1964 Gibson A-40 Archtop Mandolin



Overview: I took this lovely old A-40 in trade, recently, and I've got to say it does sound dang good -- a fair bit better than average for these models. It's got good pop and cut and the neck is thin, fast, and quick. It's handsome, too, with its natural-finished top and just-the-right-amount of friendly wear and tear.


Repairs included: Max gave it a level/dress of the frets and setup. I cleated its only crack (a small hairline at the treble f-hole on the top). It's playing spot-on and ready to go.

  • Weight: 1 lb 15 oz
  • Scale length: 13 7/8"
  • Nut width: 1 3/16"
  • Neck shape: slim soft V
  • Board radius: Flat
  • Depth at first fret: 23/32"
  • Depth at seventh fret: 7/8"
  • Body width: 10"
  • Body depth: 1 7/8"
  • Top wood: carved solid spruce
  • Back & sides wood: solid mahogany
  • Bracing type: tonebar
  • Bridge: adjustable rosewood
  • Fretboard: rosewood
  • Neck wood: mahogany
  • Action height at 12th fret: 1/16" overall (fast, spot-on)
  • String gauges: 34w-10
  • Truss rod: adjustable
  • Neck relief: straight
  • Fret style: narrow/lower

Condition notes: There's weather-checking throughout the finish and some finish wear at the back/side seam and edges of the headstock and back of the neck. There's a repaired hairline crack (small) at the treble f-hole. The sides have heavier weather-checking and there's a tiny repaired hairline crack (apparently) at the side (pictured). It's all-original except for the tailpiece cover which is a replacement.


It comes with: It has a decent hard case, too!


Consignor tag: JW




















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