The Best Deal in Vintage Ovals - the Teens A-4

[BradKlein]

I have no REAL knowledge and NO financial stake in this mandolin - and I've said it before - but this is a perfect example: A century old top of the line Gibson teens A-model in what appears to be fantastic shape. Probably played in an amateur mandolin orchestra by a hobbyist who could afford a fine instrument - and when the orchestra closed down, it went into a closet to be pulled out from time to time.

If money had been tight, it would have ended up in a pawn shop, then a country player, then a 60's folkie. But money was not tight, so it just sat in its case.

What would it cost to have a top maker reproduce a teens A-4 with Handel tuners, Adi top, and that gorgeous sunburst varnish finish??? More than the market price these days of $2200-$3,000, that's for sure.



(PS probably needs frets lightly dressed, tuners lubed, bridge moved, maybe there's a dryness crack in there somewhere that needs glueing...)

[Jeff Mando]

A quality mandolin, for sure!

[Mike Snyder]

Mike Black can build that for you. Probably would go over 3K with Handels.