Summary
1915 manufacture date (traditional estimates)
1913 shipment date, according to Spann's Guide to Gibson
Mandola, Style H2
Serial 20940
Factory order number unknown
Description
Excellent minus condition. It has a black top finish with reddish back and sides, a pearl logo and peghead inlay, bound top and back, and a bound ebony fingerboard with treble extension. The hardware is all original except for the tuners, which are nice and tight Waverlys of the correct year. The original inlaid Handel tuners are in the case, but will need serious cleaning and probably replating to make them functional. When I got the mandola, the body and all hardware was heavily oxidized. I polished out the body very carefully but the finish was very thin, so although the finish is original, in some areas you can see the wood grain. There is also a spot of playing wear evident on the top. The mandola is tuned CGDA, a fifth down from the mandolin. Many players like the mandola for its rich deep sound while having the little bit wider fingerboard and slightly longer scale length over the mandolin. Huge resonant sound. It was just set up professionally so it plays great. Neck and frets are perfect. Nice big woody sound from this mandola with good bass! Original hardshell case