The Flatiron 1N (Mandolin)

Subject: RE: The Flatiron 1N
From: Bee-dubya-ell
Date: 29 Jan 11 - 09:39 AM

I have a model 2M (birseye maple) Flatiron flat-top. It developed some neck problems not too long after I bought it. It spent ten years or so in its case, pretty much unplayable, before I finally decided to take it in for a reset. It plays fine now.

If you do buy it and if it should need a reset in the future, make sure your luthier knows it has a bolt-on neck. The bolt-head is behind a label on the heel block. I only know this because my own luthier got totally stumped trying to loosen what he thought was a dovetail joint before he found the bolt.

Subject: RE: The Flatiron 1N
From: Dave Hanson
Date: 29 Jan 11 - 07:59 AM

They are good mandolins, they were originally made in Bozeman, Montana by a company called ' Back Porch Productions ' when they started to have an effect on Gibson sales, Gibson bought the company out and started producing Flatirons themselves, but nowhere near as good as the originals.

Dave H

Subject: RE: The Flatiron 1N
From: GUEST,Ray
Date: 29 Jan 11 - 07:14 AM

These were the 80's take on the old Gibson "Army and Navy" Model. Pretty basic as mandolins go but solid and better than many of the Pac-rim things you can buy today. Price looks reasonable but I've no idea what they go for in the US.

Suggest you have a look at this post - http://www.mandolincafe.com/forum/showthread.php?3496-Compulsive-purchase-Flatiron-1N&highlight=compulsive - the original post + 945 replies will tell you almost everything you need to know about the Flatiron 1N.

Subject: Review: The Flatiron 1N
From: mdshec
Date: 28 Jan 11 - 05:11 PM

I came across a Flatiron 1N Mandolin in a Pawn shop. Priced at $359. From quick look it appears to only need a new set of strings. I have done some research on-line and have only found a couple of these for sale at around 800.

This is an A style Oval hole mandolin made in Bouzeman MT. Anyone have any input on this mando or price.

Thanks.