Results 1 to 3 of 3

Thread: 84' Flatiron - A5-1 Needs setup work and thinking of upgrades

  1. #1
    Registered User
    Join Date
    Nov 2012
    Location
    Miami
    Posts
    14

    Default 84' Flatiron - A5-1 Needs setup work and thinking of upgrades

    I'm about to bring in my beloved Flatiron 84' A5-1 in for some major setup. It needs fretwork and probably a new bridge (the current bridge is tilting forward - I think the posts for the screws on the adjustable bridge have bent forward from years of pressure because it looks to me like the foot of the bridge is still seated pretty well on the mandolin top).

    Anyway, I'm thinking about replacing the bridge with a Cumberland Acoustic adjustable bridge) and the tailpiece with an Allen or a James (leaning towards the James - just looks simple and practical).

    Are there any suggestions about other bridge or tailpieces I should consider? Or, is there a downside about replacing the original hardware with this upgraded stuff?

    I'll probably post this on the Flatiron group forum as well.

    Thank you for your opinions...

    How

  2. #2
    Mando-Accumulator Jim Garber's Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 2003
    Location
    Westchester, NY
    Posts
    30,753

    Default Re: 84' Flatiron - A5-1 Needs setup work and thinking of upgrades

    I have an 83 Flatiron that I also love. I would replace non-functional parts with others. Keep originals if you ever sell it. I like the James tp and would easily replace on my main instruments except for vintage ones.
    Jim

    My Stream on Soundcloud
    Facebook
    19th Century Tunes
    Playing lately:
    1924 Gibson A4 - 2018 Campanella A-5 - 2007 Brentrup A4C - 1915 Frank Merwin Ashley violin - Huss & Dalton DS - 1923 Gibson A2 black snakehead - '83 Flatiron A5-2 - 1939 Gibson L-00 - 1936 Epiphone Deluxe - 1928 Gibson L-5 - ca. 1890s Fairbanks Senator Banjo - ca. 1923 Vega Style M tenor banjo - ca. 1920 Weymann Style 25 Mandolin-Banjo - National RM-1

  3. #3
    Resonate globally Pete Jenner's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2011
    Location
    Mt Victoria, NSW, Australia
    Posts
    3,546
    Blog Entries
    1

    Default Re: 84' Flatiron - A5-1 Needs setup work and thinking of upgrades

    Sounds like you know what you want. Both good choices. Do it.
    The more I learn, the less I know.

    Peter Jenner
    Blackheathen

    Facebook

Tags for this Thread

Bookmarks

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •