1918 Gibson A model question

[Vernon Hughes]

Just picked this up..question is..Is it an old gibson factory refinish? Looks too good and clean (Looks like it could have been prepped better) and obviously very old..Label and FON date it to 1918..Comments welcome..

[mrmando]

Hi Vernon -- Don't know if it's factory, but definitely a refin. I don't think the soundhole ring is period-correct, so it was likely redone at the same time as the refin ... the ring looks like something from the late '30s if memory serves.

I don't know if it's just the angle of the photos, but the sunburst appears to be seriously off center, which might steer us away from the conclusion that this is factory work.

[Vernon Hughes]

It's the photo angle..the sunburst is well centered..I was wondering about the soundhole ring as well..

[woodwizard]

Looks like a refinish to me too. For sure not a period burst color. Bridge not period either. How's it sound? That's the main thing.

[Vernon Hughes]

The traverse brace is loose on one end,fingerboard has a serious hump at the body joint,needs a refret and it has some seam separations at the butt end..When I get these issues fixed I'll let you know!

[MandoSquirrel]

On that model, the sunburst looks totally & seriously WRONG!

[Vernon Hughes]

I agree,but the price was right and it was just to weird to pass up..

[woodwizard]

I agree,but the price was right and it was just to weird to pass up..

I know what you mean. I missed a deal on a pretty beat up vintage A model once for $500. It looked terrible. Someone painted it white and not very well but man did it play nice and sounded pretty sweet. Went home to think about it and dicided to make the 3.5 hr drive back up there to get it and it was gone. Even talked to Gail Hester about refinishing it for me. I have the luck of the Irish.
Good luck with that dude, hope it turns out nice for ya.