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I was looking for a 23-24 Gibson A-Jr but fell into this beauty and just got her off eBay with a Best Offer -- a 1923 Gibson A snakehead.
Really amazing sounding and looking instrument with what appears to be all original parts including original case with some very well worn string envelopes in it. Has the tortoise rear binding as well. Feel very fortunate to own this piece of Loar-era history.
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Very nice..i was drooling over that but the funds just weren't there..
Rare condition for its age. Excellent snagg!
Jeff
Very nice...a classic! I bet it has a great sound.
I have a copy of one and love it.
Larry
Nice find, Enjoy it!!!
Very nice indeed. I remember seeing it on eBay and thought you got a good price for it. Congrats, But no sound clip? :(
Great instrument. I have a 23 A2 snakehead.
Nice find. Hope it was a decent price.
I have one just like it! I have owned it for 26 years. The front of yours is in better shape than mine. I have owned several mandolins but the old A is hands down the best sounding most cool mando of all. You will love that mandolin for many years I hope. Never sell it. It is history that you can play.
I love the '23, but I am in love WITH Larry's Brentrup replica.Quote:
Originally Posted by Larry S Sherman
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I agree. You got a good one. Things I love about it - that creamy Gibson sound, A style, snakehead, Sheraton brown (no burst), oval hole. Playable history.Quote:
Originally Posted by Nick Triesch
My A2 is my favorite. Every scratch and wear mark on it is mine. It sounds great and I will never ever sell it.
Being a bluegrass guy I have to say I never really got into the oval holes... until the other day that is, when I got a chance to spend some time with a 1915 gibson blacktop a4... just a really neat sound, and LOUD! Very airy and almost effortless sound. Had a lot of fun playing it, still not sure for my playing if it would be worth the price, but I can definitely see the draw! Your mandolin is beautiful, btw. Definitely cool.
Jeff, how long have you had your A2? Mine is a "23" also but mine is the plain A snake. I have J74's on mine for years with no problems. What set do you guys use? Nick
I bought mine in 1985. It was in oh my goodness like untouched condition. Music Emporeum on Mass Ave in Boston. I assume because of the condition it spend most of its life in its case under someone's bed.Quote:
Originally Posted by Nick Triesch
I lucked out, to a large extent, because I did not have the ears I have now, and did not know how good it was.
I use D'Addario J74s. I used to use GHS PF270s for many many years, and I don't remember why I switched, but I am happy with the J74s.
Wow, congrats. That is very clean and nice. It even includes a set of arrow end tuners not normally seen on that model. The rear binding is an especially cool thing
Is this the listing that said "replaced binding". I called "not/BS" on that part of the write-up if so
Yes Darryl. I agree with you. Looks 100% original.
Good thing 23 was a busy year in Kalamazoo.
Awesome! I have a '22 A2 that is very similar except with the paddle head.
Wow! It looks great. I agree that it's a good find.
congratulations - such a beautiful design - how "A's" aught to look like
On my old 23 A-0, it also has the arrow end tuners. I also use J74 strings for many years now. Mine has the orginal case and pickguard but the case is very smelly! But the front face of your mandolin is fantastic!