Photos of my new old Gibson mandolin

dreadnut

Gone But Not Forgotten
Gone But Not Forgotten
Joined
Jun 15, 2005
Messages
16,082
Reaction score
6,442
Location
Grand Rapids, MI
Guild Total
2
Here she is, a little rough, but hey, she's old. Cleaned up right nice, LOUD!

1637615537311.jpeg




1637615605942.jpeg

1637615651309.jpeg

1637615704301.jpeg
 

Muckman

Member
Joined
Sep 25, 2021
Messages
217
Reaction score
272
Location
Fairfield, Ohio
Guild Total
5
I have wanted an old Gibson A for years!! I just don't ever seem to come across a vintage Gibson mandolin, local, when I'm ready to buy a new toy...that's pretty Dread!! I have an Eastman F that does fine, the older Gibsons I've had the pleasure of playing had gloriously full tone in comparison....
 

dreadnut

Gone But Not Forgotten
Gone But Not Forgotten
Joined
Jun 15, 2005
Messages
16,082
Reaction score
6,442
Location
Grand Rapids, MI
Guild Total
2
My friend has a 1917 A, we're going to get together and compare.

I really wanted one from Lloyd Loar's tenure at Gibson. 1919-1924, so I brought the hammer down when found this one.
 

Stuball48

Senior Member
Gold Supporting
Joined
Oct 22, 2017
Messages
4,736
Reaction score
2,534
Location
Dickson, TN
Looking good Dread. I can see you getting a major role in the next Robin Hood movie.
 

dreadnut

Gone But Not Forgotten
Gone But Not Forgotten
Joined
Jun 15, 2005
Messages
16,082
Reaction score
6,442
Location
Grand Rapids, MI
Guild Total
2
Don't know about that, Stu, but I can damn sure pick a few licks!

I will bring this thing to the Station Inn in Nashville next time I go for the Sunday night jam,
 

Stuball48

Senior Member
Gold Supporting
Joined
Oct 22, 2017
Messages
4,736
Reaction score
2,534
Location
Dickson, TN
Don't know about that, Stu, but I can damn sure pick a few licks!

I will bring this thing to the Station Inn in Nashville next time I go for the Sunday night jam,
You will be a hit - Marty Stuart might be there
 

hearth_man

Member
Gold Supporting
Joined
Dec 30, 2008
Messages
477
Reaction score
448
Location
Eastern, PA
Hey Dread,. I didn't know you were into mandolins! That's great. I recently found a beat up 1918 Gibson K1 mandocello that I got back into playing condition. I love this style of mando with the oval sound hole. The sound is rich, more full than an f-hole design. Like you mando she has seen better days finish wise but the sound is 100 years in the making.
 

bobouz

Senior Member
Joined
Jan 29, 2015
Messages
2,231
Reaction score
1,827
Is that just some sort of paint on the top or tinted lacquer?
I’ve never seen any info on the specific composition of the A-3’s ivory finish, but I have read that it’s somewhat delicate in nature. Regardless, aesthetically it’s a super cool finish, imho, and I also love the curlicue peghead inlay, which is unique to the A-3 in the world of Gibson mandos.
 

Boneman

Senior Member
Gold Supporting
Joined
Aug 22, 2021
Messages
1,358
Reaction score
1,624
Guild Total
6
thats awesome! Looks vintage, what year is it? Always loved when Allen Woody played his mandolin during Gov’t Mule shows, never played one myself, but someday.
 

JohnW63

Enlightened Member
Joined
Dec 11, 2012
Messages
6,295
Reaction score
2,217
Location
Southern California
Guild Total
4
How is it that there are a surprising number of really old mandolins out there which I assume are all in playable condition?
 

davismanLV

Venerated Member
Joined
Mar 24, 2011
Messages
19,201
Reaction score
11,829
Location
U.S.A. : Nevada : Las Vegas
Guild Total
2
How is it that there are a surprising number of really old mandolins out there which I assume are all in playable condition?
I'm gonna guess that smaller is better? Less distance and pull over a shorter space equals less distortion?? I'm making things up as I go, but it sounds reasonable, right??

RIGHT??
 

bobouz

Senior Member
Joined
Jan 29, 2015
Messages
2,231
Reaction score
1,827
How is it that there are a surprising number of really old mandolins out there which I assume are all in playable condition?
As Tom says, smaller is better - for a number of reasons:
- Being physically very small, mandolins are far less likely to get bumped & bruised or worse.
- Carved tops & backs with a small surface area are strong, and are more likely to withstand an impact without structural damage.
- On many old Gibsons, the neck meets the body at the 10th fret - so less likely to warp or shift.
- A smaller body is easier to transport & store safely. Many old Gibson mandos still have their original & functional cases (frequently the case will be thoroughly thrashed, but the mandolin’s fine!).
 

JohnW63

Enlightened Member
Joined
Dec 11, 2012
Messages
6,295
Reaction score
2,217
Location
Southern California
Guild Total
4
So short neck equals less torque due to the string tension and made stiffer. Add to that small enough to not get banged around much.
 
Top