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Thread: Tempted by a Gibson 1920 A-3

  1. #1
    Capt. E Capt. E's Avatar
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    Default Tempted by a Gibson 1920 A-3

    Just encountered an excellent condition 1920 Gibson A-3 (all original except for bridge) Also has original hard case. Sat down and played a while...beautiful! One of the best pre-Loar A's I have ever picked up. $2200 + sales tax. I am tempted, but my wife would have a fit. Hmmmm is it worth it? It beat a Gibson F5G and an oval hole Pava which were both about $3200.
    Jammin' south of the river
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    Default Re: Tempted by a Gibson 1920 A-3

    How does it compare to your A-2?

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    Capt. E Capt. E's Avatar
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    Default Re: Tempted by a Gibson 1920 A-3

    Actually, I feel it is better. Perhaps I should bring my A-2 for another test. And yes, if it is better, I could sell the A-2 (unlikely).
    Jammin' south of the river
    '20 Gibson A-2
    Stromberg-Voisinet Tenor Guitar
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    My albums: http://www.mandolincafe.com/forum/album.php?u=7616

  4. #4

    Default Re: Tempted by a Gibson 1920 A-3

    Is it white? I'm a sucker for that look. But they don't look right unless there is some finish warn off by hundreds of hours of forearm rubbing wear.
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    Registered User Geno's Avatar
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    Default Re: Tempted by a Gibson 1920 A-3

    I'm not particularly a fan of the white finish or paddle head, but when I visited Austin in July, that A-3 at Fiddlers Green was my favorite sounding instrument in their mandolin room, and compared favorably to all the old Gibson snakeheads I've owned. I was chomping at the bit to play the Pava oval, since I'm crazy about my f-hole Pava A, but I kept going back to that A-3. I think it's really a good one! Wouldn't it make a nice companion for your A-2?

  6. #6

    Default Re: Tempted by a Gibson 1920 A-3

    Wouldn't it be cool to have an A, anA-1, and an A-4 to go with your A-2 and A-3?
    Silverangel A
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    Capt. E Capt. E's Avatar
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    Default Re: Tempted by a Gibson 1920 A-3

    Quote Originally Posted by Geno View Post
    I'm not particularly a fan of the white finish or paddle head, but when I visited Austin in July, that A-3 at Fiddlers Green was my favorite sounding instrument in their mandolin room, and compared favorably to all the old Gibson snakeheads I've owned. I was chomping at the bit to play the Pava oval, since I'm crazy about my f-hole Pava A, but I kept going back to that A-3. I think it's really a good one! Wouldn't it make a nice companion for your A-2?
    That's the one and I agree about the sound from the short tryout. And there is some nice wear on the top where your arm sits. Oh, it really would make a nice companion. I should just whip out the cc and say YES!! I can see myself going to the next jam with the two vintage cases in hand. We'll see. Maybe it won't be there when I return.
    Jammin' south of the river
    '20 Gibson A-2
    Stromberg-Voisinet Tenor Guitar
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    My albums: http://www.mandolincafe.com/forum/album.php?u=7616

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    Default Re: Tempted by a Gibson 1920 A-3

    Just sayin' -- i've never had any regrets buying an exceptional sounding instrument but have always regretted selling one later. i'm in the hunt for a really good sounding oval hole but the left hand strongly prefers a narrower nut and long neck. Thanks for the thread.

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    Registered User Timbofood's Avatar
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    Default Re: Tempted by a Gibson 1920 A-3

    If it really speaks to you, you should have it! Just do it, you will regret not getting it if you pass! If you decide that another addition to the stable is excessive(tell me it ain’t so!) you can always sell one later!
    Oh, I’m also soft for the “Amana” White finish!
    Timothy F. Lewis
    "If brains was lard, that boy couldn't grease a very big skillet" J.D. Clampett

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    Default Re: Tempted by a Gibson 1920 A-3

    And the A-3 headstock inlay.
    Silverangel A
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    Full Grown and Cussin' brunello97's Avatar
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    Default Re: Tempted by a Gibson 1920 A-3

    Allez, mon Capitaine! Allez!

    Mick
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    Default Re: Tempted by a Gibson 1920 A-3

    Quote Originally Posted by Capt. E View Post
    Just encountered an excellent condition 1920 Gibson A-3 (all original except for bridge) Also has original hard case. Sat down and played a while...beautiful! One of the best pre-Loar A's I have ever picked up. $2200 + sales tax. I am tempted, but my wife would have a fit. Hmmmm is it worth it? It beat a Gibson F5G and an oval hole Pava which were both about $3200.
    Absolutely go or it! There really IS something different about their sound. I love mine, in spite of its crack on the top. The only trouble is, the color IS a giveaway to a spouse (e.g., in my case, "Say, did you paint that thing, or something???" Had to 'fess up: "Honey, yeah, it IS another one ..., and you are SO astute and kind to notice, thanks ... but it is actually an investment ... I am really doing this for US ... " blah blah blah. Good luck!)

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    Registered User Timbofood's Avatar
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    Default Re: Tempted by a Gibson 1920 A-3

    Just go get it and put us all out of our misery!
    Timothy F. Lewis
    "If brains was lard, that boy couldn't grease a very big skillet" J.D. Clampett

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    Registered User Rich Benson's Avatar
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    Default Re: Tempted by a Gibson 1920 A-3

    I've been looking at that white-face for 2 months now, even got Ben to shoot a short video demo for me. You've convinced me, just pulled the trigger on it!

    Am I remembering correctly that I need to use light gauge strings on a '21 Gibson A?
    Rich
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    Default Re: Tempted by a Gibson 1920 A-3

    You know, none other than Frank Ford just, when I asked the same question, answered "why"? I was inquiring about my 1913 A-1.
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  20. #16
    Capt. E Capt. E's Avatar
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    Default Re: Tempted by a Gibson 1920 A-3

    I'm going to a jam tomorrow and get some playing time in with my A-2, then go by Fiddlers on Monday and bring my A-2...we'll see what happens.
    Jammin' south of the river
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    Stromberg-Voisinet Tenor Guitar
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    My albums: http://www.mandolincafe.com/forum/album.php?u=7616

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    My Florida is scooped pheffernan's Avatar
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    Default Re: Tempted by a Gibson 1920 A-3

    Quote Originally Posted by Capt. E View Post
    I'm going to a jam tomorrow and get some playing time in with my A-2, then go by Fiddlers on Monday and bring my A-2...we'll see what happens.
    It sounds like we'll see an empty hanger where that A3 used to reside.

    Quote Originally Posted by rdodger99 View Post
    I've been looking at that white-face for 2 months now, even got Ben to shoot a short video demo for me. You've convinced me, just pulled the trigger on it!
    1924 Gibson A Snakehead
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    two t's and one hyphen fatt-dad's Avatar
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    Default Re: Tempted by a Gibson 1920 A-3

    I love my A3. Second owner. Had it for about 33 years. I'll keep on keeping it too!

    Click image for larger version. 

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    with its baby brother (1930 L-1)

    Click image for larger version. 

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    f-d
    ¡papá gordo ain’t no madre flaca!

    '20 A3, '30 L-1, '97 914, 2012 Cohen A5, 2012 Muth A5, '14 OM28A

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    Mando-Accumulator Jim Garber's Avatar
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    Default Re: Tempted by a Gibson 1920 A-3

    About 40 years ago I started playing in an old time band in Brooklyn (when it was uncool!) and I had a nice simple Vega cylinderback that did not cut it for a 5-piece string band. So I headed out to Staten Island to Mandolin Brothers and tried every A-model in the shop. I came home with a 1919 white faced A-3 which was hands-down the best sounding A-model on the wall. I drained my bank account of $300 with that purchase and played that one for many years.

    Here is a photo backstage at our local coffeehouse gig with my dad who also dated back to 1919. Sadly, both he and the mandolin left me years ago.

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    Jim

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    Default Re: Tempted by a Gibson 1920 A-3

    Quote Originally Posted by rdodger99 View Post
    I've been looking at that white-face for 2 months now, even got Ben to shoot a short video demo for me. You've convinced me, just pulled the trigger on it!

    Am I remembering correctly that I need to use light gauge strings on a '21 Gibson A?
    Not really I use normal strings on my '22, and have for years. I have lightened slightly with 11 15 25 39.
    Last edited by pops1; Sep-10-2018 at 7:42pm.
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    Full Grown and Cussin' brunello97's Avatar
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    Default Re: Tempted by a Gibson 1920 A-3

    So who wound up with the Whiteface? RDodger or Le Capitaine?

    Mick
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    Registered User Rich Benson's Avatar
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    Default Re: Tempted by a Gibson 1920 A-3

    So who wound up with the Whiteface? RDodger or Le Capitaine?

    Well, I have a ups tracking number, so I guess it’s me.
    Rich
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  31. #23
    Full Grown and Cussin' brunello97's Avatar
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    Default Re: Tempted by a Gibson 1920 A-3

    Quote Originally Posted by rdodger99 View Post
    So who wound up with the Whiteface? RDodger or Le Capitaine?

    Well, I have a ups tracking number, so I guess it’s me.
    Fair play to you. Please post some photos when it arrives.

    Mick
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  32. #24
    Capt. E Capt. E's Avatar
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    Default Re: Tempted by a Gibson 1920 A-3

    Yeah, wasn't me. It was gone by the time I went by Monday. No problem...it has a nice new home. I was looking at the new Pava oval while I was there yesterday. Just as nice (only 1K more expensive). Whatever, I'm sticking with my beautiful A-2.
    Jammin' south of the river
    '20 Gibson A-2
    Stromberg-Voisinet Tenor Guitar
    Penny Whistle
    My albums: http://www.mandolincafe.com/forum/album.php?u=7616

  33. #25
    Capt. E Capt. E's Avatar
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    Default Re: Tempted by a Gibson 1920 A-3

    Have a good time Roger
    Jammin' south of the river
    '20 Gibson A-2
    Stromberg-Voisinet Tenor Guitar
    Penny Whistle
    My albums: http://www.mandolincafe.com/forum/album.php?u=7616

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