Description
Exceptional condition / SN: 75493
1-1/8″ width at nut / All Original
This 1924 Gibson A-4 Mandolin is in fantastic shape. It is all original with no parts missing. The original frets are in such good condition, it is rare to see frets from this period so well taken care of. Only a small amount of dings and scratches on this 100-year old Gibson mandolin. Tone and playability are really great.
* It should be noted that this instrument was made at Gibson during Lloyd Loar’s tenure as their famous Acoustic Engineer and the designer of the modern A-model and F-model mandolins, as well as modern archtop guitars. Lloyd Loar also experimented early with electrifying musical instruments; he helped design overtone suppressors for instruments; He is also noted for his designs of Concert Halls that are still written about for their superior acoustic properties.
The Instrument:
The Blackened peghead veneer has “The Gibson” inlaid at the top in pearl, and a Fleur D’ Lis pearl inlay in the center. The adjustable truss rod access is above the original bone nut. Original nickel 4-on-a-plate open-back tuners with original cream buttons. Ebony fingerboard with pearl dot inlays and black side dot position markers on the bass side of the ivoroid fingerboard binding. Double-cut fingerboard extends out over the oval soundhole. Strong “V” profile mahogany neck is in great shape with only a couple tiny dings that can’t be felt while playing. Ebony heel cap. Original adjustable Ebony bridge, with “PAT’D Jan 18-21” stamped into the side, is in great shape. Original 2-pc Nickel tailpiece with “The Gibson” engraved at a slant. Original tortoise pickguard with “Pat. Mar 30, 1909” stamped into it, and nickel attachment hardware with “Pat. July 4, 1911” stamped. Spruce top is very lovely with a minimal amount of player wear. Beautiful sunburst on the top layered from a dark red wine color to an orange color in the center.
Top and back edge of body has Ivoroid bindings. Sound hole rosette is a lovely set of small concentric circles inside and outside of the main middle layer. The middle layer has a wide ivoroid inlay with houndstooth accents. The inside of the sound hole is also bound with ivoroid. Appears to be original Ebony end pin. The sides and the two-pc back appear as Maple, which is a frequent departure from the usual Birch they employed.
This mandolin is in fine playing condition and is set-up well. The frets are really great condition. The original hard case is in great condition, as well, with all hinges and latches and the handle working fine.
