Gibson K-2 Carved Top Mandocello (1912)
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Item #6912
Gibson K-2 Model Carved Top Mandocello (1912), made in Kalamazoo, Michigan, black top,natural back and sides finish, birch back and sides, spruce top; mahogany neck with ebony fingerboard, 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. Double-strung and tuned in fifths starting with the 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 striking 1912 "black top" K-2 Mandocello dates to the decade when Gibson was defining the market for these mandolin family instruments. In the 1910's Gibsons were only available from licensed teacher-agents, and were usually purchased on time along with lessons. As part of the deal the students would often play in the teacher's fretted orchestra, and the low-tuned mandocello was crucial to achieving a full sound in these ensembles. Far fewer were sold compared to mandolins, however, and Gibson mandocellos from any era are a comparative rarity.
This particular instrument is a K-2, the midline model of the 3 mandocello models offered but still an expensive instrument when new. It is structurally the same as the basic Model K-1 with some extra "geegaw" (decoration)! The headstock face carries an inlaid Fleur-de-Lys in pearl and abalone while the tuners are tipped with the beautiful inlaid Haenel buttons. The soundhole ring is embellished with extra half-herringbone rings. The K-2 package cost around $15.00 more than the K-1 in 1912-which would have bought a pretty nice mandolin by itself from the likes of Sears. Other features were the same for both models, with a bound top, back and fingerboard. Often under-appreciated, the mandocello with its 8 strings and "C" orchestral tuning has a totally unique sound and can be useful for a wide range of playing styles; some yet to be explored!
Overall length is 38 in. (96.5 cm.), 14 1/16 in. (35.7 cm.) width, and 3 1/4 in. (8.3 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.). This old Gibson has seen some restoration but remains nicely original and a truly excellent player. There is one long repaired top crack on the treble side, running the length of the grain and a shorter one just above it running from the just under the soundhole to the front edge. The back shows one long grain crack on the treble half and a center seam reseal. Overall the finish is not in bad shape, there is a lot of scuffing and micro-checking to the varnish but no major areas of loss. The headstock face has a lot of chipping and the center seam in the laminate has been resealed. The multi-saddle ebony bridge is original and has been cut down slightly, the lovely original inlaid-button tuners are intact and the tailpiece retains its original engraved cover on a repro base. The label has partially crumbled but the serial number is still discernable. This is a fantastic sounding K-2, perhaps not the cleanest we have had but absolutely one of the best playing mandocellos it has been our pleasure to offer. Includes a molded guitar-shaped HSC. 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. Double-strung and tuned in fifths starting with the 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 striking 1912 "black top" K-2 Mandocello dates to the decade when Gibson was defining the market for these mandolin family instruments. In the 1910's Gibsons were only available from licensed teacher-agents, and were usually purchased on time along with lessons. As part of the deal the students would often play in the teacher's fretted orchestra, and the low-tuned mandocello was crucial to achieving a full sound in these ensembles. Far fewer were sold compared to mandolins, however, and Gibson mandocellos from any era are a comparative rarity.
This particular instrument is a K-2, the midline model of the 3 mandocello models offered but still an expensive instrument when new. It is structurally the same as the basic Model K-1 with some extra "geegaw" (decoration)! The headstock face carries an inlaid Fleur-de-Lys in pearl and abalone while the tuners are tipped with the beautiful inlaid Haenel buttons. The soundhole ring is embellished with extra half-herringbone rings. The K-2 package cost around $15.00 more than the K-1 in 1912-which would have bought a pretty nice mandolin by itself from the likes of Sears. Other features were the same for both models, with a bound top, back and fingerboard. Often under-appreciated, the mandocello with its 8 strings and "C" orchestral tuning has a totally unique sound and can be useful for a wide range of playing styles; some yet to be explored!
Overall length is 38 in. (96.5 cm.), 14 1/16 in. (35.7 cm.) width, and 3 1/4 in. (8.3 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.). This old Gibson has seen some restoration but remains nicely original and a truly excellent player. There is one long repaired top crack on the treble side, running the length of the grain and a shorter one just above it running from the just under the soundhole to the front edge. The back shows one long grain crack on the treble half and a center seam reseal. Overall the finish is not in bad shape, there is a lot of scuffing and micro-checking to the varnish but no major areas of loss. The headstock face has a lot of chipping and the center seam in the laminate has been resealed. The multi-saddle ebony bridge is original and has been cut down slightly, the lovely original inlaid-button tuners are intact and the tailpiece retains its original engraved cover on a repro base. The label has partially crumbled but the serial number is still discernable. This is a fantastic sounding K-2, perhaps not the cleanest we have had but absolutely one of the best playing mandocellos it has been our pleasure to offer. Includes a molded guitar-shaped HSC. Overall Very Good + Condition.
