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1909 Gibson A-3
This example is completely original and in very good condition. It’s been set-up in shop and plays cleanly and easily on original frets that show average wear. There is a small, repaired crack in the heel of the neck that shows no movement, and the instrument is otherwise crack free and repair-free.
The instrument is fitted with its original elevated pickguard, complete with its patent date of March 30th, 1909. This must be among the very first instruments shipped with this style of pickguard.
The mandolin shows playwear that’s about on-par with its age. The finish’s topcoat is worn through to the shellac sealer on the neck, and there are small chipped-away sections of lacquer around the body’s edges, too. The instrument presents well and remains wonderfully playable some 115 years on.
A warm and pretty sounding Gibson A with an intimate and woody voice.
With modern hardshell case
