1917 Gibson A-4 Mandolin- Used

The A-4 was Gibson’s highest A model mandolin and was given upgrades you normally only see on F models, such as tuners with pearl inlaid buttons, a fancier rosette, and a fingerboard extension going partly over the soundhole.

This example has no cracks anywhere, and plays and sounds great with plenty of volume and a warm, rich tone. Original tuners, bridge, and tailpiece with “The Gibson” cover (original pickguard is missing). This mandolin has seen lots of playing time and the finish and binding have seen some work. None of the original shellac varnish finish was removed but the body and neck were given a thin lacquer overspray. This was probably done a long time ago as there is wear through the more recent finish on the barrel of the neck, and wear through the finish on the top where the pickguard used to be.

The binding on the upper back was loose at one time and was reglued, same is true of the fingerboard binding on the treble side, you can see two joints in the back binding and one on the neck. These little cosmetic issues have no impact on the playability and sound of this mandolin as it closes in on its 110th birthday!