Description
This lovely Gibson A-4 Mandolin dates to 1915, and 110 years later is still in good playing condition. When introduced in 1902, the Gibson A-4 Mandolin with its black top finish and oval sound hole was the top of the A-style line. It continued in production until 1935.
Construction and Condition
The top is carved Adirondack Spruce, paired with Maple for the sides and carved back, and Mahogany for the neck, linings and body blocks. The fingerboard and bridge are Ebony (the installed bridge is a replacement, the original is in the case). The headstock 'The Gibson' logo and Fleur-de-Lys are Mother of Pearl. On the top, the soundhole rosette is an ivoroid ring bounded by herringbone purfling. The top back and fingerboard are bound. The tuners appear to be period but may be replacements - many from this time had inlaid buttons. The pickguard is long gone. A strap pin has been added to the heel.
The top finish is black (orange was an option from 1914), while the rest of the instrument received a reddish tint. Over time, use has resulted in the black wearing off where the player's arm rested on the top, and the nitrocellulose lacquer has naturally sunken. The back finish is somewhat worn, again from contact with with the players. The neck appears to have been lightly shaved, reducing its 'V' profile.
This lovely Gibson A-4 mandolin still plays well and its use has allowed its voice to fully develop.
The original hard shell case is included.
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There are no refunds or returns on used items unless authorized in advance by a Twelfth Fret Sales Associate at time of sale. View Our Full Terms Here |
DETAILS:
- Instrument Model: A-4 Mandolin
- Instrument Manufacturer: Gibson
- Instrument year: 1915
- Instrument Finish: Black Top, Red Stain elsewhere
- Instrument Class: A-Style Mandolins
- Instrument serial number: 23563, built during 1915 at Kalamazoo, Michigan
- Country of Origin: USA
- Instrument Condition: Good
- Playing Condition: Good
- Right-handed
- CITIES Documentation Required: No
- Instrument Weight Imperial: 2.068 lbs
- Instrument Weight Metric: .94 kgs
- Scale Length Imperial: 13.853 in
- Scale Length Metric: 352 mm
- Nut Width Imperial: 1.198 in
- Nut Width Metric: 30.43 mm
- Case included: Yes
- Case original: No
- Case Type: Hard
- Items in Case: N/A
- Consignment: Yes
- Product ID: 190585
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There are no refunds or returns on used items unless authorized in advance by a Twelfth Fret Sales Associate at time of sale. View Our Full Terms Here |