This beautiful Gibson A-1 mandolin is in very good condition. The
serial number and FON indicate that it was built and shipped in 1911.
The spruce top is the classic pumpkin color and the maple back and sides
are reddish brown. The V-shaped neck is mahogany. There are only a few
minor dings and light scratches, suggesting that the instrument was well
cared for. Some very fine finish crisscrossing checking of the varnish
is evident, consistent with Gibson instruments of this time period.
"The Gibson" logo is inlaid in pearl on the headstock. The top and neck
are single bound with ivoroid. The celluloid pickguard is in excellent
condition and sports the older style violin chinrest clamp rather than
the cam-lever type clamp which was introduced in 1910. The action has
been lowered (to 1.5 mm on the G string at the 12th fret and .75 mm on
the E string) by removing the three original 'string rests' and making a
short ebony insert for the slot on top of the original bridge. This
allows for more comfortable playability without permanently altering the
bridge. The mandolin also has a new 1 3/16" bone nut. The original
string rests for the bridge and the old nut are included. The tailpiece
is non-original but is stamped with "The Gibson". The end pin also
appears to be a replacement. The frets have some light wear, primarily
on the A and E strings in the first position. The tuning machines appear
to be original and like the pickguard, are in great condition. There is
no evidence of past repairs, only the above-mentioned modifications. The
tone of this beautiful instrument is quite sweet and lush. A chipboard
case in fairly good condition is also included.

All proceeds from the sale of this item benefits Hungry For Music's instrument donation program for children.

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