View Full Version : Flatiron question
saznpins
Sep-20-2004, 7:21am
Greetings all you knowledgable mando folks, can you help me with a Flatiron question?
I've been looking to step up to a new mando for a while and finally took the plunge and purchased a Flatiron Performer F from the classifieds. It just arrived today and I have it on approval for 48hrs. I can't find a signature anywhere on it. Are some of them not signed? The serial is 96031489.
I've played a few Flatirons over the years and always liked them, but never looked really closely because either I wasn't ready to buy or the instrument belonged to someone else.
When I get home from work I'll be able to play.
Many thanks for any help you can give http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif
I have an unsigned 96 performer F. My main mando is a BRW. The Flatiron has such a nice umph and I would never sell it. I'll have to look at serial number tonight and see how close we are.
Dead Head Fred
Sep-20-2004, 8:19am
If I am not mistaken, and I usually am, only the Artist models are signed. You could email the folks at Weber and they could tell you, they are extremely helpful and answered several questions about my Flatiron. If the Flatiron your playing sounds half as good as mine, it is probably a keeper.
Dave Hicks
Sep-20-2004, 8:45am
Earlier ones were signed - I have an 85 A-Jr signed by Steve Carlson.
wayfaringstranger
Sep-20-2004, 10:19am
I own a '95 (or '96) Performer F. It, too, is unsigned. I don't think that they signed Festival or Performer models (at least not in the era in which the three I've seen were made).
In short, the lack of a signature is nothing to worry about for that mandolin.
saznpins
Sep-20-2004, 11:02am
Thanks so much for all the info! I'm looking forward to going home and doing some serious playing http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif
Thanks again!
Sarah
Tom C
Sep-20-2004, 11:09am
Sarah,
I see you are in NYC. If you would like another Flatiron Performer F to compare it against or a second opnion,just let me know. I can bring it in to work with me anytime.
Tom
saznpins
Sep-20-2004, 12:44pm
Shoot! Thanks for the offer Tom, I wish I was still in NYC http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/sad.gif We just moved to central New Jersey a couple of months ago when I took a job out here. In fact, I don't even have anyone to play with anymore now that I'm out in the 'burbs (know of any jams in central NJ?). Gotta update that profile of mine...
Tom C
Sep-20-2004, 12:51pm
You can check out Albert Music Hall (http://www.alberthall.org/index.html) in Waretown, NJ. I've never been there though.
jim_n_virginia
Sep-20-2004, 5:01pm
I have two Flatirons, bother Performer Series. One is an F style and the other an A style. Both are not signed.
Only special order and Artist series are signed I believe but all are inspected by Carlson or Bruce Weber.
I love my Flatirons and both have excellent tone. My Flatiron F with a Brekke traditional bridge (brass bar under the bridge) is a monster! It's a keeper!
saznpins
Sep-20-2004, 5:40pm
Well I've just spent the last couple of hours playing and this one is a keeper too, this mando has a great voice http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif
The only thing that bothers me a tiny bit is the little bit of lacquer that has been worn off because there's no pick guard. How easy is that to fix? It's about the size of a quarter.
Tone is fab, playability is great (though I'll lower the action just a tad for my own preference) and I love this mando! I just have to satisfy that little asthetics voice in the back of my head and get that worn area fixed...