Gibson 1917 A Snakehead

[Steven]

Will have a chance to buy a Gibson 1917 Snakehead with fitted case (not rectangular) for about $1500 in the next two days.It has been stored in a closet for many years,not played by the former or current owner,it was taken as payment for work many years ago.Can you guys help me out on what to look out for....you know deal killers?Is this a reasonable price if it is in really nice condition?What is the single most important thing to look for that would make it not worthy of purchase?

[danb]

well, for starters.. there's no such thing as a 1917 snakehead. It'd be a 1923-1926 if the serial number checks out (roughly between 70000-82000). Look for cracks or damage, make sure it feels sturdy, and make sure you like it. Market value of a nice snakehead with no damage or replaced parts is around $2200-2600.

Check it's serial ## on www.mandolinarchive.com, see if it's similar to other ones from the period.

[Mace]

No snakeheads were made in 1917. You also need to know the model number. Post more information: serial number, description and condition. A picture would be great. You'll get plenty of good advice here.

[fatt-dad]

You may want to check out some of the used mandolin dealers to see whether you can fine some snakeheads on the market. You could then check out how they are priced, the condition and what-nots. At my web page www.fatt-dad.com you will see one of my links is to Rique Ricardo's mandolin shopper. This is nothing more than a convenient access to various links to used/vintage mandolin dealers (i.e., gruhn, elderly, etc.) Go and just click around.

I bought a 1919 A-3 (not a snakehead) and the sides and back had come unglued. I had it repaired, but understand that others have see this in older Gibson's as well. You may want to check that the seams are tight. If not, they can be repaired, but you may pay several hundered dollars for the work. You may also want to check if there is an adjustable truss rod. I am no expert on these matters, but I notice that some of the A-style Gibsons had them and others (mine) do not.

You will love the Gibson A-mandolin from the teens/twenties. Getting a good deal, great deal or even paying a hundred dollars too much is no big deal, having one to play is the fun part!

f-d

[JiminRussia]

I'm surprised that no-one mentioned top sinkage. But as long as your looking out, look out for that too. Is the tail piece cover there? How about the pick guard? There are experts out in here and out there that can identify whether or not the tuners or the bridge are original (I cannot) and if there has been a neck re-set or any old repairs etc. You might want to take a dentists mirror and a light and take a look inside of it. It was common to "cleat" cracks with a piece of heavy cloth (on the inside) that had been soaked in glue. It worked pretty well and didn't affect the tone too much, but a repair, even well done, will impact the resale value.

[Steven]

Well OH MY GOD! As the kids say you guys are the BOMB!Thanks so much for your insights,see I really dont have a clue and am not too proud to admit it!Stay tuned,if it works out I'll let you guys know and you can tell me how bad I screwed up!

[Darryl Wolfe]

Steven, feel free to email me. I can help identify and provide the advise you may need. Go to my link below.

[Eugene]

Often, sellers with little vintage experience will see a patent date on a piece of hardware and assume it is a date of manufacture. #This could be the case with somebody branding a snakehead as 1917. #Of course, this could have had the head or whole neck replaced...or could even be a blatant case of poorly executed fraud. #I'd prefer to assume any of the former scenarios before leaping to the latter.

[Bob DeVellis]

Steven - Take Darryl up on his offer! If you're new around here, you might not know him, but he is a world-class expert on Gibsons.

[Darryl Wolfe]

Thanks Bo, you are certainly no slouch yourself

[Steven]

Well heres an update.Got to see and play it yesterday.Big disappointment.Binding starting to seperate,strap button knarled all up,center seam showing signs of seperating,but the worse part was the top was slightly sunken in forward of the bridge,and little wonder as the poor thing had been tuned what seemed to be a complete octave higher than normal and this from a supposed music store that put on the new strings.Ser. #72 thousand something,original everything,even the case.Maybe great for a collector (?) but not for this player.Is that Mahogony on the sides and back?(remember I'm clueless).

[Darryl Wolfe]

The item still may be worth acquiring. #Now that you have established that it is a 1923 (by virtue of the serial number) #This is a true snakehead which is very desirable. #I payed $700 for this '23 with a broken neck and all the seams coming apart. #Much depends on the finish condition and degree of top sinkage..the rest can be repaired. This one will be strung up this weekend.

[sunburst]

Steven,
At the right price it still may be a good deal. All the things you mentioned are likely repairable.
If the selling price and the repair price add up to a good price, why not buy it and have it fixed?

If you are really clueless, as you say, find a luthier/repairer that you trust and have him/her look it over and give you a repair estimate. If the total seems too high, make the seller an offer that is more reasonable.

This one is listed at $2850
23 snakehead (http://www.vintagemandolin.com/23gibsona1521813.html)

[fatt-dad]

Give the guy a grand and ship it to Gibson. The thing wants to play again - I'm sure of it.

f-d

[ethanopia]

how about posting your freinds information so we can have mad feeding frenzy of low-ball offers.

just kidding of course...

http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif

[Steven]

Hi Guys!Yes I offered him a grand for it or rather I told him thats what I would ask for it if it were mine.Thanks for the pictures sunburst,this one looks just like the one in the pictures,but it does not have the Gibson name on the peghead,and it is not a black face just regular wood color.Its the kind of thing that to quote:I really dont need the money but if someone offers me enough I guess I would sell it.My response was:I really dont need another mando but if you decide to sell it please let me know.You know its the old Antique Road Show mentality,God forbid I sell it for $100 less than its worth.Well whatever,I deal in firearms as a living and we go thru the same thing all the time...Hey beg me enough and I might sell it......I dont think so.He's a nice fellow,I've got no problem with him.

[Eugene]

Is that Mahogony on the sides and back?(remember I'm clueless).
Gibson always advertised maple, but many of their instruments (certainly most of the lesser styles) were backed in stained birch.