What does a pancake sound like?

**levin4now** · May-18-2006, 11:01am

I'm trying to save up for a nice A or F model mandolin, but was recently struck by the simple beauty of a Flatiron mandolin (the pancake(?) style). Does any one have a sound clip of what they sound like?

Alan

**Nathan Sanders** · May-18-2006, 2:31pm

Here's page I have with some sounds clips of me playing.Mando Tunes
The first clip, Angelina Baker, was played on an early 80's Flatiron pancake with f-holes instead of a round hole. I cannot remember if I played the other two tunes on the Flatiron or on my A-9. Enjoy!

**PaulD** · May-18-2006, 2:59pm

I don't have any sound clips... other than those in my head!

I will say that a "Pancake" has what I always described as a punchy sound. It's loud, decent mids to highs, weak on the low end. It's not as balanced or refined as its more sophisticated bretheren, but mine was the only mando I owned for about 15 years and I still love it. I play my F-9 more, but that's due to the fact that I've got the action the way I like it. I've been meaning to put some time into the Flatiron to bring the action down.

pd

**fatt-dad** · May-18-2006, 3:30pm

. . . a piercing echo across a foggy lake.

fatt no-time-for-haiku dad

**DryBones** · May-18-2006, 5:15pm

not to change topics BUT what kind of bracing is used on a Flatiron Pancake and if it's X bracing would it be a sin to have one converted to a lefty?(bridge and nut)?

**ab4usa** · May-18-2006, 5:36pm

Jason,

Lefty guy at my local store did just that with a Flatiron. Sounds great, but I doubt it is much different that your mid-mo.

**DryBones** · May-18-2006, 8:12pm

Alan,

so I should forget about ordering an Arches Flat Top?

they sure look nice!

**ab4usa** · May-19-2006, 8:06am

Far be it from me to try to slow down your MAS! Based on your current crop though, I'd be thinking about a replacement F5.

**DryBones** · May-19-2006, 10:33am

Originally Posted by (ab4usa @ May 19 2006, 09:06)

Far be it from me to try to slow down your MAS! #Based on your current crop though, I'd be thinking about a replacement F5.

Alan,
that would actually be my idea as well. Unfortunately that Morgan Monroe was a gift so it may have to stay around a bit longer before I can upgrade it. Not sure I even want a lefty F5,I am pretty happy with my Eastman A. If anything I may need to find me a lefty Eastman 504 oval hole to match my 505. As far as flat tops go, I am loving my Mid-Mo so probably won't be doing any upgrading there unless I want to add a Mid-Mo Octave to the collection. I originally bought the Mid-Mo with the intent to use it until I could order an Arches Flat Top but for now I don't really see the need to do that.

**levin4now** · May-19-2006, 10:34am

Nice playing f5dude! Thanks.

I am not in a financial position to be owning multiple mandolins. When the time is right, I will sell my MK and buy something else. My time frame for owning this 'next step up' mandolin is variable, b/c my mind keeps moving around from a Collings MT or MT2, to a Collings MF, or a Daley A, or etc..... but I thought in the meantime, I might have some fun with one of these mandolins. I don't know if I'd rather losing the bluegrass flavor and chop I have right now.

Alan