From Bozeman Flatirons to current mandolin technology

[Tim Logan]

I have a beautiful Bruce Weber signed Bozeman built Flatiron A-5. To me it is an absolute dynamite mandolin - also happens to look like new. I seem to have a bug to look at Northfield's Artist series. Flatirons seem to be an incredible mandolin for the money. Are modern mandolins, such as Northfield, truly that much different - especially considering the cost? Anyone actually own a Flatiron AND a Northfield that might share their opinion of the two? Thanks in advance for your thoughts.

[Br1ck]

Different? Probably. Better? Totally subjective.

Is there some huge breakthrough since your flatiron was built? Not that I know of.

Looking for justification? You came to the right place.

I've liked the few Flatirons I've played. I've liked all the Northridges I've played too.

You need to take your mandolin to a store and play side by side. Can't do that? Buy a Northfield and use the return policy.

[Tim Logan]

Thank you Brick!

[allenhopkins]

I would call a Flatiron built in the 1980's a "modern" mandolin. Since then, there may be increased use of computerized carving to perform the initial shaping of mandolin components, but a high-quality mandolin will have the final work done by a craftsperson experienced in mandolin luthiery.

What has often surprised me is the quality of instruments turned out by larger factories a century ago, when dozens -- hundreds -- of workers made mandolins under one roof, largely or entirely by hand, and produced instruments we still hold up as the standard for construction, appearance, and sound. Impressive in retrospect.

[Mandoplumb]

I would call a Flatiron built in the 1980's a "modern" mandolin. Since then, there may be increased use of computerized carving to perform the initial shaping of mandolin components, but a high-quality mandolin will have the final work done by a craftsperson experienced in mandolin luthiery.
What has often surprised me is the quality of instruments turned out by larger factories a century ago, when dozens -- hundreds -- otf workers made mandolins under one roof, largely or entirely by hand, and produced instruments we still hold up as the standard for construction, appearance, and sound. Impressive in retrospect.

Kind of goes against the conventional thinking that we can do everything better with computers.

[almeriastrings]

I had a 2001 (Nashville-built) Flatiron and Northfield at the same time.

Both EXCELLENT mandolins, but 'voicing' was different. The Flatiron was closer to my Gibson F5's than the Northfield - but as others have said, you really have to try them. It is 100% down to personal preference. Both very high quality instruments.

[ccravens]

I had a 2001 (Nashville-built) Flatiron and Northfield at the same time.

Both EXCELLENT mandolins, but 'voicing' was different. The Flatiron was closer to my Gibson F5's than the Northfield - but as others have said, you really have to try them. It is 100% down to personal preference. Both very high quality instruments.

IOW, since the voicing of each is different, you need one of each.