White tops

**bobrem** · Jul-16-2014, 9:03pm

I'm interested in some thoughts on Gibson white top A3s. From Dan Beimborn's Gibson Guide (posted on the Cafe) I know they were made from 1902 to 1922. I am considering a white top purchase. Waiting for a serial number but it looks like it may be from the 1918-1922 period. Any insight/comments on sound, desirability, re-sale etc? Aesthetically I prefer pumpkin tops from that era, but this one came available from a trustworthy sound engineer friend. I haven't played it but will probably take it for a spin on 48-hour approval.

**fatt-dad** · Jul-16-2014, 10:23pm

I've had mine for 30 years. I love it! I don't think it's unique from other paddle heads though. It's just what I know. I'd think it a $2,200.00 instrument. Don't know.

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**Annette Siegel** · Jul-17-2014, 3:21am

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I love my little "Patsy" white face Mandy. SN#51841 puts her at 1919 for inspect/ship. Haven't located her FON yet....need to get the USB camera in there. For my taste flavor, has a mellow tone that's more blendy birch then a maple back n side bite. Can be a little strange looking, but it's the sound that matters....right?

As far as re-sale to me that would depend on condition, original parts, sound quality...etc.. Now if we could just get a gibbie white face in the hands of a famous player...sure would help the re-sale value.

**fatt-dad** · Jul-17-2014, 7:09am

Viva diversity! I just got a black top to go with my white top!

(To Annette, I love honest wear!)

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**bobrem** · Jul-17-2014, 10:28am

Love the white top photos. Keep 'em coming!

**lenf12** · Jul-19-2014, 8:24am

Originally Posted by bobrem

I'm interested in some thoughts on Gibson white top A3s. From Dan Beimborn's Gibson Guide (posted on the Cafe) I know they were made from 1902 to 1922.

The A-3s were made during the years you mention above but the white finish was only available for 2 or 3 years from ~1919 to 1921 or so. I may a bit off on the exact years of availability of white faced A-3s. They are quite lovely and one even became the "canvas" for a beautifully painted mandolin once owned by Butch B. and later by Peter Mix (and others?). I'll try to locate and post a picture of it. It is breath taking.

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Attached above. See what I mean about breath taking?

Len B.
Clearwater, FL

**Jim Garber** · Jul-21-2014, 9:54am

My very first Gibson was my 1919 whitefaced A-3 which I bought from Mandolin brothers in the late 1970s. It was the best-sounding A model on the mandolin wall at that time IMHO. It also was dear to me since it was born in the same year as my dad. Both are sadly departed. Here is a photo of the three of us from that time.