Finding original a4 parts

[tim81786]

Does anyone know where I can look to attempt to find some orignal parts mine is missing the original tuning machines, and doesnt have the pickguard or tailpiece. #It is a 1919 Gibson A4

[John Rosett]

Original parts are hard to find, and fairly expensive. The classifieds here and ebay are probably your best bets.

[allenhopkins]

Tim, I think the best answers were the ones in your original thread. From what you said, you want the mandolin to play, not to be a museum piece. It's already been significantly altered, several original parts missing, and it's in need of fairly serious repairs.

You also mentioned budgetary considerations. Trying to find original parts will be quite time-consuming, and you're going to end up paying premium prices from sellers who know what they have, and what they can get for it in the collectors' market.

You got some good advice -- to get some compatible parts, not original, and get the A-4 into playing shape. Then, if you still feel you want to restore it, you can keep your eyes out for original bridge, tuners, tailpiece cover etc. and do the restoration on a piecemeal basis.

Early-20th-century Gibsons, especially desirable models such as the A-4 (Gibson's best A-model in the pre-Loar era, and, with the exception of the super-rare Loar A-5, their best overall), are hot collector's items, as well as being in demand by players. I'd say, get the A-4 fixed and playable first, then work towards restoration.

[atetone]

Lately I have seen pickguards with clamp going for between $250 to close to $300.
Tuners at about $150 and even then you don't know if they are any good.
The taipieces complete with cover are sneaking up and are going from about $150 to $200.
And the prices are still rising I think.
Expensive stuff but worth it if you really want it.

[Jim Broyles]

And be glad it isn't a pre-1916 with Handel tuners as original equipment.

[jim_n_virginia]

I just paid $175.00 for a vintage tail piece cover on eBay. My friend Cwilson here on the board just paid $275.00 for a matching tailpiece for his old A4 from Charles Johnson in Richmond of Wolrld Mandolin headquarters. He has other parts for sale too but you will pay dearly for them.

Original parts are a whole business in themselves. You can get reproduction parts that look just like the old ones made for a lot cheaper but I guess for most people, me anyways, they want the old stuff.

Sometimes you can get some old parts in the Cafe Classifieds in the Accessory section but you have to jump on it because it is almost always sold quickly.

good luck and in the mean time I need a pickguard and bracket for a 1916 Gibson A1 while your at it!

[Red Henry]

This discussion is quite interesting! I hadn't kept up with prices. It may be time for me to clean out my parts closet--

Red