Yesterday my wife received her 43rd anniversary present, a stunning Northfield A5 Special, just delivered from TME. Yes, I know Northfield’s are generally considered on a lower level than an Ellis or Collings, but based on the list provided in post #68 above, her’s checks most of the boxes:
Hand rubbed varnish finish — yes
Waverly grade tuners — almost
Fully bound - top, back, and fret board — top yes, peghead yes, and no on the rest
One piece back — yes, absolutely beautiful
Builder cred — growing with every mandolin they sell
A really nice case to hold it — yes, the same case as is provided with their most expensive Artist series mandolins
Plus:
Master grade Italian spruce top — yes
F5-type chop and volume? Yes, louder yet more even and smooth across the strings and up/down the fretboard than my Northfield Big Mon
I don’t think you need to spend $6k on a lifetime A style, just my opinion. This Northfield is very close to an Ellis or Collings in terms of sound and the fit/finish on this one is beyond good. Please don’t pound me for suggesting this alternative, it’s just that this particular mandolin has it all at that competitive “better” level and is priced at $3,500.
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