Gibson K-1 Mandocello (1920)
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Item #3358
Gibson K-1 Model Mandocello (1920), made in Kalamazoo, Michigan, brown varnish finish, birch back and sides, spruce top, mahogany neck with ebony fingerboard, original black hard shell case.
The Gibson Mandocello is one of the great under-appreciated instruments of the early 20th century. Originally designed for the 1910's mandolin orchestra, these imposing beasts never found another home in any other style of music despite being wonderful and unique-sounding instruments to play. Double-strung and tuned in fifths starting with a C below the low E on the guitar, the mandocello has an imposing tone and deep resonance 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 is a fairly typical late 1910's just pre-Loar style K-1, Gibson's simplest mandocello. The instrument features a dark brown finish overall, single binding, and plain wood rings around the soundhole. The tone is dark, woody, and surprisingly powerful. We think the noble mandocello is due for a re-appraisal and return to its former glory�apparently many folks out there agree, as vintage mando-cellos appear to be becoming ever scarcer! While not in pristine original condition, this is a solid player and a nice find.
Overall length is 37 1/2 in. (95.2 cm.), 14 1/4 in. (36.2 cm.) width, and 3 1/4 in. (8.2 cm.) in depth, measured at side of rim. Scale length is 25 in. (635 mm.). Width of nut is 1 5/8 in. (41 mm.).
Original varnish finish has been lightly oversprayed on top, back, and sides, but not on the neck. Professionally refretted recently. Typical back seam and edge repairs; all solid if not as elegant as we would prefer. Original tuners and bridge, tailpiece is a modern replacement, and pickguard apparently disintegrated long ago. Includes an excellent original hard case. Overall Very Good + Condition.
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The Gibson Mandocello is one of the great under-appreciated instruments of the early 20th century. Originally designed for the 1910's mandolin orchestra, these imposing beasts never found another home in any other style of music despite being wonderful and unique-sounding instruments to play. Double-strung and tuned in fifths starting with a C below the low E on the guitar, the mandocello has an imposing tone and deep resonance 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 is a fairly typical late 1910's just pre-Loar style K-1, Gibson's simplest mandocello. The instrument features a dark brown finish overall, single binding, and plain wood rings around the soundhole. The tone is dark, woody, and surprisingly powerful. We think the noble mandocello is due for a re-appraisal and return to its former glory�apparently many folks out there agree, as vintage mando-cellos appear to be becoming ever scarcer! While not in pristine original condition, this is a solid player and a nice find.
Overall length is 37 1/2 in. (95.2 cm.), 14 1/4 in. (36.2 cm.) width, and 3 1/4 in. (8.2 cm.) in depth, measured at side of rim. Scale length is 25 in. (635 mm.). Width of nut is 1 5/8 in. (41 mm.).
Original varnish finish has been lightly oversprayed on top, back, and sides, but not on the neck. Professionally refretted recently. Typical back seam and edge repairs; all solid if not as elegant as we would prefer. Original tuners and bridge, tailpiece is a modern replacement, and pickguard apparently disintegrated long ago. Includes an excellent original hard case. Overall Very Good + Condition.