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1956 Gibson Model A-40 Mandolin
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FON #: V5847-17 Body width: 10" Scale length: 13 3/4" Nut width: 1 3/16"
Materials: Solid bookmatched hand graduated spruce top; hand carved bookmatched Honduran mahogany back and sides; one piece mahogany neck; solid Brazilian rosewood fingerboard; bound soundboard.
Hardware: Original hardware includes adjustable compensated Brazilian rosewood bridge, nickel clamshell tailpiece. Newer Kluson Deluxe tuners pearloid keys, original Kluson tuners included.
Notes: Gibson's most popular mandolin of the 1950's, the A-40 made its debut in 1948, and remained in production until 1970. Identical in dimensions to the sunburst A-50 model, the A-40 offered a striking natural blonde finish, and Honduran mahogany back and sides, in addition to its solid carved spruce soundboard.
Weighing in at a sprightly 1lb 13oz, this featherweight example is brightly resonant and effortless to hold. Maintained in sparkling condition, the instrument shows all original finish and hardware, with the addition of upgrade Kluson tuners.
Modern players will find its generous 1 3/16" nut width most welcome, and the traditional light V profile neck offers smooth low action over the Brazilian rosewood fingerboard, with fine original frets, and a fresh high precision setup. The instrument is notably free of playwear, and apart from a few wisps of scattered checking in the warmly ambered blonde lacquer, appears in all but showroom condition.
The voice is warm and clear, with excellent detail and projection. A gorgeous example, from Gibson's classic postwar era. One only: call now.
Case: Newer plush lined black hardshell case.
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