Description
Exc(-) Condition / SN: 539
1-1/8″ width at nut / Radiused F.B.
This 1990 Givens A6 is great shape, with only occasional light dings around the body. Englemann Spruce top, Flame Maple back, sides, and rounded “V” profile neck. The neck also shows startlingly wonderful figure. This model was Bob Givens’ top A model. It has wonderful ingredients: Highly figured Hard Maple back, sides and neck; Englemann Spruce top, Gabon Ebony peghead overlay, Fingerboard and bridge. Fully bound with multiple ivoroid bindings. Hand-cut, hand-engraved elaborate inlays in peghead and in the radiused fingerboard.
The Ebony Peghead overlay features Bob Givens’ complex hand-engraved pearl and abalone torch inlay with “R.L. Givens” in the center. Peghead is bound in ivoroid, with black accent line seen at the top edge and along the sides. Gold Schaller tuners with pearloid buttons. Bone nut. The Gabon Ebony fingerboard has small flower (some say, snowflake) inlays, and black side dot position markers on the bass side of the ivoroid fingerboard binding. The Gabon Ebony fingerboard is bound with ivoroid, showing black accent line along the sides. The rounded “V” profile neck is in great shape with slight wear through the finish from playing.
The Spruce top has a two-piece Ebony adjustable bridge and a brass tailpiece. Most of the wear on this mandolin can be found on the top, but it is still a small amount when considering this is a 35 year old instrument that was played and not just stored in the case. Two-piece flame Maple back is in nice shape, with a few minor player marks, and light finish checking. White plastic end pin with an Ebony dot.
There is one thing to mention: The neck does not have an adjustable truss rod. Currently there is a significant relief in the neck. It is not affecting the playability at this time; in other words it isn’t buzzing and the action doesn’t feel “high”. The frets are in good shape.
This 1990 Givens A6 has been played and loved, but it has also been kept in good shape. Comes with a hard case.
