One of the things I really loved when I purchased by Gibson A/N Custom "pancake," is that it came with a really fine, perfectly fitted hardshell case -- unfortunately, with a lot of ugly goop on the outside, which I covered with white paint (!), and stickers: "Bernunzio Uptown Music" (where I bought it), "Resist/Organize/Vote," and "Make Music, Not War." I also stenciled my last name on the side of the case.
Thus, I have totally personalized it, and also reduced the resale value by what the next owner's gonna have to spend, to de-personalize it.
Allen Hopkins
Gibsn: '54 F5 3pt F2 A-N Custm K1 m'cello
Natl Triolian Dobro mando
Victoria b-back Merrill alumnm b-back
H-O mandolinetto
Stradolin Vega banjolin
Sobell'dola Washburn b-back'dola
Eastmn: 615'dola 805 m'cello
Flatiron 3K OM
Hey!!! I just got an email notification that my 1N might be delivered today!
Here's to hoping
Worlds okay-ist mandolin player
Relative newcomer
Weber Yellowstone F (2015)
Red Valley EM (2018)
Howard Morris Blue A4 (2023)
Flatiron 1N (1982)
https://youtube.com/@zachwilson54?si=iGum4xPlSj0pbcjj
So exciting!
I know it's still kinda early on the left coast - but do you have it yet?
Worlds okay-ist mandolin player
Relative newcomer
Weber Yellowstone F (2015)
Red Valley EM (2018)
Howard Morris Blue A4 (2023)
Flatiron 1N (1982)
https://youtube.com/@zachwilson54?si=iGum4xPlSj0pbcjj
Happy NMD! Today I received my "new to me" '82 1N. I bought it over the phone from GC in Fayetteville, GA after calling them to inquire about it. Originally the salesman told me it came without a case but upon arrival it has a very nice Alvarez travel-lite style case that fits it well! Also, I was surprised to see it has a pickup (K&K I think) installed that wasn't mentioned over the phone! It's louder then my other flat top, the volume actually is quite shocking! As for the set up, its good, a tad higher than I prefer... I might look at getting a new bridge to play around with or shave this one down a bit. Otherwise, other than a few scratches and a bump on the peghead it's a solid and fun mando!
Anyways, I'm stoked!
Last edited by Zach Wilson; Dec-21-2021 at 3:08am.
It looks cool, and you look like a happy man!
Jim
My Stream on Soundcloud
19th Century Tunes
Playing lately:
1924 Gibson A4 - 2018 Campanella A-5 - 2007 Brentrup A4C - 1915 Frank Merwin Ashley violin - Huss & Dalton DS - 1923 Gibson A2 black snakehead - '83 Flatiron A5-2 - 1939 Gibson L-00 - 1936 Epiphone Deluxe - 1928 Gibson L-5 - ca. 1890s Fairbanks Senator Banjo - ca. 1923 Vega Style M tenor banjo - ca. 1920 Weymann Style 25 Mandolin-Banjo - National RM-1
I sold my 1N in a downsize move a couple of years ago. IIrC I tossed the original and useless chipboard case and housed it in a TKL a style case with t-shirts stuffed in to fill the dead space. Not ideal, but functioned OK for my non-abusive travels with it. I currently have a Reunion Blues gig bag that would probably have worked better. Congrats, and good luck on the case!
Worlds okay-ist mandolin player
Relative newcomer
Weber Yellowstone F (2015)
Red Valley EM (2018)
Howard Morris Blue A4 (2023)
Flatiron 1N (1982)
https://youtube.com/@zachwilson54?si=iGum4xPlSj0pbcjj
Here's a sound sample video of my new Flatiron I did real quick. Enjoy!
Worlds okay-ist mandolin player
Relative newcomer
Weber Yellowstone F (2015)
Red Valley EM (2018)
Howard Morris Blue A4 (2023)
Flatiron 1N (1982)
https://youtube.com/@zachwilson54?si=iGum4xPlSj0pbcjj
Some thoughts on my 'new to me' 82 1N:
I was able to play this one a bunch over the last couple days as my Plant has been down (maintenance down time) for the Holidays and will continue to be until after New Years. I wanted to wait to change the used/dead-ish strings it arrived with until after Christmas morning cause I usually receive new strings (and other mando related gifts) from my loving wife. As I suspected I did, GHS A205's in fact, which are one of my favorite strings for my Red Valley flat top. As we gathered at my Mom and Dad's house in Kent, a short drive from my house, Christmas day enjoying each other's company (gift exchanging, feasting, watching movies, playing games, and connecting through conversation and laugher) there were some quiet times where nothing was really going on... this is when I pull out an instrument and noodle on Christmas tunes. Instead of playing I took the time to change strings....
First, the tailpiece (clamshell style) is not awful to work with but also not ideal if you have limited time. Once I figured the right way to (carefully) bend the loop end of the string it was, a little easier.
The result, this Mandolin really sings! And is really loud... it's like a Canon, and I love that about it. The lighter gauge strings are comfortable and still put out plenty of volume, however when played with a light touch the 1N also plays sweetly.
I noticed that the tuners are not original and in another post asked about them. I suspected that they were Grovers and that was the consensus from others (thanks). They run very smoothly and hold well. What more could you want?
The frets are in good shape but much, much thiner than the frets on my other mandos. It felt funny to play it at first but didn't take long to get used to. I do not know if they are original.
The pickup, which I didn't know about when purchasing over the phone that the salesman forgot to mention (happy surprise) sounds good through my Amp at home. I haven't tried it elsewhere yet. I do like the internal placement as it doesn't feedback like my external (lr baggs) pickup does. It's a little 'electric' sounding however (sort of like an under saddle guitar pickup) but it would work in a pinch when acoustic subtleties aren't an issue.
When I received it I was also surprised that it came with a functional Alvarez travel-lite style case that fits it... kinda. I stuffed the dead spaces with some unused socks and it works. Pretty nice case really.
All in all I really dig this instrument and it is probably one I'll keep (I don't release a whole lot anyway) forever. It seems perfect for travel and camps and such.
Worlds okay-ist mandolin player
Relative newcomer
Weber Yellowstone F (2015)
Red Valley EM (2018)
Howard Morris Blue A4 (2023)
Flatiron 1N (1982)
https://youtube.com/@zachwilson54?si=iGum4xPlSj0pbcjj
so exciting Zach!
You're hooked now! Seems you started on a good one too!
f-d
¡papá gordo ain’t no madre flaca!
'20 A3, '30 L-1, '97 914, 2012 Cohen A5, 2012 Muth A5, '14 OM28A
Worlds okay-ist mandolin player
Relative newcomer
Weber Yellowstone F (2015)
Red Valley EM (2018)
Howard Morris Blue A4 (2023)
Flatiron 1N (1982)
https://youtube.com/@zachwilson54?si=iGum4xPlSj0pbcjj
Sounds great! Nice score on the pickup and case!
Since we revived this “vintage” thread I might as well post my most recent acquisition, a Flatiron 2K from ‘83. Here are pics with my ‘83 A5-2 which I bought new in that year from Mandolin Brothers. I love playing this pancake. I did not realize that recommended string gauges were printed on a label on the neck block and I had some German light gauge strings that were the proper gauge and make this 2K sing.
Jim
My Stream on Soundcloud
19th Century Tunes
Playing lately:
1924 Gibson A4 - 2018 Campanella A-5 - 2007 Brentrup A4C - 1915 Frank Merwin Ashley violin - Huss & Dalton DS - 1923 Gibson A2 black snakehead - '83 Flatiron A5-2 - 1939 Gibson L-00 - 1936 Epiphone Deluxe - 1928 Gibson L-5 - ca. 1890s Fairbanks Senator Banjo - ca. 1923 Vega Style M tenor banjo - ca. 1920 Weymann Style 25 Mandolin-Banjo - National RM-1
I guess two can be a collection but I also consider it a reunion of two mandolins that could have been in the STE shop at the same time. I really enjoy playing this pancake and koa is one of my favorite woods in both look and tone.
BTW I am *compulsively* playing it. A truly fun instrument.
Jim
My Stream on Soundcloud
19th Century Tunes
Playing lately:
1924 Gibson A4 - 2018 Campanella A-5 - 2007 Brentrup A4C - 1915 Frank Merwin Ashley violin - Huss & Dalton DS - 1923 Gibson A2 black snakehead - '83 Flatiron A5-2 - 1939 Gibson L-00 - 1936 Epiphone Deluxe - 1928 Gibson L-5 - ca. 1890s Fairbanks Senator Banjo - ca. 1923 Vega Style M tenor banjo - ca. 1920 Weymann Style 25 Mandolin-Banjo - National RM-1
Also: Bernunzio has a nice looking 2M (maple flavored) for sale. NFI for me. With original HSC. https://bernunzio.com/product/flatir...andolin-28303/
Jim
My Stream on Soundcloud
19th Century Tunes
Playing lately:
1924 Gibson A4 - 2018 Campanella A-5 - 2007 Brentrup A4C - 1915 Frank Merwin Ashley violin - Huss & Dalton DS - 1923 Gibson A2 black snakehead - '83 Flatiron A5-2 - 1939 Gibson L-00 - 1936 Epiphone Deluxe - 1928 Gibson L-5 - ca. 1890s Fairbanks Senator Banjo - ca. 1923 Vega Style M tenor banjo - ca. 1920 Weymann Style 25 Mandolin-Banjo - National RM-1
Jim
My Stream on Soundcloud
19th Century Tunes
Playing lately:
1924 Gibson A4 - 2018 Campanella A-5 - 2007 Brentrup A4C - 1915 Frank Merwin Ashley violin - Huss & Dalton DS - 1923 Gibson A2 black snakehead - '83 Flatiron A5-2 - 1939 Gibson L-00 - 1936 Epiphone Deluxe - 1928 Gibson L-5 - ca. 1890s Fairbanks Senator Banjo - ca. 1923 Vega Style M tenor banjo - ca. 1920 Weymann Style 25 Mandolin-Banjo - National RM-1
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.
Stormy Morning Orchestra
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"Mean Old Timer, He's got grey hair, Mean Old Timer he just don't care
Got no compassion, thinks its a sin
All he does is sit around an play the Mandolin"
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