Sound

Rich full sound

Sound Rating

9

Appearance

custom leather finish- lovely

Appearance Rating

10

Customer Service

Played great for years- then a slight buzzing from one side of floating fret board rising>
weber was great- did the repairs free with no hassel

Customer Service

10

Overall Comments

I do not have any reference to compare this to, or I'm sure it would be a 10

Overall Rating

9

Sound

LOUD!!!!!!!!!!!!! It is extremely loud and has a magnificent tone for the price and all aspects of the instrument. The f style gives it a great look and feel. Action is nice and may have to add a new bridge down the road!!

Sound Rating

10

Appearance

It is beautiful> SPurce top!

Appearance Rating

10

Customer Service

Not sure........

Customer Service

7

Overall Comments

GREAT!!!!!!

Overall Rating

9

Sound

How is there not another Flatiron review on here?? Crazy...

Anyways, this mando is from when Mr. Weber was running the Flatiron factory in Bozeman, before Gibson shut them down (forcing them to start Weber Mandolins).

Sound is awesome plus. I get comments all the time, even from big names on the tone of this thing. Massive volume with huge chunk to it. It's everything I could ever dream of sound wise.

I remember jamming with Josh Pinkham and Mike Marshall at a festival in Florida where they both commented on the sound and Josh had to try it out to believe it.

Sound Rating

10

Appearance

Looks good. It's an F5 instrument with sunburst. It has a chocolate back (no burst there), but the wood grain is nice as it is on the neck. The workmanship of these is top notch. Way better than what Gibson was producing at the time (which is why they shut the factory down). I don't pay a lot of attention to the appearance, but there are no complaints on this one.

Appearance Rating

9

Customer Service

Never needed to use it. I'm not about to send it in to Gibson if I need work done. I'd contact Weber and see if they'd do work on it if I needed anything major done.

Customer Service

not rated

Overall Comments

Flatiron instruments from the Bozeman, Montana factory are one of the best kept secrets in bluegrass mandolins. Much better than the Gibsons of the time, and still a good value if you can find one.

Overall Rating

10

Sound

I've played all styles on it but it's best suited to bluegrass/blues (esp. with flatwound strings). Somewhat less suitable for Celtic/Classical but still acceptable with Elixir strings. Sound quality can vary from one instrument to the next. This one has very good sound and has opened up well. It has enough voume to be heard in a small ensemble setting.

Sound Rating

9

Appearance

Very appealing finish appearance with standard 600VS inlays. Factory finish has some flaws.

Appearance Rating

7

Customer Service

Have not dealt with the company. Limited lifetime warranty to original purchaser with sales receipt.

Customer Service

7

Overall Comments

This mandolin is an overall very good value, very playable with a sharp appearance, very good volume and good tone, esp. for bluegrass.

Overall Rating

8

Overall Comments

Great teaching video: also has mandolin lessons for the guitar player.Top rate videos and wonderfully inexpensive.

Overall Rating

10

Sound

Not a bad sound for an import. NOT a F-5 either. A bit tinny but, intonation is very good, It has a GOOD chop. Leads= well that tinny thing comes in again. NOT really loud but has decent presence.

Sound Rating

7

Appearance

This model came with three finishes: sunburst, blue and green. My daughter wanted the green one. It has gold plated hardware[ which has held up quite well] Green is a striking color and my daugher is still known by the girl with that GREEN mandolin. Press wood back and sides. Laminated top. Holds up well. Tuners gold plated ok.

Appearance Rating

7

Customer Service

never had to use it. BUT Gibson service is usuall pretty good

Customer Service

8

Overall Comments

As an entry level mando: 1- its not expensive 2- its easy to play 3- fit and finish are durable, For younger players a great starter. You have to get them hooked to contunue- this is a good priced hook. They will want a better one very soon, so its also a good resale or trade-up- If you dont continue playing- you can resale and not lose your shirt.

Overall Rating

6

Sound

IT sounds very good. FOR a Harmony-- surprisingly good.

Sound Rating

8

Appearance

Weird model. It has scalloped pickguard and headstock. Its locally known as the batwing because of the pickguard. WELL finished wood, chrome parts [ mostly pretty good] plastic nut [ i had to replace] - it gets looks whereever I take it. Double offset cutaway [ no scroll] sort of an 'F' appearence and it fits well in an "F" case.

Appearance Rating

8

Customer Service

Harmony long gone

Customer Service

1

Overall Comments

Overall a well made instrument. Factory made not had finished. but really upscale for a Harmony. Too bad bluegrass and mandos were on the outs in the early 70's [ just rock mando like led zep and rod stewart- thats why i bought it.] It has seen a lot of rough use and still sounds good. Maybe better now that new. It never found a market and I got it on a closeout. Had lots of fun with this mando. its now set up like a mini-zuke with octave strings on the G/Ds.

Overall Rating

8

Sound

Great. Nice Chop [for an "A" model] Loud. Unique sound. Chop really cuts through in a jam. My daughter keeps saying its not that good of a sound [ but she keeps borrowing it for live gigs and not using hers- and dosent want to return it when i need it]

Sound Rating

8

Appearance

VERY GOOD LOOKING> spruce top and maple sides all finshed dark and uniform. Layered wood headstock. Chrome fittings. NO pickguard. I wanted it to look like Tim O'Brian's Nugget and it does. Finish very nice; until i messed it up at a jam by using DEET bug spray on me and it ate off some of the luster finish, Bob fixed it -its ok now.

Appearance Rating

9

Customer Service

I've know Bob for years- he builds guitars, mandos, dulcimers and he made my Irish Zuke. I have a lifetime warrenty. BOB says as long as he's alive he will try to fix it.

Customer Service

9

Overall Comments

Great little mando.. I wanted a mando under $1k, and bob wanted to try to make one. HE has made two : mine and an 'F" model for another friend. { the 'F" SOUNDS MUCH BETTER than mine--and he has put a lot more work into it]. BUT, mine is a keeper. I shouldn't need another mando-EVER [ unless i mess this one up- i already did once and bob fixed it]

Overall Rating

8

Overall Comments

Great case to protect your gem; at an affordable price.

Overall Rating

10

Sound

Although I bought this mandolin from Ebay without playing it, which was a big risk, but I had a good feeling about it--especially since the setup was done in Gibson's Nashville shop and the mandolin was tweaked and signed off on by Ray Dearstone. God was smiling on me--this is an AWESOME mandolin--excellent sustain, bark and playability.

Sound Rating

not rated

Appearance

Does not have the fancier appointments of some of the really high-dollar Dearstone models like frilly inlays. Still, has a nice flowerpot on the headstock. Very high-quality, rich finish and nicely etched tailpiece. No pickguard, but I don't like them.

Appearance Rating

9

Customer Service

Custom mandolin--N/A

Customer Service

not rated

Overall Comments

I don't mean to brag on this mandolin because I own it--but God really smiled on me by putting this in my hands. I've had to pry it out of the hands of every picker friend who's played it. It blows away the most expensive mandolin I've every played, a Doyle Lawson signature model Gibson F5.

Overall Rating

10

Sound

This was my first "good" mandolin. I upgraded from a beginner and for the money, this seemed to be the best available. I liked the plain look and mahogany finish. The sound was a little brighter than I wanted, but it also was not extremely expensive. With J74's the sound was an improvement and acceptable. As I got better, it did also. I didn't have experience with any instrument aging, but with play, this mandolin has gotten better.

Sound Rating

9

Appearance

Great looking. At jams, I am often asked what it is and if I will allow another mando player to try it out. I keep a tuner on the headstock so the label is not visible and most people in my are area not accoustomed to MM's. Finish is matte, wood grain is distinctive and fit/finish is good.

Appearance Rating

10

Customer Service

No need for contact.

Customer Service

10

Overall Comments

This is my everyday, take it to the lake, backyard, hot humid night jam mandolin. The finish is durable, and surprisingly, it doesn't have any significant dings. The sound improves incrementally with play and age. If I lost it, I would look for another rather than subject my Weber to some of the places I take my mandolin. Highly recommended for a learning or backup instrument. I considered it a low end instrument on purchase, but now that I have a better quality mandolin, I am seeing that this is also a pretty good instrument. It is not a Weber or Gibson, but for value, it is a 10.

Overall Rating

10

Sound

I play bluegrass and also own a Gibson F9 for comparison. The Larrivee is much brighter, with a significantly less "woody" sound. On the good side, this means it cuts through when playing with other musicians very well, particularly when miked.

Sound Rating

7

Appearance

Has a wonderful bookmatched back. Very pretty--thumbs up all the way on the aesthetics. This is an early F33 model, so it doesn't have the binding around the headstock like the later F33's do. However, I think it's still a beaut.

Appearance Rating

9

Customer Service

Customer Service

not rated

Overall Comments

On par with a Gibson F5 or custom shop mandolin in terms of looks. In terms of setup, plays very similarly to a Doyle Lawson signature model F5 a friend of mine has. However, considering that I paid about 1/5th the price, I think I got a pretty good deal.

Does not, however, have the resonant low-end sound of, say, my Gibson F9. A much more "crisp" sounding instrument that doesn't sound as subtle. But when it's miked, I'm more than satisfied--and it plays much more easily that any of the three Gibson F9's that I've played.

Overall Rating

7

Sound

I play bluegrass and, obviously, it fits the style perfectly. As with most Gibsons, this has that rich, full, "throaty," "woody," sound. It isn't particularly bright, but I don't mean that as a bad thing. It's a good "full spectrum" mandolin.

Sound Rating

9

Appearance

Straight up, bare bones satin finish. Still, though, the finish is very beautiful with a nice dark flame. It is what it is--and if you like this look, I doubt you'll be disappointed.

Some believe the satin finish makes for better projection, and I tend to believe it--my mandolin has a very good low-end "whomp."

Appearance Rating

10

Customer Service

Customer Service

not rated

Overall Comments

To my mind, if there are any compromises on this mandolin, they're only cosmetic. The more expensive Gibsons have all kinds of inlays and glossy finishes and all that. If that's what you're into and can afford it, I say go for it. But if you're just looking for tone, this will go toe to toe with any higher end mandolin of double its price or more. My only concern with mine is that it could play a little easier, but I can't fault Gibson with that--I just haven't had the setup tweaked yet.

Overall Rating

9

Sound

I play mostly bluegrass (85%), some old time, a wee bit of Irish. For Bluegrass, this F style really has a great chop. It cuts through the mix absolutely fine for breaks. There is a lot of "complexity" and note definition that makes it, IMO, sound good for anything. I've been playing it a little over a year now. Not really sure if it "broke in" or "opened" up, as it sounded great when I bought it.
I did try a few other MD515s and a MD615 when I bought it. This one seemed to be the best of the ones I tried, so there is a difference from mando to mando, even in the same model number. So try a few and "cherry pick" a good one.

Sound Rating

8

Appearance

I got the "Classic Sunburst" one. I've seen some 515's with just a brown finish. I love the looks of both. The difference between the 515 and the 615's is that the 615 has binding on the back etc. This one (MD515) is very understated, just binding on the front, none on the back or headstock, no pick-guard, really kind of plain. I like that. Good Nitro finish. The finish is thin, so if you aren't careful, it will start to show wear. (some like that, but I like keeping mine shiny and new as possible) but it looks like it will wear well, and look great as it gets older.

Appearance Rating

8

Customer Service

I don't remember the warranty details, but I did register it. Eastman seems like a good company from there emails and presence at festivals and such.

Customer Service

5

Overall Comments

I'm giving it a high eight (I ain't never played a 10, sooo..). I sincerely think this mando holds it's own at any picking party I've been in. I've tried some more "high end" ones, everything from vintage to custom one offs, and honestly (at least at my playing level), I think my Eastman is better sounding, or at least very equivalent to MOST all of them. It's a good affordable instrument.
Personally, I can't see myself upgrading for a long time, or ever. I do have a hankering for a oval hole A style, but I would still keep this one for it's "chop" and solid bluegrass sound.

Overall Rating

8

Sound

I play primarily bluegrass and needed a mandolin that would be tough enough to play outdoors in hot,. humid venues like Florida in the summer without giving up tone and volume. This one is loud, balanced, and has very respectable tone.

Sound Rating

7

Appearance

This model is finished with poly, and a fairly heavy coat. I would have been happier if the finish had been applied a bit more sparingly. I wanted the poly finish for reasons noted above.
Overall the mando is very lovely, and has the appearance of a much pricier instrument. There were no visible flaws in either finish, construction or hardware.

Appearance Rating

8

Customer Service

Steve Perry and I have done business several times over the last few years, and he is great to deal with. The Music Link (parent company for The Loar mandolins) has always seemed to have a good relationship with their authorized dealers, and honors all warrantly claims promptly. I didn't inquire about warranty when I bought the LM500, as it has never been a high priority for me.

Customer Service

8

Overall Comments

This mando is an 8+ in the realm of imported (pacrim) mandolins. By comparison I would give a Rover RM75 a 5, a Kentucky 1000 a 9. On the same scale, a Weber would earn a 12 and a good Sam Bush or Doyle Lawson model a 15.

Overall Rating

8

Sound

I am using this mandolin for mostly mediterranean mandolin solos and Christmas music. I had this mandolin set up professionally to get the best playability. The bridge had to be custom modified to fit the archtop as the one that originally came with the instrument from Saga was for a flat top. The sound is a sweet, woodsy bright, kind of soulful tone. There is consistancy throughout the range of this instrument. It is a very different character compared to my f-hole mandolins. Personally, I love this sound for the European melodies. This mandolin was designed to play Celtic music. I am sure it would excel at this if I were to put it to the test.

Sound Rating

10

Appearance

The mandolin is simply said elegant. The head is inlaid with silver and has ebony and rosewood combined for what I think is a classy art deco look. The black pegs on gold tuners add to the classiness. The fretboard is simple and classic. The woods are top line woods used. The sides and back are beautiful rosewood. The top is a nice carved spruce that is superior to any other carved oval hole A type that I have seen so far. Excellent value.

Appearance Rating

9

Customer Service

I tried calling Saga about the bridge. They said they would send me new one. But it has been two months since I bought this and no new bridge. I am very pleased with the custom bridge that my lutheir had made for me.

Customer Service

3

Overall Comments

This mandolin, because of its sweet sound is getting a lot of playing time. I can see why someone would upgrade from a less expensive mandolin if they were to hear this one. I was not able to appreciate this in some of the other greater than $500 mandolins that I have tried. However, the value in tonality is clearly evident for this Trinity College higher end mandolin. I am giving this overall a 10, as I will be using this mandolin as my standard to rate the sound of other mandolins that I come across.

Overall Rating

10

Sound

I have been playing two imports for 3 years and was satisfied with them for my level of progress, unless I was playing with someone who had a weber, gibson or other higher line mandolin. I play old time and bluegrass. I decided I should reward my practice hours with a better sound, and the Gallatin A is all the mandolin I ever expect to need or desire. The sound is deep, good volume and tone, and to my ear, sounds as good as my friends much more expensive models. $1500 range is nothing to take lightly, but many pay much more for name and cosmetics. I like the plain trim and rich dark stain. Best of all is the woody sound I couldn't find with my other mandolins.

Sound Rating

10

Appearance

Dark wood stain with nitro finish looks much more expensive than it really was. No binding or fancy appointments, but I like the look. Standard case is a vault. I expected to use my fiberglass case, but the Weber case is plenty of protection. Fit and finish is as you would expect in a USA made product.

Appearance Rating

10

Customer Service

Mandolin Store is so helpful, I probably will never get to interact with Weber.

Customer Service

10

Overall Comments

I am still in the honeymoon window, so I don't take the Gallatin outside at night, anywhere someone might want to play it, etc... This mandolin will be all I will ever need and I can stand next to anyone's highline model and not be ashamed of how it sounds and looks. I spend 3 years trying to get this sound out of an import, and while better players can, I can't.

Overall Rating

10

Sound

It's and A body FF style. It is quite loud with a nice, defined bass response. Also a clean, clear treble response. It plays very well anywhere on the neck. I use a lot of double stop tremolo and it sounds great with any combination of courses!

Sound Rating

8

Appearance

It's attractive in an understated way. The wood was well chosen for appearance but not flashy by any means. The binding and peghead inlay are attractive also and like the wood, understated. The fit and finish is flawless period! I'm not sure what type of finish was used. Nice, whatever it is.

Appearance Rating

9

Customer Service

Customer Service

9

Overall Comments

The interesting thing about this model is that it has two features that make most players cringe. Yet everyone who has played it likes it! It has a bolt on neck and the top was partially pressed before it was carved. I didn't know it until a while after I bought it. It doesn't bother me any, I liked it when I tried it out and that was all I was concerned with! I'm very happy with it.

Overall Rating

8

Sound

Played acoustic. Very nice rich, full sound. The oval hole mandolin sings. Love the playability. Sound gets better the more I play this.

Sound Rating

9

Appearance

Classic black mandolin with gold hardware. Lovely A style mandolin with an F style head. No noticeable finish flaws.

Appearance Rating

9

Customer Service

I have four different instruments from Washburn. Great products. Great value.

Customer Service

9

Overall Comments

I would purchase this mandolin again if given the choice. It is a nice variation on A style mandolins.

Overall Rating

9

Sound

F style acoustic electric mandolin. I play this eirher unamplified or thru a Fender 30 W amp. I usually do not use any effects. I turn the bass down so that the pickup keeps the picking thump to a minimum.
Unamplified the mandolin souns great. Rich and full. I had restrung this one with Flat top strings. These also help keep the fretting souns to a minimum. Especially important for when this is amplified.

Sound Rating

9

Appearance

Beautiful deep red color. Nice wood grain shows thru the transparent finish. F holes are nicely finished. No appearane flaws noted.

Appearance Rating

10

Customer Service

Customer Service

not rated

Overall Comments

Excellent value, classic shape and finish. Glad to have this mandolin.

Overall Rating

9