Item # 514371 | Customer Ratings: 
(Based on 3
reviews)
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The all solid wood, fully bound, tone bar constructed Flatiron "Festival" mandolin boasts the classic lines inspired by the famous Gibson-created F-style mandolins. With its solid spruce top, flamed maple back and incredible full-bodied tone, the Flatiron "Festival" is bold and exciting in appearance and sound.
This was my second mandolin purchase. The first was an almost unusable entry level mando that I ended up giving away to my nephew. I am a guitar player, but recently started learning to play the fiddle as well; if anyone's tried it, the bowing can be very frustrating. I decided to give the mandolin another try, thinking that as a guitar player I would probably take to it easier than the fiddle (not that I've given up on it). I purchased this mandolin after reading the other 2 reviews and wanting something that would keep me interested, and be usable playing out eventually. As stated in other reviews, it does not come set-up for playing. You'll need to attach the bridge and position it so that you get the proper intonation to have good tuning up the neck - see YouTube for a tutorial. The strings that come on it are junk IMHO. Get some new strings if you truly want to hear how nice this mandolin can sound. The tuners & finish are decent, and the solid woods (with new strings) definitely give this mando a nice sound for the money. If you've never played one before, a strap will be something you want to purchase along with it to be able to hold it easily. All in all I am very happy with this purchase and looking forward to learning to play it well.
This is a Chinese factory made instrument. Many flaws in the manufacture, but none where it counts. Mine came shipped not set up. Big disappointment is fingerboard is rosewood, not ebony (looks like ebony in picture). However, having owned many fine acoustic instruments (Martins, Taylor, Larrivee, Gibson) this one holds its own in the tone department. This is in great part because of the solid wood used for the top and back. This instrument has quality acoustic tone with a beautiful tremelo on tunes like Shenandoah or Molly Malone, also has a nice projective punch on bluegrass tunes. Because the woods are decent and solid the tone will only get better with age. The back has as pretty a piece of flamed maple as you would find on any Gibson. This is a genuine acoustic instrument for a reasonable price. I will be tricklin and picklin on this little box for a while. Looks like some good things can come from China, like noodles, paper moner, and now my mandolin.
I will make it short and to the point,Great mandolin for the money.I've been playing for a good ten years now and know good mandolins when i see one.If you get someone to set it up right,this will stand up to all the top dollar ones.Looking for a less expensive mando,Flatiron's your guy. Amen.From Charlottesville va.
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