Signed in April of 2005 by Danny Roberts. Gibson has done a fine job here of creating a mandolin that looks, feels and sounds as close as possible to a Lloyd Loar-signed mandolin. Compared to my MM, a great mandolin itself, the tone of this DMM is a little more dry, and the DMM sounds and feels more seasoned and "played in". It is very loud with depth and clarity and a very satisfying dry, woody voice that conveys "vintage". It has great mid-range and is well-balanced across the strings and up and down the neck. The chop is perfection.
The distressing effect on this one is very appealing. It has the vibe of a treasured heirloom and is satisfying in every way - looks, feel and tone. To me, it squarely hits the mark Gibson was aiming for. I am very happy to have gotten the opportunity to acquire this mandolin.
Features - Very skillfully distressed by Gibson to look like a genuine Loar. Hand varnished and French polished cremona finish. Slim neck profile with slight V. 1 1/16" nut. Top bound. Flat fretboard, thin frets. Engraved silver tailpiece. Silver waverly tuners with pearl buttons. "The Gibson" logo and flowerpot inlays. Hide glue construction. I bought a 1986 Paganoni Loar reproduction case for it to complete the vintage vibe.
