What Model Gibson is this??

[Mr.Rumzy]

Looking at a 1959 Gibson at least the person thinks that's the year. Inside reads 8 2730 23 . I cant figure out how to add pictures, or I would.

[Mandolin Cafe]

Tutorial: how to post an image


https://vimeo.com/33795824

[Tom C]

166556

[allenhopkins]

A 1959 Gibson should have an "A" prefix for the serial number, and a "S" prefix for the factory order number (FON). Perhaps what you think is an "8" is an "S"?

The serial number should be stamped on an orange oval label. The FON should be stamped in ink on the inside back.

Gibson serial numbers for 1959 run approximately 2900 through 3200, but the fact that your number is in several parts leads me to suspect it's an FON, with a prefix, a batch number, and the last "23" indicating which instrument it is of the batch.

Pictures would surely help. A lot.

[Mr.Rumzy]

166559

[Mr.Rumzy]

166560
166561

- - - Updated - - -

Interesting it did not give me the option to add anything on the computer only on my phone.

[MikeEdgerton]

On a computer select Go Advanced and then Manage attachments. There are other ways as well.

If it's an A-40 wouldn't there be a brace across the back?

[pops1]

I think it is an A40, used to have one like it decades ago. Mahogany sides and back, mine sounded very good.

[rcc56]

It is an A-40 from 1958. The serial number follows a format that was used on banjos in the '50's. The first digit indicates the year. The bridge is of more recent issue.

[Mr.Rumzy]

What are they worth?

[MikeEdgerton]

Recent similar models sold on eBay are from $579.00 to $681.00 for older models and one that was a few years newer that sold for a number less than $799.00 (perhaps way less) where the seller accepted an unknown offer. You can't go by what folks are listing them for you need to look at the sold numbers in green.

https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_nkw=gibson+a-40+mandolin&_in_kw=1&_ex_kw=&_sacat=0&LH_Sold=1&_udlo=&_udhi=&_samilow=&_samihi=&_sadis=15&_stpos=20176&_sargn=-1%26saslc%3D1&_salic=1&_sop=12&_dmd=1&_ipg=50&LH_Complete=1

[lenf12]

It's a Gibson A-40N, the N stands for "natural" finish i.e. not sunburst.

Len B.
Clearwater, FL

[Mr.Rumzy]

How are they sound wise is it worth the buy? Or should I hold out for something better?

[allenhopkins]

In my opinion, Gibson A-40 and A-50 models are underrated. They sound decent for bluegrass -- of course, that's a generalization, and every individual mandolin is different -- they have finger-friendly necks, and they're affordable.

"Worth the buy" depends, of course, on what the seller's asking. From what I can see, the condition is good, and the chipboard case, though not very protective, is at least suitable for storage. The action (distance of strings above fretboard) does look a little low in the one pic, but that's adjustable through a good set-up.

If you can get this one for the low range of what Mike E quoted above, I'd say you'd be doing OK.

[pops1]

Mine was a very decent sounding mandolin, and I sometimes wish I had it back. It was my first nice mandolin and I played it for years before getting an oval, before getting another ff, before. Oh you get the idea.

[f5loar]

1958 Gibson A-40N ... Range is $350 to $750 from private sells.. Dealers will add $200 to $300 to that price. Good mandolin for playing bluegrass or old time.

[Bob Visentin]

I think it is an A40, used to have one like it decades ago. Mahogany sides and back, mine sounded very good.

The back and sides are ply on the A40 and solid wood on the A50.