Here’s a 1924 Gibson A Junior mandolin from the tail end of the fabled "Loar period" with the coveted "snakehead" tapered headstock. The serial number is 80285.
     The A Junior was an entry-level, no-frills instrument with no binding or decoration, but many of them sound lovely, regardless. This one has what appear to be the original Waverly cloud tailpiece. The pickguard is missing, and the bridge and tuners are replacements. The top is spruce; the 1-piece back and sides are of unusually figured birch. Headplate, fretboard, nut, bridge and endpin are ebony; neck is mahogany. Repaired back crack and original case.
     Juniors deliver a lot of bang for the buck in terms of tone, and are sometimes reputed to sound "bassier" or "warmer" than a typical snakehead. That may well be the case here too—at any rate, it remains the most affordable way to get into a vintage snakehead.
     Keep in mind: one of the most important classical mandolin albums of the previous century, Howard Frye’s Gypsy Mandolin, was recorded with an A Junior snakehead. And so was a lot of other great music. See more photos, call 425/772-0231, or more information. 48-hour approval period. $1,800 plus shipping.