Gibson A5G info please.

[Freddyfingers]

Hi all. I have been offered a 1981 Gibson AFG mandolin in trade. There is info online about A models, but very little on the A5G. The little I found is that it seems to be a model just below the A5L with less bling, binding and such. I have found nothing about any made in the early 80’s. FWIW, I am looking to upgrade from a Loar lm600, which plays well, but I think I can do better. Trading out some non mandolin gear that I am selling for $2000 as a set, or $2200 individually. The few A5 models I have found in previous sales have been priced more around 1200 to 1500. Am I missing something?

[MikeEdgerton]

The A5G is basically the A version of the F5G. It will be bound on the top of the body but not that back. The fretboard will be unbound as will the headstock. It did not come with a pickguard.

Post a picture if you want to know if it's real. Also, what color is the label inside? Gibson bought Flatiron in 1987 if I recall. The F5G/A5G were introduced after that time.

Here is every thread on the Cafe with A5G in it.

[rcc56]

According to my Gruhn's Guide, Gibson did not make any A model mandolins of any kind between 1980 and 1987. The A-5G and A-5L were introduced in 1988. The A-5G was discontinued in 1996.

I don't know what you are looking at, but it would be a good idea to re-check the serial number and also confirm that the instrument was indeed made by Gibson.

[Freddyfingers]

Thanks for the quick reply. I only have one photo, and requested more that should arrive later today.

[Freddyfingers]

Thanks for pointing that out. I just read that thread that was kindly reposted for me by the above member. Will post pics of what ever they send.

According to my Gruhn's Guide, Gibson did not make any A model mandolins of any kind between 1980 and 1987. The A-5G and A-5L were introduced in 1988. The A-5G was discontinued in 1996.

I don't know what you are looking at, but it would be a good idea to re-check the serial number and also confirm that the instrument was indeed made by Gibson.

[Freddyfingers]

According to the guitar dater website, 80331029 was made in Nashville on feb 2 1981 label says that number and Gibson master model a5g. That is contrary to the Gruhn quote that none were made then, or am I reading that wrong

[Freddyfingers]

Would it have been signed off by some sort of inspected, builder?

[Freddyfingers]

Head stock. Looks like gubsin. Put I have poor eye site

[Eric C.]

According to the guitar dater website, 80331029 was made in Nashville on feb 2 1981 label says that number and Gibson master model a5g. That is contrary to the Gruhn quote that none were made then, or am I reading that wrong

From the label that looks like it was made in 1989?

[fernmando]

For reference purpose, my 1/2/89 A5L is 9054018. Mine also has a Bozeman, MT label. This one has a Nashville label. My feeling is that it is a considerably later A5G.

[Freddyfingers]

From Gibson’s website it says the first and fifth number is decade and year. But there’s some confusion on that as well. The plot thickens.......

[Freddyfingers]

For reference purpose, my 1/2/89 A5L is 9054018. Mine also has a Bozeman, MT label. This one has
a Nashville label. My feeling is that it is a considerably later A5G.

Does it look anything like the photos I have including label?

[fernmando]

This one DOES have the earlier shoulder contour, though (NOT the later pear shape). Hmm.

[fernmando]

Your mandolin has the early shape, but the Nashville label is rather misleading. Someone here will know more.

[Freddyfingers]

Thanks!

[Freddyfingers]

Perhaps made by flatiron.

[rcc56]

Gibson has used so many serial number systems over the years that it is frustrating.

What I see looks like Gibson, but I find the irregular shape and border on the label disturbing.

More disturbing, though, is the deep finish check next to the treble foot of the bridge. There may be compression damage to the instrument. I recommend a careful internal inspection with a light and a mirror to ensure that there is not a top crack or a loose or cracked tone bar.

I would also ask the seller to furnish a picture of the back, also the back of the peghead.

You might want to take a look at some other instruments.

[DataNick]

According to the guitar dater website, 80331029 was made in Nashville on feb 2 1981 label says that number and Gibson master model a5g. That is contrary to the Gruhn quote that none were made then, or am I reading that wrong

Nashville label with that serial number = March 31, 1998, 2nd mandolin in production that day...

[doublestoptremolo]

Looks almost exactly like my late 90s Nashville Flatiron. They come up on the classifieds fairly regularly for $1,500 or less.

[doublestoptremolo]

This one had an irregular-ish label border too: https://reverb.com/item/3260143-1999...mandolin-w-hsc

[MikeEdgerton]

It's a Gibson A5G. Very few A5G and F5G's had a signature label. Nick has the date right. If I recall there were some instruments that were started in Bozeman and finished in Nashville but that's someplace way back in my memory.

[DataNick]

...If I recall there were some instruments that were started in Bozeman and finished in Nashville but that's someplace way back in my memory.

Righteo Mike!

That one appears to be one of the "transitional" mandos that were brought by Weber and group from Bozeman to Nashville in Jan 97, and eventually completed there.

[jim simpson]

Note the shape of the AG on the left compared to the A5L on the right.

[Freddyfingers]

Thanks to all that chimed in. Very helpful as always. As of now I have passed on the deal. Most likely I Will try and sell my gear off out right and go buy what I want. Unless the right deal comes by, but unless you are on a great forum like this, there are not many decent mandolins to be found locally.

[MikeEdgerton]

Note the shape of the AG on the left compared to the A5L on the right.

That is a later A5L. The early ones were shaped like the A5G there. Basically, from what I recall and what I can see Charlie Derrington changed the A so that it was basically an F with the points cut off as opposed to being the same size as the earlier Gibson A style bodies. Why would he do that? Probably to bring his manufacturing procedures in line so that you could build either one on the same basic line. Need a top? Cut off the scroll and points. Need a back? Do the same. Economics.