Seeking advice on a few vintage gibsons.

[Mike Snyder]

Don't go too far, Allen. We'll be needing your expertise and wry humor soon and frequently.

[Timbofood]

Thanks guys, around here it's the "squirrel" thing.
But, Macabre can find a lot of gems in the classifieds as long as there is no time crunch.
Exercise some patience and make your choice carefully, you will have a long lunch into dinner.

[Macabre]

Bummer the A-9 already sold =/

[Macabre]

What do you think of this one?

https://reverb.com/item/5842114-gibs...-1917-sunburst

Seems like a solid deal right?

[Mike Snyder]

Not really a half-price deal but if it sounds good and it's what you want, could be a thing. Most probably a refinish, looks well done. One wonky glue job. I'd have to see and hear that one. There is some variability in the volume and tonal qualities in these. Neck profiles can be an issue with any mandolin purchase. Great tuner buttons, hope the gears are working well. My rule; If you find what you want, buy it. Be sure, then do what it takes and do not look back.

[ollaimh]

i have found as a general guidline the A gibsons are still the best bang for the buck pre 1927-29. the best are the 1922 to 29, then from 1919 to 1921 i have found many are still as good tone but without the adjustable truss rod and a few other goodies. the earlier teens you have to play them. some great some just ok but if they were maintained and in decent condition none are bad.

there are so many good ones comming up here on the classified ads i'd search there. many sellers are well known and some come up at decent prices.

i like the 21 on reverb but the sunk top around the bridge needs better pictures. if you are on ebay there is a mid twenties snake head junior right now at a decent price. snakeheads are often the very best tone. otherwise look for a while. you'll find one and they are still under priced for the tone and build.

[mrmando]

https://reverb.com/item/5842114-gibs...-1917-sunburst
Seems like a solid deal right?

I don't think $1900 for a refinished 1917 A4 is a solid deal.

The seller is correct in stating that a refinished vintage A-style should sell for half of the usual price. But that would mean the seller thinks the usual price for a 1917 A4 is $3800.

I think that's too much. If people are actually getting $3800 on Reverb for a teens A4, perhaps I need to pick up the A4s I see on Craigslist for $2K and flip 'em on Reverb.

[pheffernan]

Bummer the A-9 already sold =/

Another one just hit the classifieds. It won't have the bound fretboard you prefer, but it should check a lot of other boxes.

https://www.mandolincafe.com/ads/114317#114317

[pheffernan]

Bummer the A-9 already sold =/

A rung up the ladder would be the Gibson A5G: https://www.mandolincafe.com/ads/114328#114328

[Denny Gies]

Mike and Allen, you guys are amazing and what a resource for us who don't know diddly about this stuff. Thanks a million.

[mrmando]

Interesting teens A4 here.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-The-...e/122659604529

Get the crack glued, loose binding fixed, and E string saddles replaced, and you're good to go. Interesting to see what price it will fecth.