❌SOLD❌ Gibson A-5 Master Model Mandolin Cremona Sunburst, 2006

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. The patent for the A style is listed on the label of this mandolin as issued March 30, 1906, three years after Orville sold his stock in the company. These were truly American style instruments, merging violin and mandolin design and construction techniques for a much stronger, stabler and louder result. The invention was so successful that the previous European bowl or flat back designs quickly fell out of favour.

Built during 2006 at Nashville Tennessee, this Gibson A-5 Master Model mandolin is in overall good condition with normal wear to the nitrocellulose lacquer finish and frets. There is a small wear area on the peak of the V-profile neck back, between the nut and first fret.

The Gibson A-5 Master Model features a carved Sitka Spruce top with unbound F-holes, bookmatched and carved Flame Maple back, the maple also being used for the sides. The neck, too, is Maple and uses the 1920’s ‘Snakehead’ form, tapering away from the body. This can help with tuning stability, as the center strings have a narrower angle from the nut to the tuners. The body blocks are Mahogany.

The bound head plate and fingerboard (with an extension to 29 frets!) are Ebony, and the bridge is Indian Rosewood. An arm rest has been added, and it appears that no pick-guard was ever installed. The tuners and tailpiece are nickel plated. The headstock carries a ‘The Gibson’ logo and ‘flowerpot’ inlay in Mother of Pearl and a very small amount of Abalone.

The original black TKL hard shell case is included.