View Full Version : A40
dgrimm
May-08-2004, 9:54pm
My son wants to learn to play, found a good deal on a Gibson A40. What do you think?
Lane Pryce
May-08-2004, 10:09pm
I've got one and it seems to be a decent mandolin. Sure is much better IMO than most of the pac rim mandolins. And you can certainly get you money out of it if you decide to sell it. How old is it and is it all original? Lp
dgrimm
May-08-2004, 10:25pm
1968, all original.
That was my first vintage mandolin. Good neck, flat board, decent sound, great to learn on.
A-40s run about $750, but for $200 or $300 more, you might find a solid-wood A-1 that really surpasses the plywood A-40.
I learned on an A-1 and then after a couple years I got an A-40 because I wanted to try something with F-holes. After the excellent playability and tone of the A-1, the A-40 was a letdown in both respects.
Of course, if you've got a really good deal on the A-40, grab it.
Have an early 50's A-40. IMHO, it is a very nice mando. I would describe it's tone as, very open and woody. Very deep, dark tone. Very loud bark! The action is very nice, almost plays itself. It's tone is much different from my F, but it is an excellent mando.
Lane Pryce
May-09-2004, 9:47pm
I was not aware the A40 was a plywood mando. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wow.gif Lp
Enric
May-09-2004, 11:49pm
Laminated mahogany back and rims. Still, a fine instrument for a beginner. Just not in the same class as most other Gibson As.
Don't let the laminated, scare you off, they are excellent instruments! Here's a trip back in time....
Lane Pryce
May-18-2004, 6:49am
Thanks T. Lp
Very cool ad there. Would it be possible to get a xerox copy of that mailed to me? I'd thrown in Grisman's Ten Tunes in 9 Keys for your trouble.
Talon
May-18-2004, 10:46am
Very cool ad there. Would it be possible to get a xerox copy of that mailed to me? I'd thrown in Grisman's Ten Tunes in 9 Keys for your trouble.
PM me with your email address....
mandroid
May-18-2004, 8:43pm
I have fond memorys of the one I had for a long time, laminated back was built up in a mould of individual veneer.
A Fine solid spruce top.
If Coydog got his CF case project up , now there is a durable decent sounding travel combo.
http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/blues.gif http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/blues.gif
Mike McCoy
May-19-2004, 7:41am
An early A40 was my first mandolin. It played easy and sounded good to my untrained ear. If the A40 you've found sounds and plays good and your son takes a shine to it I'd say it would be a good choice.