1928 Gibson A-0 Mandolin Used

Gibson’s A-0 was their least expensive fully carved mandolin model, and the price was kept low by eliminating any binding or inlay, and using a dark single-color finish and less expensive tuners. But these models have the same carved spruce top and carved maple back, so they sound the same as those with a higher number in the model code. This example is original throughout with the exception of the bridge, and the celluloid pickguard is a real plus for those of us who prefer not to drag our fingers on the face itself. The finish shows some wear to the edges, the finish is worn to the mahogany on the barrel of the neck, but there are no cracks. It has great tone and volume and is highly playable. Pretty cool that you can still get a 95 years-old carved Gibson mandolin for barely over a thousand bucks.