I have an MT2 but yes, hanker some for an F. With the MF5 out of my price range, even used, I'm thinking of an MF gloss top. I've only seen pics. I imagine they sound as good as any MF. Any reports on how they look or sound?

I got an MF5 deluxe recently and my buddy got
the MF. Cant remember if his was gloss top, I
think it was , I'm sure he'll pipe in when he
gets time. We were playing them both at the
same time when trying them out and they both
sounded good . His had med strings on it and
seemed a better ''thunk '' sound. I strung
mine with lites when I got it home, the
DaDarrio lights that is and it plays really
good . I have had a couple of really good players say they thought is was the best
mando they had played and one of them was
my teacher who plays a Flatiron which was
NOT too shabby either. Now If I can get the
fingers to catch up with the quality I will
have something to actually talk about. LOL

Got one, they look and sound GREAT !
My MT was also gloss top with white binding, and I traded it towards the MF with the same top and binding option. I also played a couple with a black gloss top.
And the "satin" back and sides come to a real nice shiny finish with just a minimal amount of polish and elbow work. I did both of mine and the difference is really nice.

Go for it. The gloss top (or black) option is not that much of an addition to the standard MF.
But you could always polish up a standard MF on all sides.

Guess you could say I was in the same boat and did what you want to do.