89' Flatiron Performer

[double E]

What would you guys say a 1989 Flatiron Performer in Excellent condition would be worth?Any opinions on this instrument? Im going to check it out Monday. Sure looks nice in the text pictures. If it doesnt sound as good or better than my 2015 F9 Dave Harvey I probably still wont buy. What do ya think? Thanks for your opinions. EE

[Br1ck]

All I know, those Harvey F 9s are tasty. Is this an either/or? The Perfomer will be fancier.

[fatt-dad]

a-model or f-model?

f-d

[doublestoptremolo]

I think the asking price might be a little high. I'd want to know if it had an elevated or integrated fretboard too.

[doublestoptremolo]

You don't know until you play it but I would bet the only thing the Flatiron has on your mandolin is looks. I think the Nashville-era performers/festivals are a little better (essentially Gibsons).

[DataNick]

I believe the fretboard is integrated, a 2015 Dave Harvey Gibson F9 should be plenty of mando...YMMV

[Mike Arakelian]

I bought a ‘91 Flatiron Performer A that was/is in excellent condition about two years ago. It has the integrated fretboard and is not as loud as my Sumi, but not what I’d call quiet either. It has a sweet woody sound that I really like. I paid $1,000 with it’s case that was in very good condition. I don’t see in your post what the asking price is, but maybe you can use my ‘91 as some kind of guide. Good luck.

[Northwest Steve]

If it is a Carlson signed mandolin they are probably asking a fair amount. If not and it has a intergraded fretboard and in good condition fair value would be in the $1000-1200 range.

[double E]

Sorry so long getting back guys. Im sorry I didnt say, its an F style. I told him if it didn't sound better than my F-9 I probably wouldnt buy it. Which I dont think it will. Im no mandolin expert but the F-9 I recently bought is cranking pretty good I think. I don't on the other hand let a good deal slip away. Im going to look at it in the morning. He is asking $2750 for it. Which im guessing is probably about right? What do you guys say? It does look to be in excellent condition.

[F-2 Dave]

Seems high to me. Possible, but doubtful that it sounds better than your F-9.

[double E]

Seems everyone thinks its doubtful it will sound better than the F9. Guess I will see in the morning.

[double E]

Well, the cafe crew knew what they were talking about. I played the Flatiron this morning. I know they are not all the same and there are some really good ones out there. This one was nice, and sounded decent, but not as good as the F9 Gibson I recently got. It wasn't mint but really nice shape. Actually I have a pac rim Flatiron that sounds very close to the 89 I played today. Several have told me its really good for a china Flatiron. Thanks for the replies and advise. EE

[double E]

A few pics I took of it this morning.[ATTACH=CONFIG]168904[/ATTA

[slimt]

A few pics I took of it this morning.[ATTACH=CONFIG]168904[/ATTA

Thats a looker.. Cool piece..

[double E]

Wish it would have sounded as good as the F9, I would have bought it. It was purty!

[J.Albert]

That mandolin looks exceptionally clean in the pics above. As good an example as one is likely to find considering its age.

However, $2,750 is too high, in my opinion.
$1,900-2,100 -- a buy.

[double E]

That's kinda what I was thinking for a good buy.

[double E]

Pic of my 2015 F9 and my Flatiron import.