I actually owned a WW1 era Gibson Army/Navy for awhile until the top bowed inward. It was the instrument they based the Flatiron on and it was very loud and bright but I don't think it had the depth and richness of a carved top. I had a brace installed to correct the top sag which killed the sound of it so I traded it off and got a #2 Flat- iron which is also long gone. I now have an A style which I had custom made with a long scale to accommodate my large hands and Davy Stuart long scale flattop with a round soundhole and flat top which is also loud and bright and great for playing traditional music.