View Full Version : 1970s gibson a-12--how bad (or good) are they?
Hey guys,
I've got a supercool 1917 Alrite which I love (I'm just learning), but I've got an attack of MAS. I need to keep it under budget, because I just had to sell my F-9--don't shoot me, but for some reason, I was never crazy about it anyway!--and I'm tempted by the "F style" Gibson A-12s I'm seeing on eBay from the 1970s. #I've read a lot of posts, however, that indicate they are--ahem--less than desirable, shall we say?
Also, and again don't shoot me, but how would these 1970s #A-12s compare with those awesome-looking D-style big-mouth Paris Swings (of which I can get one with case for $500!)
Any replies would be appreciated...this is my first post, so be kind to a newbie!
Thanks,
Keely
f5loar
Mar-09-2007, 8:42pm
Words alone can not describe how bad the A12 was when it was being made. While you might find mandolins that are worse you can not find one with a worse reputation. The question that baffles the alert mind is who were these people that bought them new that they can now sell them used and who used them? I've yet to see a worn out one. Most that turn up on ebay are in near mint condition. That alone should answer your question.
That's pretty much what I've been reading everywhere online! Thanks for adding another--and very convincing--"no" vote to the issue!
As for the Paris Swings, I've been reading all the threads previously posted here about them, and I may spring for one just so I can feed my addiction in an affordable way. When I have some real "Gibson" dollars to spend again, I'll stay away from those nasty A-12s!
Keely
Eric F.
Mar-09-2007, 11:45pm
If it was me, I'd take the $1300 or so being asked for the A12 and buy the Ratliff or the Glenn F5 in the classifieds. Either way, I'd have a nice mandolin. The only Paris Swing I've played was an f hole, not the bigmouth bass one. It didn't float my boat, but YMMV. Buying something less than desirable simply because you have MAS is a surefire way to lose money. You'll just keep wanting something better. Why not just get something good to start with?
Keely
Mar-10-2007, 12:16am
Good point...especially since I'm addicted to the warmth of vintage instruments. I'm afraid the Paris Swings might be more "eye candy" than anything else, and I dread that brand-new brassiness and "cheap" feel of some of the inexpensive mandos. I know I oughta just keep larnin' on my Alrite until I can afford a great vintage mando to suit me...but those Paris jobs sure are purty! Wish I wasn't tempted...
f5loar
Mar-10-2007, 1:38am
With some great new mandolins being made today I would go for those over a vintage in the same price range. For $1000 you will get a nice vintage A50 from the 50's which is pretty cool. But for best sound go for a nice Eastman 815 F model. Didn't I just see a blonde 815 the other day on the cafe for $950? Buying an A12 won't cure your MAS but it looks pretty cool hanging on the wall for decoration.
Trouble is, I love vintage mandos so much. Love the sound, love the feel...Now I'm reading up on Vega Cylinderbacks!
By the way, does anyone know a good repair shop in the Denver area? My Alrite is developing a separation in the back seam and I want to catch it as soon as I can.
Greenmando
Mar-10-2007, 3:46pm
Early Gibson A style oval holes from the teens are still available, priced very reasonably.
That's why I love my 1917 Gibson Alrite!
Dan Adams
Mar-10-2007, 5:51pm
Keely,
Chris Herbert at the Acoustic music Revial repaired seperations and a crack in my 1917 Gibson A. I'm quite pleased with the results. Edward Dick out at the Olde Twon Pickin Parlor in Arvada. Both are busy and you may have to set an appointment for the future, and then take the instrument when their schedule allows. Both are recommended. Good Luck! Dan
Thanks very much, Dan! I live up in the mountains, about 175 miles from Denver, and nobody up here does that kind of work (at least that I know of, I've only been in Colorado for a short time). So this is really helpful to know, and definitely worth a trip into town. My 1917 Gibson is very dear to my heart, and I want to get this done as soon as possible, so I'll check up on the two you recommended. Thanks again!