Description
The Gibson A40 A-Style mandolin, introduced in 1948 and built until 1971, was offered as a high quality entry level instrument.
Built at Kalamazoo Michigan, this sunburst example dates to 1956 and is in overall good condition with light finish wear and light to moderate fret wear. Its tailpiece cover and pickguard are missing. It plays well and has a bright yet warm tone with plenty of volume and projection.
The original hard shell case is included, though it is quite worn. Many of these entry level models came with faux-gator fiber (cardboard) cases, few of which have survived.
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Gibson A40 A-Style Mandolin Construction and Condition
As an entry level mandolin, The Gibson A40 incorporated several cost saving techniques that were also used to reduce feedback in Gibson’s electric guitars like the ES-175. Specifically, the sides and back are steam-pressed Mahogany Laminate. This can be seen on the unbound edge of the back.
The top is solid carved Spruce, with binding around the edge. The F-hole edges are painted, not bound, and the grain can be seen through the paint. The neck is solid Mahogany, with Rosewood used for the unbound fingerboard and the bridge; and at this point, Rosewood was sourced from Central South American countries like Brazil.
For hardware, the Gibson A40 uses a set of Kluson-made strip tuners with cream buttons, at the tail end there is a Clamshell style tailpiece, though the cover is missing; and in between, the height-adjustable Brazilian Rosewood bridge.
Gibson A40 A-Style Mandolin Historical Notes
The A-style Mandolin was the result of one of Orville Gibson’s 1898 patents, which effectively merged violin family principles into mandolin and guitar family instruments. After Gibson began producing these, the traditional bowl-back European mandolin rapidly fell out of favour.
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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: A40 Mandolin
- Instrument Manufacturer: Gibson
- Instrument Year: 1956
- Instrument Finish: Sunburst Nitrocellulose Lacquer
- Instrument Class: A-Style Mandolin
- Instrument Serial Number: FON V 5847 9, built 1956 at Kalamazoo
- Country of Origin: USA
- Instrument Condition: Good
- Playing Condition: Very Good
- Right-handed
- CITIES Documentation Required: Yes
- Instrument Weight Imperial: 1.78 lbs
- Instrument Weight Metric: 0,81 kgs
- Scale Length Imperial: 13.87 in
- Scale Length Metric: 352 mm
- Nut Width Imperial: 1.18 in
- Nut Width Metric: 30 mm
- Case included: Yes
- Case original: Yes
- Case Type: Hard shell, heavy wear
- Items in Case: N/A
- Consignment: Yes
- Product ID: 190551
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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 |