A Wilson WF-5 peghead, top bound with gold hardware, ivoroid buttons and fern inlays
Wilson Mandolins has been dedicated to the creation of high quality mandolin family instruments since 2006 at the hand of luthier, Craig Wilson. For many years Craig owned and performed with first, a 1918 Gibson F-4 and then a 1924 Gibson “Lloyd Loar” signed F-5. He pays homage to that “Golden Era” of mando-luthiery by endeavoring to build instruments in that vintage style of construction and with similar playability and tonal qualities.
Materials for construction come only from premier tone-wood and instrument hardware suppliers. Arching, thickness graduations, tone bar and neck shaping and instrument appointments are based on studies and measurements taken from vintage instruments from the “Loar” era. Although occasionally varying in some details (i.e. binding, tonewood and model options, etc.) instruments are intended to at least maintain the integrity of those from that bygone era.