ARCHIVED • SOLD

1923 Gibson A-1

The Snakehead mandolins built by Gibson during Lloyd Loar's tenancy at the company are widely considered to be the finest oval hole A-style instruments the company ever built.



This example is in wonderful condition and is beautifully preserved. It's been set-up in our shop, plays cleanly and well, and shows relatively little fretwear. No repairs, seam separations or structural concerns. The bridge top is an accurate replica; the original part is cracked but will accompany the instrument. A passive soundboard transducer has been mounted inside the top and an endpin jack installed.



Carved spruce and maple body with bound top and back, black lacquer finish, celluloid rosette and bound soundhole. Unbound ebony fingerboard with pearl dot inlays. Original bone nut and Waverly Arrowhead tuners; original pickguard, bridge base, tailpiece and all finish.

With original hardshell case
1923 Gibson A-1

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Folkway Music in Guelph, Ontario Canada

OUR STORY

Three decades of industry experience

We've spent thirty years building relationships with musicians, collectors, and fellow dealers across Canada and the US. Every guitar we sell has been inspected, played, and approved by hands that know the difference.

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