My New 1923 Gibson A2Z

**frankabr.** · Oct-10-2015, 10:21pm

Found in a music store in the mountains of North Carolina, it is the second A2Z I have owned. Had to sell the first one when the economy collapsed. No intention on ever selling this one.

**pointpergame** · Oct-10-2015, 11:01pm

For the rest of us, what is distinctive about the "2 Z" Why the 2 and why the Z?

**frankabr.** · Oct-10-2015, 11:56pm

Great question. These are the best sounding A style mandolins that Gibson ever made. The credit for these fine sounding mandolins goes to Lloyd Loar, and the golden age of mandolin design at Gibson. Loar, who was an acoustical engineer of genius caliber, worked full time for Gibson in the early 20's till late 1924 when he left to form his own company, Vivi Tone. Instruments built during his tenure at Gibson were of the highest quality. Outside of the fact that the headstock design was changed from the paddle style to what has been described as a "christmas tree" style, the A2Z was built to the highest standards. Loar was also responsible for creation of the F5 and related instruments. Some of his ideas, like the Virzi Tone Producer, now garner more interest today than back then. The A2-Z's were made from 1922 to 1927. Last look at those whose serial numbers were registered on The Mandolin Archive showed 60. Mine, a new discovery, will make 61. Look up Roger Siminoff's site. It is a great one if you want to learn about Loar.

**Dave Hanson** · Oct-11-2015, 12:27am

it's a pun on A to Z

Dave H

**Gene Summers** · Oct-12-2015, 11:42am

Fine looking Loar era snakehead, Congratulations and enjoy!!!

**frankabr.** · Oct-13-2015, 8:41am

A2Z's also had adjustable truss rods in their necks. Not sure if the other early snakehead mandolins did as well, but this was a great technical leap. Ps. Loar did not invent the Virzi Tone Producer, but he was a big proponent and was an option in mandolin sold by Gibson during his tenure.