Ellis Mandolins - 2009 F5 Reserve Custom - Varnish Sunburst - Torch Inlay - Used

This is the top of the line mandolin available from Texas-based Mandolin builder Tom Ellis - and it shows. A beautiful, heirloom quality instrument, this custom F-style mandolin is from one of the most well-respected mandolin builders of our time. Featuring a Reserve Grade one-piece Bubble Figure Sugar Maple back, from Ellis' own private stash, this is a set of maple that is unavailable to even order up today. A dynamic woody, f-style bark is on tap with a lush mid and high-end tone that makes this mandolin as at home playing J.S. Bach as it is Bill Monroe. 

This F-5 Reserve Custom is in very good condition, especially for an instrument with a thin varnish finish. There is pick wear on the top near the treble side waist, along with the bass side upper bout. Moderate fretwear. There is minor wear to the underside of the added armrest mount. Includes the Cedar Creek hardshell case.

• F-Style body with varnish Sunburst finish


• Adirondack Red Spruce top with 2 f-holes


• Private Reserve Bubble Figure Sugar Maple back (one piece)


• Private Reserve Bubble Figure Sugar Maple back


• Flamed Sugar Maple Neck


• Soft V neck profile with speed neck


• Ebony Fingerboard with Mother-of-Pear Dots Inlays


• Custom Tortoise Binding


• Tone bar bracing


• Torch & Wire peghead inlay


• Floral wire inlaid pickguard


• Gold Waverly tuners with pearl buttons


• Gold Bill James Tailpiece


• 13 7/8" scale length


• 1 1/8" Nut width


• Sale includes a 2025 Appraisal from the Ellis Mandolins shop


• Serial# 157