+1 for this suggestion. I, too, am a fan of flat-tops. Despite having a very nice carved arch top mandolin, if I counted the number of hours per year of play time, I think my Crystal Forest A/N flat-top would be the winner. I just love playing that mandolin. If you buy a flat-top as a beginner and wait until you know you are sticking with mandolin, and know exactly what you want before buying a good arch top, you may save some steps along the way. You might discover that the flat top one you will keep for life, regardless of what else you buy.
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