My two favorites are my 1926 Gibson A-Junior Snakehead, and especially my 1918 Gibson Army-Navy Special. #The Special has the most amazing sound, and I wouldn't trade it for the whole wall of the mandos where I work.
The A-Junior:
My two favorites are my 1926 Gibson A-Junior Snakehead, and especially my 1918 Gibson Army-Navy Special. #The Special has the most amazing sound, and I wouldn't trade it for the whole wall of the mandos where I work.
The A-Junior:
The Army-Navy Special
Where soldiers allowed to take their instruments overseas? Do you know more about the history of the second instrument?
Chris
Those are beautiful. I actually bought my mandolin at Music Folk. I LOVE that store. I'd trade MY mando for ANOTHER one hanging on the wall at your work!
I'm finally back! #As I was posting these pics, a HUGE THUNDERSTORM hit St. Louis, and I had to shut down before I was finished. #We then lost power for about 24 hours! #When the power finally came back on, I couldn't get into the boards. #I've been dying to get the other two pics of the Special posted here! #
As for the history of the Special, I know a little. #I'm pretty sure they were sold only thru Army & Navy bases at the local PX. #They were intended for men enlisted during World War I. #I'm sure many of them went overseas as they were obviously much easier to carry along than a guitar. #You have to wonder how many of them never made it back. #I've personally only played one other Special, and it was a beautiful thing too. #
The original Flatiron mandos were designed almost just like the Specials. #Flat front & back, different neck than an F, and a big headstock. #
Gibson also reissued some of the Specials at some point in the 80's I think, but I can't find any of the info right now.
The other pics of the Special:
My baby has some battle scars, and it's not the prettiest mando around, but as far as the sound, I'd put her up against any F-model mando out there. #A's too. #On top of this, I was able to get that mando for $450. #I bought it from the banjo player in my old band that collects Gibson instruments. #He also happens to be the same guy I bought my A-Jr from. #It sure helps to have some bluegrass friends!
Thanks for the photos STLmandoteacher, those are two of my favorites. I grew up in STL taking guitar lessons at Music Folk...a long time ago! It was a great place back then, with a small performance space next door.
Nothing like a midwest summer thunderstorm!
Keith
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