The first good mandolin I ever owned was a Flatiron F5 Artist I bought directly from Steve Carlson in 1987. Actually, I bought two, then later ordered a Master Model.
This was the start of my love affair with these early Flatirons. I went on to own multiple Loar signed F5's along with many Fern F5's from the twenties.
Still, I have great affection for these F5 Artists.
I believe they are perhaps the best value for money in this price range.
Expertly made with beautiful wood, these look as good as they sound.
This one is no exception. All of my early Flatirons were signed by Dennis Balion, and this one is as well.
Being a 1990, when they were being built in Montana alongside Gibson's at the time, I feel this one displays some Gibson influence.
I feel it's neck profile is more V'd than a C shape, (for me a good thing) and it has very typical Gibson wood choice for that period.
Its colour is also a bit more to Cremona than earlier examples. I find it very attractive.
The sound is what you would expect from one of these F5's. It rich and resonant, but at the same time punchy.
No problem keeping up with this one!

Housed in it's original shaped case with key still intact, this a fine mandolin which I highly recommend.
There is one small dent on the back which I've photographed, and a small nick on the neck.
Some finish crazing from the bottom of the treble f hole.
All these things are insignificant and take some effort to spot.
Buy with confidence.
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