Gibson Mandobass

[houndman55]

Hey,

 

I once saw an old ad for a Gibson mando bass. If you don't already know, a mandobass is basically a mandolin version of the upright bass. It was used to provide basslines in the heyday of mandolin orchestras. Does anyone know any details of production years of it?

[zombywoof]

The only thing I know is they were a big old A style 4 string long scale mando made from the early 1910s into at least the late-1920s. I want so say only a few hundred were made.

 

There are so many sites out there about unusual vintage instruments I am sure a quick search will provide you with more information.

[62burst]

Gotta love a woman who plays:

 

 

This might help provide an idea as to the era before this short-lived permutation was selected against in mandoevolution.

[j45nick]

I think Tom Barnwell might have a couple of these in his collection. His wife is a bass player, after all.