Up for sale is a fine Madocello that breaks the 100-year old instrument mark! This 1917 Gibson K2 Mandocello is an example of the fine craftsmanship that existed yesteryear and the sound it produces proves it!
The Gibson Mandocello is an underrated gem of an instrument of the early 20th century. Double-strung and tuned in fifths starting with the C below the low E on the guitar, the mandocello has a deep resonance unlike any other fretted instrument. Gibson started producing Mandocellos in the early 1900's, this Gibson K-2 Model Carved Top Mandocello was made in Kalamazoo, Michigan, in 1917, serial # 19428, spruce top with black finish black , birch top with natural back and sides finish, mahogany neck with ebony fingerboard.
This 1917 "black top" K-2 Mandocello dates to the decade when Gibson was defining the market for these mandolin family instruments. This particular instrument is a K-2, the midline model of the 3 mandocello models offered but still an expensive instrument when new. It is structurally the same as the basic Model K-1 with some extra decoration. The headstock face carries an inlaid Fleur-de-Lys in pearl and abalone while the tuners are tipped with the beautiful inlaid Haenel buttons. The soundhole ring is embellished with extra half-herringbone rings. The K-2 package cost around $15 more than the K-1.. 15 bucks! Other features were the same for both models, with a bound top, back and fingerboard.
38" Length
14 1/16" width
3 1/4" depth, measured at side of rim.
Scale length is 25 in. (635 mm.). Width of nut is 1 5/8 in. (41 mm.).
This old Gibson has seen some restoration but remains a great piece and player. Our professional luthier spliced in new wood under upper fretboard to compensate for shrinkage, repaired cracks on the back, repaired /replaced missing sound hole inlay and herring bone binding, replaced neck binding/side markers, made new bone nut, leveled frets, re-fitted the bridge, did a bit of finish touchup, and performed a full setup. It turned out nicely as you can see! See pics for full cosmetic details.
Serialized 19428
Listed | 5 years ago |
Condition | Good (Used) Good condition items function properly but may exhibit some wear and tear.Learn more |
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