Page 1 of 2 12 LastLast
Results 1 to 25 of 26

Thread: Want flat fretboard, at least 1 1/8" nut width. Suggestions?

  1. #1

    Default Want flat fretboard, at least 1 1/8" nut width. Suggestions?

    I'm looking for a mid-upper level mandolin with a flat fretboard and at least 1 1/8" nut width. Gibsons seem to be narrower and everyone else seems to have gone to radiused fretboards. I know I could commission a build, but I usually buy used to get more bang for the buck. Ideas?

  2. #2
    Registered User
    Join Date
    Sep 2007
    Location
    NC
    Posts
    4,787

    Default Re: Want flat fretboard, at least 1 1/8" nut width. Suggestions?

    Your best bet is probably to put a want add in the classifieds, and also to watch them like a hawk. (I was going to suggest commissioning a build with someone who's building upper tier instruments without quite the name recognition of the usual "big boys/girls)--Skip Kelley comes immediately to mind. But you covered that already). Good luck!
    Chuck

  3. #3

    Default Re: Want flat fretboard, at least 1 1/8" nut width. Suggestions?


  4. #4

    Default Re: Want flat fretboard, at least 1 1/8" nut width. Suggestions?

    All good suggestions Stevo. Thank you. $19k is pretty high-end for my station in life. Even $7500 and $9000 are stretching it. I used to have a Brentrup oval hole A model that was great, so I am sure those two are worth it; but am I? Then we get to the Buckeye. I'm from Michigan. I also can't play a mandolin that says "Vikings" or "Bears" on it. The Kratzer is probably nice, but I'm looking for a bit more than that. I guess I know how Goldilocks felt. The search goes on. Someday, that one that is "just right" will show up. At least, after 30 years of playing, I have finally figured out that I don't like skinny necks or radiused fretboards.

  5. #5
    Registered User Jill McAuley's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2009
    Location
    Co. Mayo, Ireland
    Posts
    3,569

    Default Re: Want flat fretboard, at least 1 1/8" nut width. Suggestions?

    Some of the older Weber mandolins would fit the bill.
    2018 Girouard Concert oval A
    2015 JP "Whitechapel" tenor banjo
    2018 Frank Tate tenor guitar
    1969 Martin 00-18




    my Youtube channel

  6. #6
    My Florida is scooped pheffernan's Avatar
    Join Date
    Feb 2013
    Location
    Fort Lauderdale, FL
    Posts
    3,859

    Default Re: Want flat fretboard, at least 1 1/8" nut width. Suggestions?

    So you want more than $1800, less than $7500, are open to A-styles, and prefer used? How about this one?

    https://www.mandolincafe.com/ads/146667#146667

    Or, if the scroll is a sticking point, how about this alternative?

    https://www.mandolincafe.com/ads/150822#150822
    1924 Gibson A Snakehead
    2005 National RM-1
    2007 Hester A5
    2009 Passernig A5
    2015 Black A2-z
    2010 Black GBOM
    2017 Poe Scout
    2014 Smart F-Style Mandola
    2018 Vessel TM5
    2019 Hogan F5

  7. #7
    Mando-Accumulator Jim Garber's Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 2003
    Location
    Westchester, NY
    Posts
    30,753

    Default Re: Want flat fretboard, at least 1 1/8" nut width. Suggestions?

    Brent: I would consider a Kimble A-5 like this one. Mandomutt, for some reason, does not say that it is a flat fretboard nor does he mention the width at the nut, but it looks flat to me in the photos. I would consider Kimbles among the most desirable IMHO.

    I have never played one of Skip Kelley's but it might be worth a shot. Or this one.

    Or this Gavin Baird?

    Or Girouard?

    This AL Smart A is on Hold but if not, his are wonderful mandolins. Here is an F-5.

    You didn't say you were looking for an oval or F-hole or whether you wanted an A-model or an F-model.
    Last edited by Jim Garber; Feb-25-2020 at 4:50pm.
    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

  8. #8

    Default Re: Want flat fretboard, at least 1 1/8" nut width. Suggestions?

    Yes, the Triggs is quite intriguing. That is a real possibility. I know that he has a great reputation.

  9. The following members say thank you to 1Yooper for this post:


  10. #9

    Default Re: Want flat fretboard, at least 1 1/8" nut width. Suggestions?

    Kimbles have an outstanding reputation, and I believe that he lives not too far from my brother in southern Ohio. I have a Gibson A-5L, but I think a Kimble would be a significant step up. BTW, I love the L-C. Enough that I'm not feeling a need to keep my '48 0-18. They come and go. I know that you can relate.

  11. #10
    Mando-Accumulator Jim Garber's Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 2003
    Location
    Westchester, NY
    Posts
    30,753

    Default Re: Want flat fretboard, at least 1 1/8" nut width. Suggestions?

    Quote Originally Posted by 1Yooper View Post
    Kimbles have an outstanding reputation, and I believe that he lives not too far from my brother in southern Ohio. I have a Gibson A-5L, but I think a Kimble would be a significant step up. BTW, I love the L-C. Enough that I'm not feeling a need to keep my '48 0-18. They come and go. I know that you can relate.
    Absolutely. I still love the mandolin I traded with you. I guess it was a trade made in heaven for both of us. I have played maybe 3 or 4 Kimbles and I don't think you could go wrong with one of Will's. All four I played were ones I would have no problem owning.
    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

  12. #11
    Teacher, repair person
    Join Date
    Oct 2017
    Location
    Southeast Tennessee
    Posts
    4,078

    Default Re: Want flat fretboard, at least 1 1/8" nut width. Suggestions?

    You could arrange a trip to Nashville. Between Gruhn's, Carter's, and North American Guitar [formerly Cotten's], you'll have plenty to look at. There's nothing like putting your hands on a bunch of instruments to find out what they sound like and how well they fit your hands.

    Or get on the phone and tell them what you are looking for.

  13. #12
    Mando-Accumulator Jim Garber's Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 2003
    Location
    Westchester, NY
    Posts
    30,753

    Default Re: Want flat fretboard, at least 1 1/8" nut width. Suggestions?

    Here ya go. If you have the bucks, this D'Angelico would be a sure shot. They (whoever they are) certainly do not make any like these any more.
    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

  14. #13

    Default Re: Want flat fretboard, at least 1 1/8" nut width. Suggestions?

    I believe the nut width on a Gibson Goldrush -- although not fully 1 1/8" -- is slightly wider than 1 1/16".

    Perhaps 1 3/32" ??

  15. #14
    My Florida is scooped pheffernan's Avatar
    Join Date
    Feb 2013
    Location
    Fort Lauderdale, FL
    Posts
    3,859

    Default Re: Want flat fretboard, at least 1 1/8" nut width. Suggestions?

    Quote Originally Posted by Jim Garber View Post
    Brent: I would consider a Kimble A-5 like this one. Mandomutt, for some reason, does not say that it is a flat fretboard nor does he mention the width at the nut, but it looks flat to me in the photos. I would consider Kimbles among the most desirable IMHO.
    Mutt specifies a “radiused Ebony fretboard.”
    1924 Gibson A Snakehead
    2005 National RM-1
    2007 Hester A5
    2009 Passernig A5
    2015 Black A2-z
    2010 Black GBOM
    2017 Poe Scout
    2014 Smart F-Style Mandola
    2018 Vessel TM5
    2019 Hogan F5

  16. #15
    Mando-Accumulator Jim Garber's Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 2003
    Location
    Westchester, NY
    Posts
    30,753

    Default Re: Want flat fretboard, at least 1 1/8" nut width. Suggestions?

    Quote Originally Posted by pheffernan View Post
    Mutt specifies a “radiused Ebony fretboard.”
    So sorry... I missed that. Too bad, otherwise that could have been a contender. Oh well...

    I think Will makes both flat and radiused. Here is a sold A-5 with flat fretboard on TME site.
    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

  17. #16
    My Florida is scooped pheffernan's Avatar
    Join Date
    Feb 2013
    Location
    Fort Lauderdale, FL
    Posts
    3,859

    Default Re: Want flat fretboard, at least 1 1/8" nut width. Suggestions?

    Quote Originally Posted by Jim Garber View Post
    I think Will makes both flat and radiused. Here is a sold A-5 with flat fretboard on TME site.
    He does, but they often have a narrow 1-3/32” nut width like the linked one.
    1924 Gibson A Snakehead
    2005 National RM-1
    2007 Hester A5
    2009 Passernig A5
    2015 Black A2-z
    2010 Black GBOM
    2017 Poe Scout
    2014 Smart F-Style Mandola
    2018 Vessel TM5
    2019 Hogan F5

  18. #17
    formerly Philphool Phil Goodson's Avatar
    Join Date
    May 2006
    Location
    Statesville, NC
    Posts
    3,256

    Default Re: Want flat fretboard, at least 1 1/8" nut width. Suggestions?

    There are a few Duffs out there with flat fingerboards.
    Phil

    “Sharps/Flats” “Accidentals”

  19. #18
    Registered User
    Join Date
    Feb 2014
    Location
    East Concord, NY 14055
    Posts
    259

    Default Re: Want flat fretboard, at least 1 1/8" nut width. Suggestions?

    You may want to search Bob Page in the classifides on this site or gbase.com. He helped me find a 1 3/16" nut, flat fretboard, f style. Took a while but he was great to deal with. Steve

  20. #19
    Teacher, repair person
    Join Date
    Oct 2017
    Location
    Southeast Tennessee
    Posts
    4,078

    Default Re: Want flat fretboard, at least 1 1/8" nut width. Suggestions?

    I will add that teen's Gibson oval hole mandolins have wide nuts and flat boards.

  21. #20
    Registered User Aaron Bohnen's Avatar
    Join Date
    Apr 2019
    Location
    Vancouver, BC
    Posts
    87

    Default Re: Want flat fretboard, at least 1 1/8" nut width. Suggestions?

    I'd be all over that Gavin Baird F5. They are really exceptional.

    Enjoy!
    Gavin Baird F4 & F5, Weber Octar, Gibson K-1, Guild D50, Martin D35, Yairi DY-84, etc...

  22. #21
    not a donut Kevin Winn's Avatar
    Join Date
    Apr 2016
    Location
    Portland, OR
    Posts
    735

    Default Re: Want flat fretboard, at least 1 1/8" nut width. Suggestions?

    An older Weber Bitterroot, like around 2000-2004
    "Keep your hat on, we may end up miles from here..." - Kurt Vonnegut

  23. #22

    Default Re: Want flat fretboard, at least 1 1/8" nut width. Suggestions?

    The Kentucky KM-900 posted on the classifieds last night is a great deal. 1 1/8”, no radius.

    https://www.mandolincafe.com/ads/151318#151318

  24. #23

    Default Re: Want flat fretboard, at least 1 1/8" nut width. Suggestions?

    Gibson lists the nut width on a Goldrush as 1 5/64". So more than 1 1/16, but not much.

  25. #24
    two t's and one hyphen fatt-dad's Avatar
    Join Date
    Nov 2003
    Location
    Richmond, Virginia
    Posts
    7,635

    Default Re: Want flat fretboard, at least 1 1/8" nut width. Suggestions?

    I'd imagine that for $400 or $500 bucks you could sand the radius out and get a refret?

    I'd shoot for a Sam Bush Gibson, but I'm a fan boy!

    I'd love one of Hamlett's mandolins!

    f-d
    ¡papá gordo ain’t no madre flaca!

    '20 A3, '30 L-1, '97 914, 2012 Cohen A5, 2012 Muth A5, '14 OM28A

  26. #25
    The Amateur Mandolinist Mark Gunter's Avatar
    Join Date
    Apr 2014
    Location
    South of Cleburne, North of Hillsboro, Texas
    Posts
    5,089

    Default Re: Want flat fretboard, at least 1 1/8" nut width. Suggestions?

    Quote Originally Posted by fatt-dad View Post
    I'd imagine that for $400 or $500 bucks you could sand the radius out and get a refret?
    I'd sure argue against that, though. (1) pull frets, (2) level fetboard, (3)a. level nut & recut slots or (3)b. replace nut with flat top nut & cut slots, (4)a. level saddle and recut for slots & intonation or (4)b. replace saddle, (5) refret fingerboard ...

    ... and then you may not like the feel of the end result? Better be sure you're starting with a mandolin you already really, really love except for, of course, the radius.

    Better to find one built the way you want then play it to see if there's a love affair ahead. IMHO
    WWW.THEAMATEURMANDOLINIST.COM
    ----------------------------------
    "Life is short. Play hard." - AlanN

    ----------------------------------
    HEY! The Cafe has Social Groups, check 'em out. I'm in these groups:
    Newbies Social Group | The Song-A-Week Social
    The Woodshed Study Group | Blues Mando
    - Advice For Mandolin Beginners
    - YouTube Stuff

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
  •