1918 Gibson A-1 Carved-Top Mandolin

It's not every day I see a crack-free old Gibson A-model mandolin come through the shop. This A-1 has the "pumpkin" top shading, double-ring rosette, and and classic looks we all like to see on Gibbies of this era. It also has the sound. My gosh, does it have the sound. It rings and pops and bells-out just-so.

It's also been upgraded in the weak spots in the past -- the original non-adjustable bridge was stowed in the case and an adjustable rosewood one fit to it -- and the tuners have been swapped for StewMac repro-style units that work a heck of a lot better than original-spec tuners.

My work on it was basically a glorified setup job and now it's playing quick and easy.

Repairs included: a fret level/dress and setup.

Top wood: solid spruce (carved)

Back & sides wood: solid birch (carved back)

Bracing type: one ladder

Bridge: rosewood, adjustable, replacement

Fretboard: ebony

Neck wood: mahogany 2-piece

Action height at 12th fret: hair-under 1/16" (fast)
String gauges: 36w-10 lights

Neck shape: medium C/V mix

Board radius: flat

Neck relief: straight

Fret style: very low, small

Scale length: 13 7/8"

Nut width: 1 3/16"

Body width: 10"

Body depth: 1 3/4" + arching

Weight: 1 lb 13 oz

Condition notes: it's in overall good shape with original finish and only minor wear and tear throughout, but all the usual "weather-checking" you'd expect for an instrument of this age. There's some finish rubbing/pickwear under where the pickguard used to be to the treble side of the soundhole on the top and minor light scratching on the back and sides. The original bridge is stashed in the case but the original pickguard and tuners are missing. Like all period Gibson As, the frets are of the very shallow, low variety. If you like modern frets, you might like a refret, but it is not necessary to enjoy it.

It comes with: an original hard case in good shape.