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Perhaps this is a cheese type question, but I just acquired a 1915 Gibson A mandolin that is in pristine condition...the stenciled logo on the paddle head is gone. Is it possible to restore the logo and if so where does one acquire the stencil or decal? I know most people will frown upon that but the headstock looks so strange with no marking. Btw the mandolin sounds beautiful
That logo was never there. Some models had an inlaid logo, but none had a stenciled logo till later years. You must have a plain A. I had a 1920 A—no logo.
Which is not to say you can’t apply one, but I have no idea where you would get one.
Interesting. I just assumed the logo was worn off. The mandolin is in such good condition that it makes sense that there never was a logoQuote:
Originally Posted by Mike Buesseler
The regular A model did not have a logo. Or at least wasn't supposed to have one. Starting with the A-1 model there was a logo. Had a 1910 A with no logo for a while. Good sounding instrument.
Sometimes instruments were shipped back to Gibson for fixing at later dates and at that time a logo might have been installed.
There is a logo just now on ebay
The only "The Gibson" logos I see on eBay are from the 50's or 60's. I dont see any from the teens. A models from the teens that did have a logo would have mother of pearl inlay, not a decal or stencil.
There wouldn't have been decals or stencils in the teens. My understanding is that tech came later, as did its use. Blank pegheads are a hallmark of the so-called "plain As," no-frills or entry level models made specifically to be available at a lower cost. I've had very good luck with them - indeed, I own two, and both of them are much better instruments than my late, lamented mid 1970s F-12 ever was or would be. The woods used may have been slightly lower quality than those used for numbered models from the time, but the craftsmanship was pretty much the same, and the aged wood has that undefinable, unbeatable quality. The lack of a logo has bothered me, too, and I've floated the idea of getting one inlaid. Some objected that it could be seen as deceptive, especially in a resale situation. That's moot in my case, though, as I've never sold an instrument, and doubt I ever will. They come to me for life. :cool:
Nice! Though that must be fake. Whoever heard of "golden orange" fiinish? :disbelief: Everyone knows that's "pumpkin." ;)
So, this could be had for a mere $25, or a buck down and $1.50/ month - yes, a nickel a day, as they point out. At that price, I'll take two. ;)
eBay isn't the only source in the world for "The Gibson" inlay and decals. With that said I agree that this one didn't have one to begin with.