Gibson H-2 Model Carved Top Mandola (1913), made in Kalamazoo, Michigan, black top,natural back and sides finish, birch back and sides, spruce top; mahogany neck with ebony fingerboard, original black hard shell case.
Overall length is 28 in. (71.1 cm.), 11 1/4 in. (28.6 cm.) width, and 2 in. (5.1 cm.) in depth, measured at side of rim. Scale length is 15 5/8 in. (397 mm.). Width of nut is 1 3/8 in. (35 mm.). This is a lovely sounding example of Gibson's fairly rare H-2, the "midline" mandola and fancier of the two oval-body models. This one is generally well preserved overall with all original finish and hardware, except the pickguard is missing. There is arm wear to the top down near the tailpiece but the rest of the face is relatively clean. There is some finish missing on the spot where the bridge sat for many years-it is now correctly placed slightly farther back. The back and sides have average light wear, and there is some finish loss to the back of the neck. Excellent sound and playability-nice easy action (for a mandola!) and a very even warm tone. A lovely instrument, just celebrating its 100th birthday-complete with a still-solid OHSC. Overall Excellent - Condition.
