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Thread: fon on a gibson A 2

  1. #1

    Default fon on a gibson A 2

    what is the verdict about the date for the fon 13343, or possibly 15343, inside a gibson A 2 mandolin(looks A 2.) any opinions?

  2. #2

    Default Re: fon on a gibson A 2

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  3. #3

    Default Re: fon on a gibson A 2

    mostly origonal. the clap for the pick guard is replaced. other wise great action etc. needs new strings, but anybody got a date for that possible ron??

  4. #4
    Teacher, repair person
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    Default Re: fon on a gibson A 2

    The numbers 13343 and 15343 are not consistent with the numeric ranges for any of the FON tables in the Spann book.
    However, if the number is 11343, it would indicate a construction date of 1920.

    A visual evaluation of the instrument from your pictures indicates that it is indeed an A-2, made between 1918 and 1921 or early 1922.

  5. #5

    Default Re: fon on a gibson A 2

    thanks,the fon is smudged. i'll have to get my lutheir with his jewelers glasses to look at it. even with glasses my eye sight isn't great. of course it plays and sounds great which is the most important thing.

  6. #6
    mandonucs John Uhrig's Avatar
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    Default Re: fon on a gibson A 2

    I have a 1920 A2. My FON is 11339
    1919 Gibson A3
    1920 Gibson A2
    1937 Gibson K1 Mandocello
    2015 Eastman Bowlback

  7. #7

    Default Re: fon on a gibson A 2

    could somebody phone up 1910 to 1927 gibson and tell them to use a better fon stamp!!! i think it is a 11xxx number, with a light inside and a magnifying glass. still unclear. have to visit my lutheir.

  8. #8
    Teacher, repair person
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    Default Re: fon on a gibson A 2

    Don't worry, don't fret. Your mandolin's date of birth is no earlier than 1918, and no later than early 1922. The brown A-2 was introduced in 1918, and by mid 1922, A-2's were generally equipped with truss rods and adjustable bridges.

    I think you can be comfortable about throwing your mandolin a 100th birthday party anytime after the first of the year.

  9. #9

    Default Re: fon on a gibson A 2

    well my lutheir was sure it is a 11XXX number, but the second 1 is smudged and looks like an attempt to restamp the number. he has nice magnifying glasses. he also put an origonal pick guard clamp on the pick guard that i had. so it's now all origonal. now restring. ancient strings. it's beautiful and a great player.

  10. #10

    Default Re: fon on a gibson A 2

    mine with 11343 must be circa 1920 then. the fon is smudged. looks like they stamped twice off sett badly, when looked at with a magnifying glass. so my lutheir's verdict is 11343. only a few numbers from your's. maybe we should hold a joint birthday party for them.

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