Image: GibsonA4Mandolin1921

Description: This is a 1921 Gibson A4 model mandolin. The pick guard and everything that might vibrate or dampen the sound has been removed. It is very light (i.e., does not have a truss rod).

As of 2006, it still has a gorgeous sound and action and would cost maybe $3000 or so if in mint condition with all original equipment.

In the 1980's, it got overheated and the entire front came unglued. All the luthiers I knew refused to work on it. I called Gibson and they recommended a local workman down in Tennessee (name forgotten) whom they liked. I shipped the instrument to that guy, who fixed it for $100 in 6 weeks, and it came back in better shape than before the meltdown. He said the front had to be steamed to achieve its original arch shape, and then reglued, no big deal to a luthier equipped with steaming facilities.
Author: The original uploader was Harborsparrow at English Wikipedia.
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