Northfield Tone: NF-F5S vs Big Mon
I was wondering if any of you have played the NF-F5s next to a Big Mon.
Is there a significant difference in the quality of the tone?
I have only played an F5s, but have not played or heard a Big Mon in person.
I found the NF-F5s to be an excellent mandolin.
The tone for the few I played seemed to be very dry, tight, punchy, and loud.
For my ears it seemed a more "modern" sound for a mandolin.
Seems like an awesome mando for modern bluegrass.
From the videos the Big Mon seems to sound a bit less dry, but still poppy and loud. It seems to have a bit more air in the sound, so maybe it is a bit more like an older Gibson in tone. Sounds like it would also be excellent for bluegrass, but also might be a bit more versatile in general for other musical styles.
Is that a fair assumption?
Anyhoo, I am zeroing in on the perfect mando for me, and Northfield seems like the right direction. The F5s was awesome, but might be a bit too "dry" for my style.
I am starting to think the Big Mon is the way to go. I also know now that I need the wider nut model, as the 1 3/32 NF5 neck was just too skinny for me to play comfortably.
Any input is appreciated.
Mandolins: Northfield 5-Bar Artist Model "Old Dog", J Bovier F5 Special, Gibson A-00 (1940)
Fiddles: 1920s Strad copy, 1930s Strad copy, Liu Xi T20, Liu Xi T19+ Dark.
Guitars: Taylor 514c (1995), Gibson Southern Jumbo (1940s), Gibson L-48 (1940s), Les Paul Custom (1978), Fender Strat (Black/RWFB) (1984), Fender Strat (Candy Apple Red/MFB) (1985).
Sitars: Hiren Roy KP (1980s), Naskar (1970s), Naskar (1960s).
Misc: 8 Course Lute (L.K.Brown)
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