View Full Version : Flatiron at music123
WVPastor
Nov-21-2007, 11:10am
Is the Flatiron at Music123 a step up from my current Washburn M3SW?
Roger
homeslice
Nov-21-2007, 11:38am
Hey Roger. I would answer that with no, but thats just my opinion....so I'll tell you why. Both of these mandolins are made to spec by overseas labor that have a lot more on thier mind than tonal details. Im not slamming imported mandolins at all. There are certainly some good ones, but my problem is with consistancy. If the "norm" of a certain model of instrument is all over the board it makes me suspicious. Again, there are a lot of good instruments coming from overseas, but what I would consider a REAL upgrade from what you have would most likely be a US made instrument. Just my 2 cents. I hope whatever you decide that you love it! Good luck!
To be fair here, I have NOT played either of these models. I have played a lot of pac-rim mandolins though and they all left something to be desired.....and usually in a most familiar way.
Jason Holmes
Nov-21-2007, 12:10pm
On the other hand, I've heard pretty good things about those new Flatirons, that they're surprisingly good for an $800 new instrument. Then again, I do own a very good Eastman, so I have no bias against things made overseas.
If you're in WV, I'd think there is probably somewhere within reasonable driving distance where you could try one out.