Summary
1924 manufacture date (traditional estimates)
1926 shipment date, according to Spann's Guide to Gibson
Mandolin, Style A4
Serial 80631
Factory order number unknown
Description
(Serial No. 80631) Excellent condition, true red sunburst finish. A straight original mandolin showing some very minor playing wear. Snakehead A models from 1923-1925 are the most sought after of the Gibson A style round hole instruments, and for good reason. They sound great! This is the A4 which was the top of the line for the A style mandolins. Has the pearl logo and inlay in the peghead, fully bound, ebony fretboard with treble extension, reproduction Cumberland Acoustic adjustable ebony bridge, original tuners, tailpiece and pickguard. It also has the Virzi tone producer inside. This is a classic Loar era instrument with the sound that you expect from this period. Just set up by my luthier so it plays smoothly with excellent volume and tone. This is just a great sounding mandolin - an excellent demonstration of why many pickers believe the snakeheads are the best oval hole mandolins ever made by Gibson. No major structural issues and the finish is original. Comes with the original hardshell case, also in very clean condition.
