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Thread: Flatiron vs. Girouard - opinions??

  1. #1
    Registered User Dave LaBoone's Avatar
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    Default Flatiron vs. Girouard - opinions??

    Hi guys,
    I've got a 2001 Nashville-made Flatiron Festival F that I have really loved for the past several years. After getting a Collings MT recently, though, I have found that I prefer a radiused fingerboard, so I may be ready to say goodbye to my Flatiron.

    I've got my sights on a 2012 Girouard F with varnish finish (I don't think I've ever played one with varnish) and a radiused fingerboard. It costs several hundred more than the trade-in value of my Flatiron, so I'm seeking advice:

    For those of you who have owned or played both Flatirons and Girouards, what did you think? Would this be a step up?? Any opinions you can offer would be greatly appreciated!

    Thanks!

    PS-for what it's worth, my wife questions my desire for a "slightly-better" instrument. She suggests that I trade in both the Flatiron and the Collings and get a "greatly superior" one. Maybe she's right??
    2012 Girouard F mandolin
    2009 Martin HD-16R LSH guitar

  2. #2
    Registered User Dave LaBoone's Avatar
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    Default Re: Flatiron vs. Girouard - opinions??

    For reference, here's a clip of my Flatiron in action (a video I submitted to MM through ArtistWorks this past summer...melody in the first half, singing/chopping in the second half):

    "The High Reel" / "Lay Down My Old Guitar"
    Last edited by Dave LaBoone; Dec-30-2013 at 9:05pm. Reason: corrected song titles
    2012 Girouard F mandolin
    2009 Martin HD-16R LSH guitar

  3. #3

    Default Re: Flatiron vs. Girouard - opinions??

    Hey Nice pickin' and singing!
    I've got the same Flatiron as you, 2001 Nashville Festival and I too love mine, although not quite as accomplished player as you!
    When I bring it to my various jams I get a lot of comments on how great the tone / sound it has...so that's nice to hear, however I too wonder if a radius fretboard wouldn't be a better fit for my hand, etc?
    Have you played the Girouard? If so, how is the tonal quality compared to your Flatiron?
    My Flatiron has a skinny neck, just over an inch wide at the nut..trying to get used to the narrowness as well.
    I know my response doesn't answer your question...but I do like your wife's thinking
    ...I strive to be the man my dog thinks I am....

    2001 Flatiron Festival
    2001 Gibson Sam Bush
    1999 Gibson FL5 Fern - Derrington
    2015 TKD - Kyle Dunn

  4. #4
    Registered User Dave LaBoone's Avatar
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    Default Re: Flatiron vs. Girouard - opinions??

    I get a lot of positive comments on mine, too. Haven't played the Girouard, but I've heard a sound clip, which sounds decent. Hard to say if it sounds "better," though. Any opinions from other Cafe members would be most welcome!
    2012 Girouard F mandolin
    2009 Martin HD-16R LSH guitar

  5. #5

    Default Re: Flatiron vs. Girouard - opinions??

    Have you joined the "Girouard Social Group" ..May get some feedback there?
    Happy hunting!
    ...I strive to be the man my dog thinks I am....

    2001 Flatiron Festival
    2001 Gibson Sam Bush
    1999 Gibson FL5 Fern - Derrington
    2015 TKD - Kyle Dunn

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    Registered User Dave LaBoone's Avatar
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    Default Re: Flatiron vs. Girouard - opinions??

    Guess I'm on my way to joining - I just pulled the trigger!
    2012 Girouard F mandolin
    2009 Martin HD-16R LSH guitar

  7. #7
    two t's and one hyphen fatt-dad's Avatar
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    Default Re: Flatiron vs. Girouard - opinions??

    Have you considered adding a radius to your Flatiron? It'll cost you several hundred (you'll get new frets though)?

    f-d
    ˇpapá gordo ain’t no madre flaca!

    '20 A3, '30 L-1, '97 914, 2012 Cohen A5, 2012 Muth A5, '14 OM28A

  8. #8

    Default Re: Flatiron vs. Girouard - opinions??

    Congrats on your purchase! Love to hear your review and comparison..
    Keep pickin'!
    ...I strive to be the man my dog thinks I am....

    2001 Flatiron Festival
    2001 Gibson Sam Bush
    1999 Gibson FL5 Fern - Derrington
    2015 TKD - Kyle Dunn

  9. #9
    Registered User Dave LaBoone's Avatar
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    Default Re: Flatiron vs. Girouard - opinions??

    Quote Originally Posted by fatt-dad View Post
    Have you considered adding a radius to your Flatiron? It'll cost you several hundred (you'll get new frets though)?

    f-d
    I've thought about it, but I guess I'm ready to try something new. Here goes!!

  10. #10
    Must. Keep. Practicing. Ben Cooper's Avatar
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    Default Re: Flatiron vs. Girouard - opinions??

    Welcome to the Girouard owners family!
    Benjamin C
    Girouard A-5 #62
    Fender FM-100

    "Writing about music is like dancing about architecture."

  11. #11
    Registered User Dave LaBoone's Avatar
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    Default Re: Flatiron vs. Girouard - opinions??

    It'll be a long wait until it's delivered on Monday...
    2012 Girouard F mandolin
    2009 Martin HD-16R LSH guitar

  12. #12

    Default Re: Flatiron vs. Girouard - opinions??

    ....and the verdict is ???
    ...I strive to be the man my dog thinks I am....

    2001 Flatiron Festival
    2001 Gibson Sam Bush
    1999 Gibson FL5 Fern - Derrington
    2015 TKD - Kyle Dunn

  13. #13
    Registered User Dave LaBoone's Avatar
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    Default Re: Flatiron vs. Girouard - opinions??

    Quote Originally Posted by Scottydawg View Post
    ....and the verdict is ???
    so far, so good!

    you can check out my photos/video here: http://www.mandolincafe.com/forum/sh...2-Girouard-F-5
    2012 Girouard F mandolin
    2009 Martin HD-16R LSH guitar

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