Vintage 1958 Gibson A-50 Mandolin With OHSC - Frank Ovanin Collection

Here at Truetone Music, we are fortunate enough to see a lot of interesting instruments coming in through the door.  Every now and then, some have quite the backstory.  That's what we have here - a trio of instruments that belonged to The Banjo Man.

Born in 1914 in Cleveland, Frank Ovanin quickly fell in love with music and learned to play the banjo.  By age 12, he was playing live to help support his family.  After high school, he started touring the country and started to gain notoriety as a banjo player.  By the 1930's, he transitioned to the guitar, mandolin, stand-up bass, violin and virtually anything else with strings.  This led to a variety of gigs, including with the Tell-Tone Trio night right here in Santa Monica!  Throughout the next few decades, Ovanin embarked on a successful recording career, countless TV appearances, and stints in Las Vegas.  This led to playing with legends such as Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Milton Berle and Sammy Davis Jr.  Over the years, he released several albums, including the Banjo Party, which is still in circulation today.  Thus, to this day, Frank Ovanin is known as "The Banjo Man".

Be sure to check out the photos we've included in this listing, to see him and these instruments, including some with the stars mentioned.  (photos supplied by his family)

Frank Ovanin played a variety of instruments, but only owned a few in his time - he did not have a vast collection.  He kept what he had, and when he passed away in 2002, the instruments went to his family, eventually being inherited by his granddaughter, which is how they ended up here.  Now, for the first time, they are available to be played again.

We are excited to present this vintage Gibson A-50 Mandolin.  Built in 1958, this was Frank Ovanin's main mandolin his entire career.  It was recorded on multiple albums and played on-stage for countless performances, including with some of the biggest stars of the day. That in itself makes it special, but regardless of the association, it's a relatively rare and incredible vintage mandolin.

The A-50 mandolin was a popular model produced by Gibson, known for its pear-shaped body and simpler headstock compared to the more ornate F-style. It features a solid spruce top with maple back and sides.  The neck is mahogany, capped with a nice rosewood fretboard.  This model was and still is well-regarded for its easy playability and sound, offering a strong resonance and clear tone, perfect for a variety of playing styles.  Whether chords or single-note lines, this mandolin sounds excellent.

This vintage A-50 mandolin is all original - that's something you don't see very often when it comes to something built nearly 70 years ago.  The original hardshell case is included (as are some vintage strings and the rope strap that Ovanin used).  Considering how much it traveled over decades, it's impressive that the case is intact.  More so, we were amazed at how good of shape the mandolin itself is in.  While it does have wear, it's minimal, considering its age.  We'd rate the condition as excellent.  It has been fully vetted and setup by the tech in our shop that really knows these instruments, and is ready to go.  He treated the fingerboard and bridge, and restrung it with fresh .011 - .039 bronze strings.

It's a rare find to come across a vintage Gibson mandolin like this, especially one with such a history.  It's a one-time opportunity to be the next owner of the Banjo Man's mandolin.