Gibson A-5 L

[Andy Alexander]

My son is going to be looking at an A-5 L as a possible upgrade from his Flatiron A-5 jr. signature model. It is an '88 Carlson signed instrument. He will be taking his A-5 jr with him to compare and contrast the sound. It is for sale by a very reputable dealer. Does anyone have any thoughts about that era A-5 L?

[Shawn Gambrel]

I love the A-5L ... I have only seen them but i would like to play one.

[doc holiday]

I'll be interested to know what your son thinks. Carlson era Flatirons are very highly regarded. Apart from "appointments" (which add nothing to tone), I'm not sure i'd consider the A5-L to be an upgrade.
If it is all about the tone, then it is also about tonal preferences and a comparison of two individual instruments.....from the ones I've heard I'd be leaning towards the Fiatiron...

[Andy Alexander]

His Flatiron A-5 JR is a Signature model signed by Weber. The Carlson signed Gibson A-5 L is selling for about double what his Flatiron was so we need to hear a very noticable difference in volume and tone, not just visual appeal. His A-5 JR sounds real good for a $1000 mandolin. Doc, I'll let you know how they compare.

[fscotte]

I have an A5L signed by Sim Daley. Made in 1999. I have no idea how it compares to any other mandolin though. It does sound good though.

[David Horovitz]

I've been the caretaker of an '89 Carlson-signed Gibson A-5L for the past five years and it's been a great mandolin, which I use to play bluegrass, old-time, celtic, blues, jazz and classical. Your son should definitely check it out in person to compare for himself. Let us know how it turns out.

If it helps to have another point of reference, here I am playing my A-5L:
http://web.me.com/dhorovitz/Music/My_Music/Entries/2009/6/14_They_Cant_Take_That_Away_From_Me.html

[fatt-dad]

I think them about the same.

f-d

[Big Joe]

It's a good mandolin. I have not heard a bad one, though they are a bit different from later models.

[Andy Alexander]

Am I correct to assume that an '88 would have a mortise and tennon neck joint rather than a dovetail? I know a lot of people prefer a good dovetail joint but I haven't heard any bad things about the mortise and tennon.

[fatt-dad]

both should have parallel tone bars and both M&T neck joints. I'd think they're also carved to the same specs. What's left, color?

f-d

[Big Joe]

The 88 would have a mortise and tenon joint. They are held in by a bolt in the neck joint. The only problem with this joint is that they are not as stable as a dovetail. They are not as easy to reset and the bolts can come loose. They are less stable than a good dovetail and you want to be sure the mandolin you chose has sufficient neck angle. If the neck angle gets low it is not an easy fix and not cheap. That can happen at a much higher rate than a good dovetail. That being said, they do not fail at any substantial rate, just much higher than dovetail. Many of these mandolins have survived over 20 or 30 years with no movement. Don't be afraid of an M&T, but just make sure you have enough neck angle.

[fscotte]

I asked this earlier but no response. I looked through the end pin on my 99 A5L and all I see inside where the neck would connect to the body is a piece of wood. I don't see a bolt. So is this dovetail or did they cover the bolt end with a piece of wood?

[fatt-dad]

is it made in Nashville? I can't recall when they moved production to Nashville, but it'd likely be dovetail as a Gibson from Nashville.

f-d

[Andy Alexander]

I think it would be a Montana. I'll pay attention to the neck angle. I guess I'll just compare the angle to other mandolins. Although the construction of the Flatiron A-5 JR and Gibson A-5 L are the same, would there been a little more attention to detail in craftsmanship relating to sound (carving the top, bracing, etc.) on the higher level Gibson model?

[jimbob]

I have a '99 A5L signed by Mr. Derrington. I'm pretty sure it has a DT neck. I think a lot of this mandolin. It is very classic in the finish and dimensions....I say that because it has thin fret wire and a pretty narrow neck. The string spacing is small compared to my other mandos with wider necks. The A5L has the original pick guard ( finger rest). It really has a big voice and can stand up to about any other mando I'ver heard or played. Everyone that picks it up tries to buy it ! I haven't seen any other A5L's up close, but if this one is representative, I would say it's a good choice.~o)

[Big Joe]

99 was a transitional year for neck joints. You have to look at each instrument to determine what kind of neck joint was used.

[J.Albert]

Hey Andy,

Sell a couple more ewes and get Jesse a Fern or F-5L!
He's going to want one before long, anyway! :)

- John

[Andy Alexander]

My son pulled the trigger on the A-5L yesterday after playing both mandolins back and forth for a few hours. After raising the action a couple of times it's volume passed the Flatiron A-5 JR. The Flatiron has a warmer, woodier tone while the A-5L was brighter. The volume and tone were better up the neck in the higher registers on the A-5L. The A-5L has a Fishman bridge and pickup which is being replaced with a Randy Wood bridge. I have to believe that will most likely improve the sound. The '88 A5-L has never been played much as evidenced by no fret wear at all. It did open up somewhat from a couple hours of playing. Both mandolins are good ones but the A-5L cuts through better in a bluegrass situation. While not a real consideration for us, the A-5L is almost mint and has a lot of visual appeal. Thanks for everyones input! Also, thanks to the patient folks at Bernunzio Uptown Music in Rochester NY.