Gibson - Ordering a "Special Finish" in 1919

[Joe Spann]

Here are the "do's and don'ts" of ordering a special finish on a Gibson instrument in 1919.

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[Matt Bowe]

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Regarding a 'more expensive finish' on a 'cheaper style' - this is a copy of the photo from the 1999 Mandolin Bros. catalog which advertised a 1923 A2 that was "refinished by Gibson in the 1950's". The shading of the sunburst however appears to be older than that. The Serial No. 74753 and FON 11971 put it in a group of traditional blonde or natural top finished A2zs and the top has the 'black inside white' binding typical of an A2z. Interestingly this instrument has a double label with no model specified on the top or exposed label.

[MikeEdgerton]

I sold an F2 from the early 30's for a friend of mine that had not only been refinished in the 60's but renecked as well at Gibson. It was strange. One of these days I'll find the pictures I used to sell it on eBay.

[MikeEdgerton]

Here are the "do's and don'ts" of ordering a special finish on a Gibson instrument in 1919.

Somethings never change. I never thought that anyone would have tried to make their "lesser" model Gibson look like a more expensive model in those days. Now days, yes.

[David Newton]

I love it, something that I, and ( I'll bet ) every builder would say: "we're just as happy when no special orders appear in the daily mail".