Flatiron pancake top distortion: How much is too much?

[bsnider]

Hello All,
I'm considering buying a very nice Fatiron 3-K pancake. It plays and sounds great, but the top has a little sinkage under the bridge (less than 1/16" longitudinally; it's flat from side to side). I know these instruments often have some distortion of the top, but how much is considered a sign of trouble? If it's been stable for a number of years and doesn't affect the way the instrument sounds or plays, I'm assuming one should just leave it as is. But how much do think it would affect the value?

Thanks,
Bruce

[Bob Clark]

Hi Bruce,

There are people here who can give you a good estimate on what you should pay for an instrument like this. I am not one of them. What I would say, though, is that enough good, used pancakes come on the market at reasonable prices that one with any potential defect would have to be pretty cheap to make it worthwhile. So, if it doesn't seem like a real bargain, just keep watching the classifieds for a good deal on a pancake with no issues to worry about.

Good luck,

Bob

[bsnider]

Thanks, Bob. That sounds like good advice. I'll keep it in mind if I end up making an offer.

Bruce

[Bob Clark]

Hi Bruce,

Please let us know what you decide to do on this one, and if not this one, what you end up purchasing. I am a real fan of these pancakes, regardless of who makes them. They are really nice instruments, are a lot of fun to play, have a distinctive voice, and are a real bargain in the mandolin family of instruments.

Best wishes,

Bob

[pheffernan]

As a point of reference, Bentley Guitar Studios has a later 3K for $650: http://www.bentleyguitars.com/.

[bsnider]

A 3MW, but it looks nice. Thanks for the tip!

As a point of reference, Bentley Guitar Studios has a later 3K for $650: http://www.bentleyguitars.com/.

[bsnider]

I ended up buying the 3K, at a price reduced to reflect its status as a player rather than a collector's item. And it is a really nice player, way better than the Cadet I owned for a while. The original case is a significant plus too.

Thanks for your interest!

Bruce

Hi Bruce,

Please let us know what you decide to do on this one, and if not this one, what you end up purchasing. I am a real fan of these pancakes, regardless of who makes them. They are really nice instruments, are a lot of fun to play, have a distinctive voice, and are a real bargain in the mandolin family of instruments.

Best wishes,

Bob

[spufman]

Very nice looking pancake. Just check to make sure the braces are well glued and run light gauge strings, then no worries.

[Bob Clark]

I ended up buying the 3K, at a price reduced to reflect its status as a player rather than a collector's item. And it is a really nice player, way better than the Cadet I owned for a while. The original case is a significant plus too.

Thanks for your interest!

Bruce

It's a real beauty. I agree with Spufman's suggestions. I hope it works out well for you and you really enjoy it.

Bob