1995 Flatiron Scout Flatback Mandola

Overview: Gosh, does this mandola sound great! It's got a good, warm-but-crisp thing going on. It handles like an old Gibson and has nice chop and staying-power despite its minimalist design and depth. This one is solid spruce over solid, flamed maple and has enough loving wear and tear to make it feel friendly on the first grab. I believe that this "Scout" model name is a play on the "Cadet" mandolin model also made by Flatiron. I'm not sure about the finish, too -- I'm not sure (as there are very few examples of these out there on the web) but the top may have been refinished to natural at some point.

Repairs included: Molly gave this a level/dress of the frets, minor hairline crack repair to the top, restring, and setup work. It's playing bang-on and ready to go!

• Weight: 2 lbs 4 oz
• Scale length: 17"
• Nut width: 1 1/4"
• Neck shape: medium-bigger C/V
• Board radius: flat
• Depth at first fret: 7/8"
• Depth at seventh fret: 59/64"
• Body width: 10 5/8"
• Body depth: 2 1/8"
• Top wood: solid spruce
• Back & sides wood: solid flamed maple
• Bracing type: ladder
• Bridge: ebony
• Fretboard: rosewood
• Neck wood: maple
• Action height at 12th fret: 1/16" overall (fast, spot-on)
• String gauges: 49w-12 lights
• Truss rod: adjustable
• Neck relief: straight
• Fret style: narrow/smaller

Condition notes: It has repaired hairline cracks on the top (one at the center seam/lower bout section and a couple smalls near the fretboard extension). There's playwear and mild handling-wear throughout of the light scratching sort and then a few bigger chemical-damage areas to the finish on the back. I am not certain, but the top may have been refinished to natural, though its satin finish blends well with the finish on the back and sides.

It comes with: It has an old chip case.

Consignor tag: MSRI