View Full Version : Gibson A5L Body Shape Change
Does anyone know anything about the transition in the body shape of the Gibson A5L. It appears that the earlier ones from the 90's have a more narrow shoulder (Like the Loar A5) while the more recent ones have a wider shoulder.
Does anyone know exactly when and why this change was made?
http://www.mandolincafe.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=59306
94 Gibson A5L
http://www.mandolincafe.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=59312
01 Gibson A5L
fatt-dad
Jun-04-2010, 9:37pm
maybe the m&t v. the dovetail?
f-d
Smiley Pockets
Jun-04-2010, 10:10pm
I don't know, but how do those two compare in sound? I assume the '01 was made in Nashville? The My '95 was made in Bozeman, as I assume your '94 was. Mine has a great woody, dry sound. I think they were really trying for a Loar-ish tone. Mine was signed by Rich Gemet, a name you don't hear very often, but he seemed to know what he was doing.
All this begs the question, what shape did the original Loar A5 have?
M&t v. dovetail? I thought A5 Ls from the 90's had bolt on necks.
Chuck Naill
Jun-05-2010, 5:35am
I asked the same question last month. One response was that the new shape provided more of a distinction tonally between the A and F models.
fatt-dad
Jun-05-2010, 6:53am
Smiley, There are no Flatiron or Montana Gibsons with "bolt-on" necks. They have mortise and tenon neck joints which require a screw that acts as an internal clamp. The neck joint is held with glue, just like the dovetail. If you were to remove your screw, the neck would not come off.
f-d
Weber's web site gives an explanation with a photo under neck fit by Vern Brekke. If you look closely at some of the builds in progress you'll spot this arrangement as often as not. Some feel the dovetail is superior for tonal qualities but there are plenty of examples of fantastic sounding mandolin family instruments with either type neck fitting. I wonder if there is enough of a difference that a seasoned listener could tell in a blind test. Bottom line is a mortise and tenon is a faster, simpler more repeatable close tolerance fit where a close tolerance dovetail joint with a spot on neck angle separates skilled luthiers from the less talented or experienced. I personally would rather have a dovetail but only if it was done well with a good dry fit before it's glued.
MandolinFlyer
Jun-05-2010, 7:48am
I asked Dave Harvey once and he said that they did it to reduce mass. Makes sense, but I still like the fat neck block.