Gibson Style A Carved Top Mandolin (1921)
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Item # 4191
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Gibson Style A Model Carved Top Mandolin (1921), made in Kalamazoo, Michigan, brown varnish finish, spruce top, birch back and sides, brown tolex hard shell case.
A very good sounding "browntop" Model A mandolin from the dawn of the Loar era, just predating the change to the "snakehead" headstock design. This mandolin comes equipped with Gibson's earliest adjustable bridge featuring a compensated aluminum saddle, as seen in the parent drawing. This gives an extra brightness to the instrument's 'bark', and is a cool and rarely-seen feature. Otherwise a standard A style, single bound top and soundhole edge, no Gibson logo. When Gibson built this one, Lloyd was in the house, but he hadn't signed anything yet.
Overall length is 26 in. (66 cm.), 10 1/8 in. (25.7 cm.) wide at lower bout, and 1 7/8 in. (4.8 cm.) in depth at side. Scale length is 14 in. (356 mm.). Width of nut is 1 3/16 in. (30 mm.).
All original hardware; some seam re-glue to side/back join and two repaired back cracks with light French polish overlay. Light wear overall; no other damage or repair. The interior label is missing, but the serial # appears to be written on the inside back in pencil. A very good player. Includes newer HSC. Generally Excellent Condition.
A very good sounding "browntop" Model A mandolin from the dawn of the Loar era, just predating the change to the "snakehead" headstock design. This mandolin comes equipped with Gibson's earliest adjustable bridge featuring a compensated aluminum saddle, as seen in the parent drawing. This gives an extra brightness to the instrument's 'bark', and is a cool and rarely-seen feature. Otherwise a standard A style, single bound top and soundhole edge, no Gibson logo. When Gibson built this one, Lloyd was in the house, but he hadn't signed anything yet.
Overall length is 26 in. (66 cm.), 10 1/8 in. (25.7 cm.) wide at lower bout, and 1 7/8 in. (4.8 cm.) in depth at side. Scale length is 14 in. (356 mm.). Width of nut is 1 3/16 in. (30 mm.).
All original hardware; some seam re-glue to side/back join and two repaired back cracks with light French polish overlay. Light wear overall; no other damage or repair. The interior label is missing, but the serial # appears to be written on the inside back in pencil. A very good player. Includes newer HSC. Generally Excellent Condition.