1918 Gibson A3 Mandolin

1918 Gibson A-3 Mandolin

For sale is a 1918 Gibson A-3, a beautifully preserved example of one of Gibson’s finest oval-hole mandolins from the teens. Over a century old and still remarkably strong, resonant, and visually stunning, this A-3 delivers the warm, woody, open tone that made these early Gibson mandolins legendary.

Cosmetically, it’s in remarkably good shape for its age. There is a visible mark where a pickup was once mounted, but it’s purely cosmetic and not a structural issue. Otherwise, it shows the expected light wear of a well-cared-for vintage instrument. A fantastic piece for players and collectors alike.

Specs

• Model: Gibson A-3

• Year: 1918

• Top: Carved spruce

• Back & Sides: Carved maple

• Neck: Maple

• Fingerboard: Ebony

• Bridge: Original adjustable ebony bridge

• Tuners: Original or era-correct open-gear tuners

• Finish: Original vintage varnish

• Soundhole: Oval-hole design

• Tailpiece: Original Gibson clamshell tailpiece

• Nut Width: Approx. 1 3/16"

• Scale Length: Approx. 13 7/8"

• Case: Hardshell

• Condition: Very good for its age; cosmetic mark from removed pickup, no structural issues