Jerry Schoenborn - Posted - 01/12/2011:  06:13:17

I see alot of recomendations for this maker. Just trying to figure out how to pronounce it. Fla-tiron, long a or Flat-i-ron , Oh duh it's probably flat iron. never got the conection until I wrote this. I'm too new to the instrument I have'nt actually heard of one before. Guitars are up my alley.

UsuallyPickin - Posted - 01/12/2011:  06:17:23

The Flatirons are rock formations near Boulder, Colorado consisting of flatirons. There are five large, numbered Flatirons ranging from north to south (First through Fifth, respectively) along the east slope of Green Mountain, and the term "The Flatirons" sometimes refers to these five alone. Numerous additional named Flatirons are on the southern part of Green Mountain, Bear Peak, and among the surrounding foothills.

The Flatirons were named by pioneer women after the flat, metal irons used to press their clothes.
It's a compound word flat iron... Bozeman made Flatirons and Gibsons are some of the best... R/

ccravens - Posted - 01/12/2011:  06:21:33

I think your last one is correct.

But if searching for a Flatiron, take care. Not all Flatirons are from the same company, and made in the same place.

The most sought after are the Montana-made ones, built by the original Flatiron company.
Less sought-after, but some still are good, are the ones made by Gibson in Nashville, after they bought out the Flatiron company.
Today, Gibson has shipped Flaitron production overseas to China. These are cheaper, and not really sought after much.I wouldn't buy one, but that's just me.

Here's an example of some Flatirons for sale on the cafe. The first two are Montana-made, the last is Chinese:

First click on the link:
mandolincafe.com/cgi-bin/class...fieds.cgi
Then in the search box at the top right of the page, type in "Flatiron."

Good Luck!

Edited by - ccravens on 01/12/2011 06:23:23

WeberInstruments - Posted - 01/12/2011:  11:10:08

Steve Carlson moved from Colorado to Bozeman in the 70's...brought the Flatiron name with him. I think how you pronounce it may depend on what part the country you're from. I said it aloud a few times and cracked up about how my old Missouri accent came thru.

UsuallyPickin - Posted - 01/12/2011:  13:24:38

Thanks , Mr. Weber. Mr. Carlson will be nearby in KY this weekend. A local concert to see and I owe him a thank you also. In my experience accents and bad habits are both hard to get rid of.... R/

WeberInstruments - Posted - 01/12/2011:  15:26:24

Well, I'm sorry but the post was from me, Mary. However I will tell him your kind words- also, he is originally from Minnesota, so maybe they can say 'Flatiron' correctly, you betcha.

UsuallyPickin - Posted - 01/12/2011:  16:16:18

My people hail from Northfield,MN... We're all Holts and Howlands on that side of the family. My thanks are for my Bozeman Gibsons. True friends and hardy. Thank you , ma'am... R/

irishbanjos - Posted - 01/12/2011:  22:28:48

Like that:
bit.ly/ikqQ9y

I live in Spain, and everyone pronounces it like that, even though it's not the right pronounciation (in Spain, most people pronounce English as it's read... Fortunately, I dont' do it except when going to the music store :D)

Edited by - irishbanjos on 01/12/2011 22:31:13

Jerry Schoenborn - Posted - 01/13/2011:  05:41:23

Irishbanjos, now I am confused. Is the word 3 syllables or two?

Hey I'm a backwoods Okie, I'm still trying to pronounce my own last name correctly!

Edited by - Jerry Schoenborn on 01/13/2011 05:43:49

Jerry Schoenborn - Posted - 01/13/2011:  05:50:14

Hey UsuallyPickin, are those mountians mandolin shaped?

irishbanjos - Posted - 01/13/2011:  08:10:18

quote:

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Originally posted by Jerry Schoenborn

Irishbanjos, now I am confused. Is the word 3 syllables or two?

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Buttonwood Bob - Posted - 01/13/2011:  10:56:20

I own a Flatiron mandola...before Gibson. See avatar.

WeberInstruments - Posted - 01/13/2011:  17:00:09

quote:

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Originally posted by Jerry Schoenborn

Irishbanjos, now I am confused. Is the word 3 syllables or two?

Hey I'm a backwoods Okie, I'm still trying to pronounce my own last name correctly!

---

rick7157 - Posted - 01/14/2011:  04:49:51

I'm interested in Flatiron mandolins, primarily F5 festivals bfore and after Gibson. What is the price range?