Page 1 of 2 12 LastLast
Results 1 to 25 of 31

Thread: Is this really a Gibson?

  1. #1
    Registered User Sue Rieter's Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 2020
    Location
    New Hampshire
    Posts
    1,985

    Default Is this really a Gibson?

    To me, this is a bit of a strange looking mandolin. But what do I know, really.

    What do you think?

    https://www.ebay.com/itm/16559314168...MAAOSwUxli3Cco

    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	strange gibson 1.jpg 
Views:	154 
Size:	306.8 KB 
ID:	202232 Click image for larger version. 

Name:	strange gibson2.jpg 
Views:	153 
Size:	356.2 KB 
ID:	202233 Click image for larger version. 

Name:	strange 3.jpg 
Views:	133 
Size:	429.9 KB 
ID:	202234
    "To be obsessed with the destination is to remove the focus from where you are." Philip Toshio Sudo, Zen Guitar

  2. #2
    Mando-Accumulator Jim Garber's Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 2003
    Location
    Westchester, NY
    Posts
    30,753

    Default Re: Is this really a Gibson?

    I doubt it. Serial number is ~1922 and there were no Gibson mandolins that resembled that one back then.
    Jim

    My Stream on Soundcloud
    Facebook
    19th Century Tunes
    Playing lately:
    1924 Gibson A4 - 2018 Campanella A-5 - 2007 Brentrup A4C - 1915 Frank Merwin Ashley violin - Huss & Dalton DS - 1923 Gibson A2 black snakehead - '83 Flatiron A5-2 - 1939 Gibson L-00 - 1936 Epiphone Deluxe - 1928 Gibson L-5 - ca. 1890s Fairbanks Senator Banjo - ca. 1923 Vega Style M tenor banjo - ca. 1920 Weymann Style 25 Mandolin-Banjo - National RM-1

  3. The Following 2 Users Say Thank You to Jim Garber For This Useful Post:


  4. #3
    Teacher, repair person
    Join Date
    Oct 2017
    Location
    Southeast Tennessee
    Posts
    4,078

    Default Re: Is this really a Gibson?

    That serial number was used again in 1964.

    I'm editing my post with apologies to the seller. After examining pictures of several A-40's, I've determined that Gibson did use a neck joint that was squared off at the back on that model. I now believe that this is indeed a Gibson A-40 that has had a non-replica style replacement neck installed and has had the hardware changed. It appears that there has been at least some finish work above the bass f-hole.

    I'm going to suggest the neck might be of European origin.

    If this one was indeed regraduated, it might sound better than the average A-40, which were generally pretty weak sounding instruments.
    But because A-40's in excellent original condition might bring as much as $1200 only on a really good day, I would expect the market value on this one to be significantly lower than one in original condition, even if it sounds better.
    Last edited by rcc56; Jul-24-2022 at 9:10pm.

  5. The Following 2 Users Say Thank You to rcc56 For This Useful Post:


  6. #4
    Professional Dreamer journeybear's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2007
    Location
    Northeastern South Carolina, west of North Carolina
    Posts
    15,346
    Blog Entries
    2

    Default Re: Is this really a Gibson?

    No bids yet. Maybe too high a starting point? But you can make an offer. See if he'll take, I dunno, $300.

    In other words, something really fishy here ...

    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	s-l1600 Back.jpg 
Views:	136 
Size:	359.0 KB 
ID:	202243

    Here's the back. And then there's the background clutter. This is not how to present an instrument for sale.
    But that's just my opinion. I could be wrong. - Dennis Miller

    Furthering Mandolin Consciousness

    Finders Keepers, my duo with the astoundingly talented and versatile Patti Rothberg. Our EP is finally done, and available! PM me, while they last!

  7. #5
    Moderator MikeEdgerton's Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    Howell, NJ
    Posts
    26,874

    Default Re: Is this really a Gibson?

    That zero fret was never installed in any Gibson factory. The body maybe, but as Bob pointed out the neck has been replaced.
    "It's comparable to playing a cheese slicer."
    --M. Stillion

    "Bargain instruments are no bargains if you can't play them"
    --J. Garber

  8. The following members say thank you to MikeEdgerton for this post:


  9. #6
    Mando-Accumulator Jim Garber's Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 2003
    Location
    Westchester, NY
    Posts
    30,753

    Default Re: Is this really a Gibson?

    There’s a guy on ebay I think his name is Ron Hyde. If you look closely that tailpiece says Hyde. He is a real character and now I believe that he may have taken a basket case A-50 or A-40 and did his magic to it. Neck replaced and fretboard—when have we even seen a Gibson with a zero fret? There is a Gibson orange label inside the f-hole.

    Takes a look at the tailpiece and inside the f-hole:

    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	060EFBE1-B3B5-4351-844F-533054D5A284.png 
Views:	95 
Size:	6.29 MB 
ID:	202244
    Jim

    My Stream on Soundcloud
    Facebook
    19th Century Tunes
    Playing lately:
    1924 Gibson A4 - 2018 Campanella A-5 - 2007 Brentrup A4C - 1915 Frank Merwin Ashley violin - Huss & Dalton DS - 1923 Gibson A2 black snakehead - '83 Flatiron A5-2 - 1939 Gibson L-00 - 1936 Epiphone Deluxe - 1928 Gibson L-5 - ca. 1890s Fairbanks Senator Banjo - ca. 1923 Vega Style M tenor banjo - ca. 1920 Weymann Style 25 Mandolin-Banjo - National RM-1

  10. The Following 4 Users Say Thank You to Jim Garber For This Useful Post:


  11. #7
    Registered User
    Join Date
    Sep 2002
    Location
    Invergordon,Scotland
    Posts
    2,860

    Default Re: Is this really a Gibson?

    I just checked out some Ron Hyde videos. A real character indeed.
    Worth a look. It might affect what you think about that mandolin, I would say.
    David A. Gordon

  12. #8
    Martin Stillion mrmando's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2002
    Location
    Seattle
    Posts
    13,103

    Default Re: Is this really a Gibson?

    Yep, Ron Hyde has rebuilt a number of basket-case old Gibsons and sold them on eBay. He's not at all concerned with preserving "originality." This fits perfectly.
    Emando.com: More than you wanted to know about electric mandolins.

    Notorious: My Celtic CD--listen & buy!

    Lyon & Healy • Wood • Thormahlen • Andersen • Bacorn • Yanuziello • Fender • National • Gibson • Franke • Fuchs • Aceto • Three Hungry Pit Bulls

  13. #9
    Registered User
    Join Date
    Sep 2002
    Location
    Invergordon,Scotland
    Posts
    2,860

    Default Re: Is this really a Gibson?

    I was so taken with Ron Hyde that I want to put up this video of him talking about a really nice 1907 Gibson.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TpB4oGQx8iE
    David A. Gordon

  14. The following members say thank you to Dagger Gordon for this post:


  15. #10
    Registered User
    Join Date
    Aug 2011
    Location
    Corinth, VT
    Posts
    156

    Default Re: Is this really a Gibson?

    'This is not how to present an instrument for sale.'

    Too true! But, very common in many of the ads I see, LOL.

  16. #11
    Registered User Sue Rieter's Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 2020
    Location
    New Hampshire
    Posts
    1,985

    Default Re: Is this really a Gibson?

    I'm pretty sure this is the same exact mandolin:



    "It really enjoys being put back together."
    "To be obsessed with the destination is to remove the focus from where you are." Philip Toshio Sudo, Zen Guitar

  17. The Following 5 Users Say Thank You to Sue Rieter For This Useful Post:


  18. #12
    Professional Dreamer journeybear's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2007
    Location
    Northeastern South Carolina, west of North Carolina
    Posts
    15,346
    Blog Entries
    2

    Default Re: Is this really a Gibson?

    Ding! Ding! Ding! Winner winner, chicken dinner! In other words - I reckon so.
    But that's just my opinion. I could be wrong. - Dennis Miller

    Furthering Mandolin Consciousness

    Finders Keepers, my duo with the astoundingly talented and versatile Patti Rothberg. Our EP is finally done, and available! PM me, while they last!

  19. #13
    Registered User jim simpson's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2002
    Location
    Wheeling, WV
    Posts
    5,508

    Default Re: Is this really a Gibson?

    Awe, it features the Hyde tailpiece, that was a tell. Does he use Hyde glue?

    Now, here's a Gibson if anyone is in doubt!
    Attached Thumbnails Attached Thumbnails Click image for larger version. 

Name:	Gibson Not Gibson.jpg 
Views:	94 
Size:	763.2 KB 
ID:	202252  
    Old Hometown, Cabin Fever String Band

  20. The following members say thank you to jim simpson for this post:


  21. #14
    The Amateur Mandolinist Mark Gunter's Avatar
    Join Date
    Apr 2014
    Location
    South of Cleburne, North of Hillsboro, Texas
    Posts
    5,089

    Default Re: Is this really a Gibson?

    Hmmm, Gibson refrigerated mandolin there, Jim?
    WWW.THEAMATEURMANDOLINIST.COM
    ----------------------------------
    "Life is short. Play hard." - AlanN

    ----------------------------------
    HEY! The Cafe has Social Groups, check 'em out. I'm in these groups:
    Newbies Social Group | The Song-A-Week Social
    The Woodshed Study Group | Blues Mando
    - Advice For Mandolin Beginners
    - YouTube Stuff

  22. The following members say thank you to Mark Gunter for this post:


  23. #15
    Professional Dreamer journeybear's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2007
    Location
    Northeastern South Carolina, west of North Carolina
    Posts
    15,346
    Blog Entries
    2

    Default Re: Is this really a Gibson?

    I'll bet it sounds really cool.
    But that's just my opinion. I could be wrong. - Dennis Miller

    Furthering Mandolin Consciousness

    Finders Keepers, my duo with the astoundingly talented and versatile Patti Rothberg. Our EP is finally done, and available! PM me, while they last!

  24. The following members say thank you to journeybear for this post:


  25. #16
    Registered User
    Join Date
    Jan 2009
    Location
    S.W. Wisconsin
    Posts
    7,507

    Default Re: Is this really a Gibson?

    A cool mandolin, is it hard to play hot tunes on it tho.
    THE WORLD IS A BETTER PLACE JUST FOR YOUR SMILE!

  26. The following members say thank you to pops1 for this post:


  27. #17
    Martin Stillion mrmando's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2002
    Location
    Seattle
    Posts
    13,103

    Default Re: Is this really a Gibson?

    Quote Originally Posted by Sue Rieter View Post
    I'm pretty sure this is the same exact mandolin
    It would be nice if Ron could get people in the background to shut up while he's making demo videos.
    Emando.com: More than you wanted to know about electric mandolins.

    Notorious: My Celtic CD--listen & buy!

    Lyon & Healy • Wood • Thormahlen • Andersen • Bacorn • Yanuziello • Fender • National • Gibson • Franke • Fuchs • Aceto • Three Hungry Pit Bulls

  28. #18
    Registered User
    Join Date
    Sep 2002
    Location
    Invergordon,Scotland
    Posts
    2,860

    Default Re: Is this really a Gibson?

    Quote Originally Posted by mrmando View Post
    It would be nice if Ron could get people in the background to shut up while he's making demo videos.
    I suppose so, but they sound happy. I kind of like it. I really enjoy his approach actually, and I like what he's done with this mandolin.
    David A. Gordon

  29. #19
    Professional Dreamer journeybear's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2007
    Location
    Northeastern South Carolina, west of North Carolina
    Posts
    15,346
    Blog Entries
    2

    Default Re: Is this really a Gibson?

    I guess the answer to the original question is: Yes - half of it, anyway. And the bigger half, at that.
    But that's just my opinion. I could be wrong. - Dennis Miller

    Furthering Mandolin Consciousness

    Finders Keepers, my duo with the astoundingly talented and versatile Patti Rothberg. Our EP is finally done, and available! PM me, while they last!

  30. #20

    Default Re: Is this really a Gibson?

    The focus on strict originality turns up in other collector activities, and serves a couple of purposes, one of which is market value, but, as in other areas, in order to generate concours material, other instruments, cars, furniture, etc. wind up being sacrificed for parts or scrapped instead of preserved.
    While this process provides entertainment and income for some, it’s good to know that others, like this guy, are able and interested to keep good things functional, and in this case, playable, which just might be something one might enjoy.

  31. The following members say thank you to Richard500 for this post:


  32. #21
    Mando accumulator allenhopkins's Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 2006
    Location
    Rochester NY 14610
    Posts
    17,378

    Default Re: Is this really a Gibson?

    Yeah, yeah, but when is an instrument, originally made by Gibson, no longer eligible to be advertised as such??

    There are thousands of "Gibson" 5-string banjos, that started out as tenors, or plectrums, or guitar-banjos (I own a GB-3 "ball bearing" Mastertone conversion), that acquired non-Gibson necks along the way, when the tenor banjo fad declined and all the aspiring bluegrassers wanted Mastertones "like Earl's."

    My main guitar looks like a Martin 00-42, but it's a 1940 00-28G classical that got re-topped and re-necked to become a steel-string. Is it still a Martin, after some luthier got done remaking it?

    So, assuming this one started life as an A-40, what is it now, with a replacement neck, zero-fretted, and who-knows-what other mods? Still has the Gibson label ––
    well, so does my "Martin" have the original model number stamped inside, and my "RB-3" banjo have the original label. But, really, what are they?
    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

  33. #22
    Professional Dreamer journeybear's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2007
    Location
    Northeastern South Carolina, west of North Carolina
    Posts
    15,346
    Blog Entries
    2

    Default Re: Is this really a Gibson?

    Quote Originally Posted by allenhopkins View Post
    ...assuming this one started life as an A-40, what is it now, with a replacement neck, zero-fretted, and who-knows-what other mods?
    Well, neither the seller nor the luthier denies the neck has been replaced. I'm no expert in these matters, but I'd like to believe that the body being made by Gibson makes it a Gibson - modified considerably, but that Gibson-made sound chamber sounds like a Gibson.

    He says it's an A-50, by the way. The luthier, that is, not the seller, who just says "A-style."
    But that's just my opinion. I could be wrong. - Dennis Miller

    Furthering Mandolin Consciousness

    Finders Keepers, my duo with the astoundingly talented and versatile Patti Rothberg. Our EP is finally done, and available! PM me, while they last!

  34. #23
    Registered User
    Join Date
    Jun 2005
    Location
    High Peak - UK
    Posts
    4,171

    Default Re: Is this really a Gibson?

    Yes, when does it stop being a Gibson? I have an axe that belonged to my grandfather. My father broke the handle and had to replace it, the head wore out so I replaced that but it’s still my grandfather’s axe!

  35. The Following 2 Users Say Thank You to Ray(T) For This Useful Post:


  36. #24
    Registered User
    Join Date
    Jan 2019
    Location
    NY
    Posts
    132

    Default Re: Is this really a Gibson?

    indeed a question for the ages:
    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ship_of_Theseus

  37. The Following 4 Users Say Thank You to Stopstop For This Useful Post:


  38. #25
    Mando-Accumulator Jim Garber's Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 2003
    Location
    Westchester, NY
    Posts
    30,753

    Default Re: Is this really a Gibson?

    It is part Gibson but all mandolin.
    Jim

    My Stream on Soundcloud
    Facebook
    19th Century Tunes
    Playing lately:
    1924 Gibson A4 - 2018 Campanella A-5 - 2007 Brentrup A4C - 1915 Frank Merwin Ashley violin - Huss & Dalton DS - 1923 Gibson A2 black snakehead - '83 Flatiron A5-2 - 1939 Gibson L-00 - 1936 Epiphone Deluxe - 1928 Gibson L-5 - ca. 1890s Fairbanks Senator Banjo - ca. 1923 Vega Style M tenor banjo - ca. 1920 Weymann Style 25 Mandolin-Banjo - National RM-1

  39. The Following 2 Users Say Thank You to Jim Garber For This Useful Post:


Bookmarks

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •