Gibson A-5 Mandolin 1971 / Kalamazoo Made / Quick and Responsive

Here is something of a rare duck, a Gibson A5 “Lump Scroll” Mandolin, from approximately 1971, made in Kalamazoo, Michigan, and in Excellent Condition.  Built along the same lines as a classic Gibson F-Style mandolin, with its points and headstock, the scroll is really insinuated more than actualized.  With its oval sound hole, the A5 has a very open and sweet tone, with a good deal of resonance.

These are quite uncommon Gibson Mandolins, and some say they are overbuilt, but the sound and the playability are what matter, and this one has both.

Coming into the shop, it needed a good bit of work to make it right.  The original bridge had broken in half and would not hold up to string tension, even after having been glued, so we replaced it with a new Randy Wood bridge, carefully shaped to the top. The original Gibson tailpiece cover was missing, so we have replaced it with a standard nickel cover made along the same lines.  The endpin was broken, so we have replaced it with a Waverly, Ebony endpin. The heel cap was missing as well and the binding at the base of it was deteriorating and a bit crumbly.  We replaced and aged the heel cap and the filled the binding in with bone, and sanded it smooth.  Then, we stained the bone to approximate the color of the original binding. We also filled small chips at two of the points.  Lastly, there was a slight separation along the center seam of the top, so we glued that and it is tight as a tick.  Beyond that, we gave everything a thorough cleaning, cleaned and lubricated the tuners, cleaned the body and fretboard and set her up for optimal playing.

Here are some important Specs:

Top - Carved Spruce with 11 ply Rosette

Back and Sides - Maple

Neck - Maple or Mahogany (I’m thinking Mahogany)

Fretboard - Rosewood

Scale - 13 7/8”

Action - Light 3/64” on E, Light 1/16” on G, at twelfth fret

Nut Width - 1 1/8”

String Spacing at Bridge - 1 17/32”

Bridge: Randy Wood Ebony

Lower Bout Width - 9 3/4”

Body Depth - 1 5/8”

This Gibson A5 does have some nicks and dings.  In addition to the binding issues mentioned above, there are a couple of surface cracks on the top and close to the heel cap on the back.  None yield to pressure.  There is a small ding in the top, to the right of the leading edge of the tailpiece cover, but it is not through the finish.  Additionally, there are a couple of cracks in the binding of the body and neck.  One, at the twelfth fret on the bass side, was a bit loose, but we have glued it back down and it is tight. Other than that, there are no cracks, splits or open seams.  The finish is very nice, the bindings are sound, the fretboard is in excellent condition, the frets are excellent, and the neck is straight. The original pickguard is in excellent condition. It comes in its original case, which has some wear and tear, and a little bit of staining, but works perfectly and has all latches intact and working properly.

This A5 plays with a sweet, ringing tone that is clear without being overly brilliant, and has a wonderful resonance.  You can feel the body vibrate as you play.

Please be sure to check out the photos carefully and zoom in on them, m as we have tried to capture this Gibson A5 from all angles.

This Gibson A5 Mandolin is sold AS IS and is not returnable unless it arrives in a condition other than as described or photographed, here.

Serial #598006 (Approx. 1971)

Price: $2300.00 plus $125 shipping (Lower 48 USA, only)