1922 Gibson H-2 Mandola Used

We don’t get original Gibson mandola models very often, so this 1922 H-2 is a rare treat. It was the highest A model mandola they offered and it has the same cosmetic appointments as an A-4, including the red sunburst, ivoroid bound back and fretboard and fleur-de-lis headstock inlay. It’s from the Lloyd Loar-era, so has an adjustable truss rod. It’s original throughout, thankfully, including the tuners, bridge, tailpiece and even the pickguard. The original varnish finish is in excellent condition (imprint in front of the bridge is from the bridge having been too far forward for accurate intonation).

These photos show a faint line down the center of the back, this is not a crack, just the finish having settled into the glue joint between the two book-matched halves of the carved back. The only repair we can find is a long-ago regluing of the back to the sides (short section). One of the nicest Gibson mandolas Gryphon has had, with a rich, gutsy tone and plenty of volume. Many new mandolas are made with a longer scale, making them harder for mandolinists to play, this example is easy thanks to low string action and the original 16-inch scale.