Flatiron Mandola model Mola 1CH 1995 - Chocolate brown, satin lacquer

Mandola: Flatiron model Mola 1CH, all-wood acoustic-electric with onboard preamp (sells As Is)

Price $873 + $65 shipping

Michael Halpin Lawing Estate

Harvey G Young, Administrator

Atlanta, GA, United States

Mr. Lawing (stage name “Tramp”—search "trampcamp") bought this alto mandola new in 1996.  It was his go-to mandola, on which he performed regularly until his death in 2025. Bruce Weber replaced the entire neck in 2023 (see correspondence, second photo above).  This repair explains the absence of “Flatiron” from the headstock.

The mandola is ready for performance.  It shows finish cracks and wear, and some dings (see photos), but the cosmetic damage doesn’t harm its sound.  A member of the Atlanta Mandolin Orchestra recently tested it and found no playability issues.  It comes with a Gibson strap, a D’Addario tuner, and a road-worn hardshell case (see photos).  The complete package sells “As is”.

This mandola is a little larger than a mandolin and is tuned a fifth lower.  The onboard LR Baggs preamp is powered by a 9v battery (not included) and has a volume control.  A phono jack allows connection to an external amplifier (see photos).  The preamp addition and the neck replacement are the only modifications made since manufacture.

Specifications:

Manufacturer: The Flatiron Mandolin Company, Belgrade, Montana USA, 1995

Serial number: 9504520

Dimensions: length 28.25”, body width 10.75”, body depth 2.125”, nut-to-bridge length 17.25”

Tuning: CC GG DD AA (alto)

Materials: not known; whatever Flatiron was using in 1995

Color: chocolate brown with satin finish

Preamp: LR Baggs RT system, s/n 53989

If you want a stage-ready mandola that gives rich acoustic sound and projects with amplification, you should seriously consider buying this instrument.