This is a very choice Artist model mandolin from late in the Gibson production. Although we have had similar vintage Gibson mandolins we never cared that much for the sound of this era. However, this is absolutely the best sounding mandolin from this period we have ever heard. The back is two piece flamed maple with a brown stain. The top is sunburst with a wide band of marquetry around the sound hole. The rosewood fingerboard sports "Nick Lucas" style pearl inlays. The tone is full and balanced from top to bottom. The instrument shows very little use and retains the original "red line" hard shell case.