Newbie Q re: '40s Gibson A

[generankin]

There are two Gibson f-hole A models now on fleabay. #As a bluegrass guitarist who's finally realized that there will always be too many bluegrass guitarists, but not enough mando players and who wants to become one, what say You Who Know about instruments of this vintage? #Cheaped-out because of the war? #Unfairly reviled? #Diamonds in the rough?

Enquiring minds ...

[Jonathan Reinhardt]

Don't know what models you're talking about, but I've had very good A-50's from the early to mid '40's. Currently have a '42.
rasa

[generankin]

Don't know what models you're talking about, but I've had very good A-50's from the early to mid '40's. Currently have a '42.
rasa

Here're the e-bay item numbers: # 3763018902 (says it is an A-00, vintage 1940-41)and 3763525523 (says it is a 1942 A-50). #Purpose intended: #attempted bluegrass.

[Darryl Wolfe]

The one listed as an A-00 is not any earlier than the 50's, and it's more of an A-40 with mahogany sides.

The one listed as an A-50 is a much better mando having maple sides and back, and is in fact a 40 something model and is an A-50

[PaulD]

My Gibson A is missing the label so I don't have the S/N, but when I was thinking about buying it a couple local shops thought it was about a '49 or '50.

It looks like the A-00 only it's a blackface. It's got the binding on the front only, the enclosed tuners, and it appears to be mahogany back and sides. Mine does have what appears to be a tortoise shell pickguard with the same bent metal bracket as the A-50 in the other auction.

It's not a really loud instrument, but I love its action and tone. I think it's more attuned to backing up vocals than as a bluegrass solo instrument, though, because it's a little quieter than my Flatiron or my new F-9.

Not that I'm an expert, but they both look like nice mandolins to me. I would probably lean toward the A-50, though, because I suspect the mahogany B&S on mine mellows the tone out more than the maple would (not that I have enough experience with different instruments to know.

Paul Doubek

[Jonathan Reinhardt]

As you can see, not the usual choice of this generation of players. Darryl's good info should help you along your way.
The A-50s did bluegrass duty in their day. Dating them is not so easily done (and I may have been a bit arbitrary in putting a year on my current - but it is definitely early to mid 40's!).
Two things -
For bluegrass, they project.
IF you play up the neck alot, you will tend to run out of room and clarity unless planning your phrasing carefully.
See the thread about what Sam Bush played before Hoss for some A-50 (albeit modified - for good reasons at the time - by very experienced players and luthiers) info.
Sorry, I tend to ignore ebay, for, in fact, my browser and ebay have a less than compatible relationship. I regret to say that I can't check those out like Darryl did.
Check Charles Johnson's current listings - he usually has some decent A-50s. here (http://www.vintagemandolin.com)
In closing, I will say that the A-50 can be a very versatile and enjoyable mandolin that holds it's own in most situations the average player will be in. I gig regularly with mine, and although I do use the F (or resonator) when needed, I truly enjoy, and enjoy sharing, the sound of this fine mandolin.
rasa