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Thread: Value of 1919 Gibson A-2

  1. #1

    Default Value of 1919 Gibson A-2

    I was wondering what the current value of a 1919 Gibson A-2 Mandolin might be. I currently have one on loan and it is structurally sound with a very weathered finish. The neck is straight, it has an adjustable bridge with some fret wear on the lower frets. It also has a 1 1/4" nut width which suits my large fingers. It does have a very good woody deep sound. I appreciate any thoughts regarding the Gibson A-2.

  2. #2
    Mando accumulator allenhopkins's Avatar
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    Default Re: Value of 1919 Gibson A-2

    Take a look at these at The Parlor in Knoxville TN. Might give you an idea what dealers are asking.

    Here's Bernunzio's similar page.
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    Registered User John Rosett's Avatar
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    Default Re: Value of 1919 Gibson A-2

    I paid $1100 for my 1919 A2(all original with pickguard and case) from a local music store a little over two years ago.
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  4. #4
    mandonucs John Uhrig's Avatar
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    Default Re: Value of 1919 Gibson A-2

    I paid $1500 for my 1920 A2 last year.
    Also, all original with the case.
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    Default Re: Value of 1919 Gibson A-2

    Apart from its sound, it also depends very much on the condition and originality of the instrument and where it’s being sold/bought.

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    Martin Stillion mrmando's Avatar
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    Default Re: Value of 1919 Gibson A-2

    If a 1919 A2 has an adjustable bridge, it's not an original bridge. This one sounds a bit beat up. If you post photos we could get a better idea of condition and originality. As described, I don't think a seller would be justified in asking more than $1,000.

    Prices at The Parlor in Knoxville usually seem inflated to me, but one must acknowledge that brick-and-mortar dealers do have to pay for overhead.
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  7. #7

    Default Re: Value of 1919 Gibson A-2

    A, A1, and A2s seem to be in the same ballpark as far as pricing goes for the teens and early twenties in the $1000 to $1800 range. A3s and A4s are going $2000 to $3000, and then the snakehead pricing premium kicks in.

    The $1700 I paid from a dealer for my 1913 A1 was top end of the market for a very clean, all original mandolin, but no original case. I could see the same type mandolin with back shrinkage, a repaired crack or two, no pickguard, and non original bridge going for no more than $900. These players give the same performance as any original Gibson would,

    The main factor for me, if I may be so shallow, is the Gibson logo on the headstock. I just had to have that. Many feel 1919 was a very good year.
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  8. #8

    Default Re: Value of 1919 Gibson A-2

    Needing The Gibson script is indeed shallow. But I feel the same way.

  9. #9

    Default Re: Value of 1919 Gibson A-2

    Thanks for all of the good feedback regarding the value of the A2. I have attached some pictures of the instrument. I have also discovered that the tuners are not original not sure about the pick guard. I like the tone and it plays well. I was thinking about making an $800.00 offer for the mandolin.
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  10. #10

    Default Re: Value of 1919 Gibson A-2

    That's a nice looking instrument. The tuners are not original and I don't think the pickguard is- although it may be from a later Gibson model- the fixing bracket is the sort seen in the mid-20s.

  11. #11
    two t's and one hyphen fatt-dad's Avatar
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    Default Re: Value of 1919 Gibson A-2

    to me, the non-original tuners are a problem. Somebody had to redrill the string post spacing, which means you wouldn't be able to use the Stew-Mac worm-under replacements.

    Then again, you'll tune it and play it and enjoy it. . .

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    Registered User Timbofood's Avatar
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    Default Re: Value of 1919 Gibson A-2

    Seems like a reasonable deal. Replacing the tuners at some point will take a little bit of expertise if and it becomes an issue.
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    Default Re: Value of 1919 Gibson A-2

    I have changed tuners on several old Gibson, teens and 20's, mandolins without redrilling the holes. On one I cut the tuner plate, the another simply slipped into place.
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  14. #14
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    Default Re: Value of 1919 Gibson A-2

    The pickguard is period-correct. The patent date stamp is clearly visible if you zoom in on the picture of the front.
    The pickguard mounting bracket and the bridge are non-original.

    I wouldn't worry too much about the tuners if they work well, unless you want to fit the mandolin up with all original hardware.

    Period correct original tuners, bridge, and pickguard clamps can be found, but cost quite a bit.
    An early 20's style replica adjustable bridge would look better, at least to some of us.
    If the mandolin was indeed made in 1919, it would have come from the factory with a solid bridge rather than an adjustable one.

    The instrument appears to be worth at least as much as you offered in its present condition. Despite the changed parts, it would not be unreasonable to pay a little bit more. It is really in pretty nice shape compared to many that I see.

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