Flatiron Festival A

[mandoforme]

Pictures of my Flatiron Festival A mandolin refinished in varnish by Allen Jones. #Please excuse my photography skills. #The pictures do not do the mandolin justice. First attempt did not work.

[mandoforme]

For some reason I could not get the pictures to post. I will keep trying.

[Bill Snyder]

If the pictures are on your computer use the ADD REPLY button and then type your message and click BROWSE and find their location on your computer and post your message. DO NOT USE THE IMAGE BUTTON on the Quick Reply form unless they are saved on another website.

[mandoforme]

Trying again!

[mandoforme]

Another front shot.

[mandoforme]

Shot of the back

[mandoforme]

Shot of the headstock with the "Flatiron" inlay.

[mandoforme]

Thank you Mr. Snyder for your assistance. I probably would not have been able to get the photos posted without your help. The photos are not that good. I need to take some photography classes. This Flatiron mandolin sounds great. The original finish was a red laquer finish which was cracking badly. The finish was like that when I bought it from the previous owner, who played the mandolin in a bluegrass band. I loved the sound of the mandolin, but I did not like the red finish, so I contacted Allen Jones about refinishing it in varnish and he told me that it would take him about six weeks to complete the refinish, but it actually took a little less.

The mandolin looks better than what the pictures show. I plan on keeping this mandolin for a long time. I have always been a huge fan of the Montana built Flatiron mandolins. I guess the refinish would probably decrease the resale value, but I got the mandolin for a good price. Allen's price for the refinish was much lower than I originally expected. Allen is a nice guy. Pleasure to deal with.

[John M. Riley]

just out of couriousity, how much did he charge for the refinish
ive got an older a style flatiron i might consider getting him to do

[John M. Riley]

i also bought one of his f models that i am really happy with

[soapycows]

Why did you refinish it?

[mandoforme]

Why did you refinish it?

Howard I had the Flatiron refinished because it had the original red lacquer finish, which is ugly to my eyes. #In addition, the finish was cracking in several places. #So I contacted Allen Jones about refinishing it in a varnish finish. #I must say that I am very pleased with the results. #The Flatiron not only looks better, but it sounds better. #It was a great sounding mandolin with the lacquer finish, but now it sounds so much better with the varnish finish. #Allen told me that the varnish finish would allow the wood to breathe easier, which makes sense to me. #I hope this helps.

[soapycows]

I was curious because I had 2 flatirons with finish issues. One was not too bad, but the other would bubble up when you'd press on it. Really strange, like the finish didn't adhere to the wood. Just wondering if you had the same problem.
Thanks

[jacfreeman]

This is very inspiring. I just picked up a 94 Flatiron A that has the Cherry Lacquer finish. I can tell there is flamed maple beneath the finish on the back and sides, but you can only see it at certain angles. It's a shame they stained and lacquered it right over such a beautiful wood grain. Also, the lacquer on the sides are showing some spiderwebing microcracks that I can feel with my finger nail. I would love to refinish this mandolin just so I can like it's appearance better ... but the red is unique and it still has that maple Flatiron sound.