Gibson Cherry Master Model Mandolin, 1 of 1 Unique F5 Charlie Derrington signed RARE Mint condition Start Price USD 22,450.00 Current Price USD 22,450.00 Time Left - Bid Count 0 Buy It Now Price - Reserve Price - Start Time Tuesday, August 19, 2008 End Time Friday, August 29, 2008 Location Southern Indiana See more about 'Gibson Cherry Master Model Mandolin, 1 of 1 Unique F5' Description All International buyers must contact me before bidding in order to obtain approval and shipping costs.  Paypal will be required for all international buyers.This mandolin is not for the faint-hearted (or for those whose spouses will beat you severely for even looking at this auction).  But it is unique!    If you don't fall into either category, feel free to read on.Up for auction is a unique Gibson Cherry Master Model, 1 of 1.  This mandolin was built and is signed by the late Charlie Derrington of Gibson.It is composed of real solid Cherry wood (not stain) on the neck, back, and sides.  It is in mint condition with no dents or scratches.  I have added a buy-it-now price which is still several thousand under the retail value of this lovely piece of craftsmanship ($29995).This instrument was evaluated by one of the top fiddle/mandolin luthiers in the Louisville area.  Quoting from his write-up which is included in the sale of this instrument:(Before optimization and contrasted against an authentic 1924 Lloyd Loar) "This instrument is loud, very loud.  This instrument has the type of sound that really 'cuts through'.  It won't get lost in a crowd. Has a  pretty good chop. Has a nice rattle (to qualify rattle, listen to some recordings of Bill Monroe. You will hear a distinct 'rattle'. This is a most desirable feature."I let him hear it when I recently brought my Skaggs over to him to evaluate, and he thought the mandolin had improved even more since he had last evaluated it.  He made a comment to me that it was now louder than the Loar. Doyle Lawson played this mandolin a couple of years back and stated that it was the best mandolin in the store (as he compared it to the normal Master models and Distressed Master models.)Comes with a Certificate of Authenticity signed by both Danny Roberts and Charlie Derrington. Due to the high value of this instrument, I prefer certified Cashier's check or money order, but other forms may be accepted, please contact me.  Will ship overnight to U.S with insurance upon clearance of the check.  For U.K. or Canada additional shipping, please contact me for estimates.If you have less than 10 positive Ebay feedback, please contact me before participating in this auction.Let me know if you have any questions.  Enjoy the pictures.  This is a one of a kind true collector's piece.  Charlie was very pleased with the turn-out of this unique mandolin.  It has tremendous beauty and great sound.  Check out some of the Mandolin cafe thread for some comments and history of this mandolin:Under the Message Board section, enter Cherry AND Master OR cherrywood in the Search keywords, Type of search Post and or topic titles, choose All Open Forums, Search from this month and older.  Several people have commented on the quality and sound of this mandolin (including Big Joe who is quite familiar with this mandolin).A couple of threads are:www.mandolincafe.net/cgi-bin/ikonboard.cgi?act=ST;f=12;t=31132www.mandolincafe.net/cgi-bin/ikonboard.cgi?act=ST;f=29;t=54570I am only selling to raise funds for a prewar flat-head (please don't tell my wife about that one-I will get beaten severely!)  Seriously, this is a true collector's piece and I hate to part with it.  But one sacrifice will have to be made for another.  Please feel free to ask any rational, pertinent, answerable questions.Overseas bidding: Please contact me for shipping charge estimates before purchasing.  Thanks. Place a Bid!