1924 Gibson A2-Z Mandolin

1924 Gibson A2-Z Mandolin sn: 80517 (shipped 1926) FON: 11963 (known batch of A2-Z, late 1923) Rare maple variant!

This instrument, cataloged in 1923 as a Gibson A2-Z, was likely shipped in 1926. It is an A style instrument with a few cosmetic and structural differences from the more common A and A-Junior models of the same era. The carved top is spruce in a natural varnish finish while the back and sides are brown stained maple, unlike the stained birch more commonly seen on A model mandolins. The neck is made from a single piece of mahogany with a natural finish. The headplate is black dyed pearwood with a slanted “The Gibson” logo.

The label on this example is simply stamped A2, but the appointments all conform to the known A2-Z features. The factory order number, stamped inside on the neck block, indicates that this is part of a known batch of A2-Z’s made in late 1923. The serial number indicates a shipping date of 1926. The label was likely made and installed long after the instrument was built and was therefore stamped with the standard A2 designation long after the A2-Z model was dropped from the catalog. While this was a mid-level instrument, falling below the fancier F-models, several state of the art (for the 1920’s) appointments transform the A2-Z into a much sought after workhorse in the A-model line. 

An adjustable bridge and truss rod were added, allowing for a slimmer neck profile and lower action. The pickguard bracket is a transitional affair, still retaining the side tension clamp, now with an adjustable bolt to attach the pickguard. This replaced a more delicate celluloid arm spanning the distance between pickguard and rim, but it was made before a brass lug with a single screw mount replaced the side clamp method of attachment seen here. The snakehead is a structural improvement over the earlier paddle headstock, allowing for a nearly straight pull for the strings passing over the nut. 

Cosmetically, there were small but noticeable upgrades as well. The top binding is now two ply, Ivoroid and black, while the back binding is a single strip of Ivoroid. The fingerboard is a single bound Ivoroid and the soundhole rosette features a wide center strip of celluloid with black-white-black binding on either side.

This A2-Z retains its original varnish finish. There is some finish rubbed away on the spine of the v-neck, some pickwear above the soundhole and below on the opposite side of the soundhole. There are a few small scratches and marks elsewhere on the top. The back has some buckle wear, a few rubs and marks, but nothing that goes through the finish. The back center seam has been carefully reglued and is once again solid. This is the only repair of note. 

The original frets are lightly worn in the lower position. They are still very playable with lots of life left. The adjustable bridge retains its original nickel plated adjustment wheels and original compensated bridge top. The pickguard, “The Gibson” tailpiece and the celluloid buttoned four-on-a-side tuners are in similarly excellent condition. 

With the highly unusual choice of maple for the back and sides, this A-model monster punches well above its weight, with well balanced tone and projection across the fretboard and perhaps a sweeter tone than the other maple instruments in the Gibson line at the time, the F-4 and F-5.