1913 GIBSON A-1 MANDOLIN
€3.950,00
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A 1913 Gibson A1 “Pumpkin-Top” mandolin in excellent preserved and playable condition.
Here is a stunning example of a 112 years old (!) American mandolin, made in Kalamazoo during the golden age of Mandolin Orchestras. It’s important to remember that at that time, the fledgling Gibson Mandolin-Guitar Co. was entirely focused on building mandolins rather than guitars, believing that this would allow them to compete with the traditional Italian quartet by offering a range of mandolins (Style A), mandolas (Style H), mandocellos (Style K), and mandobasses (Style J). Thus, activity at the beginning of the 20th century was particularly flourishing, with the implementation of numerous innovations aimed at perfecting the instrument, as evidenced by the many patent numbers applied to various parts (raised pickguard, pickguard clamp, compensated bridge with movable wooden saddles, etc.). Furthermore, the instrument’s construction demonstrates exceptional craftsmanship with a spruce top and birch back, both carved from solid blocks; a superbly proportioned and ergonomic neck with a V-shaped grip and a comfortable nut width; and a densely grained ebony fingerboard offering a delicate touch—all characteristics that would later be adopted by Gibson’s archtop guitars, allowing them to dominate this market! Finally, the top features a beautifully orange shellac finish, hence the nickname “Pumpkin-Top” for this model, Waverly tuners, and a hidden tailpiece engraved with “The Gibson” logo. The A-1 model was slightly more aesthetically refined than the A style, with a few additional decorative touches: a pearl “The Gibson” logo inlaid on the headstock and two concentric inlaid circles around the soundhole.
To restore this century-old instrument to its full playability, we meticulously refretted it with thin frets matching the original type, leveled the fingerboard to achieve optimal playing feel, crafted a new bone nut replicating the original, and then performed a complete action and intonation adjustment. After its restoration in our workshop, this instrument stands as a truly remarkable testament to the exceptional craftsmanship of the original Gibson factory and is now ready for another century of playing.
Sold in its original Geib & Schaefer case.
