{"product_id":"1909-gibson-a-3-4918","title":"1909 Gibson A-3","description":"Gibson’s A-3 mandolin was built between 1902 and 1922, and until about 1918 featured the pearl headstock logo and inlay, bound fretboard and bound body you can see on this example. The A-3 was just a little bit dressier than the A-2 model until 1918, when Gibson upped the ante with ivory top finish and an ivoroid pickguard on the mid-line A-3. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\r\n\r\nThis 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. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\r\n\r\nThe 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. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\r\n\r\nThe 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. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\r\n\r\nA warm and pretty sounding Gibson A with an intimate and woody voice. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\r\n\r\nWith modern hardshell case\r\n","brand":"GIBSON","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53614182138222,"sku":"210000006051","price":2495.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0979\/3660\/5550\/files\/169713935975881909GibsonA3-1023-2Main.jpg?v=1790971141","url":"https:\/\/folkwaymusic.com\/products\/1909-gibson-a-3-4918","provider":"Folkway Music","version":"1.0","type":"link"}