1917 Gibson A1

[Scott C.]

While I was waiting for the 1923 Gibson A2 to get home from the shop. I found this 1917 Gibson A1. I just had to buy it!! The previous owner claims that it was his grand fathers and that he passed away in 1955. Claims that it has only been out of the case a few times since.

[Scott C.]

There is one thing that concerns me about it. I can not tell if this is a scratch or a crack?

[pfox14]

WOW! That one is in exceptional condition for a nearly 100 year old mandolin. Appears to be all original. Tailpiece looks in new condition. I am always impressed with the fact that Gibson made instruments that could last this long and could probably last another 100 years no problem. Who knows....if it could last 300-400 years, it really could be considered the Stradivarius of mandolins.

There is some slight seam separation around the heal, but it's pretty minor. I wouldn't even worry about it.

[mrmando]

Must have been a good stable batch of celluloid, since the pickguard didn't outgas all over the place.

[Denny Gies]

Great catch.

[MikeyG]

I love the palindromic serial number (in addition to the nice condition). Congratulations!

MikeyG

[Capt. E]

Doesn't look like a crack, simply a bit of shrinkage, probably with no effect at all.
Very nice...came in the OHSC?

[Timbofood]

Very cool find!

[bingoccc]

Uber cool! Congrats.

[darrylicshon]

Really nice

[David Newton]

It looks like a very fine crack that originated from the heel wood moving over time, and is probably going nowhere. If you are one who worries about such things, it would be a simple overnight visit in a shop at the most.

[g-mac]

Very cool! How's it sound??

[Scott C.]

Yes, it did come with the original hard shell case. It is in pretty nice shape too, other than the handle is missing. I think it sounds ok, considering the age of the strings and being in the need of a good setup. I sent it off today to Wil at Spruce Tree Music in Madison WI. I sent him pictures and he also thinks it just a scratch, but wants to evaluate it in person. I will have him do a proper set up on it. I just got that 1923 A2 in my other post back from him yesterday and it sounds awesome!! I assume that this one will too!!

[g-mac]

Hope you'll post pics of the A2 as well. You did a really nice job of photographing the A1!

Happy playin'!

[journeybear]

Well, if you end up deciding the A-2 is enough for you by itself, let me know.

[Scott C.]

There are pictures of the A2 on my other post. Or, you can click on my avatar and it will take you to my albums. There are pictures of my 1923 MB0 there also.

[RB250]

I recently purchased a 1916 A1 Gibson. It's got well repaired cracks on top and isn't in the condition of yours but still looks great and WOW, what a sound. So much that I've passed on some other name mandolins recently. I play bluegrass and while some may not like the sustain, I love the sustain, it's distinctive Gibson A sound, and how loud it is. Enjoy yours, I'm sure enjoying mine.

[Joey Anchors]

Very very nice A1! Yes I would like to have it

[Scott C.]

I just heard from Wil and he seems to think that spot on the neck is not an issue at all. He has it all set up and it ready to come home!!!

[Dakota Red]

I'm a newbie here, have had a '17 A-1 very similar to the pictured one languishing in the gtr closet for decades. What music do most folks find these 'teens A-style mandolins best for? All thoughts are appreciated.

[Jack Roberts]

I'm a newbie here, have had a '17 A-1 very similar to the pictured one languishing in the gtr closet for decades. What music do most folks find these 'teens A-style mandolins best for? All thoughts are appreciated.

I have a 1917 A-1, but it is a lot more beat up than the one shown above. Although I have a couple other mandolins, this is the only one I play it every day, and I do gigs once or twice a month with it. It is very loud, chops well and is a joy to play. If fits well in our band (lead guitar, 12-string, bass, and vocals). We used to do bluegrass when we had a banjo player, but switched to traditional and gospel when the banjo player moved away.

I play everything from Bach to Bluegrass on it. It's the one on the left.

Here is the band at a bluegrass gig:

[ollaimh]

nice instruments, both the first posted and the last by jack Roberts. I have long though Gibson A's from the teens and twenties are under priced. some are better than others but they all have the big sound chamber, bigger than the f models, and they all have that sweet woody sound , but loud. I have a 24 snake head that's been rode real hard but also really barks, and an A 4 1919, also loud and woodier than a snakehead. there's a reworked snakehead on ebay. 1923, might worth an offer. hard to say how much the sound is affected by relaquering and other "repairs". I have heard a few A's from before the teens that were also nice but they are more consistent after 1910.

[Dakota Red]

A quick shot of my '17 A-1