1983 Flatiron A5-1 Mandolin

(Serial No. 83080085) Excellent condition, sunburst finish. Pre-Gibson production. Bought from the family of the original owner. When Gibson went to the NAMM show in late 1987, these were the high quality mandolins they were competing with. They couldn't beat them, so they bought the company. Excellent sounding and playing A5 mandolin with nicely flamed maple back, sides and neck, carved spruce top with X bracing, pearl logo, 1 1/8 inch nut, elevated flat ebony fingerboard, and nickel hardware. Finish is original lacquer with a hand applied sunburst stain. All hardware is original except for the tailpiece, which has been changed to an Allen one piece tailpiece. Great playing mandolin that shows a little playing wear on the top, as the mandolin came from Gibson without a pickguard. No repairs or refinish noted. The sound is why you want this mandolin. Good chop and bark - excellent bluegrass mandolin. Signed by Steve Carlson, the shop foreman and considered one of the great builders. Early Bozeman built Flatirons are always heavily in demand. Most pickers won't part with theirs - once you play this one you'll know why. Comes with a newer hardshell case.

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