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View Full Version : Would like Gibson Antique Model(s) info...



Fstpicker
Aug-31-2004, 6:34pm
I have had the privilege of "borrowing" my friend's 1929 Gibson "A" mando for a week to try it out. He's selling it to me if I want it for $600 in excellent playing/mechanical condition. It does have three repaired/stable cracks in the top. It sounds and plays awesome with great action, and has the adjustable neck.

Anyway, I am just now learning about Gibson mandolins and their history. Is there anywhere that one could find out (online if possible) more about what models Gibson came out with from around the late teens up to 1930 or so? Part of the tag on this mando is gone so I can't see what model no. it is. It has a top bound body and soundhole with a single extra white ring around the soundhole besides the inside edge of the soundhole being bound in white also. The top is dark brown (almost sunburst) and the back is dark stained (sunburst) flamed maple, which is absolutely beautiful. The neck is black-bound and the headstock only says "Gibson", not "The Gibson" like earlier ones did. It does have an adjustable neck also.

The only info I can find is from David Grisman's "Tone Poems" CD insert which is fabulous reading. I've also encountered Alan Bond's site: Alan Bond's Mando Museum (http://home.comcast.net/~ukecat/mandolin/mandos4.html)which is great. Are there any other helpful sites around?

I am also interested in finding out where one can obtain some Gibson parts, i.e. Gibson string cover plate. I've checked Ebay and have been underwhelmed.

Thank you all for helping me in my search. I really appreciate it!

Jeff

"A hopeful Gibson owner"

Eugene
Aug-31-2004, 6:46pm
Favoring published texts, I would recommend:
# # Gruhn, G. & W. Carter. 1999. Gruhn's Guide to Vintage Guitars: An Identification Guide for American Fretted Instruments, 2nd ed. Backbeat Books, San Francisco.

Also, check out this fine page crafted by the board's administrator: Gibson A model guide (http://www.mandolincafe.com/archives/gibsona/gibsona.html).

Fstpicker
Aug-31-2004, 7:18pm
That's very helpful! Thanks!
Jeff

danb
Sep-01-2004, 12:55am
Fstpicker: check out The Mandolin Archive (http://www.mandolinarchive.com) as well.. I did that A-model guide, and this is kind of the ridiculous expansion of that idea..

$600 isn't bad, that's probably about market value with the repairs. If you have pictures, post them here and we can comment in better detail

Fstpicker
Sep-01-2004, 9:08pm
Thanks Dan. I went ahead and put a down payment on it tonite. The owner is letting me keep it also while I'm making payments on it. It really has a sweet sound. The nut isn't as wide as some Gibsons, but it is okay for me right now. I may post pictures later on when I can.

Jeff