Here we’re looking at a Gibson Style A ‘Snakehead’ Black-top mandolin in A-1 trim from 1927 in overall good and largely original condition. The ‘Snakehead’ term refers to the tapered headstock, an innovation by Lloyd Loar that reduced string friction at the nut. ‘Snakehead’ models were built from 1923 to 1927.
A-Style
Shown here is a beautiful Michael Heiden A-29 Deluxe A-Style mandolin, built during 2003 in Chilliwack, British Columbia. Michael Heiden has been building quality instruments since the 1970’s and his work is highly respected. Originally working in Vancouver as a musician, repairman and builder, he moved to Chilliwack and since then to Creston, B.C.
The Collings MT A-Style mandolin is the entry point for Collings mandolins, and its lack of decoration doesn’t hide the quality of the instrument or the care with which it was built. This 2006 model sports a satin finish with the ‘Gloss Top’ option, and an ebony arm-rest. The A-Style mandolin appeared in the closing days of the 19th century as part of Orville Gibson’s revolutionary introduction of violin making principles to mandolin construction.
This instrument has sold
MORE →This Gibson A-5 Master Model mandolin is modelled after the classic Fern and Master Models and sports the tapered ‘snakehead’ headstock and Cremona sunburst in nitrocellulose lacquer. A and F style mandolins were invented and patents applied for by Orville Gibson in the early days of the 20th century, the first production examples appearing in 1902.
This instrument has sold
MORE →Built during 1941, this Gibson A-1 Mandolin Sunburst was a less expensive model with solid Spruce top and figured Maple back, but with laminate Maple for the sides. The un-bound fingerboard is Rosewood, sourced from Central South America.
This instrument has sold
MORE →Introduced in 1948 and built until 1971, the Gibson A40 was offered as a high quality entry level instrument. This example dates to 1957 and is in overall good condition, plays well and has a bright yet warm tone with plenty of volume and projection. The original fibre case is included, as well as a more recent hard shell case.