Bill Monroe's Mandolin Story (VHS Original TV Broadcast) 1980's

Bill Monroe in his own words describes the history of his Gibson mandolin.
This footage was taped from a TV broadcast in the late 80's and found recently on an old VHS tape. Sorry the quality is low. There was also a feature about the repairs of Bill Monroe's mandolin on the same tape which details the many repairs done to the instrument at that time.

[johnlappin]

There will never be another BILL MONROE

[bluegrasscannuk]

Thanks for this upload. We all pretty well know by now how Bill's Gibson was stolen and smashed . But hearing, from Bill himself, how it was in 200 pieces and the Gibson technician pain stakingly put it back together literally like before - is truly amazing. And the "at no cost to Bill " part is also interesting. I am sure, as Bill noted, that he sold a lot of mandolins for Gibson. Thanks.

[terrypoirier]

That was on the "Nashville Now" show with Ralph Emery on The Nashville Network. Those were the days!

[richardmullins]

The Bluegrass GOAT Never will there be another like Bill Monroe

[thefreese]

Today the f5 is priceless... millions probably.

Funny .. he needed the asked Gibson to work on it way back and Gibson was going to charge him for it ...even after him selling so many mandolins for them ..So he took out hos pocket knife and carved The name Gibson off it in front of him..

Later he changed his story because Gibson was working on his stuff for free .. lol .. Claimed he carved it off to keep people from asking see it .. lol 😅

[oldcremona]

Ralph is not in the Talk Show Host Hall of Fame.

[goldpop]

Better put that repairman on night shift instead of days. We now know what he's been doin' after dark[neighbor's wife].lol

[ngzcaz]

I'll only say " that ain't the way I heard it

[LJFZR]

Bet it was a pissed off ex girlfriend that smashed those Mandolins