NMD 1989 Flatiron Performer A

[Eric Platt]

MAS struck again. Was looking for a used mando with a pickup. And if it were a Flatiron that would be extra nice. Why? No reason except I've never owned a carved top one but every time I tried one I wanted one.

A few lucky breaks later this one showed up on Reverb. Some quick decision making meant it was shipped to Minnesota and arrived last Thursday.

Not sure if the Fishman(?) saddle pickup is stock. Have found a few similar ones including with the wiring in the bass side F hole. And a quick look inside shows a clean endpin jack install. The vintage Barcus Berry 1/8" jack is strange. Everything works.

Neck is a very nice V shape. Still getting used to the string spacing and a few other quirks. But was able to take it to two musical gatherings and it was quite well received. The back is a very nice looking maple. Not sure why a partial speed neck was done. Doesn't hurt or help. Just weird.

How's the sound? Quite good. More Gibson than Collings. It claims a good space. Worked well with my duet fiddler. She could easily hear it and liked the tone.

Only strange part was the A string had a slight metallic buzzing sound. Finally traced it to the wiring coming out of the pickup vibrating on the top. Hence the small amount of putty to keep things in place. If anyone has a better suggestion, would like to hear it.

Still haven't settled on a pick for it. Moving between a Wegen BG 1.0 and a Primetone around the same thickness.

Here are a few photos to prove it did happen -

[pops1]

Take your jack out and twist it to twist the wire so it won't hit the top. I have had success with this several times and usually do it when I install a pickup.

[Rob Ross]

Welcome to the Flatiron Performer A Club, you're going to really like it. Good thing you've got the wrist rest and pick-up; won't get too confusing if I sit next to you with my '96 Performer-A.

[soliver]

Congrats!!! When I met up with David Mold a while back to give his Silverangel a try, he had a Flatiron (think an A Jr) and I really liked how it sounded and have contemplated adding to my collection every since.

[Doug Brock]

Congratulations!

Interesting about the A string and the pickup wire! I would never have thought about that.

[HonketyHank]

Congrats!!! When I met up with David Mold a while back to give his Silverangel a try, he had a Flatiron (think an A Jr) and I really liked how it sounded and have contemplated adding to my collection every since.

Spencer, I snagged a 1994 Flatiron Festival A from Bozeman, MT about a month ago and I love it. I think that would be after Gibson bought the company. But it sounds better to my ear than any Gibson I have played except for the high end ones. It is very successfully competing with my Webers for my attention. I am going to try to get the Newbies tune of the month done with it some time this week. I can't believe how good it sounds for less than $1k.

(just a testimonial - not for sale)