Interesting old Gibbys

[Rob]

http://www.acousticmusic.org/userfiles/file/pdfs/historical-data/Gibson/Gibson%201928%20Catalog%20Q.pdf

[Dave W]

Very cool! Even has the mandobass. I didn't realize those were around as early as 1928.

The patent drawings for Gibson's patent on the adjustable truss rod showed that the curve of the rod is the opposite of the way we've always known it, but if you look at the drawing in that catalog, it's the same way as in the patent. I wonder if that worked at all.

Then there's the "unbreakable neck" -- had to laugh at that.

[planetgaffnet]

When you look at the quoted prices, the K-5 Mandecello is listed at $275.00 in 1928.  According to the CPI Inflation calculator, that's $3,825.11 in today's marketplace.
P

[4stringer77]

What a poetically worded catalog! Now I want to taste the deep joy of musical perfection and receive real money...big money...for the pleasant, easy effort of playing a beautiful Gibson masterpiece.

[Rob]

I noticed the truss rod too.

The harp guitar was only $25 more than the mando that was probably 6 months wages in those days.
I have some union scale pay envelopes that were my grandfathers and even in the 40's $7 a night was living large

[Highlander]

I spotted a Mando Bass, J style...

One for Uwe to source while he's over there...?

[gearHed289]

Very cool stuff, thanks! "For a real thrill, play bass" Don't mind if I do!