1915 Gibson A Archtop Mandolin

Friend of the shop, Kenji, brought this incredibly clean old Gibson mando in for a board plane, refret, adjustable bridge fitting, and setup -- all of which Jose performed beautifully.

As you might expect, the instrument sounds tops and having fresh, new, bigger-gauge fretwire means it has better punch, sustain, and clarity than with the original, tiny, Gibson wire. It also plays a lot faster.

Neat details on this A include the original pickguard and bracket, no cracks in the body, and a finish that's in superb shape. Per the usual this is carved spruce over birch with a carved back as well. The neck is mahogany and it has an ebony board and (newer) ebony adjustable bridge.

Its 3105 factory order number points to a 1915 build.