My '84 carlson a5-1

**fatt-dad** · Jan-25-2008, 2:08pm

I had this photo on my camera and resized it for the 'cafe. #Nicely shows the color of this Flatiron and an early Superior Loar-inspired case.

I like this mandolin!

f-d

**testore** · Jan-25-2008, 4:34pm

A friend of mine just told me he has the same thing and was wondering about its' market value. His is almost unplayed and in new condition.Any thoughts?

**fatt-dad** · Jan-25-2008, 8:31pm

First: my Flatiron is not for sale. I bought it for $1,200.00 from George Gruhn about 4-1/2 years ago. I've seen them more recently in the $2,200.00 to $2,600.00 range. Not often exact, but close. I'd say that's about market price, then again. . . . . .

I'd say you'd have no problems getting a quick sale at $2,200.00.

f-d

**Andrew DeMarco** · Jan-25-2008, 8:44pm

What kind of strap is that. I've been looking for one that has that shoelace thing that goes around the headstock between the tuning machines like that-- but REALLY light weight and minimally invasive (without making me nervous...).

Is there a specific name for that or brand?

Thanks.

**fatt-dad** · Jan-25-2008, 9:40pm

Yes, my Flatiron can run off pretty much any F-style mandolin that you put it against. That and it's x-braced too! This is all the mandolin that I need - that said, I am waiting for another A-style mandolin to finish my fleet. Wayne Henderson says it may be this year! It'll be tone bar v. x-braced.

My strap is the standard-issue fatt-dad boot lace braid. HERE is an earler post on brading a mandolin strap. For an A-style, I just tie the end around the peghead through the machines and use a hitch or so (so it can slide to adjust). For the f-style, I make a noose to go over the scroll.

f-d

**sgarrity** · Jan-27-2008, 10:58am

This mandolin is a HOSS for sure.

**maj34** · Feb-06-2008, 1:31pm

That mandolin is a beauty. . . I love the understated look of those Flatiron A-styles, and I love the tone I've heard in sound clips. #I'm a relative newcomer to the mandolin world, and I'm intrigued by the devoted Flatiron following. #Does anyone have a timeline history of when Flatiron started offering various models? #How about specs on the different models? #I have seen mention of some A-styles not having full carving under the fingerboard extension vs. some that do have full carving. #I'd like to begin searching for a Flatiron A, but I want to make sure I know what I'm looking for. #

Thanks to anyone who can help.

**bgmando** · Feb-06-2008, 2:19pm

'84 was a great year for Flatiron mandolins. I've got an F-5 from that year. True war horse.

Someone is building an archive on them. I need to get a photo taken of mine and sent in.

**fatt-dad** · Feb-06-2008, 3:48pm

Originally Posted by (bgmando @ Feb. 06 2008, 14:19)

'84 was a great year for Flatiron mandolins. I've got an F-5 from that year. True war horse.

# Someone is building an archive on them. I need to get a photo taken of mine and sent in.

I'm working on the archive and you can email/pm me through the mandolincafe for information on sending me photos.

f-d

**Chip Booth** · Feb-06-2008, 11:58pm

F-D, let's see your A3! I'll show you mine if you show me yours

Chip
(proud owner of an '85 Flatiron F5)

**sumibuilt** · Feb-07-2008, 12:14am

Thems fladdarns is junk. That Carl Stevenson thinks he kin jus put his name on a stikr an pud it inside a mandlin make it really sumpin. My furst axe manlin I got at the Walmark has a stiker in it too. Yawda hear freebird on it..Hey FATT-DADD my A5-1 is faster than your..wanna race?

**Jim Garber** · Feb-07-2008, 8:14am

I have one of the first carved mandolins that Flatiron made, an A5-2 (a little fancier with super flamed back and more binding; inlay on the headstock) from 1983. It was one of the first two that Mandolin Bros sold. I should take better pics but for now...

**Jim Garber** · Feb-07-2008, 8:15am

The back

**fatt-dad** · Feb-07-2008, 8:26am

Originally Posted by (chipbooth @ Feb. 06 2008, 23:58)

F-D, let's see your A3! I'll show you mine if you show me yours

Chip,

Here's my A3 (1920) next to my pancake and A5-1. #My (former) Muth is also there, but is now in the loving hands of another. #Gail Hester swapped out the fixed bridge a year or so ago (it's in the case). #Otherwise, it's all there. #I've had my A3 longer then all my other (working) mandolins (I still have my original Kay - ha).

f-d

p.s., Jim, that A5-2 is spectacular! I'm sure it's HUGE when played!