What's the vintage of my givens a3 #151?

[johnsoba]

I bought it in about 1979, but I'm wondering when and where it was made. I'm assuming Bob Givens worked in Sand Point, Idaho, during this time?

By the way, I need a bridge top for it. I play bluegrass and old time. Any advice? The size is such that nothing I've seen at Elderly's or StewMac will fit. Any experience withCumberland Acoustics or Husky Acoustics?

Thanks!
Bruce Johnson

[fiddler59]

Most Givens mandos had a different post spacing on the bridge than Loar (gibson) style bridges. I would try to contact Steve Weill who builds Givens Legacy Mandolins.....or have a new Loar style bridge from Randy Wood or Steve Smith fitted to the Mandolin....

David Blackmon

[MNDOLNR]

When I replaced the bridge on my A3 a year ago, I had a Randy Wood fitted to the top. Works great!

[Ken Berner]

I have read that Mr. Givens did not begin numbering his mandolins until one-hundred were built; hope this helps somewhat.

[fiddler59]

If you get a dental mirror and look on the underside of the top Bob signed and dated all mandos he built ..

David B

[johnsoba]

Thanks for this excellent info! I'll get the dental mirror, and I'll contact Steve Weill to see about a replacement top. If that doesn't work, I'll try a Randy Wood or Steve Smith to get a new one fitted.

Thanks,
Bruce Johnson

[mandolooter]

any luck with the dental mirror and bridge???

BTW my Givens is bare under the top...no signature or date.

[Frank Russell]

I have had nothing but good luck with Husky Acoustics bridge saddles. Kurt Gisclair is a classy guy, very easy to work with, and his ivory saddles and nuts have made all my mandolins sound clearer and more focused. Give him a try. How about some pictures? I've got a nice Givens A4, and I love to see pix of others whenever possible. Great mandolins. Frank

[olddavy]

if you take a mirror and flashlight and look inside the top youll see Bobs name and date....I also have a Givens bridge if your interested.... <a href="mailto:davestanbro@aol.com">davestanbro@a ol.com</a>

[MikeEdgerton]

If I'm not mistaken the cafe software automatically creates a mail to when you just enter the address. You don't need any extra code.

davestanbro@aol.com

[johnsoba]

Yep, there it is signed in 1978. THANKS!

[F-2 Dave]

It's about time.