1911 Gibson A-3 Mandolin Used

Based on the Factory Order Number, (FON), this Gibson A-3 was made in 1911 and shipped in late 1912 or early 1913. It’s a testament to both Gibson’s design and construction that this 113 years-old mandolin has apparently needed little more than a refret to be as playable as when it was new. It’s actually more playable today thanks to the refret being done with the larger, smoother frets more like what you find on a Collings or a Northfield mandolin and not the thin fret wire Gibson used in 1911.

There are no cracks in the top, back or sides and the original finish is in good shape and shows no signs of having been oversprayed or altered. The only repairs are a replaced section of fingerboard binding on the treble side, and there are two cracks to the binding on the back. It still has its original tuners and tailpiece and while the bridge is the proper Gibson size and style it’s probably not original. The pickguard has gone missing. This mandolin has a three piece neck that appears to be made of maple, but it’s hard to say definitively because of the reddish stain. It has a pronounced V-shape. A great sounding and playing mandolin that has proven the test of time and is still going strong. Includes a recent vintage hardshell case.