Is this an A-4, A-0, or what?

[Capt. E]

Ad on ebay: http://www.ebay.com/itm/291199888741...84.m1423.l2649

Probably made in 1934 just before the A's acquired f holes. I have seen some call it an A-4 because of the pearl headstock "Gibson" and the rings around the sound hole, but does not have an extended fretboard. Some call it an A0. Could you call it one of the first A-50's with an oval hole? Certainly Gibson didn't make too many in this particular configuration. Nice looking, but missing the pickguard.

[F-2 Dave]

I really like it. I'd put it into the late A-4 group as well. Probably not A-0. I wonder if the label and FON are both gone?

[Capt. E]

I agree...late A-4. One vintage instrument seller has an identical one that he calls an A0: http://www.vintagemandolin.com/35gibsona4_fon785.html
The seller says no label, but has factory order number 959.

Very tempting instrument.

[mandroid]

Ivoroid ring around sound hole is an A4 feature , the unbound square end fingerboard style is more A40 .

interesting mix..

[Capt. E]

Great example of the design transitions Gibson was going through from about 1933-35. Be interesting to have a collection of 1930's vintage A-4, A-1, A-00 (which evolved into the A-40) and A-50. They can all be very nice players. Then, of course, there are the F models.

[pfox14]

Looks like a c1932-33 A, not an A-4 or A-0. The A-4 had a bound fingerboard and fleur-de-lis on the peghead. The A-0 had no sound hole rings.

[Capt. E]

My understanding is the early thirties saw all kinds of variations. A4 was discontinued in 1935, the and year the A-00 got f holes and a carved back. I understand the last of the A-4's did not always have the fluer d lis, that was a special order feature. Build standards at the time were pretty variable. The company was trying to survive. Guitars became very important.

[hmess]

Actually I think it might be an A-50 because for the first few years they had oval sound holes. Here's another thread I started about my instrument: http://www.mandolincafe.com/forum/sh...s-an-1933-A-50. Mine sounds beautiful, I recommend it to anyone!

[Capt. E]

Actually I think it might be an A-50 because for the first few years they had oval sound holes. Here's another thread I started about my instrument: http://www.mandolincafe.com/forum/sh...s-an-1933-A-50. Mine sounds beautiful, I recommend it to anyone!

I thought of that. Personally it is probably the best ID for it as an A-4 should have the fleur-d-lis and a bound extended fingerboard. I have seen oval hole A-00's (they have a flat back) but not oval A-50's. The factory order number is also correct. All in all, it is a rather rare bird. Be interesting to give it a play and find out how it sounds.

[Capt. E]

Here is a description of the first year for the A-50:
1933 A-50 specs:
Symmetrical body, oval sound hole, bound top, back, fingerboard, fingerboard raised off of top, dot inlays, "Gibson" logo, dark red mahogany sunburst finish.
Here is a description of a 1934 A-4:
1934 A-4 specs:
"Gibson" peghead logo, amber red mahogany sunburst top finish.
A-4 discontinued 1935.

Here is a link to the 1934 Gibson Catalog: http://www.acousticmusic.org/userfil...atalog%20W.pdf
This shows the "new model" A-50 which is identical to the subject here except for f holes instead of the oval hole.
So, 1933 A-50 it is...my final opinion.