Compulsive purchase- Flatiron 1N

Good for you. I had thought about it as a matching companion to my cadet mandolin. The scout seem to be rare. I reached out to Bruce Weber regarding production numbers, etc. He replied that all the records went to Gibson and he has often regretted not copying them. If you have or find out more information, please post. There is a cadet at Gruhn for a decent price if you’re interested in a matching set.

Well I do have a Flat Iron Festival but its an F style, so I have 2 Flatirons , The Dola is that blood red finish, Scout 9601545 Performer Series it has recommended string gauges listed on the neck butt - 12-21 32 49, a fixed bridge and seashell tail piece cover with a very plain back and overall finish. The simple but well proportioned design and quality workmanship indicate the instrument was meant to be played by anyone anywhere. To me the phrase rings true "there is wisdom in humility, there is power in grace".

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Originally Posted by tmsweeney

I just picked up the Flatiron Mandola that Mill River music had on Reverb (only a 2 hour drive so took the wife on a date as part of the deal), I've only every played the octaves and mandos and don't believe those dola's are all that common?
I always thought they felt well made and the tone and volume was always vey good on them. This one is no exception, a 96, a few surface dings but in overall great shape. The sustain and tone and over tones are all vey intriguing and I like the action and playability. A little thin on the bottom compared to my Weber's, but still a great mandola. Sooner or later I'll try a set of Curt Mangan's, I think it will be louder yet. This is mandola number 5 for me, and I think its a keeper.

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That's just great! I had my hands on one at a local jam one time and just loved it.

f-d

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Originally Posted by Jim Garber

Also: Bernunzio has a nice looking 2M (maple flavored) for sale. NFI for me. With original HSC. https://bernunzio.com/product/flatir...andolin-28303/

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I think that's a pretty good retail price, considering the hard-shell case.

f-d

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Originally Posted by tmsweeney

I just picked up the Flatiron Mandola that Mill River music had on Reverb (only a 2 hour drive so took the wife on a date as part of the deal), I've only every played the octaves and mandos and don't believe those dola's are all that common?
I always thought they felt well made and the tone and volume was always vey good on them. This one is no exception, a 96, a few surface dings but in overall great shape. The sustain and tone and over tones are all vey intriguing and I like the action and playability. A little thin on the bottom compared to my Weber's, but still a great mandola. Sooner or later I'll try a set of Curt Mangan's, I think it will be louder yet. This is mandola number 5 for me, and I think its a keeper.

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My ‘83 2K mandolin has a sticker on the neck block with recommended string gauges. Did they do that in ‘96?

Sample of the Scout I just put a set of Curt Mangan Mandola strings on

That's pretty dang cool! Sounds great and looks awesome (red!) :mandosmiley:

The Lonesome Flatiron Scout enjoying a Danish Beverage and a respite from its owner trying to remember the chords to "Russian Lullaby" for the 47th time

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Originally Posted by tmsweeney

I just picked up the Flatiron Mandola that Mill River music had on Reverb (only a 2 hour drive so took the wife on a date as part of the deal), I've only every played the octaves and mandos and don't believe those dola's are all that common?
I always thought they felt well made and the tone and volume was always vey good on them. This one is no exception, a 96, a few surface dings but in overall great shape. The sustain and tone and over tones are all vey intriguing and I like the action and playability. A little thin on the bottom compared to my Weber's, but still a great mandola. Sooner or later I'll try a set of Curt Mangan's, I think it will be louder yet. This is mandola number 5 for me, and I think its a keeper.

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I have one of these (and a cadet, and a 2K and a 2M…I like them). It’s a really nice tonal range, easy to play. Someone had dropped it at one point and one side of the top brace had gotten loose and caused some sinkage, but Gryphon fixed it right up.

I also have a Gibson 1917 army navy (I don’t know why, I really like the flattop style), it’s a nice instrument but the flatirons sound much nicer.

I just picked up the Flatiron Mandola The Mandolin Store had for sale. Great instrument! I will post a picture and/or video soon. This rounds out my Flatiron collection. Talk to me about strings. I usually use D'Addario and I noticed Curt Mangan strings mentioned above. I am considering GHS too. Any others? Opinions? Thanks.

Well tm, That both sounds great and I love your touch in that tune!

Perfect!

f-d

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Originally Posted by tmsweeney

Sample of the Scout I just put a set of Curt Mangan Mandola strings on

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Thanks f-d, those flat iron pancakes are so rugged and simple, a real joy to play, inspiring!

This '81 1N believe it or not is on ShopGoodWill.com and looks AFAIK to be in good condition. Lots of interest in it though and might sell for close to retail. https://shopgoodwill.com/item/148941667

Am back in! Was thinking of getting the PX1917 that was on Reverb, but dilly-dallied too long. Then got thinking about one that has been hanging at a local store for a long time. Like years. Was going to buy it last time in the store, but walked out with a Brentrup instead.

Not this time. Took a slightly longer lunch and headed over to make the purchase. Came with the original soft case. At home removed the (extremely) old strings and then sanded down the bridge. A lot. Much more playable now and still loud Put on a set of GHS A250 and spent most of last night practicing.

Like last time, am probably going to use the Eastman gigbag for transporting it around. Unless someone knows of a better bag? Also, the neck on this one seems a bit bigger than the 1983 I previously had. But hard to say for sure. Maybe I'm just getting more used to smaller necks.

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Really nice looking mandolin, love the color.

For posterity - these are some photos of the 1989 Flatiron PX1917 I missed. Since this model doesn't turn up that often figure it might be worth documenting. From what I can tell, it looks like a black Cadet with very plain back. Tuners are replaced Rubner as stated in the original ad.

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It's been a while since any of us have been on this thread and I recently remembered it! In case any of you pancake fans didn't get to see it on the "Post a Pic of what's on your Bench" thread, I'll share my most recently finished Pancake Mandolin which is currently in route to its new owner in Seattle:

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There are detail shots at the bottom of this album as well: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjAEkQZ

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Originally Posted by soliver

It's been a while since any of us have been on this thread and I recently remembered it! In case any of you pancake fans didn't get to see it on the "Post a Pic of what's on your Bench" thread, I'll share my most recently finished Pancake Mandolin which is currently in route to its new owner in Seattle:

Attachment 210428

There are detail shots at the bottom of this album as well: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjAEkQZ

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Beautiful Mando there soliver! Hey, I live near Seattle... maybe this one will just "accidentally" get Shipp to my house instead. Haha!!

The somewhat rare sunburst! Nice one Eric!