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Thread: Gibson A5L

  1. #1
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    Default Gibson A5L

    It popped up in reading that some of these were built by Charlie Derrington himself. This is news to me. True or not?

  2. #2
    Registered User geoffa's Avatar
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    Default Re: Gibson A5L

    There is a signed one at Carter’s in Nashville right now. I actually saw and played it last week. His signature is on a label under the treble side f hole. It sounds quite good.

  3. #3
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    Default Re: Gibson A5L

    Well, does his signature mean he actually built it?

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    Registered User Timbofood's Avatar
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    Default Re: Gibson A5L

    I believe that in this case it does. I’m not certain but, that’s what I think I’d heard.
    Timothy F. Lewis
    "If brains was lard, that boy couldn't grease a very big skillet" J.D. Clampett

  5. #5
    Registered User Roger Adams's Avatar
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    Default Re: Gibson A5L

    This is the classifieds. NFI.
    https://www.mandolincafe.com/ads/127664#127664
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  6. #6
    Loarcutus of MandoBorg DataNick's Avatar
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    Default Re: Gibson A5L

    I believe the A5L was introduced by Carlson in Bozeman. Mandos produced during Derrington's tenure at Gibson Nashville generally were "built" by staff with Charlie, or Danny Roberts, or Sim Daley signing labels

    CD built F5L's from 1985-1987
    Last edited by DataNick; Aug-04-2018 at 6:11pm.
    1994 Gibson F5L - Weber signed


    "Mandolin brands are a guide, not gospel! I don't drink koolaid and that Emperor is naked!"
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  8. #7
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    Default Re: Gibson A5L

    I hope this thread stretches awhile. I LOVE my A5-L, and they don't get enough love in general. They are scarce, though. Maybe their owners are keeping them. Try Googling one for sale.
    2019 Duff A-5 #246
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  10. #8
    Moderator MikeEdgerton's Avatar
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    Default Re: Gibson A5L

    I've been tempted to grab one dozens of times.
    "It's comparable to playing a cheese slicer."
    --M. Stillion

    "Bargain instruments are no bargains if you can't play them"
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  12. #9

    Default Re: Gibson A5L

    I bet they're really nice--I've never played one--but they resemble my Nashville Flatiron A to such an extent that I would be tempted to put the $1K or more price difference toward a scroll mandolin of some sort. Plus I'm not a fan of the Florida.

  13. #10
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    Default Re: Gibson A5L

    I've gone through a number of mandolins over the past 3 years, including Silverangel and Weber. All were nice and I really liked them but, after playing them for a month or so I noticed some small thing that I wished was a little different -- neck feel, tone nuance, playability, balance. Just something. Then, I picked up my '95 Gibson A5L. I've had it a couple of months now and I keep liking it more everyday. It just has it all ----- for me. It's not signed by one of the exotic names. It is signed by Larry Barnwell. But, "it's got it goin' on!!!!!!!!!!" I did a bit of research on the A5L's before I bought it and opinions seem to be all over the map and they do seem to be under appreciated. But, I had a chance to play this one before I bought it and really couldn't figure out the lack of love. I do favor A styles over F's and this one truly seems to be a keeper (although I won't say forever!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!).

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  15. #11
    I really look like that soliver's Avatar
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    Default Re: Gibson A5L

    Quote Originally Posted by geoffa View Post
    There is a signed one at Carter’s in Nashville right now. I actually saw and played it last week. His signature is on a label under the treble side f hole. It sounds quite good.
    Dittos and agreed,... that one was nice.
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  16. #12
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    Default Re: Gibson A5L

    My A5-L has a little something different under the hood. I could pick it out of a crowd. It ain't for everyone, but it's for me.
    2019 Duff A-5 #246
    1964 Martin A

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  18. #13
    Loarcutus of MandoBorg DataNick's Avatar
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    Default Re: Gibson A5L

    Quote Originally Posted by Ranger Bob View Post
    ...Then, I picked up my '95 Gibson A5L. I've had it a couple of months now and I keep liking it more everyday. It just has it all ----- for me. It's not signed by one of the exotic names. It is signed by Larry Barnwell. But, "it's got it goin' on!!!!!!!!!!"...
    Though Larry Barnwell signed your A5L, he was not involved in building it. He was the "Administrator" of the Gibson plant in Bozeman at the time (94-95), and among other things, periodically, signed labels. Bruce Weber and his team actually built your mando, as I confirmed this in person with Bruce at NAMM a couple of years ago
    1994 Gibson F5L - Weber signed


    "Mandolin brands are a guide, not gospel! I don't drink koolaid and that Emperor is naked!"
    "If you wanna get soul Baby, you gots to get the scroll..."
    "I would rather play music anyday for the beggar, the thief, and the fool!"
    "Perfection is not attainable; but if we chase perfection we can catch excellence" Vince Lombardi
    Playing Style: RockMonRoll Desperado Bluegrass Desperado YT Channel

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  20. #14
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    Default Re: Gibson A5L

    Quote Originally Posted by DataNick View Post
    Though Larry Barnwell signed your A5L, he was not involved in building it. He was the "Administrator" of the Gibson plant in Bozeman at the time (94-95), and among other things, periodically, signed labels. Bruce Weber and his team actually built your mando, as I confirmed this in person with Bruce at NAMM a couple of years ago
    Right. I also confirmed that with Bruce when I bought it. I wasn’t implying that I thought Larry was the builder. Only that he signed it.

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  22. #15

    Default Re: Gibson A5L

    I bought my A5L from Curtis Peake a few years ago only to find that it is signed by Charlie Derrington which gave it a special mojo. Purchased from a once Bluegrass Boy and signed by the miracle worker who repaired Bill's mandolin. Apart from that it sounds and feels amazing.
    Gibson A5L (1999)
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  24. #16
    Registered User almeriastrings's Avatar
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    Default Re: Gibson A5L

    Charlie Derrington also signed a number of F5 Fern models... not sure exactly how many, but some are certainly out there.
    Gibson F5 'Harvey' Fern, Gibson F5 'Derrington' Fern
    Distressed Silverangel F 'Esmerelda' aka 'Maxx'
    Northfield Big Mon #127
    Ellis F5 Special #288
    '39 & '45 D-18's, 1950 D-28.

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  26. #17
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    Default Re: Gibson A5L

    He could have built some A5Ls. He DID build some F5Ls, in the late 80s or very early 90s. I saw him working on them at the Jemmison Alabama festival back then. I don't know who signed them.
    Last edited by GTison; Sep-19-2018 at 10:53pm. Reason: odd

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  28. #18
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    Default Re: Gibson A5L

    Mine is signed by Carlson. I will have her a 30th birthday party in around 13 weeks. I have only owned her for 2 years, but she's a keeper.
    2019 Duff A-5 #246
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  30. #19
    Registered User pickinNgrinnin's Avatar
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    Default Re: Gibson A5L

    I used to own an A5-L that was signed by Charlie (R.I.P) I regret selling it.

  31. #20
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    Default Re: Gibson A5L

    There are around 4-5 A5-Ls for sale in Nashville right now. 3 or 4 at Carter, 1 at Gruhn. The one at Gruhn is an early one from late 1988. Pretty decent. There are maybe 2 Derringtons at Carter, seems like both from 1999. One of the ones at Carter spoke to me more than the other 4 I played. Most likely a Derrington, though I do not prefer the pear-shaped shoulders of the 2nd gen A5-L over the older ones.
    2019 Duff A-5 #246
    1964 Martin A

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