JReynolds10 Posted March 5, 2014 Share Posted March 5, 2014 I was recently given this mandolin and I know next to nothing about mandolins. It is missing a pick guard and the top of the tailpiece. Besides that it is in pretty decent shape. I wanted to get someones opinion that knows what they are talking about. What do you guys think of it? Is it worth spending a little money to get restored? What do yall think the value of it is "as is" if I wanted to sell it to buy a new guitar? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Versatile Posted March 5, 2014 Share Posted March 5, 2014 I play mandolin but know nothing about Gibsons... The lower frets look worn as typical for a mandolin Probably a serial number check worthwhile to establish authenticity Then perhaps web search for similar instruments to compare asking/selling prices... Good Luck...!! V Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JReynolds10 Posted March 5, 2014 Author Share Posted March 5, 2014 I tracked the serial number and it is authentic and it came from Kalamazoo,MI in 1963. So I know I am good there. It has been in the family for close to 30 years. I have searched and searched for something similar but I am finding numbers from $800-$1400. I'd just want to know what some of you would pay for it so I don't screw over myself or whoever buys it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jayyj Posted March 5, 2014 Share Posted March 5, 2014 I love this model - they're very affordable by Gibson mandolin standards and I actually like the sound of Mahogany over the equivalent age Maple A-50s. As-is you're probably looking at a few hundred dollars, strung up with a properly fitted bridge (and a fret dress if needed), playing at its best you might be looking in the high hundreds. $1400 is maybe achievable for a dealer with a good reputation but unlikely in a private sale, plus you're missing a few parts. Or you could string it up and play it - it's a pretty great choice of mandolin to learn on! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zombywoof Posted March 5, 2014 Share Posted March 5, 2014 Post-war Gibson mandolins are no nearly as sought after as the pre-War instruments. I would say you are looking at something in the $600 to $800 range depending on condition and originality. I do not see a value anything near $1400 as at that price range you are in pre-War A-1 (with money left over) or even A-2 territory Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JReynolds10 Posted March 5, 2014 Author Share Posted March 5, 2014 What isn't shown in the picture is the original case and original bridge. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aliasphobias Posted March 5, 2014 Share Posted March 5, 2014 No there is no need to restore it. If I could encourage you, and I may not, sell it as is. Anyone who is knowledgeable will appreciate it in its "unrestored" condition. I am not sure what "restored" means but would rather take in a basket of original parts, than restored. Just in case my luthier happens to better than yours.<g> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fortyearspickn Posted March 6, 2014 Share Posted March 6, 2014 JR10, you'll get a more in depth answer on another forum next door - The Gibson Original Instruments forum , for banjos and mandolins. G'luck. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
slimt Posted March 6, 2014 Share Posted March 6, 2014 a good start.. Im learning more about the mandolin as time goes on... I may have to get one.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bobouz Posted March 6, 2014 Share Posted March 6, 2014 JR10, you'll get a more in depth answer on another forum next door - The Gibson Original Instruments forum , for banjos and mandolins. G'luck. Actually, that forum is generally pretty dead. The best place to inquire would be Mandolin Cafe - but honestly, Zomby pretty well nailed it. It's a mandolin with potential & would be great for a starter, but it's not particularly high on the list in terms of demand. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.