1998 Flatiron A5 Artist Mandolin
(Serial #80624049) Excellent minus condition, sunburst finish. Want the sound and playabilty of a Flatiron F5 Artist at a more affordable price? This is the classic Flatiron mandolin in an "A" body style. These came in two trim levels - the Artist is the higher grade version. It has the long neck, f-holes, bound top, back, fingerboard and peghead, elevated radiused ebony fingerboard with extension, pearl flowerpot and logo, solid heavily flamed maple back, sides and neck, solid spruce top, and gold hardware with pearl buttons on the tuners. This mandolin has a Nashville label but was probably built in the Bozeman, MT plant and finished in Nashville, as 1998 was the year Gibson shifted production. The Artist series mandolins have X top bracing, which many pickers think gives a more percussive chop. Must work - this one has the good bluegrass chop for sure. This mandolin has nice low action and has strong tone and good volume. Fitted with a Fishman bridge pickup and endpin jack. Theres a minor center seam repair on the back at the bottom and it shows some wear on the tailpiece cover. Comes with the original shaped hardshell case.
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