Re: Gibson A-5 Mandolin (1970-1972)
These "lump scroll," oval-hole A-5 mandolins come from a period considered to be a low point in Gibson's work-person-ship. Some have referred to them as "Gibson's Edsel." There's at least one more up on Reverb at a similar price to Elderly's.
They weren't popular, didn't last long in the Gibson catalog, and haven't attracted a lot of interest. Assume if you search on "lump scroll" you'll find some threads on them; the ones I read weren't particularly complimentary, though some posts mentioned A-5's that sounded "surprisingly good." However, when a good-sounding mandolin's called a "surprise," it doesn't make you confident in the overall quality of that particular model.
Based only on what others say, I'd be reluctant to put $900 into one. IHMO if they didn't say "Gibson" on the headstock, few would be interested. You might be "surprised," as others were, but it's taking a chance, from what I've read.
Allen Hopkins
Gibsn: '54 F5 3pt F2 A-N Custm K1 m'cello
Natl Triolian Dobro mando
Victoria b-back Merrill alumnm b-back
H-O mandolinetto
Stradolin Vega banjolin
Sobell'dola Washburn b-back'dola
Eastmn: 615'dola 805 m'cello
Flatiron 3K OM
Bookmarks