antqcolctr - Posted - 07/11/2014:  17:19:45

Hi!  Anyone here know anything about the Gibson A-5 "lump scroll" mando w/f-holes?  My mandolin teacher just got one on consignment in his shop, and I wanted to get some opinions before I consider the possibility of purchasing it as an upgrade/addition to my Fender F52.  I did a google search and didn't come up with a whole lot, other than it seems that most people don't hold them in very high regard.  I believe they were mfg from 1971 - 1979 with the intent to provide a lower price point, but that's about all I know.  I know that Gibson is, historically anyway, supposed to be a very desireable name in mando's.  That being said that's about all I know :)   I do know that this one will need some repair to the back of the neck where it meets the body, but otherwise appears to be in very good cosmetic condition.  I haven't yet heard it play/been able to play it, and naturally that will be something I do before shelling out any $$.

Thanks in advance for your thoughts/comments/knowledge!

Tammy

UsuallyPickin - Posted - 07/11/2014:  21:13:38

The 70's is a low point in the quality of Gibson's instrument production. There are good instruments from this period but there are far more mediocre ones. I have owned and played a Lump Scroll model , called a Gumby, by some folks, mine was numbered an A 12, and an F5 Master Model from this period. Both improved in tone as I played them in and found the "right" string for each of them. Sooo..... put a fresh set of J74's on it and play it some and listen to someone else play it. You may like it and you may prefer something with a different tonality....... Luck... R/

Ben Venuti - Posted - 07/12/2014:  14:21:41

Depends on the price. Gibson mandolins from that period were not that great compared to Gibson mandolins from other periods.To be fair though there wasn't hardly anything decent available during the years that that was being made. The lump scroll idea didn't go over and I don't think many were sold, People just didn't like the look and the sound wasn't good enough to overcome the general ugliness of the design. Kind of Gibson's Edsel. It is likely to be a better mandolin than you have though. I haven't any idea what the market value is for one of those but as a price point " I " wouldn't pay any more for one of those than I would for an old vintage A or even a good A 50. A plain oval hole A model ( the plain ones sound/play just as good as the fancy ones) could be had for $1000 or under and so could an A 50. You can get a good used Kentucky if your inclined towards an F5 style pretty cheap as well and probably have a better mandolin than the Lumpy and though I don't know the asking price my guess is for a lot cheaper. I would consider a neck heal crack( if that's what it is) a game changer on almost any mandolin! If it's separating then a neck reset is in order, also a game changer! You will have to weigh the cost of the mandolin to the several hundred dollars to someone that knows what they are doing to repair the thing.You will have to like the Gibson because your going to have a difficult time unloading it when your done with it.

antqcolctr - Posted - 07/12/2014:  16:10:09

Thanks for the advice!!!  I'm thinking that unless the price is really right or this turns out to be something that sounds out of this world I'll hold off and wait for something better.  Will have to wait and see once it gets repaired/set up.  I'll post an update once that happens and I've had a chance to hear it/play it.

phiddlepicker - Posted - 07/15/2014:  08:28:02

I always wanted one, because of the historical significance...lumpy scroll, Mickey Mouse.....whatever ya call it, is like an ugly puppy your MAS just can't resist for too long.

antqcolctr - Posted - 08/02/2014:  16:45:25

quote:

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Originally posted by antqcolctr

 

Thanks for the advice!!!  I'm thinking that unless the price is really right or this turns out to be something that sounds out of this world I'll hold off and wait for something better.  Will have to wait and see once it gets repaired/set up.  I'll post an update once that happens and I've had a chance to hear it/play it.

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Hi - just an update.  I haven't yet had a chance to play this one, however my teacher says he's looking to get at least $950 for it.  He says that the "books" (not sure which one's he's referring to) have them listed for $1000 - $1500.  I trust that he knows what he's talking about, but his price puts it WAAAYYYYY out of the ballpark for me.  I'm still having a great time with my Fender, so will keep playing it for a while and will save my nickels and times for when something better comes along.

phiddlepicker - Posted - 09/14/2014:  07:13:35

I still want one.

RB250 - Posted - 09/28/2014:  05:51:39

Hey Piddlepicker ...and anyone else.  I have an early 1970's Gibson A5 that sounds good, was setup by Elderly and in my estimation is a beautiful mandolin (think Fender Telecaster).  If anyone is interested in purchasing, lets talk.  PM me or email me @ dbstangle1@aol.com.

RB250