c.1942 Gibson A-50

Gibson’s wartime A-50 mandolin sported a full-instrument sunburst finish, carved and bound spruce and maple top and back, pearl Gibson logo and diamond headstock ornament, bound rosewood fretboard, adjustable bridge, and a clamshell tailpiece. It was a dressy mid-line instrument in its day and remains one of the better values among vintage mandolins.

This example remains in great shape but is missing its pickguard and original tuning machines. It is otherwise original - including finish - and is crack free. Excellent setup and great neck angle, no top sinkage, and only light wear on its original frets. There is a minor impact wound on the bass edge of the top near the widest section of the body that has been repaired, and areas of worn finish on the back of the neck.

A sweetly voiced F-hole A style mandolin with tonebar bracing, this A-50 is at home in a jam session, or played solo. It has enough cut for bluegrass when you need it.

10” wide body, 13-7/8” scale, 1-7/32” nut width. Soft V carved mahogany neck with flat fretboard and vintage-size fretwire.

With hardshell case