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1914 Gibson Model H-1 Mandola
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SN#" 2(_)248 white oval Gibson Mandolin-Guitar Co. label FON #: 2777
Body width: 10" Scale length: 15 3/4" Nut width: 1 1/4"
Materials: Solid bookmatched hand graduated spruce top; hand carved bookmatched birch back and sides; 2 piece mahogany neck; solid ebony fingerboard; grained ivoroid body and neck binding.
Hardware: Original hardware includes nickel open backed gear-over-worm tuners with grained ivoroid keys, adjustable compensated ebony bridge. Vintage correct aged nickel engraved Gibson script tailpiece.
Notes: The Gibson Model H-1 mandola was introduced in 1902, and remained in the Gibson catalog until 1936, though rarely shipped after 1930. As the alto voice in the mandolin orchestra, the mandola shares the same C-G-D-A tuning as a viola.
All carved from solid tonewoods, the instrument features a hand graduated soundboard with grain strongly suggestive of Adirondack 'red' spruce. The body is crafted of slab-cut birch, with a three piece Honduran mahogany neck, and an ebony fingerboard with an extension over the soundhole. Tastefully ornamented, the H-1 is appointed with grained ivoroid binding and tuner keys, twin checkerboard soundhole rings, a compensated solid ebony bridge, and a polished leopard tortoise celluloid pickguard, secured by a retaining clamp on the treble side of the instrument.
The classic amber orange finish was hand rubbed in violin style varnish, a treatment that was changed to black lacquer finish by 1925. At just 2lb 2oz, this example is notably light in weight, warmly resonant, and floats easily on the lap or the strap. The traditional V profile neck offers smooth low action over a straight ebony fingerboard, with fine original frets, and a fresh high precision setup.
The instrument shows no cracks in the body or neck, and has been maintained in fine condition, with all original finish and hardware. The body is notably free of pick or buckle wear, and apart from some spot finish touchup where the back was reglued to the rim, shows no other repairs or restoration. The voice is warm and vibrant, with excellent volume, and the instrument is equipped with a padded Cordura gig bag.
Built in limited numbers, mandolas constituted only a small fraction of the production of Gibson's mandolins. A rare and handsome find: one only, call now.
Special Offer! This instrument is also offered as a set with matching 1916 Gibson A Model Mandolin, and 1912 Gibson K-1 Mandocello. Discount price for the full set is $7495, subject to sales of individual pieces.
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