Arches Flat-top Mandolin

**Jim M.** · Jan-14-2005, 7:12pm

Here's a new flat-top from Chris Baird, builder of Arches mandolins (Cafe ID: mandolplyr). Lovely choice of woods, excellent fit and finish, very warm tone, easy to play, and excellent value. Not to take anything away from other builders, but this mando is at least as good as the flat-tops I've played from Weber, Mid-Mo, Freshwater, and Moon. If you're in the market for a flat-top, and want to work with an individual builder, give Chris a call. I'm impressed enough that I will probably order an arch-top from Chris later this year. He has some great pictures of some of his arch-tops in the "Work in Progress" thread.

**Jim M.** · Jan-14-2005, 7:13pm

The top:

**Jim M.** · Jan-14-2005, 7:22pm

The back:

**Jim M.** · Jan-14-2005, 7:24pm

And some detail. Now, I know I'm not the only one on the board to buy from Chris recently, so how about some more pics.

**Lane Pryce** · Jan-14-2005, 7:44pm

That binding is a real killer!And that maple back ain't too shabby either.How does it play and sound? Lp

**tope** · Jan-14-2005, 7:45pm

Nice binding Chris, lovely instrument.

**berkeleymando** · Jan-14-2005, 11:23pm

OK here is the headstock of my Arches walnut A model. Let's see if I can get this thing to post properly...

**berkeleymando** · Jan-14-2005, 11:26pm

Here's one of the back.

**berkeleymando** · Jan-14-2005, 11:29pm

Here's a picture that shows the whole mandolin.

**Jim M.** · Jan-15-2005, 11:54am

Originally Posted by (JLP @ Jan. 14 2005, 19:44)

That binding is a real killer!And that maple back ain't too shabby either.How does it play and sound? Lp

Plays and sounds great. It is built light and has light strings but has good volume. The tone is open and warm, a lot of sustain. I'm finding it a real inspiration for Irish music and I've composed a couple of tunes on it already.

That walnut arch-top is beautiful. Great looking headstock.

**grandmainger** · Jan-16-2005, 5:37pm

I have just placed an order with Chris. I blame you lot.

**berkeleymando** · Jan-16-2005, 6:03pm

Originally Posted by (grandmainger @ Jan. 16 2005, 15:37)

I have just placed an order with Chris. I blame you lot.

An excellent choice! I have a feeling 2005 will be a very successful (and busy) year for Chris and his Arches mandolins ...

**acousticphd** · Jan-17-2005, 11:23am

Jim,

I like that the fingerboard is slightly elevated on your flattop, allowing a bit taller bridge. Is yours the prototype that Chris initially showed in the classifieds ad, or part of the regular production?

**Jim M.** · Jan-17-2005, 11:34am

Jeff - Mine is numbered #3, so I assume it's not the prototype. I like the elevation too. Still very easy to play and has good volume.

**berkeleymando** · Jan-23-2005, 7:13pm

OK here's the Arches walnut mandolin at home with its siblings, a Schwab emando and an 'Island Koa' soprano uke..
After six months of daily playing its sound still continues to open up and improve.