Brand: Gibson
Instrument Categories: Mandolins, SOLD
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.
The A-style Mandolin was the result of one of Orville Gibson’s 1898 patents, which effectively merged violin family principles into mandolin and guitar family instruments. After Gibson began producing these, the traditional bowl-back European mandolin rapidly fell out of favor.
The Gibson A40, as an entry level mandolin, incorporated several cost saving techniques that were also used in Gibson’s electric guitars like the ES-175. Specifically, the sides and back are steam-pressed Mahogany Laminate. This can be seen on the unbound edge of the back. The top is solid carved Spruce, with binding around the edge. The F-holes are painted, not bound, and the grain can be seen through the paint. The neck is solid Mahogany, with Rosewood used for the unbound fingerboard and the bridge; and at this point, Rosewood was sourced from Central South American countries like Brazil.
For hardware, the Gibson A40 uses a set of Kluson-made strip tuners with cream buttons, at the tail end there is a Clamshell style tailpiece and in between, the height-adjustable Rosewood bridge.
- Model: A40
- Year: 1957
- Finish Natural Gloss
- Class: Vintage
- Serial Number: FON: U8112 12, built during 1957 in Kalamazoo Michigan
- Country of Origin: USA
- Condition: Good
- Date Posted: 12/05/2023
- Consignment Item
- Including Hard case
- Instrument Weight: 1.98lbs .90kg
- Scale Length: 14in 355.6mm
- Nut Width: 1.220in 30.99mm
