A fine example from the final full production year of the model in this spec, this 1917 Gibson A-1 Mandolin captures the classic features of Gibson’s early A-style instruments. Built with a symmetrical teardrop body, it features a golden-orange carved spruce top with red-stained birch back and sides, single top binding, and a bound ebony fingerboard with dot inlays.
The large paddle-style headstock bears the inlaid “The Gibson” logo and is fitted with original tuners. Other period-correct details include the elevated celluloid pickguard, inlaid soundhole rings, and engraved tailpiece cover. There has been some work carried out on this mandolin over the years to keep it playing as it should. It appears to us that the fretboard may have been removed at some point, presumably to install a rod to reduce any movement in the neck. The binding appears newer around the neck when compared to the binding on the body, and there is evidence that some dot markers have been re-glued.
As with all our vintage instruments, this mandolin has been given a thorough service by the Vintage Instrument Workshop and is guaranteed for 2 years in line with our vintage instrument warranty. Get an additional 3 years workshop warranty cover with the No.Tom Guitars Extended Warranty.
