Description
This Gibson K1 Mandocello was built during the early part of 1918 in Kalamazoo Michigan. It is in good physical and playing condition. The top is carved spruce, the back is carved maple, and the sides are maple. The neck is Mahogany with an Ebony fingerboard. The Ebony bridge is original. It has been at least partially refretted at some point, and fret wear is minimal.
The Gibson K1 Mandocello was built in several periods between 1902 and 1943. The fancier but structurally identical Style K2 was built from 1902 to 1922, and was basically a K1 with back binding, headstock Fleur-de-Lys ornamentation and black, brown or sunburst finish options.
The open tuners are original, with ivoroid buttons; the tailpiece and celluloid faux tortoise pickguard are original. Celluloid as an early plastic was very popular, but can be both unstable and flammable in higher temperatures.
The original Pumpkin top finish is in good shape with expected wear and sinking, and two or three repaired cracks. The back shows overspray finish renewal with a darker tint, over seam repairs.
A non original hard shell case is included.
A strong case can be made that Orville Gibson invented the modern mandolin with his 1898 patent, combining violin-building techniques into traditional mandolin designs. The flat or bent tops and bowl backs were replaced with carved, arched tops and backs. Most manufacturers quickly followed Gibson’s lead.
This design breakthrough dramatically improved the tone and projection of the mandolin design. It also made construction simpler and less expensive compared to traditional bowl-back models. These features spurred the creation or evolution of related instruments, including the Gibson K1 Mandocello seen here.
The Mandocello itself first appeared in the 1880's, and grew in popularity as mandolin clubs and orchestras were formed.
The creation of the mandocello might be seen as a foreshadowing of the introduction of the electric bass guitar, first in 1935 by Paul Tutmarc as the Audiovox 736 Bass Fiddle, and then most successfully in late 1951 as Leo Fender's Precision Bass. Both of these instruments, the mandocello and electric bass guitar, enabled the rapid growth of ensembles ranging from casual parlor or church groups to formal orchestras and ultimately to garage and arena bands.
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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: K1 Mandocello
- Instrument Manufacturer: Gibson
- Instrument year: 1918
- Instrument Finish: Pumpkin Top
- Instrument Class: Vintage
- Instrument serial number: 39881 Built in Kalamazoo Michigan early 1918
- Country of Origin: USA
- Instrument Condition: Good
- Right-handed
- CITIES Documentation Required: No
- Case included: Yes
- Case original: No
- Case Type: Hard
- Instrument Weight Imperial: 3.66lbs
- Instrument Weight Metric: 1.66 kg
- Scale Length Imperial: 24.5 in
- Scale Length Metric: 620 mm
- Nut Width Imperial: 1.623 in
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Nut Width Metric: 41.26 mm
- Items in Case: N/A
- Consignment: Yes
- Product ID: 189864
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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 |