Gibson A-4 Carved Top Mandolin (1928)
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Gibson A-4 Model Carved Top Mandolin (1928), made in Kalamazoo, Michigan, serial # 84006, red sunburst top, dark stained back and sides finish, maple back and sides, spruce top; mahogany neck with ebony fingerboard, original black hard shell case.
This is an interesting and fairly rare Gibson mandolin; a Style A-4 from the end of the 1920s. The long-running model was phased out of production in the early 1930s but even at this point relatively few of this top model in the A-style line were being made. The A-4 was Gibson's highest priced non-scroll mandolin for much of the company's early history, but mandolin sales in general were in sharp decline by the end of the 1920s and Gibson was building very few compared to the 1910s glory days -- especially of these more expensive models.
This A-4 was built towards the end of 1928 and according to available data likely shipped right at the beginning of 1929. It is generally similar to earlier examples, but equipped with all the newer 1920s features carried forward from the "Loar Era" including the adjustable truss rod in the neck, adjustable ebony bridge and "modern" metal rod pickguard bracket. It still carries the model's trademark pearl fleur-de-lis and Gibson logo on the headstock, but the beautiful inlayed Handel tuners had disappeared after WWI.
The round-profile neck is just a bit thicker and chunkier feeling than the 1920s "snakehead" examples made during Lloyd Loar's tenure, but has a very comfortable feel compared to the sharper "V" profile of the 1910s. The dark red sunburst top has a very deep hue, and this is still a very classy-looking mandolin. Considerably less common than its 1910s or early '20s ancestors, this late model A-4 is a still lovely and very fine-sounding instrument.
Overall length is 26 in. (66 cm.), 10 1/4 in. (26 cm.) width, and 1 7/8 in. (4.8 cm.) in depth, measured at side of rim. Scale length is 14 in. (356 mm.). Width of nut is 1 3/16 in. (30 mm.).
Overall this is a very nicely preserved, all original and fine playing mandolin showing some light play wear with no major damage or repair. The untouched original finish still shines like it did before the Stock Market crash with typical checking and some minor dings, dents and scratches; the back of the neck especially is very clean.
The instrument shows no cracks or even visible seam repairs. All hardware is original and complete in very good condition. The original small frets have been recently crowned and show very little wear; the mandolin plays beautifully with a powerful and even tone. The original HSC is present showing some external wear but in very solid shape as well. Excellent Condition.
This is an interesting and fairly rare Gibson mandolin; a Style A-4 from the end of the 1920s. The long-running model was phased out of production in the early 1930s but even at this point relatively few of this top model in the A-style line were being made. The A-4 was Gibson's highest priced non-scroll mandolin for much of the company's early history, but mandolin sales in general were in sharp decline by the end of the 1920s and Gibson was building very few compared to the 1910s glory days -- especially of these more expensive models.
This A-4 was built towards the end of 1928 and according to available data likely shipped right at the beginning of 1929. It is generally similar to earlier examples, but equipped with all the newer 1920s features carried forward from the "Loar Era" including the adjustable truss rod in the neck, adjustable ebony bridge and "modern" metal rod pickguard bracket. It still carries the model's trademark pearl fleur-de-lis and Gibson logo on the headstock, but the beautiful inlayed Handel tuners had disappeared after WWI.
The round-profile neck is just a bit thicker and chunkier feeling than the 1920s "snakehead" examples made during Lloyd Loar's tenure, but has a very comfortable feel compared to the sharper "V" profile of the 1910s. The dark red sunburst top has a very deep hue, and this is still a very classy-looking mandolin. Considerably less common than its 1910s or early '20s ancestors, this late model A-4 is a still lovely and very fine-sounding instrument.
Overall length is 26 in. (66 cm.), 10 1/4 in. (26 cm.) width, and 1 7/8 in. (4.8 cm.) in depth, measured at side of rim. Scale length is 14 in. (356 mm.). Width of nut is 1 3/16 in. (30 mm.).
Overall this is a very nicely preserved, all original and fine playing mandolin showing some light play wear with no major damage or repair. The untouched original finish still shines like it did before the Stock Market crash with typical checking and some minor dings, dents and scratches; the back of the neck especially is very clean.
The instrument shows no cracks or even visible seam repairs. All hardware is original and complete in very good condition. The original small frets have been recently crowned and show very little wear; the mandolin plays beautifully with a powerful and even tone. The original HSC is present showing some external wear but in very solid shape as well. Excellent Condition.