Gibson A40 1950's - Natural Aged Lacquer

FOR SALE: Vintage Gibson A-Style Mandolin (c. 1950)

The Golden Era of Post-War Craftsmanship

Capture the authentic "bark" and "chop" of the early bluegrass and folk era. This circa 1950 Gibson A-style Model A-40 is a spectacular example of Kalamazoo craftsmanship, offering a professional-grade vintage tone at a fraction of the price of an F-model.

Quick Specs & Features

Body Style: Classic Teardrop "A" shape with carved top.

Top Material: Solid Carved Spruce (for that punchy, articulate high end).

Back/Sides: Solid Mahogany

F-Holes: Dual f-hole design providing the "cut" and volume needed to lead a jam.

Hardware: Original bridge and tailpiece tuners appear to be original no pickguard.

Finish: Beautifully aged lacquer with natural weather checking that only 75 years can produce.

Player’s Note

This instrument isn't so much a collector's piece; it's a "player’s mando." It shows clear signs of play wear. With all the little nicks and dings you would expect in working instrument of this age.

It features the comfortable 1950s neck profile—a bit meatier than modern necks—giving you excellent leverage for chords and fast lead lines. Whether you’re playing Bill Monroe-style bluegrass or old-time folk, this Gibson delivers the dry, woody resonance that modern imports simply can’t replicate.

Condition

Very Good Vintage condition.

No structural cracks or sinking in the top.

Straight neck with plenty of life left in the frets.

Includes (Non Original Hardshell Case and original leather strap.)

Have looked inside with a bore scope and could not find the FON# that is not to say it is not there but I was unable to find it. I would presume it has faded overtime.

Headstock shows signs of 2 repairs. It looks as if someone drilled a couple 1/4" holes so they could hang it on the wall. Later someone dowled the holes and replaced the silkscreen logo

How to Tell if Yours is an A-40 or A-50:

Since the A-4 was out of production by 1950, check these details to be sure:

A-40: Usually has a Mahogany back/sides and a simpler "unbound" back. It was the entry-level workhorse.

A-50: Features Maple back/sides and binding on both the top and the back. It’s slightly more "dressed up."

Serial/FON: Look inside the f-hole for a Factory Order Number (FON). In 1950, these usually started with the letter V.

Asking Price: $[1200]

Location: [Loveland Colorado]

Would you like me to help you look up the specific serial number to confirm the exact year and model?