1919 Gibson A4 Top

[mr.patterson]

Hey everyone,

I have been looking around and can't seem to find the answer. What wood did Gibson use for the top of their 1919 A4 mandolins. I'm currently having a new top carved for mine (the old one was toast).

Thanks

[pfox14]

Spruce

[Spruce]

Spruce

I've seen both Red and Sitka on late 'teens A's....
Usually the 4s sported tighter-grained material...
So-ooo, to make it easy on yourself, a set of Sitka with around 16 GPI should fit the bill authenticy-wise...

Got any pics of the old top??

[mr.patterson]

Thanks for the help. Spruce I have attached some sad photos of the original top. When I went to get an estimate it was reveled that it had already been repaired and still sunk in considerably.8328383284

[sunburst]

Save tho old top.
I have one in the shop just as bad, had epoxy in a couple of the cracks, needed the arch restored, etc.. In other words, it is possible to rebuild that top and surely someone would love to have it rather than it becoming kindling.

[Andy Morton]

Yes--if you can...please try and save the top...

Andy

[Spruce]

Save tho old top.

+1....