Built in 1922, just as Lloyd Loar was beginning to rehabilitate the already waning-in-popularity mandolin for both his personal use in the mandolin orchestra and also for the mandolin player at large, this H4 is a shining example of the red headed stepchild of the mandolin family- the mandola.

With a 16” scale, tuned C-A like a viola, the mandola has always had a bit of a difficult time finding its own place in the modern folk world outside of its original use in the mandolin orchestra, but more recent players like Andrew Marlin, Joe K Walsh, John Reischman have started using these underrated gems to their full effect, and boy, is this example perfect for what they do.

All original minus a replaced adjustable ebony bridge, this beauty features a tight grained Red spruce top, gorgeous flamed maple for the back and sides, a three piece neck (with stained holly overlays) and the usual “The Gibson” logo with the taller, earlier, double flower pot.

Sonically, this thing is a beast, with very strong fundamental but plenty of overtones.

One stable crack by the soundhole-neck area.

Comes with the original black hardshell case.