1915 Gibson H-1 Mandola
Serial # 23584, FON 2412. A super-fine pumpkin-top Mandola from the golden era of the mid-teens. This particular instrument is in exquisite condition overall, and shows only minor wear to the frets and finish. It is completely original and intact, and having been set-up in our shop it plays as nicely as it looks. It is an under-the-bed special, with excellent frets, and a top's arch that's the same as it was when it left Kalamazoo nearly a century ago.
The finish is gorgeous, the nickel plating on the tailpiece and tuning machines is un-tarnished, there are no cracks anywhere on the instrument, and the tortoise-shell celluloid pickguard is intact and not showing any signs of the decomposition that oft plagues them. Have a look at the felt lining inside the original case - the color is unfaded.
Best yet, this instrument sounds wonderful. It is loud when you want it to be, and subtle when you softly ask it. The high A string has life all the way up the neck, and there is a warmth that washed over you when you strum a big C chord in the first position. Do you think we like this one? Is it that obvious?
Tuned CGDA, the H1 Mandola has a scale of 15-3/4", a 1-5/16" nutwidth, and a body of 11-1/8" across. Back and sides of Birch, top of Red Spruce, ebony fingerboard and bridge, grained celluloid bindings and tuning machine buttons, bone nut, and a pearl headstock inlay.
Set-up in our shop, this instrument plays perfectly.
With original hard shell case
This vintage instrument may be shipped out of Canada. It is not subject to CITES.
The finish is gorgeous, the nickel plating on the tailpiece and tuning machines is un-tarnished, there are no cracks anywhere on the instrument, and the tortoise-shell celluloid pickguard is intact and not showing any signs of the decomposition that oft plagues them. Have a look at the felt lining inside the original case - the color is unfaded.
Best yet, this instrument sounds wonderful. It is loud when you want it to be, and subtle when you softly ask it. The high A string has life all the way up the neck, and there is a warmth that washed over you when you strum a big C chord in the first position. Do you think we like this one? Is it that obvious?
Tuned CGDA, the H1 Mandola has a scale of 15-3/4", a 1-5/16" nutwidth, and a body of 11-1/8" across. Back and sides of Birch, top of Red Spruce, ebony fingerboard and bridge, grained celluloid bindings and tuning machine buttons, bone nut, and a pearl headstock inlay.
Set-up in our shop, this instrument plays perfectly.
With original hard shell case
This vintage instrument may be shipped out of Canada. It is not subject to CITES.