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Thread: Gibson A5 vs. Gibson A50

  1. #1
    'Nother Registered User Jeff Richards's Avatar
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    Default Gibson A5 vs. Gibson A50

    Hey Everyone,

    I have done a little searching including reading the archive "Gibson A Model Guide" here. I can't find a thread that describes the difference between the two models. I know that the A5 is actually part of a series that includes the A5L and A5G.

    Is there a difference between the A5s and the A50s?

    Thanks very much.

    Jeff
    "My soul seemed as foul as smoke from burning cat fur."
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    "I'm a farmer with a mandolin and a high tenor voice."
    Bill Monroe

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    Registered User Givson's Avatar
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    Default Re: Gibson A5 vs. Gibson A50

    The current A-5 has the long neck (joins body at a higher fret) and an elevated fingerboard extension above the body. A-50s have a short neck (joins body at lower fret) and a fingerboard extension that rests on top of the body. Earlier A-5 models came in a variety of styles, including two point oval hole (like Jethro's) and the infamous Gumby "scroll". Usually A-5s have a stronger bass response than A-50s.
    When 'good enough' is more than adequate.

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    Default Re: Gibson A5 vs. Gibson A50

    The A-50 was favored by some of the early grassmen for its availability and price. Some of them were 'converted' - long neck installed, some wood shaving off the top and back. There is a famous photo of early 70's Country Gentlemen where Doyle is sporting one on the Washington, DC mall. The Rebel Records Yesterday & Today compilation LPs have it recorded, sounded pretty good.

    Btw, there were three (3) of those albums released, I have vols 2 and 3, anyone have Volume 1?

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    Resonate globally Pete Jenner's Avatar
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    Default Re: Gibson A5 vs. Gibson A50

    Didn't the A-50 have a 14.5 inch scale?
    The more I learn, the less I know.

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  6. #5
    'Nother Registered User Jeff Richards's Avatar
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    Default Re: Gibson A5 vs. Gibson A50

    Thanks for the replies. I knew the community here would have the answer. I've become quite an A style fan and I find myself wishing the "Gibson A Model Guide" could be updated to include this information. It would be really cool if that page could be linked or married to the "Great Vintage Mandolins Under $1000".

    Thanks Again.

    Jeff
    "My soul seemed as foul as smoke from burning cat fur."
    Kurt Vonnegut, Cat's Cradle

    "I'm a farmer with a mandolin and a high tenor voice."
    Bill Monroe

  7. #6
    Registered User f5loar's Avatar
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    Default Re: Gibson A5 vs. Gibson A50

    I recall posting about the A50 being a good value for vintage under $1000 a few years ago. There were dozens of pros that cut their teeth on the old Gibson A40 and A50 models. Skaggs, McReynolds, Osborne, Buzz Busby, Ronnie Reno, even Bill Monroe would grab a 50's A50 when needed.

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    Default Re: Gibson A5 vs. Gibson A50

    Now that I think of it, wasn't the classic Doyle intro and solo to Little Bessie cut on an A-50? He says he was asked about those breaks more than anything else.

  9. #8

    Default Re: Gibson A5 vs. Gibson A50

    Quote Originally Posted by Pete Jenner View Post
    Didn't the A-50 have a 14.5 inch scale?
    You might address this ? to Mr. F5loar, he certainly knows more than I do. To my knowledge, all As and Fs are supposed have a scale length of 13-7/8 inches. I have never owned an A-50,...but have owned two A-40s, three F-5s, one F-12, one A-12, one F-4, plus a couple iof Alvarezes,...they all have fit into the 13-7/8 range.

  10. #9
    Registered User John Kinn's Avatar
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    Default Re: Gibson A5 vs. Gibson A50

    I have a 1949 A 40, and I like it very much. Dark, woody and deep sound. Great value! (see avatar).

  11. #10
    Registered User T.D.Nydn's Avatar
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    Default Re: Gibson A5 vs. Gibson A50

    Some of those A 50's have some pretty nice curly maple backs...

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