1933 Gibson A0 mandolin # 89630, FON 991
1933 Gibson A0 mandolin # 89630, FON 991. All original, excellent condition. This little jewel, although designed for a modest budget, has surprisingly high quality features. Unlike most A0s of the 1930s, this one has an adjustable truss-rod neck, adjustable bridge, elevated pickguard, nicely curled maple back and sides and ebony finish. For all practical purposes, it has the same quality and design as the legendary Loar era snakehead As, only with a clamshell tailpiece, paddle peghead and the wider fingerboard typical of the 1930s. Other features include spruce top, mahogany neck, ivoroid bound top, “Gibson” logo silkscreened on the peghead. Nut width: 1 13/64” Fingerboard width at 10th fret: 1 35/64; depth of neck at 1st fret: 59/64.
The sound? Quite a lot for the money here with rich and sonorous bass like the best of the A models and clear and strong in the treble. The original tuners work and hold their pitch well, but are somewhat stiff. For professional use, the instrument could benefit with replacement tuners; if that is the wish of the next owner, we are happy to help with that as well. Original chipboard case is included, as well as a few items of memorabilia. $1250 includes shipping, continental US.