Summary
1919 manufacture date (traditional estimates)
1918 shipment date, according to Spann's Guide to Gibson
Mandolin, Style A3
Serial 50043
Factory order number unknown
Description
Excellent condition. Looking for a round hole Gibson that you can plug in for stage use, but don't want to modify your vintage mandolin? Here's one with the endpin jack and pickup already fitted for you. White top A-3s are not rare, exactly, but certainly not nearly as common as the other finish colors. The white top finish was only offered on the A-3 and then only between 1919 to 1923. Production volume was very low compared to the other finish colors. The white tends to yellow over the years and this one is a nice ivory color showing the usual arm wear near the tailpiece where the arm comes over the top. Original finish, tuners and tailpiece cover. Missing the pickguard. The bridge is replaced with one with a built in pickup, and the wire is connected to an endpin jack mounted through the original tailpiece. Neck is straight, frets are good, no repairs, and it sounds and plays great! Plays very easy and has strong volume with a very balanced sound.
