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Thread: 1924 A Junior Snakehead: NMD

  1. #1

    Default 1924 A Junior Snakehead: NMD

    My first vintage mandolin purchase, and the instrument is certainly better than I am. Played a bunch of vintage Gibsons at the shop (Retrofret in Brooklyn), including an F4 with Virzi and an F12, just to get an idea of what they sounded like and how they felt. But I came home with this one (more pictures soon):

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    I kept going back and forth between this one, a 1940 A1, and a 1930 oval hole A0. The Jr. was the Goldilocks of the three: brighter than the A0, but warmer than the A1. I really like the tone. The neck feels very similar to my Mid Missouri M-0, so that probably steered me as well.

    I probably overpaid at $1850 pre tax, but I figured it was a fair price for the sound and playability of this 98 year old instrument. More pictures later when I get home.

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  3. #2
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    Default Re: 1924 A Junior Snakehead: NMD

    That's beautiful! Congratulations!
    Let us know how it sounds. I've never played a Snakehead. I'm curious how the Juniors sound.
    They seem like the ultimate sleepers in the vintage Gibson market.
    Enjoy!
    1913 F4, 1914 H1, 1915 A1, 1923 F2, 2007 Jim Rowland F5

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  5. #3

    Default Re: 1924 A Junior Snakehead: NMD

    Congratulations! (he said, with a note of envy.)

    Careless the price, I've never ended up feeling I paid too much for an instrument I really love.

    I'm a working stiff, not a trust fund baby.

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  7. #4
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    Default Re: 1924 A Junior Snakehead: NMD

    Congratulations. That looks nice. Call me weird but i like the A shape over the F most of the time.

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  9. #5
    Registered User Jcdraayer's Avatar
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    Default Re: 1924 A Junior Snakehead: NMD

    Congratulations and happy pickin! I’d been eyeing that Jr since they listed it, and you’ve done a service tamping down my MAS for now
    1924 Gibson A Snakehead
    Northfield F5S
    Northfield Calhoun
    Eastman 305

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  11. #6
    Registered User J.C. Bryant's Avatar
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    Default Re: 1924 A Junior Snakehead: NMD

    Congratulations! A Jr's are great mandolins!!

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  13. #7

    Default Re: 1924 A Junior Snakehead: NMD

    I have a 1924 Gibson Snakehead A Junior also. Great sounding and playing mandolin. I like the blonde finish on your Gibson Snakehead A Junior. Looks great.

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  15. #8

    Default Re: 1924 A Junior Snakehead: NMD

    I love the sound of this instrument and it definitely looks classy. It records well too, at least into GarageBand on my iPhone. Really big sound, bright but still warm. I am absolutely pleased that I bought it!

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  17. #9

    Default Re: 1924 A Junior Snakehead: NMD

    Quote Originally Posted by L50EF15 View Post
    I love the sound of this instrument and it definitely looks classy. It records well too, at least into GarageBand on my iPhone. Really big sound, bright but still warm. I am absolutely pleased that I bought it!
    I am happy for you! They are great mandolins! Congratulations!

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  19. #10

    Default Re: 1924 A Junior Snakehead: NMD

    Click image for larger version. 

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    A couple of other photos. The serial number is 76678. The FON is 111654. I know A Juniors are supposed to be Sheraton Brown, but the blonde finish looks original. The rest of it certainly seems to be.

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  21. #11

    Default Re: 1924 A Junior Snakehead: NMD

    That one was advertised as refinished on their website.
    "your posts ... very VERY opinionated ...basing your opinion/recommendations ... pot calling ...kettle... black...sarcasm...comment ...unwarranted...unnecessary...."

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  23. #12
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    Default Re: 1924 A Junior Snakehead: NMD

    I own a '24 AJr (standard peghead) and three A's (all rebuilt due to some sort of deterioration or other). Interestingly, I have not seen many AJr's in need of repair or sold after a significant repair. Apparently, economy in the 1920's (the AJr was the discount or entry-level box as I understand it) meant more robust and less delicate.

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  25. #13
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    Default Re: 1924 A Junior Snakehead: NMD

    Gotta say, to my eyes, this is the best looking junior i've seen.

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  27. #14
    Registered User William Smith's Avatar
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    Default Re: 1924 A Junior Snakehead: NMD

    Those Jr's are mighty fine tone machines! I hope they didn't get ya too bad with her being re-finished! I have a Feb 18th 24 Loar that Gilchrist re-varnished in 97 and there sure aint nothing wrong with that puppy!

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  29. #15
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    Default Re: 1924 A Junior Snakehead: NMD

    I am another 1924 A Jr. owner/operator. Delighted to have a mandolin that sounds and plays as great as this one for situations where I do not wish to bring the "good mandolins"!
    too many strings

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