Flatiron or Custom Ratliff

[dgrimm]

I'm about to purchase a high end F style mandolin. What are the pros and/or cons of each model. Example which will have a higher resell value over time,sound,enck,etc.

thanks

[PCypert]

Why just these two? Are they available nearby? Price? There are many other F style mandos in that budget range.

The Flatiron will obviously be used and broken in by someone else. You'll be able to play it upfront. The new one will be to your specs, but you won't know exactly what it'll sound like till you have it. Plus the wait.

I'm for used because you will have the same value rather than taking a 33% or more hit a year down the line on the value.

Paul

[Ken Berner]

Other Flatiron (Montana-era) owners will probably weigh in here, but there have been several F models produced. Personally, I own a '92 F5 Artist which I prefer over tone bar models. I've seen these sold over the last couple of years for under $3,500, which I cannot comprehend. I guess those owners just didn't like 'em as much as I like mine. If you can find one of these in mint condition for under $4,000, you might consider it a fair price. Steven Stone can probably advise you as well. The Master Model will be considerably higher!

[Dfyngravity]

well i have played both and personally i like the ratliff better. and for the proce i personally think it is better too because you can customisze it to however you want it. ie: color, binding, radiused vs. flat fingerboard, inlays and such. actually the tone of the ratliff was very impressing to me. and at the price he is making for i would lean towards it. but its all personal preference. i would sugguest you play them though if you havent

[futrconslr]

Love my Ratliff

[Greenmando]

I'm about to purchase a high end F style mandolin. What are the pros and/or cons of each model. Example which will have a higher resell value over time,sound,enck,etc.

thanks
Both are excellent mandolins for the money. I can not see the resale of either dropping at all. I have a Flatiron Festival F that I bought off a member here last year, woderful mando.

The rest is up to you, personal differences and tastes.

I would not consider these "high end" mandolins, more of a reasonable mandolin for the serious player. The Dudes, Master Models, Loars, etc,,. that cost $12,000+ are what I would consider high end, I am happy with my A9 and Festival F thank you.

[wildrose]

I got my Ratliff a year ago and REALLY like it a lot. Audey is the only one building them now so you can be assured of a fine quality mando. I get lots of remarks about the great tone and volumn! I was just reading about the radius vs. flat and must say my hand gets sore when playing a tight pattern. Could be my fat hands though http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif

[dfrady]

Either one i think would be a good choice, although the FlatIron would probably have a higher resale value than the Ratliff.

[John Flynn]

Just MHO: I have played two Ratliffs, an F-5 and and A-4. The two I played had great fit and finish, but I was not impressed with the tone at all, sorry to say. However, I played Flatiron A once that I had the chance to buy for only $750. While I sat on the fence thinking about it, it got snapped up. I have kicked myself ever since. I think it was the best sounding mandolin for under $1,500 I have ever played.