Vintage 1935 Gibson Mandolin A-00 - Sunburst - 80 Years Young

1935 Gibson A-00 Mandolin. (1935) Marking "A 12 16" inside the F hole. No inside or outside sticker. I sent photographs and the marking to Gibson Customer Service and they have verified the mandolin model number and age to be correct. (See photos for Gibson’s response.

This is a great instrument.

* Carved top; flat back; f-holes

* Body Size – 10 ¼ inch wide and 13 ¼ long.

* Selected spruce top; mahogany neck; maple back and rim; rosewood finger board.

* Dark brown mahogany finish with sunburst on top.

* White ivoroid binding around top edge of body pear fingerboard inlays.

* Ebony bridge; brass finish machine heads; nickel plated tailpiece.

* Elevated brown celluloid fingerest pinned in the neck; 20 frets.

* Gibson adjustable truss rod neck construction.  

The instrument was inspected using a Ryobi inspection camera for marking and  damage. All the seams, supports, and bracing are well glued without any separations and cracks. The outside construction shows no signs of shrinkage or de-lamination. There is some checkering on the left side of the top between the fretboard & f-hole. (See highlighted pictures) The bridge sits uniform to the body without signs of being sunk down into the body caused by string pressure.

The machine heads have been removed, taken apart, cleaned and lubed. I found a slight crack along the one side tuner holes. (See highlighted areas in pictures)  I actually tried to break the head away to fix and repair and refurbish the head stock. I could not break it after applying substantial force. It is solid to the body. The crack was then filled with solid black CA and tuners reassembled.  

The mandolin was strung with Martin “M-400” 80/20 Bronze (.010-.034) strings. The "G" tuners tune hard when reaching tone. ( loosen tuning nut slightly while tuning) Stays in tune with good intonation. Sounds fantastic.  

Comes with its original case. Case is slightly less than fair condition, where the inside lining could be replaced with felt. 

I take pride in describing all major flaws of the instrument so there is no surprises.

In Summary:

This is a solid 80 year old instrument (verified by Gibson) that sounds and plays great. Has a great aged look to it. Body and construction is solid.

Flaws:  Crack along tuner holes but solid. (repaired). "G" tuners tune hard approaching "G" but tunable. Area of checkering on left top body. Very minor normal marks and scratches.  

Free shipping to the US Continental States Only. Please feel free to contact me prior to purchasing for other shipping options and any questions you might have. 

Thank You for your interest.  

See the video link for virtual tour and sound  clips.