Teens Gibson A1

[MandoHobbit]

One of my local string shops has an old Gibson oval A for which it is asking $1200. The sticker inside instrument said is was an A-1 model, and I if my memory serves me correctly the serial # was 33318. Shop owner said it was a 1917 or 18.

There is some sinkage on the top and back, though not alot, no cracks or signs of crack repair anywhere on the instrument, though the sides look to have been refinished at some point. Still has the original unadjustable (and worn out) bridge, pickguard, and case. It plays OK but it is a bit buzzy, sounds great otherwise. It is more than I was planning to spend as I am seriously considering a new Eastman Oval A but then this thing pops up to tempt me. Ack!

[sunburst]

Figure in a set-up to get rid of the buzzes, check the top brace to see if it's loose, and if so figure in the repair. (simple and cheap)
Refinished sides indicate that the back (or top) may have been off and back on. Look for evidence of removal and reglue. If it's been apart, it was probably for repair. See if you can find evidence of repair inside.
If there are no repairs, or if the repairs are good, it's OK. If there are bad repairs inside, that sounds like too much $$$ to me.

[lindensensei]

What do you want to do with it? #You can get a new A9 for that price that comes with a nice warrenty and actually sounds like that old A probably does. #So why are you interested in an antique? #I have one for just laying around the house and grabbing to play along with commercials, but why are you interested? #That is really what you need to ask. #And 1200 is too much, you can get them in good shape for 900-1000. Watch the classifieds.

Also, I believe that serial number is a 1916.

[MandoHobbit]

Well, I've been leaning more old-time and Celtic in what I like to play thus my search for an oval hole. Wasn't nessesarily looking for an antique, this one just happened to pop up and I thought it worth investigating to see if it would be a good deal.

[atetone]

If it had little or no issues it would probably be a decent buy, but with what you are describing it sounds a bit dicey.
Aside from what the others posters have mentioned you also have to consider that even mandolins of this vintage that appear to have no issues actually do have inherent problems that sooner or later need addressing and will cost you lost playing time and money.
Such things as old vintage tuners that are no longer available (with different post spacings); Bridges and nuts that are worn and cause buzzing and ringing etc... and various other little annoyances that old instruments have. No big deal really if you are willing to deal with them but a consideration all the same.
All that being said, I love old mandolins and I am willing to put up with some of the stuff.
The one that you are considering though sounds to me like it will turn into an ongoing project that may never turn out quite right. I have a couple like that.

[mando andy]

Yeah--good point about asking why you want that Gibson A. #I have a 21 a-2 and a teens SS Stewart (plus a new Triggs A)----I dearly love the old mandos and that is why I got them--the tone, looks, history and yes I even like their smell!! #

Good point was made that you can get A's with no issues like the one you are looking at for about the same money. #

Andy

[prairiewind]

Even the ones in great shape (for the age) will often have some issues. I have a 1917 A-1 that is really fun to play. Its all original and was very playable when I got it for about what the asking price for yours is, but I still had to replace the nut and the top 5 frets to get it really in shape. Original frets for these old Gibsons are almost impossible to find BTW. Mine were salvaged from one getting a complete refret. Just a few things to consider.