Gibson A9 nut width & other questions?

**telepbrman** · Mar-29-2006, 3:21pm

Hey, please fill me in on the nut width on an A9. Also, if you have one, what style are you playing? Can she keep up in volume? I am jammin out with the mahogany Hyalite w/"D" hole, and it just doesn't have punch/volume. It is nice old tyme in tone, "tubby" yet I am needing an inexpensive loud Mandolin. I found a beater A9 for $999.95, and they have a layaway plan, so I think I can afford it over the next 3 or so months. Lastly, I also found a Flatiron A5 Jr. for $1300, it's a 95. I wonder if she would be a better catch than that of the A9. That shop also has a layaway plan....ok, fill me in please, I'll keep you posted, later, dy.

**pickinNgrinnin** · Mar-29-2006, 5:23pm

Standard 1 1/8"

I have an 04 A9 and it is loud enough to peel paint and break windows. Not sure if they all sound this way but this one had it from the day it was built. Came with the Gibson Grovers, and nice flame on the back. Got it new for 700.00! It's great for BG and Old Time. I got lucky with this one in both tone and price. It sounds as good/better as Mandolins 5x the price. No mistaking the Gibson sound in this one.

**pickinNgrinnin** · Mar-29-2006, 5:31pm

Here's a shot. It's sporting a Steve Smith Ebony Pickguard.

**Jeff A** · Mar-29-2006, 6:02pm

My A9 is 1 1/16". $800 bucks new at the GC closeout last year. I bought it as a beater but play it a lot more than I thought I would as it has a tasty loud Gibson tone and chop. Sim Daley did a great setup on it for me. I thought that the thinner neck might be a problem because I have large hands but I like it as much as my other mandos. Telepbrman,I think if you look around a little you should be able to find one that is in pretty good condition for the price you are talking about and not have to settle on one that is already a beater.

**Greenmando** · Mar-29-2006, 6:13pm

My A9 and F9 both have a 1 1/8 nut.
The 95 Flatiron A5 Jr is a way diferent beast than a A9. Play them both and decide.
If the A9 is a beater than $999 is too much. I bought mine from the classifieds here for $800 in prime condition.

**Lane Pryce** · Mar-29-2006, 7:26pm

I have not heard a bad A9. In fact Straight A has one that is just plain stellar; that baby thumps! The others I have heard all sounded great. Lp

**telepbrman** · Mar-30-2006, 12:14am

Thanks for the input, I'll keep you posted, dy.

**pickinNgrinnin** · Mar-30-2006, 12:30pm

Yes, $999.00 for a beat up A9 is too much IMO. Morgan Music has a beat up one for $999.00 and if that is the one you are looking at, I'd pass. You can find a better deal if you keep looking and have some patience.

I too bought mine as a backup/beater but I find that I play it quite a bit. Love the tone.

**telepbrman** · Mar-30-2006, 3:51pm

PickinNgrinnin...keep me out of trouble bud, yep, it is the Morgan A9 that I am hawkin on....I will keep cool, and I thank you for your advice. Later, dy.