{"product_id":"gibson-k-1-carved-top-mandocello-1937-7011","title":"Gibson K-1 Carved Top Mandocello (1937)","description":"Gibson K-1 Model Carved Top Mandocello (1937), made in Kalamazoo, Michigan, black top, dark stained back and sides finish, birch back and sides, mahogany neck with ebony fingerboard, original black hard shell case. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis very rare instrument would likely be one of the last K-1 Gibson mandocellos to leave Kalamazoo, at a time when the model was practically extinct. The serial number and FON (Factory order number) date to 1937, but the body itself appears to be leftover stock from the mid-1920's or even earlier. The neck itself is rather unusual; it is equipped with a truss rod and is considerably slimmer in profile than the earlier models both in girth and depth. The body finish is a heavier black lacquer than would have been seen in the 1920's, with a natural finish neck. The tuners are Kluson openback strips with plastic buttons typical of the period, and the pickguard and bridge are also 1930's style. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBy the late 1930's Gibson still listed mandocellos as available, but rarely actually built any. This example would have been put together from whatever parts were around, new or old, when the order came in. As an interesting note, the headstock logo is distinctly off-center-likely the headplate was originally intended for a different instrument entirely. From a player's point of view, this instrument's slimmer neck makes for a very different feel than the traditional 1910's heavy deep \"V\", being both narrower and slimmer. This makes for a much more modern feel than the typical 1910's mandocello, and the sound is equally fine. A fantastic find, both as a historic and player's instrument.\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003eOverall length is 38 1\/4 in. (97.2 cm.), 14 3\/8 in. (36.5 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 3\/8 in. (35 mm.). This instrument is very fine overall, with only light signs of use. The neck appears to have been rebound expertly, and the nut replaced. Everything else appears original; the original adjustable bridge has been lowered somewhat and the pickguard is showing some very slight celluloid shrinkage where the support bar is attached. A nice example of an extremely rare variant of the K-style Gibson mandocello, the latest one we have ever seen. Excellent - Condition.","brand":"Gibson","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46853349933196,"sku":"7011","price":3400.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0672\/8702\/3756\/files\/01_6757af5f-4f68-40d6-ad94-b29a88e9a848.jpg?v=1774335569","url":"https:\/\/retrofret.com\/products\/gibson-k-1-carved-top-mandocello-1937-7011","provider":"RetroFret","version":"1.0","type":"link"}