1923 Gibson A2Z serial number 74369, FON 11951
1923 Gibson A2Z serial number 74369, Factory Order Number 11951. Excellent, original condition (showing very minor pick wear only on top). In 1923 Gibson introduced this mandolin as “everything the modern player could want, from A to Z!” Mandolin lovers, especially those in the know about the “snakehead” A models from the Lloyd Loar era at Gibson, understand that there is indeed something consistently remarkable about the sound of an A2Z. When one hears an A2Z, there is always an eyebrow-raising distinction that is hard to define. Combine this with the relative rarity, this model is esteemed and desired by players and collectors even more than the higher priced and more appointed A4. There is no doubt that Gibson workers put extra thought, energy and love into the creation of this particular instrument. The 1923 catalog itself described this instrument in its glowing language: “Light amber finish, through which the straight spruce top shows clearly, with a new, rich antique mahogany treatment of birch rim and back and fine British Honduras mahogany truss-rodded neck. A thin jet black character line inlaid within the ivoroid binding and the alternating black and white lines of the purfling ring around sound-hole lend delightful contrast, while ivoroid binding around the outer edge and back and on the fingerboard sets off the antique mahogany finish.” The black character line on the top border and oval hole distinguishes the A-2Z from standard A-2, and of course the stamp on the label. On this mandolin the “Z” is barely visible, but does who up on our photo tklsen with black light. Other features, as with all the snake-head models, include “ ‘The Gibson’ in Japan pearl, solid Tamatave ebony fingerboard with front and side position markers, adjustable, compensated bridge, elevated pick guard, bone nut”, and, in this case, a rare hardshell Geib and Schaefer red-stripe orange-lined case (which appears to be from a slightly later period).
The question remains, why does the A2Z sound so much better than other A models? Is it the “thin jet-black character line” inlaid in the edge of the top that allows the top to somehow vibrate more freely? Or the fact that this was the pet project of some gifted luthier working the line at Gibson during the Loar era? Or simply, as the select woods and vibrant sound attest to, this particular mandolin was given extra love at the time of its birth. Whatever the answer, the bottom ‘line’ is, this is one great, fantastic sounding Lloyd Loar era Gibson instrument in excellent original condition that we now offer for sale for only $6500.