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1939 Gibson A-1 Mandolin
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SN#: EG-7352, stamped back of peghead. Factory Order #: 529-E
Body width: 11 1/8" Scale length: 14 1/2" Nut Width: 1 3/16"
Finish: Nitrocellulose lacquer sunburst
Materials: Solid bookmatched hand graduated spruce top; hand carved bookmatched maple back and sides; solid mahogany neck; solid Brazilian rosewood fingerboard; pearl fingerboard and peghead inlay; bound body.
Hardware: Original nickel hardware includes open back tuners with Pyralin keys, Gibson engraved tailpiece, adjustable compensated Brazilian rosewood bridge, adjustable truss rod with bell cover, pickguard support bracket. Correct contour thick firestripe tortoise pickguard.
Notes: One of Gibson's earliest models, the A-1 mandolin made its debut in 1902 with an oval soundhole, and quickly became the firm's most popular offering. The A-1 was redesigned with f-holes in 1934, and by 1937 its distinctive pear-shaped body was upsized to 11 3/8", the largest body ever for a Gibson mandolin. At that time, the A-1 was also given the longer F-model scale length, and bigger soundholes as well. But by 1942, the veteran model had been reduced in both breadth and scale, was finally retired for good in 1943.
This handsome instrument shows the most desirable prewar features, including the larger body and soundholes, and long scale neck. Maintained in superb condition, this instrument is free of pick, buckle, thumb or fingerboard wear: even typical weather checking is almost completely absent on its gleaming Cremona sunburst finish. Of particular note are the original open back tuners, with translucent keys made of Pyralin, an early decorative plastic, more stable and attractive than conventional celluloid of the era. The instrument has also been fitted with a striking teardrop pickguard in the correct vintage contour, in thick fire-stripe tortoise.
The generous 1 3/16" nut width with radiused fingerboard is also favored by many contemporary players for its notable ease in fingering. With smooth low action over fine original frets, and a comfy gentle C profile neck, the instrument has a brilliant clear voice with excellent depth and projection. Even the original Gibson fiber case has survived the decades in excellent condition. A rare and exceptionally attractive example of prewar Gibson craftsmanship at its finest. One only: call now.
Setup: This instrument is strung with medium gauge roundwound phosphor bronze strings. The action may be lowered or raised to your requirements with the adjustable bridge.
Case: Original black Gibson fiber case.
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