Instruments known as “Army-Navy”, “pancake”, or “flatiron” style mandolins were
originally made by Gibson between 1918 and 1922 to be used by soldiers during World War
I. The term pancake refers to not only the round body
shape but also the flat front and back.
These inexpensively made, no-frills instruments are not to be confused with
the more figured and “blingy” archtop F style mandolins that would later become
popular in bluegrass thanks to Bill Monroe.
Pancake mandolins are still around today and are often
favored by Old-Time and Celtic musicians for their mellow presence and
depth. These types of mandolins are also
a good choice for those who simply prefer a more old-timey, understated
look. I have found a handful of builders
who currently make this style of mandolin in the $600 to $900 range. These luthiers have each taken
this classic design and upgraded it with their own individual touches,
expertise and other improvements.
![]() |
The Red Line Traveler |
By Red Line Resophonics (Cumberland Acoustics). Luthier Steve Smith and his assistant Jason
make these finely crafted pancake mandolins in their shop just outside of
Nashville, TN. In addition to being the
guy who makes the parts used by other instrument builders, a few years ago Steve
set out to create his own Army-Navy style mandolin at an affordable price. Each Redline Traveler features an adjustable truss rod, adjustable compensated Cumberland
Acoustic ebony bridge and Grover tuners.
There are many custom wood options for the back and sides. Steve usually has a mandolins at various
stages of production, so the wait time for a new Traveler mandolin can be as
little as 2-weeks. Price $650 to $750
with gig bag.
![]() |
Crystal Forest mandolin |
Terry Majewski only makes 4
or 5 of these flat top mandolins each year, and they are beauties! He uses Cumberland Acoustic bridges and his
mandolins actually appeart to be very similar to the Red Line Traveler. I’ve seen some great reviews of Terry’s mandolins
online. The Crystal Forest Facebook page states, “These mandolins have a mellow, yet still
loud and powerful sound sought by Celtic players, as well as many Old-Time
mandolin players. They are equally at
home in a bluegrass jam where they hold their own against loud guitars, banjos
and fiddles. A great mandolin for
traveling, the office or pick'in around the campfire.” One could be yours for around $695 plus an
additional $40 for a hardshell case.
![]() |
Alden Originals |
I don’t know a whole lot about these mandolins, which are
made by Clay Alden in Tennessee, although they have a very pure, traditional
look. His standard Army-Navy model mandolin comes with a
Spanish cedar top and mahogany back and sides, with prices starting at
$595. Custom options are available. Clay makes all the parts from scratch, and
when I contacted him recently his current waiting period was 4 to 6 weeks. Alden Originals also makes bouzoukis,
dulcimers and solid body electric
guitars!
![]() |
Sawchyn Beaver Tail mandolin |
These Beaver Tail mandolins look pretty cool. They are made by Sawchyn Guitars in Regina,
Saskatchewan Canada, to the same exacting standards of his higher priced
guitars. The basic price is $899.95
Canadian (approx. $815 US Dollars) and Peter Sawchyn offers several ways to
spiff up your mandolin with upgrades.
![]() |
Don Rickert A-N |
Don Rickert can make you a totally custom Army-Navy
instrument similar to the one in the Stew-Mac campfire mandolin kit for a price
of about $875. These “copies” are true
to the originals, which would have cost a soldier about $12 in the early 20th
century. Don says these instruments have
an incredibly big sound.
Elloree Envoy mandolin |
As far as I know Rick Felkel of Elloree Guitars in West
Monroe, Louisiana is still making his sturdy flat-top mandolins in the $500 to
$600 price range. Rick’s mandolins are a little different. The body is larger: 12" long and 11" wide. Instead of having pieces of bracing in the
top running from one end of the body to the other, the bracing on Elloree
mandolins are like spokes in a wheel, starting at the bridge and branching out
to all parts of the top leaving no dead spots. The neck is bolted on like that
of an electric guitar. The body depth is
between 1 7/8 to 2".
![]() |
Big Muddy |
Finally, there’s Big Muddy Mandolins from Rocheport,
Missouri.
At one time this company was churning out nearly one thousand
mandolins a year, but now production has been scaled back significantly, with
just two employees and luthier Mike Dulak doing the majority of the critical
work, giving each mandolin the attention it deserves. If you’re looking for a handcrafted real wood
mandolin, Big Muddy is a great choice, although their body shape is a little
different than the traditional pancake style.
Priced from $645.
If you play one of these mandolins or know of other builders
making Army-Navy mandolins for $900 or less, I’d love to hear from you!
Add David Newton to the list. http://davidnewtonguitars.squarespace.com
ReplyDeletePic of his New Navy: http://davidnewtonguitars.squarespace.com/storage/post-images/New%20Navy%20frnt%209%2025%202013.jpg