❌SOLD❌ Flatiron F5 Custom Mandolin Blackburst, 1996

The Flatiron F5 was a take on one of the most influential mandolin designs, the Gibson F5, designed by Lloyd Loar and introduced in 1922. Loar built on Orville Gibson’s groundbreaking blending of violin, mandolin and guitar design concepts that produced the first archtop fretted instruments.

Flatiron was started by Chuck Morrison, and in 1978 purchased by Steve Carson, who soon hired Ren Ferguson. The first Flatiron catalog appeared in 1979. Production of classic designs took off, and Flatiron became a respected brand. In 1986, Gibson came under new ownership and as an early step, sent cease and desist letters to companies like Flatiron.

In the end, Gibson purchased Flatiron rather than drive it out of business. Later, Flatiron moved from Bozeman to nearby Belgrade but in 1996 moved the brand to Nashville. Many employees did not want to make that move, and this resulted in companies like Weber Mandolins. Now, because of overlap with Gibson’s re-launched their own mandolin line, Flatiron mandolins are not made in the USA.

Here we’re looking at a Flatiron F5 Custom in Blackburst, built in Belgrade, Montana during 1996 and signed by Bruce Weber. This would have been part of the last set of Flatirons built in Belgrade.

Featuring a carved Spruce top, carved Flame Maple back, with Flame Maple also used for the sides and neck. The bridge and bound fingerboard are Ebony. The inlays are Mother of Pearl, including block position markers, The Flatiron script logo and Chalice headstock inlay.

Closely based on the original designs, this Flatiron F5 custom is in good condition with light fret wear and light finish wear, though there is natural lacquer checking. It’s a very resonant instrument with a warm, rich and developed voice and a good amount of projection.

The original hard shell case is included.