Gibson A 1916 mandolin case search

[Gene Summers]

I need a new case for my Gibson A made in 1916. It came with an old "Bull's Head" case. I've been eyeing a TKL 8851 A model arch top case. Any ideas? Thanks and Happy New Year!182706

[Vernon Hughes]

My 1922 A-2 lives in a gator ABS case, fits perfect. https://reverb.com/p/gator-gc-mandolin-deluxe-molded-mandolin-case?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIhZy034D45gIVl5OzCh2fkQ9PEAQ YCiABEgLdWvD_BwE&hfid=1587006&merchant_id=101081897&utm_campaign=6482957710&utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=google

[rickbella]

My 1914 Gibson A-1 loves its TKL 8851. They aren't cheap, but they're very good cases.

[Gene Summers]

My 1914 Gibson A-1 loves its TKL 8851. They aren't cheap, but they're very good cases.
Rickbella, Thanks, I have one ordered. I got it for $145 from my local music shop. I am going to have a back seam reglued by a local Luthier with Hyde glue. This is SN 25861, and came from a Cape Cod Estate.
182724 182725

[rickbella]

Excellent! Good luck with it!

[Gene Summers]

Thanks Rick, I will post some pictures of the Gibson after it is strung up, in its Case!

[Gene Summers]

My 1922 A-2 lives in a gator ABS case, fits perfect. https://reverb.com/p/gator-gc-mandolin-deluxe-molded-mandolin-case?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIhZy034D45gIVl5OzCh2fkQ9PEAQ YCiABEgLdWvD_BwE&hfid=1587006&merchant_id=101081897&utm_campaign=6482957710&utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=google


That's a nice looking case Vernon ;-) 1922 was a very good year! My Dad was born in that year! Thanks for the link, enjoy your A-2 :-)

[Gene Summers]

For the Mandolin Archive: This is an update on my 1916 Gibson A SN 25861, FON 2626 with original Bull Nose case and pick guard. I bought a TKL A style case for it, for better protection when traveling with it. It fits very well in it. The mandolin came out of a Cape Cod, Mass. estate. It has EJ62 strings on it now. It has the classic oval hole Gibson tone. :mandosmiley:

Pictures:183012183015

[Gene Summers]

This is an excellent website of the history of the old case makers. http://www.stevekirtley.org/bullshead.htm

[Charles E.]

Wow, what a great find. I don't recall ever seeing a teens Gibson with a three piece back. Enjoy!

[Gene Summers]

Charles E.. This is the first three piece back Gibson A that I have seen. It would be interesting to see how many more are in the Mandolin archive. Time to do some research :-) I feel very lucky to have it. I paid $650 for it. BTW, the string height at the 12th fret is 3/64" on E, and 5/64" on G. I had to do some filing on the bridge G notches to get the action down.

[MikeEdgerton]

There are old threads here about three piece and more Gibson backs. I'll see if I can find them.

[Gene Summers]

Hello Mike, and I would love to read the threads. I did find a Gibson A mandolin SN 25863. That is two numbers apart from mine. It has an OHSC and has a blonde top as well.
http://www.mandolinarchive.com/gibson/serial/25863

[rickbella]

Beautiful fit. That case will provide excellent protection. My 1914 Gibson A-1 has ridden many times in an airliner's overhead compartment. Good luck with it!

[Gene Summers]

Thanks rickbella :) The quality, Retro look and feel of the TKL case is impressive. I’m glad to hear your 1914 A-1 is well protected. I’ve been enjoying the Gibson A, it has a really nice old voice. A Dawg pick works well with it. Cheers

[Capt. E]

I have a rectangular case made by Access that fits my 1920 A-2 perfectly. Not sure about a model number. Only negative is that it is somewhat heavy, but hey...it protects my 100 y/o friend very well. Don't think I would fly with it.