Gibson a-00

[talikoga]

What would be a reasonable price to pay for a mid to late 30s A-00 in good to VG condition?

Are they good players or just collectible??

Thanks,

DB in Georgia

[mandroid]

you take pictures? condition survey?

[wah]

I paid $1100 for mine 3 years ago then had some work done on it. If I were to sell it I'd ask $1600. I love playing blues tunes on it. I play with a group of women (folk/bluegrass) and one of them has fallen in love with the A-00's sound. mine is about a '34 - it has f-holes, top binding, elevated pick guard, still has the flat back, and the FON is 3 digits (no letter). I bought it because I play in jug bands and it seemed the perfect jug band mandolin.

Wayne

[talikoga]

Thanks, wah

I'm looking at one with an oval sound hole and it seems to be in pretty good shape. Price is in that range, and the fact is, if it's a good mando, you wouldn't want to part with it at any price.

[wah]

DB

I was going to sell mine last fall when I had some financial problems and my girlfriend told me she'd buy it to keep it from leaving the house. I didn't sell it to anybody and weathered the storm. So it in fact is not for sale. Mine is in excellent condition. Here is a good resource on these. I'm not sure they were consistant but mine is as identified as 1934. I don't know what the oval holes sound like but my f-hole A-00 has this cool funky sound that works with old blues stuff.

Wayne

[Tom Mylet]

I just happened to be browsing and noticed an A-00 at Vintage Instruments in Phila. It's listed as 1934-35,has replaced tuners and a hard case for $850. I have no financial interest but have had good results dealing with them. www.vintage-instruments.com
Tom M

[wah]

That's very similar to mine but without the pickguard - and with really ugly tuners! # #I don't know much about the collectibility of these since I wasn't thinking in collectors' terms when I bought mine, but it is all original.

Wayne