Hi folks,
I recently came into a nice old Flatiron: an all-original 1983 A5-1, signed by Steve Carlson. A case queen: corroded strings, frets and tailpiece. Warranty card, strap, picks, pitch pipe (!) and key still in the case. No repairs. Few signs of playing.
As you might expect, it sounds pretty good!
I thought I might have a fine luthier give it an up-to-date makeover: James tailpiece, Rubner tuners, radiused fingerboard, a re-fret. From reading on the Cafe, I know that at least a few early Flatiron owners have gone that route, with excellent results.
But then I thought, well…maybe I shouldn’t. As it stands, it’s an unaltered bit of mandolin history from the workbench of one of our most respected luthiers. Maybe I should just Let It Be. If I really want a modern A5, a number of brilliant young builders are turning out beautiful instruments at a cost that even a regular guy might consider.
I don’t know. What do you think?
Fair winds,
lostsailor
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