1954 gibson a-4 - $850 - good value?

[scgc.om]

A friend in another city is asking me about a '53 A-4 seen in a GC type store. At $850, I thought that might be a pretty good deal. I'm much more familiar with 1910 - 1925 A-1s - assuming decent condition, a "teens" A-1 at $850 would be a definite buy.

What about a 50s A model Gibson - what $ range is common? Any common "issues" with this type of mando? Any other comments??

Thanks for help.

[MikeEdgerton]

Might that be an A-40?

[Paul Kotapish]

I suspect that it's an A-40, too. I don't think Gibson made any A-4s in '53. Those A-40s and A-50s can be great, but are more typically not so great and are sometimes just deadwood. All of the ones I've seen have been very sturdy--often too sturdy for great sound--so structural problems are probably not an issue unless it was hammered at some point. As always, playing and looking will give you the story. If it sounds good and plays well, the price is right.

[Pen]

To date - the best sounding mando I've ever played was a 1957 A-40. #You just never know. #I've played a few other fairly lame A-40's too. #If possible - play before pay.

Worst part of the '57 is it never gets played. #A buddy of mine owns it and it was a gift from his dad. #He won't sell it to me because of the sentimental value. #The only time it's touched is when I'm over (which isn't that often). #I can only imagine how good it would sound if it was played regularly.

Regarding price - $850 is a fair amount if it sounds good. I've seen them priced from $650 - $1000 over the years.

[scgc.om]

Thanks to all so far. BTW: it is an A-40 - my friend dropped a digit . . . !