Gibson AlRite model [Archive] - Mandolin Cafe Forum

D C Blood

Oct-01-2009, 5:18am

A friend has recently acquired a Gibson AlRite model mandolin, which is not in real good shape. He wants to know if it's worth having the work done to restore it. Serial # is 48384, (at least that's what it looks like to me). Top sinkage, two large cracks in back, seam separation top and bottom. The top seems to be in good shape. Case is original, no handle.
Probably get some better pics today..

D C Blood

Oct-01-2009, 5:20am

Another thing I wanted to ask is what is the relative rarity of this AlRite model? I think it's one of the very rare model. What would be approx. value of one in good shape?

Jill McAuley

Oct-01-2009, 9:06am

There's two at Elderly right now - they have them both listed at $1100, one is described as in EC- condition and the other in VG-EC condition. Bit of top sinkage in both of them.

http://www.elderly.com/vintage/names/gibson-style-d-%22the-alrite%22-%28c.1917%29--90U-5354.htm

http://www.elderly.com/vintage/names/gibson-style-d-%22the-alrite%22-%28c.1917%29--90U-5349.htm

Cheers,
Jill

MikeEdgerton

Oct-01-2009, 9:12am

They were an inexpensive entry level Gibson mandolin, they aren't all that rare and those prices are pretty generous. Here (http://www.mandolincafe.com/forum/search.php?query=alrite&exactname=0&starteronly=0&forumchoice%5B%5D=&prefixchoice%5B%5D=&childforums=1&titleonly=1&searchdate=0&beforeafter=after&do=process) are some past threads on this mandolin. Many involve rebracing so you can see what they look like inside.

atetone

Oct-01-2009, 7:39pm

The Alrite was built in 1917 only and was the fanciest of the pancake type Gibsons.
It is also known as a style D and came with a pickguard.

8ch(pl)

Oct-02-2009, 9:09am

There is a difference between the Model D Alrite and the Army and Navy Model. The Alrite has 2 longitudinal braces, one each side of the soundhole. The Army and navy has a single traverse brace.

One of the nicest sounding flat-tops that I have played is an Alrite that was converted to X bracing. It was mellow and sweet, with pretty good volume. I don't think it better than my Mid Missouri, but the Alrite was not as bright. In the shop there was a nearly mint Army and Navy and an A Gibson with a flat back and F holes. I was not impressed with the A.