Custom Gibson Style A-1 Carved Top Mandolin (1914), ser. #26639, black hard shell case.

Gibson Style A-1 Model Carved Top Mandolin (1914), made in Kalamazoo, Michigan, serial # 26639, natural top, cherry stained back and sides finish, birch back and sides, spruce top; mahogany neck with ebony fingerboard, black hard shell case. Overall length is 25 7/8 in. (65.7 cm.), 10 1/8 in. (25.7 cm.) width, and 1 3/4 in. (4.4 cm.) in depth, measured at side of rim. Scale length is 14 in. (356 mm.). Width of nut is 1 3/16 in. (30 mm.). This is a very good sounding and playing old Gibson, fairly well played entering its second century with newer replacement tuners, tailpiece and a traditionally styled adjustable bridge. The body shows some heavy finish wear around the fingerboard and where the pickguard used to be, and has been French polished over the original varnish finish, noticeable but not detrimental to the sound. The only major repair is a minor lateral crack on neck heel - very neatly and solidly sealed up with no effect to neck angle or playability. An excellent and great sounding "gigger" that still rings true. Generally Very Good Condition.