Compulsive purchase- Flatiron 1N

[Zach Wilson]

Strange . . . I haven’t seen Zach searching up threads about The Loars to voice his dissent.

I am a fan. My Flatiron 1N to my ears was the best sounding of the flattops I sampled when starting out, including a Mid-Missouri, Gypsy, and Redline Traveler. I did prefer the aesthetics and especially the playability features on the Redline though — adjustable bridge and truss rod, radiused board, larger frets, etc. — and requested those specs when I ordered a custom built Scout from Andy Poe. It isn’t three times better for three times the money, but then, I haven’t had an urge to buy another pancake subsequently.

I love the look of Andy Poe's builds. I've always wanted to try one!

I'm a Flatiron fan too. I'm excited to own one!

[allenhopkins]

Yes, I have a couple spare cases that I've collected over the years. Im hoping that one of them fits it... at least close to fitting it.

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.

[Zach Wilson]

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.

Sounds awesome! I wish mine came with an original chip board (5 clasp) style, but didn't. Oh, well. If none of mine fit it I may start a hunt for something more vintage... maybe something I can personalize like yours!

[Zach Wilson]

Hey!!! I just got an email notification that my 1N might be delivered today!

Here's to hoping

[Sue Rieter]

So exciting!
I know it's still kinda early on the left coast - but do you have it yet?

[Zach Wilson]

So exciting!
I know it's still kinda early on the left coast - but do you have it yet?

It's here! I'm gonna wait a little longer to let it get to temp.... "Waiting is the hardest part" -Petty

[Zach Wilson]

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!

[Sue Rieter]

It looks cool, and you look like a happy man!

[Jim Garber]

It looks cool, and you look like a happy man!

I see sparkles of MAS in your eyes, Sue.

[CES]

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!

[Zach Wilson]

It looks cool, and you look like a happy man!

Very happy man!

[Zach Wilson]

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!

Thanks! Looking forward to some time off next week to play this one... a bunch!

- - - Updated - - -

I see sparkles of MAS in your eyes, Sue.

I do too

[Zach Wilson]

Here's a sound sample video of my new Flatiron I did real quick. Enjoy!

[Zach Wilson]

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.

[fatt-dad]

so exciting Zach!

You're hooked now! Seems you started on a good one too!

f-d

[Zach Wilson]

so exciting Zach!

You're hooked now! Seems you started on a good one too!

f-d

Definitely hooked! This '82 1N is a keeper

[CES]

Sounds great! Nice score on the pickup and case!

[prof_87]

I woke up from a nap this afternoon, searched ebay and did a Buy-It-Now on a 1994 Flatiron 1N with hardcase.
About 10 minutes later when I fully woke up I realized what I had done, it dawned on me that I really don't know much about them. This MAS thing is killing me. I am doing it in my sleep now.
So,,, since I now own one can anyone tell me anything about them?
Please, please, say that I didn't make a bad mistake.
No,,,,, just tell me the truth. I can take it.

I had a Festival F in the 90"s and it was marvelous. Bill Monroe played it and that it was a "Goodern" I sold it to buy and John Hutto F 5 Master. This one is heavely.

[Jim Garber]

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.

[fatt-dad]

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.

nice collection!

f-d

[Jim Garber]

nice collection!

f-d

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 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/

[MikeyG]

I consider it a reunion of two mandolins that could have been in the STE shop at the same time.

I don't think that's possible, Jim. Sound to Earth was founded in 1997. But they might have been together in the Bozeman shop of the Flatiron Mandolin and Banjo Company in 1983.

MikeyG

[Jim Garber]

I don't think that's possible, Jim. Sound to Earth was founded in 1997. But they might have been together in the Bozeman shop of the Flatiron Mandolin and Banjo Company in 1983.

MikeyG

You are correct. I meant Back Porch Productions which is on the label.

[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.