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Thread: A real Gibson A two point?

  1. #1
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    Default A real Gibson A two point?

    I wonder, whether someone out there can identify this mandolin, which is claimed to be a Gibson.

    https://www.ebay-kleinanzeigen.de/s-...700283-74-2996
    Last edited by MikeEdgerton; May-24-2020 at 11:58am. Reason: Fixed URL syntax

  2. #2
    Registered User Glassweb's Avatar
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    Default Re: A real Gibson A two point?

    it looks like a total "Frankenstein" made up of an old Ibanez 2 point with a new, badly made neck/headstock assembly... i mean i didn't even look at all the pictures, but it certainly isn't a Gibson mandolin.

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  4. #3

    Default Re: A real Gibson A two point?

    My first decent mandolin which I bought in 1977 and I still have was a two point Suzuki. It has exactly the same tailpiece with that stylised S on the tailpiece cover. Of course, that S could be an I- as I have seen it on other Japanese branded two point mandolins- one assumes they were all made in the same factory. So, it may be an Ibanez or a Suzuki or one of the other brands but it sure as hell is not something made in Kalamazoo. It is worth pointing out, that whoever faked this did a good job of getting the wrong Gibson script on the headstock and could not be bothered to change the tailpiece cover. No Jethro style two point mandolin as far as I know had that script logo which came back in vogue when Gibson started recreating instruments made before the late 1940s.

    Here is the "genuine" article - an Antoria- not an Antonia- notice that pickguard cover- same stylised S or I- not an A for Antoria!

    https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Stunning-...p2047675.l2557

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  6. #4
    Moderator MikeEdgerton's Avatar
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    Default Re: A real Gibson A two point?

    There are some real issues there one being the model number along with the rest that's wrong. That model would not have been designated as an F style as the body isn't an F style.
    "It's comparable to playing a cheese slicer."
    --M. Stillion

    "Bargain instruments are no bargains if you can't play them"
    --J. Garber

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  8. #5
    Mando accumulator allenhopkins's Avatar
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    Default Re: A real Gibson A two point?

    An attempt to replicate the Gibson A-5?
    Allen Hopkins
    Gibsn: '54 F5 3pt F2 A-N Custm K1 m'cello
    Natl Triolian Dobro mando
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    Sobell'dola Washburn b-back'dola
    Eastmn: 615'dola 805 m'cello
    Flatiron 3K OM

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    lenf12 

  10. #6
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    Default Re: A real Gibson A two point?

    This is an example of what we call intentional forgery.

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    Nevin 

  12. #7

    Default Re: A real Gibson A two point?

    "Replicate" may be a bit too generous Allen. Mimic or allude to perhaps? I have the Ibenez version of this mandolin but it's in need of some major repair work. I bought it because I loved that red sunburst finish (and got my telecaster finished in the same red burst). My mandolin has that same stylized I or S branded tailpiece. The OP's is in no way a real Gibson mandolin. Every A-5 from this period that I've ever seen had that red or a tobacco sunburst, none were blond finishes.

    Len B.
    Clearwater, FL

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  14. #8
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    Default Re: A real Gibson A two point?

    That is , at best, a cartoon.

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  16. #9
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    Default Re: A real Gibson A two point?

    I thank you all for your interest and expertise.
    The case seems quite clear now to me.
    Maybe I can find out, whether the actual owner is conscious of what he is offering or not.
    Thanks again!

  17. #10

    Default Re: A real Gibson A two point?

    That link does not show the mandolin now. Perhaps, since it was posted here, somebody has contacted him and suggested what has been outlined here. With that price- over 1500 euros, it suggests one of two things- he thinks it is a Gibson and is charging a Gibson price, or he knows it is a dog's dinner masquerading as a Gibson and does not care. That Antoria I posted sold for more than the norm for these mandolins in the UK. I have seen them, in excellent condition go for about £175 and they are pretty good instruments. I bought mine for £65 in 1977 and that was a big deal for me- I was just about to graduate but back then buying an instrument was not like it is today- the availability was low and the information about instruments- apart from what you were told in the shop, was negligible. I was paying £3-25 rent a week back then, so the Suzuki represented 20 weeks rent- that is two of the three terms for the year! It's nice to know it is in terms of inflation, worth a small fraction of what I paid for it all those years ago but it is a good instrument!

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  19. #11

    Default Re: A real Gibson A two point?

    Ebay UK has just listed a Ventura with the S for Suzuki on tailpiece. Antoria, Suzuki, Ventura all looked the same, or very similar. I once had an Ibanez Artist A5. Very pretty. Bound all round and immaculate condition but pressed top and no volume, from memory.
    I had an Antoria and it was pretty good. Dont know if the Gibson A5 had much of a sound although Jethro played one for years. Maybe it was made with best woods? I've not had a Gibson A5 like that in my hands.

  20. #12
    Registered User pit lenz's Avatar
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    Default Re: A real Gibson A two point?

    Wortmann, alte Rakete,
    if it‘s a Frankenmando you MUST play it! Go get it for cheap and free the monster inside...

  21. #13
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    Default Re: A real Gibson A two point?

    In fact I contacted the owner.
    He said, he would have a look into here.
    Seems he did.

  22. #14
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    Default Re: A real Gibson A two point?

    Good point, Pit!

  23. #15

    Default Re: A real Gibson A two point?

    That Ventura for sale in the UK represents the current market value for one of these mandolins. https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Ventura-V...AAAOSwSTFezBJT

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