FRETS.COM
Museum
1915
Gibson A
© Frank Ford, 2001; Photos by FF
Birch back and sides, spruce top, ebony fingerboard and bridge, dyed black veneer
on the peghead - that's the list of ingredients for this classic Gibson mandolin.
The most modestly styled mandolin in the lineup at the time, the style "A"
is every bit the same in quality of workmanship and tone as its higher priced catalog
companions.
Gibson mandolins made before about 1925 were all finished with varnish, with a French
polished shine. The catalog description for this one mentions that the top has an
"orange" finish, presumably unbleached orange shellac.