John Reischman’s 1924 Gibson F-5

Mandolin virtuoso discusses and demonstrates his legendary Lloyd Loar mandolin in this Fretboard Journal video.

Peghead Nation instructor John Reischman has been at the vanguard of the contemporary mandolin scene since he joined the original Tony Rice Unit in the 1970s. He continues to collaborate with a wide variety of artists, but is best-known for leading his own band, the Jaybirds. For more than 30 years, John’s main instrument has been a 1924 Gibson F-5, which many mandolin aficionados consider to be one of the best Lloyd Loar–era F-5s.

In this video, produced by the Fretboard Journal, John talks about how he found the instrument at a music store in Oakland, California, how Tony Rice and David Grisman encouraged him to buy it, and how he feels that it has a somewhat rounder sound than most other Loars. John also talks about his picking technique and plays excerpts from several pieces, demonstrating the instrument’s rich voice.

To study with John, enroll in his Melodic Mandolin Tunes course now! Johnreischman.com

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