1985 Givens A3 Mandolin – Used

This lovely mandolin was made in 1985 by Bob Givens. We’re calling it an A-3 but it’s possible it predates the Givens numbering system and use of paper labels when this model was just called the A. It has the serial 268 penciled on the back and the date 3/4/85 penciled under the top. Bob Givens has near-legendary status among today’s mandolin builders, as he was one of the first modern luthiers to tackle carved top and back mandolins, including F models, as an individual maker.

This example was made long before modern woodworking technology such as CNC revolutionized instrument manufacturing. Givens made all his own jigs and fixtures, cut his own pearl inlays, and essentially built each mandolin solo, or with the occasional help of one other person. Givens has equally high status among players, because his mandolins sound uncommonly good, with a rich, bubbly tone that works well in just about any style of music.

The nut width on this mandolin is 1 3/16”, a little wider than the mandolins Givens made after 1986. The fretboard is flat with no radius and there is no adjustable truss rod. The tuning machines, bridge, tailpiece and finish are original. The finish has quite a few nicks, scuffs and dings and shows the signs of having been played a bunch. That makes sense because this instrument has the kind of tone and easy-to-get volume that makes it hard to put down once you start playing. Includes a hardshell case.