Gibson K-1 Mandocello (1914)
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Item # 3697
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Gibson K-1 Model Mandocello (1914), made in Kalamazoo, Michigan, amber top, dark stain back and sides finish, birch back and sides, spruce top, mahogany neck with ebony fingerboard.
A lovely "pumpkin top" Mandocello from the period when Gibson was defining the market for these mandolin family instruments. In the 1910's, Gibson instruments were only available from licensed teacher-agents, and were often purchased on time with a lesson plan. Often the students would play in the teacher's fretted orchestra, and the mandocello was crucial to achieving a full sound in these ensembles.
Comparatively few were sold compared to mandolins, however, and the mandocello from any era is a comparative rarity. Often under-appreciated, mandocellos have a totally unique sound and are useful for a wide range of playing styles, some yet to be explored! This is a K-1, Gibson's plainest mandocello, but still an expensive instrument when new.
Overall length is 37 3/4 in. (95.9 cm.), 14 1/8 in. (35.9 cm.) width, and 3 1/4 in. (8.2 cm.) in depth, measured at side of rim. Scale length is 24 3/4 in. (629 mm.). Width of nut is 1 5/8 in. (41 mm.).
Excellent playing example with a particularly deep well rounded sound. There is a very old added overspray to the top and back; all hardware is complete and original including the oft-missing pickguard. One repaired top crack from the soundhole on the treble side of the fingerboard; several small sealed side cracks. Overall a very nice player. Generally Excellent Condition.
A lovely "pumpkin top" Mandocello from the period when Gibson was defining the market for these mandolin family instruments. In the 1910's, Gibson instruments were only available from licensed teacher-agents, and were often purchased on time with a lesson plan. Often the students would play in the teacher's fretted orchestra, and the mandocello was crucial to achieving a full sound in these ensembles.
Comparatively few were sold compared to mandolins, however, and the mandocello from any era is a comparative rarity. Often under-appreciated, mandocellos have a totally unique sound and are useful for a wide range of playing styles, some yet to be explored! This is a K-1, Gibson's plainest mandocello, but still an expensive instrument when new.
Overall length is 37 3/4 in. (95.9 cm.), 14 1/8 in. (35.9 cm.) width, and 3 1/4 in. (8.2 cm.) in depth, measured at side of rim. Scale length is 24 3/4 in. (629 mm.). Width of nut is 1 5/8 in. (41 mm.).
Excellent playing example with a particularly deep well rounded sound. There is a very old added overspray to the top and back; all hardware is complete and original including the oft-missing pickguard. One repaired top crack from the soundhole on the treble side of the fingerboard; several small sealed side cracks. Overall a very nice player. Generally Excellent Condition.