1 artist using

Accessories & Related Items

Artist usage

Community setups

Similar

Gear Guides