Gibson Mandolas go all the way back to 1902, when the H-1 Mandola was released. Until 1936, the H-1 was Gibson's primary Mandola offering, and through 1918, it matched the same features as the A-1 mandolin but adjusted for the Mandola tuning.
The neck block on this H-1 is stamped with Factory Order Number 11091, which dates to 1917. It features Gibson's classic A-Style body shape with a 15-3/4" scale length and a black top finish. Tuned to the viola register—C, G, D, A—the mandola opens up a deeper, richer, and more resonant sound, but it is still played with the string theory and vocabulary of the mandolin. At one time, mandolin orchestras were relatively common— some included mandolins, mandolas, octaves, mandocellos, and even mandolin basses—but nowadays, these sweet-sounding prewar relics can find a lot of use in the studio, and their rich timbre provides great inspiration for songwriters, too.
Nearly 110 years old, this 1917 Gibson H-1 finds us in excellent, playable condition with minimal repair history and no issues. It's a testament to the level of quality that came out of Kalamazoo, Michigan in those days. The top has flattened underneath the bridge from all of the years of tension, and there's some finish wear under the feet of the bridge. The tailpiece, tuners, and pickguard are original, but the bridge has been replaced with an adjustable ebony bridge (that looks pretty old, too). There are four small repaired cracks not he back, and it looks the binding and sides have been reglued along the edge of the lower bout.
This 1917 Gibson H-1 produces a mellow, woody sound that can range from sweet and lyrical in melodic passages to earthy and percussive in chordal playing. This H-1 will add warmth and complexity to any acoustic ensemble, and its unique sound will inspire new ideas, songs, and stories. Despite the years, this prewar relic still has plenty left in the tank. It includes its original hardshell case.