Gibson Model A (1913)

Description

Everyone knows Gibson has been making extraordinary instruments for a long time, but the incredible story of the company rarely feels real until you see something like this 1913 Model A mandolin - truly a piece of living history. Better yet, this remarkable mandolin comes to us in exceptionally good condition, still boasting all its original parts and components and with a surprisingly minimal amount of playing wear. The Model A was the predecessor to the Model A0, making it one of the more basic mandolins in Gibson's pre-war production line, but that doesn't mean that this instrument features anything less than a spectacular sound and a wonderful playfeel. The spruce and maple have opened up impressively and give it a bell-like quality, augmented by the natural sustain and midrange common to nearly all oval-hole models. Aesthetics are very modest, but the naturally aged finish and vintage hardware make it an eye-catcher nonetheless.

As mentioned above, this mandolin features all its original parts, including the fixed bridge and pickguard common to Model As of this era. The finish checking is very small and uniform, as is consistent with Gibsons of this era. The scuffing and denting from playwear is less present than what might be expected on an instrument over 100 years of age, but there are still dents and marks on all the faces of the mandolin which we consider to be more or less unavoidable. The original label in the soundhole is still intact. We consider it to be in very good condition. As the mandolin and its original case parted ways at some point in the past, we have included a new hard-shell case from Guardian which fits the instrument quite well.