Description
c.2009 Flatiron Festival F
c.2009 / SN:0907120018
Exceptional condition / Radiused F.B.
1-1/8″ Width at Nut
This c.2009 Flatiron Festival F is in nearly perfect condition. It is a traditional f5 type in Sunburst finish with full binding.
The peghead is multiple-bound with black-ivoroid binding visible from the face. The ebony peghead overlay showcases “The Flatiron” script inlayed at the top, along with a mother-of-pearl fleur de lis in the center. The truss rod access is at the bottom above the bone nut. German made nickel Shaler tuners offer excellent tuning stability.
The radiused ebony fingerboard is double cut with the last few frets scalloped. The fingerboard has medium pearl dot inlays and is also bound with ivoroid binding. There are dark position markers on the bass side of the fingerboard.
The back of the neck exhibits a beautiful sunburst finish: ox blood red with brown hues, creating a red-brown exterior and a red interior line, leading into an amber color. Both the back of the peghead and the neck feature figured maple.
The top of the mandolin is multiple-bound, showing a sunburst finish transitioning into a black line, followed by ivory lines, and the main ivory binding at the outer edges. This binding pattern is repeated on the back.
There are no signs of wear on the frets, fingerboard, or elsewhere on this mandolin. The back shows no belt buckle or button marks. It is fitted with a two-piece ebony adjustable bridge, reminiscent of a pre-war style mandolin bridge, and a two-part tailpiece with an engraved “The Flatiron” cover. It also features four tone dampeners. The pickguard has been removed and stored in the case. All hardware is original.
The set-up is good and its ready to go with its original hard case. The instrument sounds good, with a robust tone. The playability is good on this instrument.
It comes with its original hard case.
Note* Even though there are no markings on this instrument to show the country of origin, it is generally believed that it was made in China. We do know that Gibson was shopping around Asian manufacturers to find a source for the Flatiron line of mandolins. With almost full certainty, we can state that this mandolin was made after Flatiron’s tenure in Bozeman, Montana. As is usual when a company’s manufacturing has moved outside the U.S. production, there are plenty of trolls who will proclaim this mandolin to be a shadow of its prior self.
But – we ask you to look at the construction and listen to the expression and depth of this Chinese version. It sounds pretty darned good and shows good construction.
