I had an early Northfield F5 and it had finish problems as others did with the finish becoming cloudy and worn spots easily made. Fast forward to today ( 2017) has Northfield changed their finish recipe/process to eliminate these problems ?
I had an early Northfield F5 and it had finish problems as others did with the finish becoming cloudy and worn spots easily made. Fast forward to today ( 2017) has Northfield changed their finish recipe/process to eliminate these problems ?
From the Northfield website regarding the finish on their Big Mon (nee Master Model). Although from what I can tell, early on there were MM's what were not Big Mon. I'm sure someone will correct any incorrect assumptions.:
Big Mon
Originally we finished the Big Mon completely in spirit varnish. In response to a demand for a more durable finish on this model we started in 2016 applying a varnish/lacquer hybrid. We retained the acoustically and visually superior attributes of shellac while adding an extremely thin topcoat of Lacquer for protection from moisture and heat.
Varnish Hybrid
Hand applied alcohol stain
C.
Northfield F5S Amber #347 - 'Squeeze'
Mann EM-5 Hollow Body - Gimme Moore
Kentucky KM-270 - Not just for whisky
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Cozart 8-string e-mando - El Ch(e)apo
Lanikai LB6-S Banjolele (tuned GDAE) - Plinky and the Brane
I have a 2015 Master Model (not a Big Mon body) and the finish is great. A friend of mine had an early one and had finish problems but Northfield worked to fix it and finally replaced the mando and he’s satisfied. I believe the Master Model has evolved into the Artist Series now.
Northfield F5M #268, AT02 #7
Northfield F5M #268, AT02 #7
Orcas Island Tonewoods
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