About Gail Hester
Right: Chuck holding a Hester H5 mandola and Gail with a Hester F5 mandolin
Gail Hester is known for building exceptional mandolins true to the original Master Model family of instruments designed by Lloyd Loar. She has earned the respect of some of the most knowledgeable people in the vintage mandolin world.
It all started when Chuck, Gail’s husband was searching for a new mandolin but was having a very hard time finding one that suited him. Most vintage F5 mandolins at that time were $50,000 and up. After searching for the right mandolin with no luck Gail decided to build one! With no woodworking experience in the past she studied for nearly a year before she started her first mandolin, an F5. When she finished it, Chuck played it and couldn’t believe how great it sounded! It was just as good if not better than the best mandolin he had ever played! He still plays it today! In addition to building world class instruments, Gail is also a highly respected instrument repair person who works on some very famous instruments.
It is very rare to see a Hester mandolin for sale, their owners love and want to keep them! This website is dedicated to Gail and her amazing mandolins.
Below are links to a couple of interviews with Gail.
https://www.yumpu.com/en/document/view/38034770/interview-gail-hester
https://archive.kitsapsun.com/news/poulsbos-music-maker-ep-421784644-358513931.html#
