Northfield mandolins

**WhatTheChuck** · Jan-19-2011, 2:23pm

I'm wondering if anyone has compaired the Northfield mandolins to any other "high end" brands. I just ordered one which will arrive in 8 to 12 weeks, and after playing it I can decided if I want to buy it, but does anyone know anything about these instruments? It seems like everything I have read says that they are very cheap for their quality, and play impressively well... but how do they age? Are they too new to get an accurate answer? I've been strongly leaning towards collings because of their history and obvious quality, but should I take a gamble and go with the Northfield? Any information would be very appreciated, thanks!

**nickster** · Jan-19-2011, 3:37pm

Northfield was started in 2009 so I don't think you will find one over 2 years old. When you say cheap I think you mean less expensive which is due to the fact the mandolins are made in China with American wood. They have this enterprise setup correctly imho by giving the Asian luthiers a vested interest in turning out a quality instrument. I have one on order also and looking forward to playing it.

**Skittle** · Jan-19-2011, 5:15pm

[QUOTE=WhatTheChuck;882333]I'm wondering if anyone has compaired the Northfield mandolins to any other "high end" brands. QUOTE]

Would comparing it to an original Gibson Lloyd Loar count?? I did as my previous comments state and on the Loar I compaired it with..........It was very very close. Does that help? I am extremely happy with mine, as having also owned many other very high end mandolins, this Northfield has some of the best tone I have every played in a mandolin.............period.

**harryclark** · Jan-27-2011, 12:40pm

Originally Posted by WhatTheChuck

I'm wondering if anyone has compaired the Northfield mandolins to any other "high end" brands. I just ordered one which will arrive in 8 to 12 weeks, and after playing it I can decided if I want to buy it, but does anyone know anything about these instruments? It seems like everything I have read says that they are very cheap for their quality, and play impressively well... but how do they age? Are they too new to get an accurate answer? I've been strongly leaning towards collings because of their history and obvious quality, but should I take a gamble and go with the Northfield? Any information would be very appreciated, thanks!

I played every mandolin in the showcase room at Ibma (including a 22 or 23 Loar). Out of all the mandolins I played (and I didn't play a single bad one) the ones I was most impressed with were the Northfields. The tone was awesome, the fit and finish was very nice, and you couldn't beat the price with a stick. I've played a few since then including Adam Steffy's and Aaron Ramsey's. I put my name on the the list to get one in mid December and I can't wait untill I get it!

**Ed Goist** · Jan-27-2011, 7:00pm

To the best of my knowledge, we still haven't heard from a single owner of a Northfield A-style mandolin.

**yankees1** · Jan-27-2011, 7:17pm

Originally Posted by Ed Goist

To the best of my knowledge, we still haven't heard from a single owner of a Northfield A-style mandolin.

I too am waiting for an A style Northfield review!

**eighthnotepicker** · Jan-28-2011, 9:01pm

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Sorry for the delay...but here it is, #71 Big Mon... getting better and better all the time!!

**nickster** · Jan-29-2011, 8:11am

Great looking mandolin you have eighthnotepicker. I bet it sounds as good as it looks.

Nick

**eighthnotepicker** · Jan-29-2011, 8:22am

Thanks Nick.

It also has a James tailpiece on it, which is a extremely nice feature, highly recommend it...

**harryclark** · Jan-29-2011, 11:51am

That looks very nice. I hope they have on at spbgma!

**nickster** · Feb-14-2011, 7:22am

Anyone else out there playing a Northfield? Comments about tone, playability?

**sonnyjammer** · Feb-14-2011, 3:15pm

I am curious if most of the current models being bought, played, and raved about are made with the "Most Precious Maple and Adirondack Red Spruce" (1000 dollar option)

or the Less Precious wood like the models Elderly is selling? Has anyone had the opportunity to play one of each side by side? I'm wanting to order one, but wonder how much difference the wood selection would make in sound, or is the difference mostly cosmetic?

**Skittle** · Feb-14-2011, 8:19pm

I would just order one, and you will have 3 days to try it out. If you don't like it, ( that would be extremley odd if you don't), then there will be about 15 or 20 others that would be on the wait list to get it.

**Ed Goist** · Feb-14-2011, 10:56pm

I'm still waiting to hear from someone...anyone...who owns a Northfield A-style mandolin.
I'm beginning to wonder if they've ever sold ANY of the A-Styles?!

**Northfield mando** · Feb-15-2011, 11:49pm

Hi Ed. I'm working on something for the A mandolins (some pics and sound clips) and should have it ready tomorrow. So far we've made and sold 8 A5s. Just packed one up and sent it to Washington state. I know you've been interested in the As and I'll work quickly to get this new stuff posted asap. Thanks for all the interest. Not sure why the A owners aren't on the cafe, but I know those mandos are out there. -Adrian

**Ed Goist** · Feb-16-2011, 12:03am

Adrian, thanks for your diligent attention and quick response.
No big deal, of course. It just seemed anacdotally humorous that the A-styles were NEVER mentioned by owners.
Of course, your fine mandolins have a great reputation as Bluegrass instruments, and the F-Styles clearly rule that roost (in terms of preference, anyways...apologies to Tim O & Jody Stecher).
Congratulations on your impressive success so far, and thank you again for your participation in the recent mandolin give away here on the Cafe. Classy & impressive.

**Northfield mando** · Feb-17-2011, 11:05am

Hi Ed. I finally got the small slide show and sound sampler together. Click here to check it out. http://www.northfieldinstruments.com...d=35&Itemid=58

I'm not much of a player...but hey I gave it whirl. This is number #66. An A5 that just found it's way to Washington State and the Wintergrass Festival in Bellevue. I've put a few other pictures on there too. Hope this helps out and please don't hesitate to write back with questions. Thanks again for all the interest and support. -Adrian

**Caleb** · Feb-17-2011, 11:48am

Originally Posted by Northfield mando

I'm not much of a player...but hey I gave it whirl.

The playing sounds great to me. So does the mandolin.

**Northfield mando** · Feb-17-2011, 1:18pm

Thanks Caleb...shucks, I love to play but I don't get as much time as I'd like to practice. I'll have to work on that.
I got a call last night from Nick Keen of the Josh Williams Band. They just did a show at the Station Inn in Nashville and got some great video, with great audio, playing his Northfield F5 (#58). Check it out, Nick is a GREAT player and one heck of a guy. What a band! Now this is the sort of sound sample that does the instrument justice....Hey Nick, can I get some lessons?

**nickster** · Feb-17-2011, 2:35pm

Adrian,

Nice looking A mandolin and some good picking. Can you tell me what type of glue ya'll are using to construct the Northfield mandolins?

Nick
Roebuck, SC

**Ed Goist** · Feb-17-2011, 4:55pm

Originally Posted by Northfield mando

Hi Ed. I finally got the small slide show and sound sampler together. Click here to check it out. http://www.northfieldinstruments.com...d=35&Itemid=58

I'm not much of a player...but hey I gave it whirl. This is number #66. An A5 that just found it's way to Washington State and the Wintergrass Festival in Bellevue. I've put a few other pictures on there too. Hope this helps out and please don't hesitate to write back with questions. Thanks again for all the interest and support. -Adrian

...snipped embedded video (see post # 92)

Thank you very much Adrian.
Excellent playing, and a very fine sounding mandolin!
Does this one have the traditional or modern set-up? Just curious.
Thanks again, and great stuff!

**Northfield mando** · Feb-17-2011, 6:01pm

Hi Ed. It's a modern set-up. It's the mando shown sitting on my pickin' chair in the sun room.

**300win** · Feb-18-2011, 1:09pm

Originally Posted by Northfield mando

Hi Ed. I finally got the small slide show and sound sampler together. Click here to check it out. http://www.northfieldinstruments.com...d=35&Itemid=58

I'm not much of a player...but hey I gave it whirl. This is number #66. An A5 that just found it's way to Washington State and the Wintergrass Festival in Bellevue. I've put a few other pictures on there too. Hope this helps out and please don't hesitate to write back with questions. Thanks again for all the interest and support. -Adrian

Ain't nothing wrong with that picking, and it's a great sounding mandolin.

**Phil Jolly** · Feb-18-2011, 6:00pm

Adrian,

Will there be any Northfields to try out at Wintergrass?

**Northfield mando** · Feb-19-2011, 12:42pm

I think there will be a few Northfields at Wintergrass. First, the A model that is shown in the slide show, the one being played for the audio samples, will be there as part of the event. Then, Nick Keen of The Josh Williams Band will have his Northfield F5 with him. Adam Steffey and The Boxcars will be there too.

Wish I could be there!!! -Adrian