(Used) 1917 Vintage Gibson A-4 Cherry Sunburst Oval-Hole Teardrop A-Style Mandolin #1550

Representing the absolute pinnacle of Gibson's early teardrop design, this pre-war A-4 model showcases the upscale appointments and refined engineering that set Kalamazoo craftsmanship apart in the early 20th century.  In Very Good Condition, this mandolin has a heel repair that was done here at The Acoustic Shoppe, some scratches on the top and back, and  headstock wear. There is ribbon checking on the back which is very normal for an instrument of this age. As the premium tier of the standard A-series lineup, the A-4 was celebrated for its elegant aesthetic upgrades, combining historical visual charm with the robust structural integrity required of a lifetime performance tool. This vintage piece serves as a remarkable window into classical mandolin orchestra history, carrying a unique decorative presence that remains highly prized by modern traditional players and collectors alike.

A striking, vibrant cherry sunburst finish swathes the hand-carved solid spruce top, drawing immediate attention to the remarkable level of detail invested into this centenarian instrument. The oval soundhole is framed by a gorgeous, ornamental double-purfling ring that adds a sophisticated visual texture to the body face. Perhaps the most extraordinary historical detail lies at the headstock, which retains its original, coveted "Handel" tuning machines. These rare tuners feature beautiful, intricate patterns of silver wire and authentic mother-of-pearl hand-inlaid directly into each individual button, serving as a signature mark of Gibson's elite early-era craftsmanship.

The acoustic foundation relies on this carved spruce face coupled with a premium solid maple back and sides, generating a beautifully clear, sophisticated tonal profile that has matured over a century. Utilizing the signature oval-hole configuration, this mandolin breathes with a deep, round bass response and a sweet, bell-like treble chime that is exceptionally smooth across all registers. The mahogany neck features a highly comfortable vintage architecture, offering excellent hand leverage and a rock-solid feel for executing intricate lead lines or extended chord shapes. Complete with its bound ebony fingerboard and legendary decorative appointments, this premium A-4 stands as a fully functional piece of American musical heritage that is completely prepared for its next musical chapter.

SPECS
Body Shape: A-Style
Top: Solid Spruce
Back and Sides: Solid Maple
Neck: Mahogany
Neck Profile: Traditional "V"
Fingerboard: Bound Ebony
Bracing: Transverse Tone Bar
Bridge: Original Fixed Ebony
Tuners: Original 4-on-a-plate with inlaid Handel buttons
Finish: Cherry Sunburst Nitrocellulose Lacquer
Nut Material and Width: Bone, 1-3/16"
Scale Length: 13-7/8"

Notice: This is a used item. While we do a basic cleaning and setup before shipping, we are unable to make any modifications to, or guarantees of condition, and or history, outside of what we have personally found, or been informed of by the original owner, which will be included in the description.

Why Choose The Acoustic Shoppe?

When you choose to purchase from us, you're not just making a transaction; you're investing in an exceptional experience. As a small business, and an authorized acoustic instrument dealer, we take immense pride in going the extra mile for our customers. We handle warranty concerns on your behalf, provide in-depth brand reviews, offer virtual consultations, and share high-quality content, featuring photos and videos of our products. Our dedicated team, all passionate musicians, deeply understands the significance of finding the perfect instrument. With on-site instrument inspections by our skilled repair tech, personalized recommendations, and a sincere commitment to grasping your unique needs, we ensure that each purchase is the perfect match between instrument and musician. Our focus is on quality and customer satisfaction, not just sales numbers. We genuinely care about bringing your musical aspirations to life, and we find joy in doing so. We're proud to have been voted NAMM Top 100 Dealer for over a decade, a testament to our commitment to excellence in the music industry. We genuinely care about bringing your musical aspirations to life, and we find joy in doing so. Choose us for an extraordinary shopping experience where we know you by name, and every purchase is driven by our love for music and our dedication to serving our valued customers.