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Thread: Old Gibson As

  1. #1
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    Default Old Gibson As

    Forgive me if this has been posted before. But with my tax refund back I'm in the market for a new mandolin. I've been itching for an oval hole and thought the best option might be an oldie but a goodie.

    Unfortunately I am unable to currently find and old gibson a oval holes near me to sample so I am highly considering elderly and the like stores. So what I'm getting at is can anyone fill in a clueless gibson guy on what years to look for and basically all other facts in getting a really decent mandolin.

    I'd appreciate and all information!

    -nick

  2. #2
    Martin Stillion mrmando's Avatar
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    Default Re: Old Gibson As

    Well, there's this thread about Chicago dealers:
    http://www.mandolincafe.com/forum/sh...s-Chicago-area

    If you shop online, pick a store with a good return policy.
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    coprolite mandroid's Avatar
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    Default Re: Old Gibson As

    '22& earlier 'paddle heads' are priced lower than '23& later 'snake heads' , but still sound good.
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    My Florida is scooped pheffernan's Avatar
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    Default Re: Old Gibson As

    Quote Originally Posted by Qtrchkndrk View Post
    But with my tax refund back I'm in the market for a new mandolin. I've been itching for an oval hole and thought the best option might be an oldie but a goodie.
    It depends on the size of the tax return. You can reasonably expect to get into a teens A for around $1000, although the more desirable snakehead models of the early 1920's seem to start closer to $2000. The higher the number after the A (2, 3, 4) generally reflects the additional aesthetic details and often leads to a higher price tag.
    1924 Gibson A Snakehead
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    Default Re: Old Gibson As

    Thanks for all the great feedback! Ive got some calls to make to some places in Evanston Illinois but at this rate looks like im headed for a day in madison

    Im going for a $1000-2000ish price range. Snakehead or not doesnt matter I just want that illustrious tubby woody gibson tone! And something about playing an 100 year old mandolin gets me excited.

    Hopefully I'll have made the purchase in a couple days

  6. #6
    bon vivant jaycat's Avatar
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    Default Re: Old Gibson As

    IMHO there is nothing intrinsically "more desirable" about the snakehead models, but they will cost you more. One thing to bear in mind is whether you like a 'chunkier' neck or not; the teens models are more so than the snakeheads.

    Quote Originally Posted by Qtrchkndrk View Post
    . . . And something about playing an 100 year old mandolin gets me excited. . . .
    I agree. Mine just turned 99 years young.
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    Innocent Bystander JeffD's Avatar
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    Default Re: Old Gibson As

    I would say, in my experience anyway, the differences in old vintage Gibsons have as much to do with how they have been taken care of over the past 40 years, what abuse they may have suffered, what repairs they have, etc., as any particular model or build year.

    I would really try to find a way to get some actual hands on time with the ones you might consider, and when you find one that has the sound, and the price point, bingo. Or get a return policy.
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    two t's and one hyphen fatt-dad's Avatar
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    Default Re: Old Gibson As

    Very happy with my '20 A3

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    Gibson F5L Gibson A5L
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    Default Re: Old Gibson As

    I took a quick look through the classifieds here on The Cafι and found five "A" paddle head models that you can take a look at. THat fall in you budgetary window. Several that are higher as well ...... R/
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  11. #10
    Still Picking and Sawing Jack Roberts's Avatar
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    Default Re: Old Gibson As

    Ive got an A-1 and an H-1 and have been happy with both. My A-1 is almost 100 years old but still performs in public.

    What to look for (any of these should be looked at by a pro before you accept the instrument):

    Cracks in the top, back or sides.
    Separation of the top or back.
    Stick your finger in the oval hole and feel if the tone bar is lifting away from the top.
    Sunken top at the bridge.
    Unplayably high or low action. The teens have non-adjustable bridges, so you'll want to play it before you accept it.
    Frets too worn.
    Warped neck (I haven't seen this, but I've heard it happens)
    Broken pins in the tail piece.

    What not to worry about:

    No pick guard (better if it has it, but a lot of these have rotted away)
    Bad smell
    No key for the case.
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  13. #11
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    Default Re: Old Gibson As

    Enjoying all the good info, I definitely am on the same page with you all and would have to play the one I buy or go through a seller I know has a good return policy. Hoping I can get my hands (or fingers) on a few this weekend!

  14. #12
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    Default Re: Old Gibson As

    There are other things cool about the Snake Head A's. Besides the thinner neck they also have an adjustable truss rod. To many players that is a plus. Also I think they will have much better resale value in the future because they were made during the Loar period. But to be fair, the paddle heads really sound about the same to me.
    ntriesch

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    Registered User Pete Martin's Avatar
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    Default Re: Old Gibson As

    The paddle heads I've played from 23 and 24 are every bit as good as the snakeheads from that era. Lots less $$$ too.
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