Gibson K-1 Carved Top Mandocello (1912)
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Item # 8218
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Gibson K-1 Model Carved Top Mandocello (1912), made in Kalamazoo, Michigan, natural top, cherry stained back and sides finish, birch back and sides, spruce top; mahogany neck with ebony fingerboard, original black hard shell case.
We feel the Gibson Mandocello is one of the great under-appreciated instruments of the early 20th century. Originally designed for use in 1910s mandolin orchestras, these imposing beasts never found a home in any other style of music despite being wonderful and unique-sounding instruments. Double-strung and tuned in fifths starting with the C below the low E on the guitar, the mandocello has an imposing tone and deep resonance quite unlike any other fretted instrument. OK, we're starting to sound like an old Gibson catalog here, but we really like these and are always happy to get one in stock!
This particular instrument is a Style K-1, the most basic of the 3 mandocello models offered but still a fairly expensive instrument when new. It is structurally the same as the fancier Model K-2 with a little less "geegaw" (decoration). The headstock face carries just a plain pearl "The Gibson" inlay while the tuners are tipped with unadorned ivoroid buttons.
The sound hole decoration is made up of two separate half-herringbone wood inlaid rings and a bound edge. The K-2 had fancier versions of these decorative touches but the physical features and sound were the same for both models, with an oval body, bound carved spruce top and birch back. The necks are mahogany with a bound and dot-inlaid ebony fingerboard.
This 1912 "Pumpkin top" K-1 Mandocello dates to the decade when Gibson was defining the market for these mandolin family instruments. In the 1910s-'20s these Gibsons were only available from licensed teacher-agents, and were usually purchased on time along with lessons. As part of the deal the students would often play in the teacher's fretted orchestra, and the low-tuned mandocello was crucial to achieving a full sound in these ensembles. Far fewer were sold compared to mandolins, however, making Gibson mandocellos from any era are a comparative rarity.
The mandocello with its 8 strings and "C" orchestral tuning has a totally unique sound and make excellent recording instruments. They can be employed for a wide range of playing styles; some still yet to be explored!
Overall length is 38 7/16 in. (97.6 cm.), 14 1/8 in. (35.9 cm.) width, and 3 3/8 in. (8.6 cm.) in depth, measured at side of rim. Scale length is 24 5/8 in. (625 mm.). Width of nut is 1 5/8 in. (41 mm.).
This K-1 has had a long and relatively eventful existence (for a Mandocello!) but remains an excellent-playing instrument. The finish on the back, sides, neck, and headstock face have been polished out and/or French Polished long ago; the original stain is still present but the surface is smoother and less aged than it would otherwise be.
The top still has the fine varnish checking visible but looks to have been very lightly over-finished as well, probably long ago. The instrument shows some wear overall; there is one small grain crack repair on the rim and several minor seam re-seals, but structurally this instrument is in excellent condition.
The pickguard and clamp are missing, but all other hardware is intact including the compensated one-piece ebony bridge, Gibson-logo tailpiece, and original strip tuners. It has recently been refretted and plays excellently, with quite a powerful sound.
Despite (or perhaps because of) its history, this is one of the best-sounding K-1s we have heard, with a lovely resonance all around and a deep and even response. It also comes complete with the original hard case, which is almost impossible to replace if missing. More of a player's than collector's piece, perhaps, but this 100+ year old Gibson is entering its second century with aplomb. Very Good + Condition.
We feel the Gibson Mandocello is one of the great under-appreciated instruments of the early 20th century. Originally designed for use in 1910s mandolin orchestras, these imposing beasts never found a home in any other style of music despite being wonderful and unique-sounding instruments. Double-strung and tuned in fifths starting with the C below the low E on the guitar, the mandocello has an imposing tone and deep resonance quite unlike any other fretted instrument. OK, we're starting to sound like an old Gibson catalog here, but we really like these and are always happy to get one in stock!
This particular instrument is a Style K-1, the most basic of the 3 mandocello models offered but still a fairly expensive instrument when new. It is structurally the same as the fancier Model K-2 with a little less "geegaw" (decoration). The headstock face carries just a plain pearl "The Gibson" inlay while the tuners are tipped with unadorned ivoroid buttons.
The sound hole decoration is made up of two separate half-herringbone wood inlaid rings and a bound edge. The K-2 had fancier versions of these decorative touches but the physical features and sound were the same for both models, with an oval body, bound carved spruce top and birch back. The necks are mahogany with a bound and dot-inlaid ebony fingerboard.
This 1912 "Pumpkin top" K-1 Mandocello dates to the decade when Gibson was defining the market for these mandolin family instruments. In the 1910s-'20s these Gibsons were only available from licensed teacher-agents, and were usually purchased on time along with lessons. As part of the deal the students would often play in the teacher's fretted orchestra, and the low-tuned mandocello was crucial to achieving a full sound in these ensembles. Far fewer were sold compared to mandolins, however, making Gibson mandocellos from any era are a comparative rarity.
The mandocello with its 8 strings and "C" orchestral tuning has a totally unique sound and make excellent recording instruments. They can be employed for a wide range of playing styles; some still yet to be explored!
Overall length is 38 7/16 in. (97.6 cm.), 14 1/8 in. (35.9 cm.) width, and 3 3/8 in. (8.6 cm.) in depth, measured at side of rim. Scale length is 24 5/8 in. (625 mm.). Width of nut is 1 5/8 in. (41 mm.).
This K-1 has had a long and relatively eventful existence (for a Mandocello!) but remains an excellent-playing instrument. The finish on the back, sides, neck, and headstock face have been polished out and/or French Polished long ago; the original stain is still present but the surface is smoother and less aged than it would otherwise be.
The top still has the fine varnish checking visible but looks to have been very lightly over-finished as well, probably long ago. The instrument shows some wear overall; there is one small grain crack repair on the rim and several minor seam re-seals, but structurally this instrument is in excellent condition.
The pickguard and clamp are missing, but all other hardware is intact including the compensated one-piece ebony bridge, Gibson-logo tailpiece, and original strip tuners. It has recently been refretted and plays excellently, with quite a powerful sound.
Despite (or perhaps because of) its history, this is one of the best-sounding K-1s we have heard, with a lovely resonance all around and a deep and even response. It also comes complete with the original hard case, which is almost impossible to replace if missing. More of a player's than collector's piece, perhaps, but this 100+ year old Gibson is entering its second century with aplomb. Very Good + Condition.