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Thread: Question about a Flatiron A model oval hole

  1. #1
    Registered User Eric Platt's Avatar
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    Default Question about a Flatiron A model oval hole

    Was searching around and found this - https://reverb.com/item/25801724-gib...latiron-a-oval

    Was this Nashville or off-shore? Don't want to get into the merits of either, but have never seen that late of a Flatiron. Doing a quick search on the forum this morning didn't show anything obvious. Especially photo-wise. Only seem to see this one. Although I know there is another one out there at the same price, with similar problems to the rosette.

    Just interesting that while there was a thread about 2005 oval holes, this appears to be 2003, looking at the label. Thanks for any info folks could provide.

    Photo of the front for posterity. Taken from Reverb and the photo is the property of Sam Ash
    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	Flatiron A Oval Hole from Reverb.jpg 
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    Moderator MikeEdgerton's Avatar
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    Default Re: Question about a Flatiron A model oval hole

    I don't remember seeing one of those here. I'm kind of surprised by it. Unless somebody changed the tuners those are Gibson Grover tuners. That kind of points it to Nashville. I'm confused by the rosette I would have expected it to be a little nicer. It looks like it's painted on. Maybe Big Joe might know what it is.
    "It's comparable to playing a cheese slicer."
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    "Bargain instruments are no bargains if you can't play them"
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  4. #3

    Default Re: Question about a Flatiron A model oval hole

    I'm going to -guess- that's a Nashville Flatiron, produced near the end of the "Flatiron era" of Montana-made and Nashville-made Flatirons.

    It appears to have the Gibson/Grover tuners on it.
    I don't believe a Chinese-made Flatiron would have them.

    Also, the label inside says, "Nashville, Tenn, USA".

    This might have been an experimental model, when the powers-that-be at Gibson were wondering what to do with the Flatiron brand...

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  6. #4
    Registered User mandolinstew's Avatar
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    Default Re: Question about a Flatiron A model oval hole

    What’s up with that tailpiece?

  7. #5
    Registered User mandolinstew's Avatar
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    Default Re: Question about a Flatiron A model oval hole

    Quote Originally Posted by mandolinstew View Post
    What’s up with that tailpiece?
    Separation won’t affect ?Rough finish on soundhole?And is that electric tape?Otherwise it looks like my 1994 Flatiron.SamAsh?Maybe If it was $400.

  8. #6

    Default Re: Question about a Flatiron A model oval hole

    Also looks similar to the back of a Gibson A9, which would put it in the Nashville Era. I can't help but wonder if it was retopped to be an A4 at some point. An odd piece indeed. Wonder how it sounds.

  9. #7

    Default Re: Question about a Flatiron A model oval hole

    The label does not look like a Nashville era mandolin. The said The Gibson Master Model. I am far from and expert but have owned four of the Nashville Flatirons. Wondering if there is a serial number or another label with signature? Re-topped might be an option as parts look Gibson but the top definitely not?

  10. #8
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    Default Re: Question about a Flatiron A model oval hole

    This very same mandolin is also advertised at the Guitar Center Cedar Hill TX [Dallas area] store, as well as at Sam Ash, Dallas. Google "flatiron mandolin guitar center." Someone else will have to post the link.

    The figure on the back and the soundhole damage are the same.

    So far as I know, Sam Ash and Guitar Center are not affiliated with each other.

    There is something odd about this, unless the mandolin has changed hands and someone neglected to delete an ad.
    Last edited by rcc56; Aug-19-2019 at 2:09am.

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  12. #9
    Moderator MikeEdgerton's Avatar
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    Default Re: Question about a Flatiron A model oval hole

    Unless it just happened they are not affiliated. Very strange.

    The link to the Guitar Center listing:

    https://www.guitarcenter.com/Used/Gi...in-Mandolin.gc

    The Guitar Center picture shows a nicer looking tailpiece cover.
    "It's comparable to playing a cheese slicer."
    --M. Stillion

    "Bargain instruments are no bargains if you can't play them"
    --J. Garber

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  14. #10
    Moderator MikeEdgerton's Avatar
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    Default Re: Question about a Flatiron A model oval hole

    The label and rosette for posterity:
    Attached Thumbnails Attached Thumbnails Click image for larger version. 

Name:	FlatironOvalLabel.jpg 
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    Last edited by MikeEdgerton; Aug-19-2019 at 11:55am.
    "It's comparable to playing a cheese slicer."
    --M. Stillion

    "Bargain instruments are no bargains if you can't play them"
    --J. Garber

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  16. #11
    Registered User mandolinstew's Avatar
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    Default Re: Question about a Flatiron A model oval hole

    Quote Originally Posted by MikeEdgerton View Post
    The label and rosette for posterity:
    Worse rosette I ever saw.Who would do that?

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