Gibson A-00 Model Arch Top Mandolin (1942), made in Kalamazoo, Michigan, sunburst lacquer finish, gig bag case.
The A-00 was Gibson's least expensive carved top mandolin in the later pre-WWII years. A stylistic match to the familiar L-00 guitar, the A-00 was introduced in 1933 and remained in the company's line until all mandolin production stopped during the war. The design is no frills but still typically Gibson, with a sunburst top and brown finished back, sides, and neck. The logo is the familiar white silkscreen "Gibson" script seen on its brother guitar.
With an f-hole top, standard adjustable bridge, and clamshell tailpiece, the A-00 is a fully professional-quality mandolin which we feel is often somewhat underrated as a player. The sound is somewhere between an earlier oval-hole Gibson and a standard F-style mandolin, with a good chop and volume but without the extreme treble some Florentines are prone to. This is a very late A-00 from the model's last days; well-preserved and a very good player.
Overall length is 25 3/4 in. (65.4 cm.), 10 1/4 in. (26 cm.) width, and 2 1/8 in. (5.4 cm.) in depth, measured at side of rim. Scale length is 14 in. (356 mm.). Width of nut is 1 3/16 in. (30 mm.).
Missing pickguard and fitted with 1960's era Kluson tuners. Otherwise original and very clean. Generally Excellent Condition.
