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Natural Finish Gibson A-4 Snakehead
It is hard to search on this topic in these Forums but I don't know if anyone has discussed this before (hard to imagine not). This natural finish A-4 snakehead has been listed on Reverb of a few months. I am guessing that they shot these photos on the dark side and that the actual color is probably closer to the one on the archives below.
The only A-4 snakeheads in the archives are sn. 81100, described as "Natural finish top" (with photos), and sn. 81509, described simple as "Blonde A4" (no photos). Of course there could be others but those are not mentioned in descriptions as far as I can see.
I thought the A-4s with coffee-colored tuners were rare. Now, if I could find a natural one with those tuners...
Re: Natural Finish Gibson A-4 Snakehead
The seller says "probably has a professionally replaced fingerboard and refinished neck, headstock, and replaced tuning machines."
I also see signs that the back binding was loose and reglued. The color of the binding suggests scraping except at the heel cap. An in-hand inspection of the instrument would be in order to verify the authenticity of the finish, including that of the back and sides. I do not believe that this instrument can be accurately evaluated from photos.
The seller does have a return policy.
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Re: Natural Finish Gibson A-4 Snakehead
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Jim Garber
It is hard to search on this topic in these Forums but I don't know if anyone has discussed this before (hard to imagine not). This
natural finish A-4 snakehead has been listed on Reverb of a few months. I am guessing that they shot these photos on the dark side and that the actual color is probably closer to the one on the archives below.
The only A-4 snakeheads in the archives are sn. 81100, described as "Natural finish top" (with photos), and sn. 81509, described simple as "Blonde A4" (no photos). Of course there could be others but those are not mentioned in descriptions as far as I can see.
I thought the A-4s with coffee-colored tuners were rare. Now, if I could find a natural one with those tuners...
I have the twin brother (or sister) of the 81100 mentioned above. Pristine condition, tone is amazing. I've A/B'd with similar vintages. Mine is 81099. Was wondering the value. I thought mine had been put together as an oddball until I saw the archive and every part matches exactly. I can imagine them on the table being assembled at the same time, as if they're related. Very cool!
Attachment 165992
Re: Natural Finish Gibson A-4 Snakehead
Re: Natural Finish Gibson A-4 Snakehead
I know David Grisman has one of these blonde A4 snakes in his collection... never played it, but he sent me pics of it a few years ago...
Re: Natural Finish Gibson A-4 Snakehead
but it sure nuff is goin cheap!!
Re: Natural Finish Gibson A-4 Snakehead
Quote:
Originally Posted by
ollaimh
but it sure nuff is goin cheap!!
Seems to be the going retail asking price for any snakehead A-4.
Re: Natural Finish Gibson A-4 Snakehead
Grisman is from Hackensack, where I'm from. Met him once. Wish I knew he had same one.
Re: Natural Finish Gibson A-4 Snakehead
The pictures on Reverb look more like a faded Sheraton brown rather than Gibson's standard pumpkin finish. Definitely not a blond finish like an A-2-Z.
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Re: Natural Finish Gibson A-4 Snakehead
agree. I think mine would officially be described as blonde, yes?Attachment 166018
Re: Natural Finish Gibson A-4 Snakehead
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Givson
The pictures on Reverb look more like a faded Sheraton brown rather than Gibson's standard pumpkin finish. Definitely not a blond finish like an A-2-Z.
I have seen A2Zs vary greatly in terms of the shade of the spruce top.
Re: Natural Finish Gibson A-4 Snakehead
The only consistency for Gibsons of that era are the inconsistencies! Love the varients, and love to see them in this forum.
Re: Natural Finish Gibson A-4 Snakehead
Quote:
Originally Posted by
mmuller
yes
