This previously owned Gibson A1 Mandolin is brought to you by BCR Music & Sound, Central PA's premier guitar and amplifier dealer! The photos in this listing are of the actual instrument listed for sale here in our store.
This little mandolin has really withstood the tests of time! Built circa 1917, this Gibson mandolin was a sort of 'no frills, just essentials' model from Gibson's extensive mandolin catalog at the time. While not the fanciest model, this instrument was clearly built to last! Not only is this mandolin very clean for its age, it also plays very well and is professionally set up!! All of its components appear to be factory original, and it sounds absolutely amazing. This mandolin even includes its original hard shell case complete with an original period product catalog (featuring a listing for this very mandolin model)! This is a truly amazing antique piece that has so much soul and character, and is a great way to get an authentic, vintage mandolin without breaking the bank!
Gibson 1917 Model A1 Mandolin
Spruce top with 'golden orange' finish
'Air Seasoned' maple back and sides
Ebony fingerboard
Nickel hardware, frets, and tuning machines
Pearl inlay
Ivoroid neck binding
German Silver pickguard bracket and string
Original hard shell case included
This vintage Gibson A1 Mandolin is in Very Good condition. This instrument has been very well kept and shows very few signs of wear. The headstock is clean with no breaks, some small nicks in the front face (most look like wear marks from string changes over the years). American flag sticker on the headstock is peeling slightly, left behind some residue - we've elected to leave it on the mandolin (for mojo reasons), but residue should be reasonably removable without damaging the headstock / finish. The tuning machines and hardware are fully functional and rust free, all tuner buttons are healthy and free of cracks. The neck is in great shape, some finish missing on both sides of the neck near the nut consistent with normal playwear. Binding was recently repaired near the nut at the bass side (simple re-glue, all original material). The frets show moderate flattening near the nut consistent with light use relative to its age, fret wear does not negatively affect the mandolins playability. Pickguard shows plenty of scratching consistent with its age, original patented mounting bracket is present and in good working order (just a little bit of rust on the shaft near the flathead screw mounts). The top has a few nicks and small dings through the finish, but all are small, minor, and none threaten the instruments structural integrity. There is a seam in the finish on the neck heel that is stable. The seam between the back and the sides of this mandolin is separating slightly by the endpin and near the neck / body joint. This separation is not threatening the mandolin stability. The original case is in Good condition. The handle is broken but still present / mostly intact, All 3 case latches are functional,
The instrument shown in the photos is of the actual instrument offered for sale! We'll double-inspect and play-test, professionally pack with care, and ship this instrument within 1 business day, and most cases, the same day if the order is placed by 3pm EST.