Nice Gibson A-50 in Nashville under $1k

[David]

I like the tear drop shape, fretboard inlay, and what look like bound f-holes.

http://nashville.craigslist.org/msg/3165277513.html

[MikeEdgerton]

The pickguard isn't tortoise it's celluloid and should be removed from the mandolin and case to keep it from doing any damage and I'm not totally sure he still isn't a bit overpriced.

[F-2 Dave]

The f holes almost look like they're bound. Would that be unusual? I like the fretboard inlays and the funky chunky Gibson logo. I'd like to see what it looks like from behind too. Alas, I'm just a window shopper, but it's a neat little mandolin.

[Schlegel]

The f holes almost look like they're bound. Would that be unusual? I like the fretboard inlays and the funky chunky Gibson logo. I'd like to see what it looks like from behind too. Alas, I'm just a window shopper, but it's a neat little mandolin.

They painted the edges of the f-holes in the past at Gibson, I expect that's what this is.

[jazzjune18]

As far as the sound is concerned how do these puppies compare to the 20's models? Also, are the f holes more friendly with the chop??

[allenhopkins]

As far as the sound is concerned how do these puppies compare to the 20's models? Also, are the f holes more friendly with the chop??

1. There are no "'20's" A-50's, 'cause it wasn't introduced until the early 1930's. Most 1920's Gibson A-models were oval-holes (not all), so it's the difference between the sound of an f-hole and an oval-hole, pretty much.

2. As to the chop: yes, f-hole mandolins tend to have sharper attack and quicker decay, which is good for "chopping" off-beats.