Everyone A Gibsonite

Promotional photo for 1921 Gibson Mandolin Company "Catalog M". Ivers Mandolin Orchestra/Adams Plectrum Society, Adams, Massechusetts.

Members I can identify: Center Middle Row: Joseph Ivers, Orchestra leader, Gibson Mandolin Company Agent,and my Great Grandfather, Center Left Holding a Gibson F-4 Mary Ivers-Bassette, my Great Grandmother, Back Row from left: Leonore Ivers-Carmel, my Great Aunt, George Ivers, my Grandfather, Sitting in front, white dress, Doris Ivers-Hueston, my Great Aunt.

Page 21 Gibson Mandolin Catalog M: See right side second photo from bottom

Page 21 Gibson Mandolin Catalog M: See right side second photo from bottom
I recently discovered that this photo of my Great grandfather's Mandolin Orchestra appears on page 21 of the Gibson "M" catalog, published in 1921, confirming my theory that he (Joseph L. Ivers) was a Gibson "teacher-agent" or dealer, and that this photo was part of the "Everyone a Gibsonite" marketing campaign. Some of these instruments are still owned and played by Ivers family members. For example, my father Robert Ivers still plays the 1914 F4 in the center played by my Great Grandmother Mary Ivers in this photo. He also owns a 1921 H2 Mandola, no doubt pictured brand spanking new somewhere in this photo. I would love to try to contact other family members to see where some of these other instruments ended up.

Water Color "Grandfather's Mandolin" by Robert Ivers of Gibson F-4 #24532

Water Color "Grandfather's Mandolin" by Robert Ivers of Gibson F-4 #24532
Water Color Of My Great Grand Father's F4 painted by my Father, Robert Ivers. Look !!!!!!! Notice unintended ghost image of my Great Grandfather Joseph Ivers in upper left !

Tuesday, June 25, 2013

Got To Touch A Piece of Gibson History

I've been fortunate to have had work a few weeks ago as a backline tech on an IBM corporate show in Grand Cayman, and enjoyed working with among others, The Steep Canyon Rangers and Stave Martin for several performances. I had some nice conversations with the band and crew in general, and specifically with SCR mandolin player, Mike Guggino. So before their last performance, Mike walked back stage and handed me his July 9, 1923 Lloyd Loar signed f5. (owned by Steve Martin, on loan to Mike)
Unfortunately for me (but fortunately for everyone else standing there) I couldn't really play it because there was an IBM executive presenting a talk on stage about 10 feet away. Not to mention I was really self conscious about my novice playing ability especially with Mike, Steve Martin, and the the rest of the Steep Canyon Rangers and their engineers all standing there in a space about the size of an elevator. Anyway I did get to strum a few quiet chords, and pick a scale or two, so I can truly say I've played a Lloyd Loar signed f5. Mike and the rest of the band and crew were all really cool and Mike was especially gracious with his time for my questions about the mandolin. 

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