Pre-Loar A4's

**sgarrity** · Jan-10-2006, 11:40am

Did anybody see the 1916 A4 that just sold on our favorite auction site? Went for about $4100. Are these getting more desireable or what? The values seem to be going through the roof. I'd hate to see what a snakehead A4 would bring. I figured this thing would sell for about $2500. Guess I was way off!

Shaun

**John Rosett** · Jan-10-2006, 12:17pm

greg boyd just had a '22 A4 with truss rod that sold for $2450. i think. it was a very nice one with all original parts and case. i think that sometimes things on the auction site go for drastically inflated prices when a couple of people get in a bidding war. witness the '24 A2Z that recently sold for $6600. while george gruhn had the same year and model for sale for $3800.
the good thing about the old gibsons and the vintage market is that the level of trim has nothing to do with the sound quality, yet the collectors are willing to pay alot more for the A4's than the A's and Ajr's. when i bought my 1913 A, i had the chance to compare it to several fancier gibsons, including a '24 snakehead A4, and mine was far superior in the tone and volume departments. it's still possible to find great sounding and playing vintage gibson mandolins for under a grand, if you don't have to have the fancy pearl inlay.

**sgarrity** · Jan-10-2006, 6:33pm

I saw that A2Z. That was just crazy money.

Maybe some of you guys can answer a question for me. Is there a difference in the neck profile of old Gibson A's? Specifically between early '20's models and snakehead models?

thanks,
Shaun

**danb** · Jan-10-2006, 6:45pm

More slender neck on a snakehead..

Sometimes you get a really nice teens A model, F4s with maple backs can really have that mellow tone too. Snakeheads seem "more likely" to sound nice. You really just have to try them.. still some very good deals on A models, even on ebay!

**Eric F.** · Jan-10-2006, 7:26pm

Wasn't that A4 that just sold offered with a BIN of $6500 and a lot of copy about how great it was and how it was worth any two other instruments? Does that kind of writing actually work? I can't bring myself to do it. I probably undersell my stuff. Maybe I'll try hyperbole when the time comes to sell my 1919 A4.

**sgarrity** · Jan-11-2006, 12:26am

Does anyone know nut widths? I'm looking at a '22 A4 and a '27 A4. From pictures, they appear to have similar necks. Haven't found a snakehead yet.

**mandroid** · Jan-11-2006, 12:59am

I met the 2nd owner of mine,(22A4)at the new weekly jam. he played it gently for years and then , "not gaining much past a couple chords", consigned it , so I could point the soundhole back at him. he does a nice job on brush and snaredrum, and some adaquate piano, though..

**Eric F.** · Jan-11-2006, 8:48am

Shaun, I can't tell you the nut widths of '20s models but my 1919 A4 has a wide nut - 1 3/16 - and a chunky neck.

**ellisppi** · Jan-11-2006, 10:22am

I was the high bidder on that mandolin till the nite before. I couldn't believe 2 people put in "I'll get it at any price" bids at the last second. It was the nicest A4 I've ever seen.

**Dave Reiner** · Jan-13-2006, 1:50pm

Originally Posted by (mandorose @ Jan. 10 2006, 13:17)

greg boyd just had a '22 A4 with truss rod that sold for $2450. i think. it was a very nice one with all original parts and case. i think that sometimes things on the auction site go for drastically inflated prices when a couple of people get in a bidding war....

I just received that particular 1922 A4 from Greg today, and like it a lot! #Great condition, excellent playability, with a ringing, complex sound. #It has the original frets, filed very low. #It's the first yellow-lined, original case I've seen, too. #

Greg's prices are always reasonable; I like his shop and appreciate his expertise. #I tapped into Dan Beimborn's expertise and several others also while considering this (thanks!).

Dave

**sgarrity** · Jan-13-2006, 3:59pm

Aahhh, so you're the guy!

No sooner than I decided to call about it, I saw it was on hold. I'm glad you got a nice instrument. From the pics, it looked to be in great conditiion. The hunt continues............

**John Rosett** · Jan-13-2006, 5:41pm

congratulations, dave, that is a nice one. i've always wanted an A4 like that one. i've seen quite a few photos of jethro burns playing a truss rodded, paddle peghead A4. i was interested in that one, too, but an emergency back surgery for my dog put any mando purchases out of the question.