A wonderfully preserved example of a pre-war Gibson Style A Mandolin, carrying serial number 11088 and believed to have been crafted in Kalamazoo, Michigan in 1912. This is a highly appealing piece for the collector and the serious player alike—an instrument that captures Gibson’s early mandolin heritage at its finest.

This Gibson Style A features a carved spruce top paired with a carved maple back, with maple sides and a mahogany neck. The ebony fingerboard and bridge complete the classic tonewood recipe that defined Gibson’s early 20th-century mandolin production. The simple, elegant oval soundhole design is both visually understated and tonally significant, offering a more open and rounded voice compared to later f-hole instruments.

What truly sets this example apart is its originality. It remains free from any major repairs or modifications—something increasingly rare for instruments of this age. Aside from a few honest marks and dings consistent with over a century of careful use, it has clearly been well looked after throughout its life. The result is a mandolin that feels authentic, responsive, and inspiring in the hands.

The tone is everything you would hope for from a 1912 Gibson. It delivers a warm, woody low end with a beautifully open midrange and sweet, singing trebles. There’s a dry, airy quality to the voice, with excellent note separation and a gentle compression that lends itself perfectly to traditional styles, folk, and early jazz. It has that elusive “played-in” character—responsive to a light touch, yet capable of surprising depth when pushed.

The playing action is excellent, offering a comfortable feel across the fingerboard, making it equally suited to long sessions or precise, expressive work.

An exceptional opportunity to acquire a genuinely original pre-war Gibson mandolin with outstanding tonal character which would be equally at home in a serious collection or in the hands of a discerning player. Including a period-correct, interesting leather-shaped case.

Gibson Style A Mandolin 1912 - Natural