Gibson A2-Z mandolin, serial number 79013, Factory Order Number 11934. In our experience, the A2Z model Gibsons are always the best sounding A model mandolins, and this one is no exception. The tone is very full, balanced, with great volume and projection. This A2Z has the powerful bass notes associated with the best oval hole models, and a remarkably strong, bell-like treble with great sustain, which I find difficult to find in many oval-hole mandolins. While the FON was stamped on the neck block (twice!) at the end of 1923, the serial number puts it the middle of the sequence of the highly celebrated Lloyd Loar signed F-5s dated March 31, 1924. There is evidence that it has been played, and there are a few extremely minor pick marks on the top above the sound hole. When we got it there was some slight fret wear and some high frets in the fingerboard extension, but after a visit with world-class luthier Lynn Dudenbostel, the frets have been dressed to perfection. Mr. Dudenbostel’s set up is designed for optimal sound and performance.

There is no doubt that Gibson workers put extra thought, energy and love into the creation of model A2Z. The 1923 catalog itself described this new model as “everything from A to Z” including “Light amber finish, through which the straight-grain (Adirondack) spruce top shows clearly, with a new, rich antique mahogany treatment of (birch) rim and back and fine British Honduras mahogany truss-rodded neck. A thin jet black character line inlaid within the ivoroid binding and the alternating black and white lines of the purfling ring around sound-hole lend delightful contrast, while ivoroid binding around the outer edge and back and on the fingerboard sets off the antique mahogany finish.” Other features include ‘The Gibson’ in Japanese pearl, solid Tamatave (Madagascar) ebony fingerboard with front and side position markers, adjustable, compensated bridge, elevated pick guard, nickel-silver plated hardware, arrow-point Waverly tuners with ivoroid buttons, “The Gibson” tailpiece, bone nut, and hardshell Geib and Schaefer case. Even considering these appointments, the question remains, why does the A2Z sound so much better than many other A models? Is it the “thin jet-black character line” inlaid in the edge of the top that allows the top to somehow vibrate more freely? Or the fact that this was another pet project that Lloyd Loar turned over to those gifted old world craftsmen working at Gibson during that auspicious era of mandolin manufacture? To make it “everything from A to Z,” did they go through the lumber pile to find the very best wood? Whatever the answer, the bottom ‘line’ is, this is one great, fantastic sounding Lloyd Loar era Gibson instrument in excellent original condition!! Despite the fact that such mandolins often sell in the $6500 range, we are now offering Gibson A2-Z #79013 at the discounted price of only $5550 (which includes UPS ground shipping east of Mississippi and shared costs in other destinations.

1924 Gibson A2-Z mandolin, serial number 79013