NMD well, 100 years old

[mandocaster]

I bought a lovely 1918 Gibson A from Fiddlers Green in Austin today. It is quite beat up but fantastically playable and sweet.



I sold a similar one 25 years ago, and have been missing the sound.

[Br1ck]

Bought my 1913 A-1 about a month ago so I know what you are feeling. They fill a sonic space that works for a lot of different styles.

I like antiques. I like instruments. It's like getting a twofer.

Careful you don't ding it.

[Ivan Kelsall]

I think that you made a great find / purchase there. There's something about the old Gibson Oval holes that really appeals to me.

Here's one of my favourite mandolin / guitar players,Robin Bullock with his,
Ivan

[Joey Anchors]

I played that one last weekend!! You got a good sounding oval.

[Roger Moss]

Sweeeet. If I ever went crazy and sprang for a Gibson, that's exactly what I would want.

[Eric Platt]

To my eyes, it's beautiful. Yes, I love the sound of an old A. That's why I have two and they are my main performance instruments. For the right music, they have such a great sound.

[Caleb]

I bet there are some stories that thing could tell. I love old instruments with honest wear on them like that. To me it's like seeing an old person with smile lines from years of being happy. Play it in good health.

[soliver]

I find the old Gibby A's very appealing myself .... particularly the idea of owning and playing something 100+ yrs old... I've just never played one who's tone spoke to me!

Congrats and enjoy picking!

[rowka]

Here's one of my favourite mandolin / guitar players,Robin Bullock

What’s the name of the Bach piece Robin plays at 2:00?

[MikeZito]

As the old movie critics used to say; 'Two thumbs up'.

We will need to see a video or hear a sound clip before too long.

Enjoy!

[Mandolinespieler]

congrats! I recently acquired a very similar one. Mine is with a lighter top and the pickguard was still on.

[Zach Wilson]

Congratulations!!!! I want one too! My mas is out of control!!!!

[RustyMadd]

What’s the name of the Bach piece Robin plays at 2:00?

It is the "Prelude" to Bach's Cello Suite #1 and is quite fun to learn and play.

Blessings

[EdHanrahan]

Just for fun...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mGQLXRTl3Z0

BTW, some Gibson A's are said to sound a bit "tubby". My '17 A-1 wasn't bad but did benefit from a slightly lighter G course.

[Br1ck]

These were made is such quantities that they are out there in large numbers in playable condition, and compared to a modern F 5, are very reasonable, in reach of anyone motivated to get one. Almost every large string instrument shop usually has one or two. There are many reverb and classified listings. If you want an A2z or mint A4, yes they will cost, but a Jr, A, or A-1, not so much.

Relatively speaking of course. I usually start with my A-1, then move to my louder modern instruments.

[mandocaster]

Now that I’m home from Austin I’ve had a chance to to really spend some quality time playing it. I didn’t have any expectations that it would be as loud as my Collings, but it does have a respectable volume. It responds best to a looser pick hold and a little lighter touch. I didn’t buy it to dominate a jam with fiddles and banjos, but to have the sweeter trebles and woody tones associated with good As.

I’ll take it to the BG jam tomorrow anyway. They are a sympathetic audience.

[Denny Gies]

I guess I must add to this thread. I just got a 1917 A 4 from Charles Johnson at Mandolin World Headquarters. It's a beauty and has a sweet, ringing sound. Charles was excellent to deal with, honest and everything went as he said it would. Ain't it fun to have a new toy? Only trouble is, now my Randy Wood F 5 is beginning to show signs of jealously, this could get ugly.