1923 Gibson A3, Lloyd Loar era Ivory top. I'm hoping to snag this one for $1,200 clams, but I will pay the asking price of $!,400 if I need to.
Dread, check that A-3 out closely. The A-3 was discontinued in 1922, so something seems amiss in the listing. If there’s no truss rod, it predates the Loar golden-era. And to be clear, Loar had nothing to do with the construction of A model Gibsons, but A models that correspond to the F-5 Loar-signed years are often perceived to be some of the best sounding of the breed - which speaks to the probability of superior build quality during that time. Dating Gibson mandolins correctly is best done with the Factory Order Number, found on the neckblock. Consult Joe Spann’s book for the most accurate list of FON numbers (should be available online).1923 Gibson A3, Lloyd Loar era Ivory top. I'm hoping to snag this one for $1,200 clams, but I will pay the asking price of $!,400 if I need to.
Except that he was Chief Engineer of Gibson when this was built.Loar had nothing to do with the construction of A model Gibsons, but A models that correspond to the F-5 Loar-signed years are often perceived to be some of the best sounding of the breed - which speaks to the probability of superior build quality during that time
Yes, it is quite cool that Loar was roaming the halls at Gibson, and I’m as guilty as anyone of tossing around the term “Loar-era” regarding my mandolin, but the “A” model’s body had been in production for many years before Loar arrived on the scene. Conversely, he was absolutely the catalyst for the design & development of the F-hole group of instruments which debuted in 1922 as the Master Model Series. A Loar signed Master Model indicated that the instrument’s body had been carefully tuned by hand to achieve a particular pitch - including the top, back, tone bars, and even the size of the F-holes.Except that he was Chief Engineer of Gibson when this was built.
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Yes, it is quite cool that Loar was roaming the halls at Gibson, and I’m as guilty as anyone of tossing around the term “Loar-era” regarding my mandolin, but the “A” model’s body had been in production for many years before Loar arrived on the scene. Conversely, he was absolutely the catalyst for the design & development of the F-hole group of instruments which debuted in 1922 as the Master Model Series. A Loar signed Master Model indicated that the instrument’s body had been carefully tuned by hand to achieve a particular pitch - including the top, back, tone bars, and even the size of the F-holes.
So back in the ‘70s when folks like Gruhn started first seriously paying attention to this stuff, the term Loar-era was applied to the timeframe in which he actually signed the line of Master Model instruments (‘22-‘24), and this logically became the common frame of reference. Fast forward to today’s internet age, and we see the term “Loar-era” applied at every conceivable point-of-sale opportunity, including parts. That said, it indeed does not change the fact that he truly was in the building prior to 1922. And again, it’s rather clear that during his tenure, Gibson’s overall build quality on the assembly line was notably high - all good stuff!
There’ll always be another opportunity to spend money, if you are so inclined. For now, you’ve chosen wisely, Grasshopper!Cool. Sounds like a bigger purchase than mine.