The Gold Tone GM-10 “Frypan” is an homage to the fondly-remembered Flatiron M2 mandolin. Created by Chuck Morrison in the late 1970s, the M2’s design was based on a mandolin called the Army/Navy model, which was built under contract for the US military during WWI. During this time the mandolin was the most popular stringed instrument, and its light weight, slim profile and sparkling tone was ideal for backpacking and lifting spirits.
Chuck frequented a local music store called the Back Porch Picking Parlor, owned by Steve Carlson. Steve wanted to stock a well-built and affordable mandolin and Chucks Flatiron nicely fit the bill. Before long, Carlson realized he was selling more than Morrison could produce in a timely manner, so he offered to buy the trademark and the tooling and make them himself. Steve produced a whopping 10,000 Flatiron mandolins, octave mandolins and mandolas between 1980 and 1987 and then decided to sell the business. The Gold Tone Frypan mandolin embodies the spirit and sound of this classic mandolin while maintaining its affordability.
Our super-affordable, all solid wood 1.8-pound flattie is easy to tote anywhere you want to make music, and the Frypan’s sweet tone and easy playability will please any player. The solid spruce top generates the mandolin’s full tonal range while the solid maple sides and back efficiently reflect and amplify the sound. High-quality components are used throughout its construction: nickel-plated tuners (with attractive striped buttons), mahogany neck with rosewood fingerboard, adjustable 2-way truss rod, rosewood bridge and black ABS bindings, all topped off by a durable gloss finish. All of this, AND a hard-shell case is included.