1915 Gibson A Carved-Top Archtop Mandolin

This is just about perfect for a "player-grade" Gibson A from the 1910s. It's got that woody, old-time sound to a T, plays like a champ, and is in good shape with the necessaries upgraded (better tuners and adjustable bridge) so that it's not a pain in the butt when taking it out to gigs or jams.

Its factory order number places it at 1915 and it has the natural/"pumpkin" look with red-stained back and sides. My guy Tim did the work on it and it's ready to go.

Repairs included: a level/dress of the frets, cleaning, and setup work.

  • Weight: 1 lb 13 oz
  • Scale length: 3 7/8"
  • Nut width: 1 3/16"
  • Neck shape: medium V
  • Board radius: flat
  • Body width: 10"
  • Body depth: 1 7/8"
  • Top wood: carved solid spruce
  • Back & sides wood: solid birch
  • Bracing type: ladder (one)
  • Bridge: adjustable ebony (replacement)
  • Fretboard: ebony
  • Neck wood: mahogany
  • Action height at 12th fret: 1/16" overall (fast, spot-on)
  • String gauges: 36w-10 lights
  • Neck relief: straight
  • Fret style: low/small

Condition notes: the tuners and bridge are replacements but the tuners are nice-quality Grovers and much easier to use than the originals and the adjustable bridge is something I always put on old Gibsons if I have the choice (easier to keep the action spot-on in changing weather). I'm finding no cracks but the original pickguard is missing and there are scuffs, scrapes, and scratches (small ones) here and there throughout. The finish has weather-checked a bit, too, as you'd expect. Someone added a strap button at the side of the heel. It can be removed and the hole filled if desired. The endpin is a replacement.


It comes with: a nice "foam-style" case.


Consignor tag: JW




















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