1994 Flatiron Cadet Flatback Mandolin

Overview: Flatiron mandolins were very popular as soon as they hit the streets in the '80s. This model was made after Gibson acquired the company but it's essentially the same as the copycat Army/Navy-style models they made since the company was new. It has a solid spruce top over solid maple back and sides, a '20s-feeling, Gibson-like neck profile, and a poppy, loud, choppy sound that cuts nicely. I've owned a number of original Gibson Alrite models and one Army/Navy over the years and these Flatirons do the same thing but also with more volume. They have a sound that can flit between bluegrass, folk, and Celtic as well -- with a strong bite in the mids.

Repairs included: Molly gave this a level/dress of the frets, cleating to a hairline crack on the top, removal of a stick-on pickup, and setup work. It's playing spot-on and ready to go.

• Weight: 1 lb 9 oz
• Scale length: 13 3/4"
• Nut width: 1 1/8"
• Neck shape: medium V
• Board radius: flat
• Depth at first fret: 7/8"
• Depth at seventh fret: 29/32"
• Body width: 9 1/2"
• Body depth: 1 1/2"
• Top wood: solid spruce
• Back & sides wood: solid maple
• Bracing type: hybrid
• Bridge: non-adjustable ebony
• Fretboard: rosewood
• Neck wood: maple
• Action height at 12th fret: 1/16" overall (fast, spot-on)
• String gauges: 34w-10
• Truss rod: adjustable
• Neck relief: straight
• Fret style: narrow/lower

Condition notes: It's in good overall shape, but there are definitely signs of use -- some "glossing-up" of the satin finish where it's gotten pick and finger-wear, a couple of small hairline cracks at the fretboard extension on the top that are repaired, a hairline crack near the center seam of the top that's repaired, and various light scratches/scuffs/etc. throughout. The removal of the pickup took a bit of finish off the top just below the treble wing of the bridge and there's some scuffing of the finish near it, too, from removing the stuck-on jack.

It comes with: It has a good, presumably-original, chip case.

Consignor tag: RIMS