new ( used) Alan Bibey

[jimbob]

I just bought a Gibson Alan Bibey....man, it sounds great, but I have a couple of questions.
1. Were these limited production models ? I don't see any designation on the label....xx of 50...
2. Mine was made in Oct 2004. I saw one from March 2004 that had the finish removed from the neck. When did they quit removing the finish and I wonder why they aren't all the same ?
I have partcipated in a couple of the threads where Gibson and their pricing and marketing strategies were discussed....I tended to side against Gibson for some of their practices, but I have to say this mandolin sounds and plays GREAT !! I doubt if I would ever pay new MSRP or even a decent discounted price for a new one, but I got a heck of a deal on this like-new-used one and I am very pleased with the mando. Gibson knows how to build them, that's for sure.
http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mandosmiley.gif

[mandoJeremy]

The Bibey models are a limited edition run of 50 if I remember correctly. Also, the one that had the finish removed was probably done by someone after it was purchased. Gibson could have done it at the purchaser's request but it is probably an aftermarket job. Congratulations on your new mando and the Bibey's I have played are all great mandos.

[jimbob]

the one I saw with finish removed was made in March 2004 and in a store brand new. It had a designation on the label indicating it was xx of 50 (I don't remember the actual number) but mine has no such designation.

[Big Joe]

The Bibey model is a limited edition and only 50 will be made. I cannot say why yours does not have the xx of 50 on the label. Secondly, they came with finished necks. We will remove the finish if requested, but they come standard with finish on the neck. They are great mandolins and have been quite popular. Congratulations!

[Brian T]

My Bibey was built in November of 2004. It does not have the xx of 50 designation either. It's a great Mandolin just the same. Sounding better all the time.

[Fretbear]

"Only fifty shall be made and sold.."
"Oh, these one's don't have a number for some reason...."
Pay at the cash.....

[earthsave]

The one I saw and heard was a beaut. Best sounding of all the Gibsons in the tent, including the distressed MM

[mandoman4807]

I would be a bit concerned If BigJoe doesn't`t know why they don`t have a production number. #I have owned two limited production Gibson mandolins, and they both had the production number on one of the inner labels http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/rock.gif #I`m not saying your particular mandolin is fake.... just cautious about it is all. I personally would be checking into this for sure!

Darrell

[fredfrank]

The only Bibey model I played was Alan Bibey's personal mandolin, and it sounded wonderful! Of course, it sounded much better after I handed it back to him and he went on stage with his band.
http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif

[jimbob]

I don't think the mandolin I have is fake, but I do wonder why a limited production model wouldn't be labeled as such. Oh, well, maybe I'll contact Gibson and ask them about the seriel number. How do I go about that ?

[Big Joe]

The serial number would not tell much except the date of production. It would not tell you which of the 50 you have. Whether it has the # of 50 or not, it is not an issue. It sometimes happens. I cannot imagine anyone making a fake of that particular model. It is a great mandolin, but not that easy to make. I'd bet a dollar to a donut it is real.

[mandoman4807]

BigJoe,
How in the world would Gibson Let a mandolin go without it`s production number? This boggles my mind. Especially if it is a limited run. I would, as an owner want to know where my instrument fell in the big scheme of things. It may not matter now, but 90 years from now it could very well make a big difference in the value.

I can just hear it now.... they ony made 50 but I don`t have a clue what number this one is.


http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/rock.gif #http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mad.gif

Darrell

[G. Fisher]

I also do not understand how a special addition limited run mandolin can be unnumbered. There are only going to be 50 but if we forget to mark some of them there could be more. #Even though we can't track it with the serial number it isn't an issue and we are sure it is authentic. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/rock.gif

Boy I find that very reassuring. #

[Scotti Adams]

..this issue leaves me scratching my head too...

[BigJoe]

The serial numbers do not indicate which model or what particulars are on your mandolin. If you do a serial number search it will give you the date it was made and that is about all. The limited run mandolins are noted in the records so we know how many were sold and what dealer recieved them. These records are kept very carefully so we do not lose track of any of those we have made. This is an internal thing. There could be many reasons the # of 50 is missing. The tag could have fallen out, it could have been removed, or it is always possible the tag was forgotten at the factory. I'm sure it could be important to someone in ninety years, Darrell, but if it is still a problem for you at that time, call me and I'll find the record for you http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif . If you have a mandolin and the sesquence number is not listed you can try calling OAI and talk to Sherry Rush. She may be able to get you better information than I can. Her number is 615-514-2200 x 2236. If she does not answer, just leave your message and she will get back to you. See how easy that work?

[mandoman4807]

Joe, its not a problem for me...I don`t own the mandolin. If you go back and read my previous post,you will see I was just stating my take on the subject. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

I believe it was jimbob who was asking the question.


Darrell

.

[jimbob]

I bought the mandolin used and think I got a good deal. I enjoy the mandolin and my other instruments for playing and for the fun of collecting instruments. I initially raised the question only out of curiosity so I would kow exactly what I had. #I think it is a little strange that instrument isn't numbered. I don't know if the original owner had issues or not. I do think that if this was limited production model, it might hurt the value over the long haul. I could see where these signauture models may well be of interest in a few years. It would be nice to have the documentation right on the label.

[jimbob]

I sent an e-mail to Gibson and asked whether or not my mandolin is a limited production run. According to the response I got back, the Alan Bibey is a current production model and not a limited version. I still am a little confused because I did see an Alan Bibey with a "xx of 50" designation. This is only an issue because it could affect long term value. Big Joe...any more insight here ?

[Danny Clark]

i have one of the Benson limited models it simply just has a 18-50 written on the side of the label,i once had a Nashville made Flatiron Artist F that had an Artist A lable ,but it had a scroll!

[Big Joe]

They are a limited run of 50 mandolins. Sorry you were given wrong information. The only Artist mandolins that are not limited runs are the Bush and the Lawson which are continuos run products. Thank you.