Gibson Style A Model Carved Top Mandolin (1917), made in Kalamazoo, Michigan, natural top, dark back and sides finish, birch back and sides, spruce top; mahogany neck with ebony fingerboard, black soft shell case.
Overall length is 25 7/8 in. (65.7 cm.), 10 1/8 in. (25.7 cm.) width, and 1 7/8 in. (4.8 cm.) in depth, measured at side of rim. Scale length is 14 in. (356 mm.). Width of nut is 1 1/4 in. (32 mm.).
A very good-sounding Style A; all original hardware and fittings with not a lot of play wear but some old repairs. The top has flattened out a bit over time but is very solid, with the original center brace reglued. There is evidence of some old rim/back seam repair (very common on these) and a small patched area on the back rim near the tailpiece. Adjacent to this is a long repaired back crack, with a smaller one about 1/4" away; fully sealed but visible. A very nice player with a low action and sweet sound. Overall Very Good + Condition.
