Gibson Factory Busy in 1919

[Joe Spann]

I located this little notice in the March 1919 issue of Gibson's Sounding Board Salesman magazine, published just months after the end of World War I. The change in attitudes which led to the popularity of jazz music (and consequently the decline in new mandolin players) took a little while to begin, possibly because of the delay in assimilating returning American troops into society. Gibson management was probably justified in hiring Lloyd Loar in June 1919, as they thought that the increase in mandolin business in the months following the war would last longer, and would justify the creation of a Master Model mandolin.

150846

[Mark Gunter]

Thanks for that piece of history, Joe, very interesting.

And golly, but that blurb literally gushes with enthusiasm!

[Capt. E]

My A-2 was made that year. I have the original Purchase Order: Serial number 54895, sold to Geo. Johnston, Chicago, Illinois on 1/3/20. Price was $55.50. First payment $15.50 with payments of $10/mo until fully paid. See my albums for a picture of it.

[Timbofood]

One more interesting thing in your column "Cap"

[Gop]

My A-2 was made that year. I have the original Purchase Order: Serial number 54895, sold to Geo. Johnston, Chicago, Illinois on 1/3/20. Price was $55.50. First payment $15.50 with payments of $10/mo until fully paid. See my albums for a picture of it.

I also have an A2 from 1919 (serial #53706), all original parts, and gee, it have the sweetest voice!

[michaelcj]

My A2 is #49946 with a 11149 FON which I have understood to be 1919 mfg. Fun to get a bit of "maternity ward" trivia for our mandolins.

[Capt. E]

Mine has a great voice as well...all original finish, finger rest, tailpiece, tuners, case etc. The original bridge lives in the pick box. I fitted a new one from Cumberland Acoustics. I really think these late teens pre-Loar A-2's are among the best values in Gibson mandolins.