Gibson a9 neck

[bluegrassdan]

How are necks on the Gibson A9? I hear they are a little narrower than average. Average being 1 1/8". Could this pose a problem?

[pickinNgrinnin]

I've had 2 A9's and they both measured 1 1/8" at the nut. The A9's also have a very comfortable neck profile IMO.

[ortha]

Odd, mine measures 1 1/16".
I have a 2004 that is brown in color.
It does feel a little narow compared to some other mandos, but since it is my main player I have gotten used to it. The sound more than makes up for it.

[bikebum]

My A-9 (built june 06) also measures 1 1/16". And, yes I do think it is too narrow for comfort. I much prefer my Eastman 514 and Rigel Q95.

Jerry

[ortha]

Different strokes for different folks I guess. My A-9 sounds so good, I've yet to hear a better sounding mandolin in my own hands. With that said, I've been at this thing for 7 years, and have been playing strings for over 20.

[pjlama]

Mine is my my office so I can measure it tomorrow but I find it very comfortable, it's become my comfort standard.

[Landgrass]

Mine is closer to 1-1/16". Took me a while to get used to it. I used to have a Kentucky F-style with a wider neck and the first few months with the A9 I developed a severe pain not unlike tennis elbow. Eventually I got used to it and now don't think anything of it.

[tiltman]

I used to have an F-9 that was 1" measured at the nut. Pronounced v-shape to the neck. I found it uncomfortable to play for > than a couple of hours. Even though it sounded great I had to move on.
My understanding (from other threads) is that the necks are all hand carved and can vary.

"Different strokes for different folks I guess."

Exactly.

Kirk

[mandroid]

Check with your dealer , there may be a possibility to get the neck to meet your needs,
within reason, would take a while to get to you, as a special order, but patience has its benefits.