Northfield Model M Mandolin: the end of the line & worth the wait
The first thing I noticed was how light it was when I first picked the model M out of the case. After I adjusted the truss rod and tuned her back up again, I found the touch, playability, and intonation spot on thanks very much to the folks at Northfield - great attention to detail.
Fit and finish is great and I like the slight roughness to the touch of the varnish finish. I really like the earthy colours Northfield have come up with. I also like the shape and size of the F holes. All up simple and yet aesthetically pleasing.
I was not sure about the pick guard at first glance. It looked a bit flimsy - it will take a bit getting used to. However, it is not a major issue. I would suggest perhaps a simpler shape rather like the abbreviated Cumberland acoustics or Collings MT pick guards.
The Schaller tuners work really well and have a really nice smooth action- better than most of the tuning machines on other mandolins I have had.
The Nugget tailpiece is very functional and appropriate to the design of the body of the Model M.
Now for some tonal comparisons. I should first say that I have gone through quite a few mandolins in the last few years. Now I am ready to settle down - we all say that don't we but anyway I have felt really solid about the Model M right from the start.
Let’s see what mandolins I have had that are comparable to the model M:
2012 Silver Angel, 2013 Mike Black Gibson A4 replica, 2013 Kentucky KM-950, 2009 Arches FT-O, 2013 Mike Black A2Z, and a 2014 Pava Player.
The Black Gibson A2 and A4 replicas are really loud instruments with strong well developed bell-like tones on the E strings but a bit dry in the lower end department. Just different altogether because of their heritage. I have since gone for a Collings MT2-O - that will be a topic for a new thread.
The 2012 Silver Angel has heaps of bottom and middle tonal complexity but not really loud and responsive E strings. The Pava Player was similar to the Silverangel in terms of tonal response - both played beautifully under the fingers. The Kentucky KM-950 was a great mandolin and was well balanced and easy to play but only slightly lacking in tonal complexity - great for a jamming instrument to take to festivals though. For its price though it was a very good mandolin perhaps on a par with the Pava although the Kentucky had louder and more bell-like tones coming out of the E strings. I know you might think I harp on this but clarity and projection in the E strings are really important for me. I play other genres such as Balkan as well as bluegrass and OT so you need a really strong upper register to cut through when playing with accordions etc.
So having played my Northfield Model M I can say that it excels across all the strings - it has an open woody responsive sound right of the box and great clarity and volume just like the Northfield videos suggest. You shouldn't have to beat it into submission to get it to work for you. Then that is partially owing to the Engelmann Spruce top:
The bridge is solid and well fitted to the top. The arching, curvature and recurve of the top is really nicely done. I think that is part of the secret in its open responsiveness and cut.
I have also a wonderful second-hand Collings MT2-O which is very similar to the Northfield in terms of tone and responsiveness except it has more sustain because of the oval hole and X-bracing. Interesting that they are similar despite different woods, bracing, and design.
I also very much like the rounded V-shape neck. I was quite surprised that it was a tad under 11/8” but still seems very doable. My Collings MT2-O has a slightly wider nut but a very similar neck profile. I prefer the rounded V-shape to a standard V-shaped neck that say the Collings MT has. It also has a nice speed neck finish.
So all in all the Northfield Model M meets my expectations hands down. I could tell she was a winner when i first took her out of the case and inspected here thoroughly. Really impressive axe that can be used for a range of genres. I can't wait to take the model M to a jam. It really complements my second-hand Collings MT2-O. I pick up either instrument equally. Each has their own fine qualities - both easy to play and listen to - both really responsive. I will do a review of the Collings MT2-O later. I will also post Soundcloud audio clips to complement the review soon.
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Originally Posted by Mandobar
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