Description
Exc(+) condition / #649
1-1/8″ Nut / Radiused F.B.
Hard Eastern Maple / Engelmann Spruce
Handmade in 1992 by Bob Givens, this A-6 embodies some of the finest aspects of Givens’ mandolins. The A-6 was his highest model of an A mandolin and was introduced later in his production.
The first A-6’s from Givens appeared in their early form around 1985/6 and continued as his main mandolin until his death in early 1993. Not only did these A-6 models have the most strikingly beautiful “look” but they also showed off the sounds of Givens’ voicings of his last mandolins. These Givens A’s from about 1986-1992 have wonderful ethereal sound when set-up right. We watched them outcompete Nugget and Gilchrist A models in blind taste tests.
Most of Givens A’s were made without an adjustable truss rod… But every mandolin made in 1992 had one. So this one does have an adjustable truss rod!
Everything is original on this mandolin except the original tailpiece is in the case and an elaborately engraved Allen one-pc tailpiece is installed on the guitar.
The Peghead is bound with ivoroid that shows black accent layers from the face and from the side. Ebony overlay on back of peghead, as well. Snakehead peghead shape with elaborately engraved pearl/abalone handcut, hand-inlaid, Torch. This inlay reads “R.L. Givens”. Gold Schaller Tuners with pearloid buttons. Polished bone nut.
The Neck has a width at the nut of 1-1/8″. The profile in back of neck is a full modified U (can I say, “It’s half U and half V”). The radiused Gabon Ebony fingerboard is inlaid with pearl/abalone “snowflakes” (or “Flowerettes”), that are round Pearl dots that have a hole drilled into the center what an abalone dot occupies. Then, handcuts are made to turn them into pieces of art. Frets are large and are just about perfect.
The Body really shows off the orange-amber coloration. It makes the figured Maple leap out at you. The top and back are bound with multiple ivoroid bindings with black accent lines seen from the sides and from the face. Two-pc Loar style adjustable Ebony bridge. Highly engraved Allen tailpiece installed. Two piece back.
We’ll have a sound sample up as soon as time permits.
Comes with its original hard case.
