The Flatiron F5 1984 Info required

**jimmy powells** · Nov-27-2011, 4:33pm

Hi folks. I'm in the UK and recently bought a 1984 "The Flatiron" F5. It doesn't say Artist or Custom but it is triple bound in that the top has the ivoroid and the overlap has thin black and thin ivoroid. I had read somewhere that it was the Artist ones which were triple bound and a normal F5 would not be.

I'm just a little curious about a couple of things:

1--Does anyone know if they normall came with nickel hardware or gold. The original ownwer said he bought it new in 1984 from Mandolin brothers and there is a case/mandolin cloth with with their logo on. He said he never touched it except to replace the tailpiece and the original is nickel as are the bridge wheels. The tuners are reverse gear gold plated Schallers. I can't see Flatiron selling a mandolin with a mis match. I think someone must have replaced the tuners.

Anyone know much about these mandolins.

Also the bridge is quite low relatively speaking. Just wondered if that was how they were made.

The mandolin is in fantastic condition and has a warm balanced tone which I really like.

many thanks

Jimmy Powells
UK

email:james.powells@sky.com

**jbrwky** · Nov-27-2011, 5:40pm

Hi Jimmy. I have a '91 Artist. They did come with gold hardware. Is there a signature or label of any kind in your mandolin? I'm guessing that in that year it would signed by Steve Carlson.

**AlanN** · Nov-27-2011, 6:56pm

In 1985, I bought a 1985 Flatiron F-5 Artist serial #85100106. It had nickle hardware and was signed by Steve Carlson. Who signed yours and what is the serial number?

**fatt-dad** · Nov-27-2011, 7:48pm

in 1984 they didn't have trim levels like "artist," "performer," or "Festival."

Not sure about nickel or gold hardware.

You need to post a photo so we can enjoy your mandolin with you!

f-d

**jimmy powells** · Nov-28-2011, 4:07am

Hi. Jimmy here. Thanks for replies and to any who do so in the future.
If anyone would like 4 four photos in good detail, please email me at james.powells@sky.com and I'll send them. The mandolin does have a certificate inside which says F5 and is signed by Steve Carlson.

Jimmy