Need a #2 mandolin

[George Henry]

I am in the market for a second mando. I play old time, Celtic, contra dance music; no bluegrass. My primary instrument is a Lafferty (Schneider) oval hole with modern neck. It suits me perfectly. I am interested in a comparable quality A model mandolin with f holes. I am interested in a Montana made Flatiron Performer A for $1000 (which I have not seen) and a 1939 Gibson A50 which I have examined. The Gibson is in nice shape except for exceedingly low action, a neck in need of TR adjustment, new strings, general set up. As a retired guitar tech, I can handle repairs and set up myself. As is, the Gibson sounds plinky and weak, like an old Harmony or Kay. The A50 is priced at $1100.

I am reasonably certain that the Flatiron will fit my needs, having owned two Flatiron A models years ago, which I was satisfied with.

But the Gibson intrigues me. What is the skinny on old A50s? Are they capable of the quality of sound that I am used to? Both mandolins are returnable, although the Gibson only offers 72 hours. The Gibson is at the GC in Knoxville.

Any input would be appreciated.

[pheffernan]

Any input would be appreciated.

Given your applications, I would consider a resonator mandolin such as an OMI era Dobro or a National RM-1: https://www.mandolincafe.com/ads/112596#112596

[George Henry]

Probably not.

[F-2 Dave]

Some old A-50's sound great, others more mediocre. $1100 isn't a horrible price for a good sounding A-50 in good shape. I guess all you would be out is your time and labor if you bought the Gibson. You could still probably get your money back out of it if it didn't turn out to be your cup of tea after you worked it over.

[Eric Platt]

I'd go for the Flatiron. Just played a contra dance last Saturday and the fiddler switched to a Flatiron A and it was quite nice sounding. (I was playing guitar). All the Flatiron's I've played and heard sound good to my ears. (I also don't play BG).

Your description of the A-50 does not inspire confidence to me. While a setup and maybe a re-fitting of the bridge to the top might help, I don't believe it would change the fundamental sound of the instrument. So if it sounds weak now, it would probably still sound weak. Plus, there seems to be a number of A-50s out there right now.

BTW, just looked at the photo on the GC website - the bridge looks like it's in the wrong position. And the fingerboard is worn. How are the frets? It might be that instrument will need some money thrown at it to get it to play the best. And you still won't be sure it sounds great.

[UsuallyPickin]

Both Bozeman made Flatiron and Gibson mandolins pre 93' are excellent instruments. If you can find one and can swing the $ look into a Gibson A5L. The Artist model Flatiron instruments are also 10 out of 10 on the tone materials and workmanship scales. On Gibson A 50 instruments some are excellent others not so much. I definitely recommend playing these before buying when possible. Luck.. R/ R/

[mandroid]

Banjo-Mandolin?

or the electric version of the Gibson A 50, which is the EM150..

One posted FS in the classifieds ... https://www.mandolincafe.com/ads/113671#113671

[allenhopkins]

In my (limited) experience, A-50's are good to play, if you like a slim, fast neck. but need to be set up well to have strong projection. And, as stated above, there's quite a bit of variation over the decades Gibson made them. The ones I've played have been bright sounding, but without a great deal of mid-to-lower-range volume.

I'm not quite sure why some posters on this thread are suggesting you get a "max-loud" instrument -- RM-1 resonator, mandolin-banjo, electric (EM-150) with a mag pickup. You didn't say you needed a much louder instrument, just an f-hole with "comparable quality" to your Lafferty.

I'd at least test drive the Flatiron, and maybe scout around for a used Gibson A-9 -- I've seen a few listed for around $1.3K. You might also investigate the Eastman MD-505, which is less expensive ($6-700).

[George Henry]

I went with the Flatiron. Although I was intrigued with the Gibson, I was afraid that it needed to much work to set it up properly to even determine it's sound potential; truss rod adjustment, bridge seating, probable fret leveling. I know even less about the Flatiron, but the picture looks promising. And I have 45 days.

[almeriastrings]

All the Flatiron's I've encountered have been very good indeed. I had a 2001 Nashville built 'Performer' at one time and it was essentially a Gibson A-5G in all but name. The Montana ones have a few different construction details, but are typically great sounding mandolins.

[Ivan Kelsall]

George - Get thee one of these. If i was playing Irish music,i'd have to have one !!.
Ivan

[CES]

I bet you made the right call. I've been underwhelmed with most of the A50s I've played, and pleasantly impressed with most Flatirons I've played. I'm sure there are some great sounding A50s out there, but I think the Flatiron is a safer bet, especially with all the potential work you described.

FWIW, if you were to ever need "Max loud," the newer RM-1s are great mandolins, and much more woody sounding than I anticipated. Mine will get nasty with a slide, but is quite pleasant to play/hear otherwise...

[George Henry]

I picked up the mandolin today. First impressions are generally positive. It is in pretty good shape except for a section on the back of the neck where the top finish coat is flaked off. The mandolin is LIGHT! The top and back woods seem quite thin, but quite artistically carved. The neck is very small and thinner that my Lafferty. The top is finished in a cherry sunburst gloss and the back, sides, and neck are stained in dark walnut gloss. There is a single binding joining top and sides.

The sound is exceptional, very loud and responsive. This power allows me to play with a light and sensitive hand. I think this mando features an integrated top/fretboard join, but the mandolin is quite powerful none the less.

The mandolin needs some set up. I adjusted the truss rod already. The frets could use a dressing and the bridge a fitting. I need to touch up the finish on the neck.

I don't think GC needs to worry about this going back.

[Capt. E]

I have always found Flatirons to be rather good for the money. You should enjoy yours very much. The 30's vintage Gibson A-50 (also A-1 and A-00) can be good. I would say $1100 is a bit much for one, even in excellent playable condition. If you really want one, keep an eye out and you will find a good one, preferably with original hard case. I suspect the Flatiron will keep you happy.