Gibson K-1 Model Mandocello (1924), 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.
One of the best-sounding mandocellos we have ever heard, this peak-of-the-Loar era K-1 is also beautifully preserved in very fine original condition. By the mid-1920's the mandolin orchestra was fading and the jazz orchestra taking hold of America's musical imagination; instruments like mandocellos were quickly becoming passe! Mandocellos were never common, but by this time period were being built in ever smaller numbers.
This instrument has all the 'modern' features in place by 1924 including the slimmer truss rod neck, adjustable bridge and more responsive top carving. Although the K-1 was the least expensive mandocello offered by Gibson, it was still an expensive instrument and this is an exceptional example.
Overall 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.).
Excellent playing condition; light wear overall and all original except possibly pickguard bracket nut. Includes original hardshell case. Excellent Condition.
