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Thread: Just Got a New Northfield M: It's Fantastic

  1. #1
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    Default Just Got a New Northfield M: My Oh My

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    I am lucky to have one of the first M's from the good folks at Northfield, and it's great. I was about to buy it, and my wife intercepted the process and gave it to me as a gift so I could never sell it, not that I would. . . read on.

    I don't know where to start really. The sound is open, woody, extremely responsive. And the action, oh my, it plays like butter. The neck shape and varnish finish all enhance the great set-up. You can tell the design benefited from a lot of thought from the player's perspective: the sound, action, scoop, abbreviated pick guard, Nugget designed tail piece (in a classy flat metal finish), rubber grommets, modern set-up. I had my other mandolin set up last year by a well know pro luthier, and was amazed at the difference, and the action on this Northfied right out of the gate is right there with it. I know action and sound are subjective, but they are both right on to me. The Engelmann spruce yields a sweet warm sound, but she can already jump like a Willys in four wheel drive.

    I'd say the finish is slightly more honey colored than in the photos. The overall look is classy. Sorry about the dust in the photos, but hey, the M has been out of the case ready to play. . .
    Last edited by Luna Pick; Mar-15-2015 at 6:13pm.

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  3. #2

    Default Re: Just Got a New Northfield M: It's Fantastic

    Congratulations Luna Pick! What a nice looking mandolin. The wood on your M's neck and back have really cool figuring.

  4. #3
    Registered User funkycarnivore's Avatar
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    Default Re: Just Got a New Northfield M: It's Fantastic

    Wow! I knew these had some potential! Great color!

  5. #4

    Default Re: Just Got a New Northfield M: It's Fantastic

    Nice! Congratulations, a wonderful surprise!

  6. #5
    Registered User mandobassman's Avatar
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    Default Re: Just Got a New Northfield M: It's Fantastic

    I love it!! One of the best looking new mandolins available. The one sound clip I've heard was incredible. I would love to have one of those tailpieces. Wonder if they're available as a separate purchase?
    Larry Hunsberger

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    Registered User Pick&Grin's Avatar
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    Default Re: Just Got a New Northfield M: It's Fantastic

    Looks great! Sounds like it's bound to be your summer love in the spring, fall, and winter!
    Thanks for sharing, and for the serious MAS boost!
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    Default Re: Just Got a New Northfield M: It's Fantastic

    mandobassman: You'll probably have to check with Northfield about separate tailpiece availability. I don't know if they spec'd them only for their complete mandolins or not, or if they are exclusive to Northfield with Nugget.

    I realize I didn't include a full photo but I think you all have the idea and there are photos on the Northfield site as well.

    PickandGrin: She's got everything delightful, she's got everything I need. . .

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    Registered User Joey Anchors's Avatar
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    Default Re: Just Got a New Northfield M: It's Fantastic

    OK I want one now!
    Waterloo WL-M

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    Default Re: Just Got a New Northfield M: It's Fantastic

    That would make happy, any man alive...

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    Registered User Randi Gormley's Avatar
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    Default Re: Just Got a New Northfield M: It's Fantastic

    What a beautiful instrument. congrats!
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    Default Re: Just Got a New Northfield M: It's Fantastic

    Yup.....she's absolutely amazing . No question she's a keeper and you're a lucky man to have her,,,must make you want to reach out and caress her all day long . Wish I could find one like that . Oh.and by the way ....your new mandolin is pretty nice too.

  15. #12
    Registered User mandopaul's Avatar
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    Default Re: Just Got a New Northfield M: It's Fantastic

    Very nice. Where can I get one? Seems they aren't out in the general population of stores yet?

    Yes, she can make happy any man alive.

    Now you are going to have to name it Sugar, because of this thread

  16. #13
    Middle-Aged Old-Timer Tobin's Avatar
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    Default Re: Just Got a New Northfield M: It's Fantastic

    Is it just my imagination, or are the f-holes smaller than most other builders use? I don't know if it's just my imagination, but they look skinnier, with smaller holes at the ends. I recall from past discussions that some builders use smaller f-holes for a bassier response, or some such. Do you note a similar effect with this one?

    It's a great looking mandolin, for sure!

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    Default Re: Just Got a New Northfield M: It's Fantastic

    I think they are taking orders online via their website. Check it out. NFI, etc.

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    Default Re: Just Got a New Northfield M: It's Fantastic

    The F holes didn't strike me as smaller, maybe they are, don't know. The sound is balanced and very punchy, yet warm. I so far don't notice an emphasis towards the bass side.

  19. #16

    Default Re: Just Got a New Northfield M: It's Fantastic

    Very handsome indeed, retail price through Northfield?

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    Default Re: Just Got a New Northfield M: It's Fantastic

    Yes, I'd check with Northfield directly for price. I don't want to misquote it, and since my wife intervened on the transaction I don't know the final total with case and shipping anyway.

  21. #18
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    Default Re: Just Got a New Northfield M: It's Fantastic

    Quote Originally Posted by Luna Pick View Post
    Yes, I'd check with Northfield directly for price. I don't want to misquote it, and since my wife intervened on the transaction I don't know the final total with case and shipping anyway.
    $1799 for just the instrument or $1899 with case per an earlier thread: http://www.mandolincafe.com/forum/sh...Model-M/page2l
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    Registered User Tom Sanderson's Avatar
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    Default Re: Just Got a New Northfield M: It's Fantastic

    Quote Originally Posted by mandobassman View Post
    I would love to have one of those tailpieces. Wonder if they're available as a separate purchase?
    I suggest that you contact Mike Kemnitzer (Nugget). I'm not sure, but I think he is planning on offering them for sale

  23. #20
    Registered User mandobassman's Avatar
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    Default Re: Just Got a New Northfield M: It's Fantastic

    Quote Originally Posted by Tobin View Post
    Is it just my imagination, or are the f-holes smaller than most other builders use? I don't know if it's just my imagination, but they look skinnier, with smaller holes at the ends. I recall from past discussions that some builders use smaller f-holes for a bassier response, or some such. Do you note a similar effect with this one?

    It's a great looking mandolin, for sure!
    That's one of the first things I noticed about it. I've seen other builders use skinny f holes like that. One that comes to mind is a Dearstone that a friend owned.
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  24. #21
    Registered User Joey Anchors's Avatar
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    Default Re: Just Got a New Northfield M: It's Fantastic

    Quote Originally Posted by Tom Sanderson View Post
    I suggest that you contact Mike Kemnitzer (Nugget). I'm not sure, but I think he is planning on offering them for sale

    I contacted Mike asking this very question and he said that he will be offering them for sale and he is working on the pricing.
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  25. #22
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    Default Re: Just Got a New Northfield M: It's Fantastic

    The F holes do appear to be small and I have a Dearstone with small holes. I have heard that Ray cuts the holes small them enlarge them as needed after stringing them up in the white. I have noticed a considerable difference in the size of his F holes.

  26. #23
    Registered User mandopaul's Avatar
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    Default Re: Just Got a New Northfield M: It's Fantastic

    Quote Originally Posted by Mandoplumb View Post
    The F holes do appear to be small and I have a Dearstone with small holes. I have heard that Ray cuts the holes small them enlarge them as needed after stringing them up in the white. I have noticed a considerable difference in the size of his F holes.

    Check this out on their website
    http://www.northfieldinstruments.com...26-f-hole-size

  27. #24
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    Default Re: Just Got a New Northfield M: It's Fantastic

    I'll add that the tailpiece is as functional as it is elegant, including the built in leather strip. Really like the matte metal finish too. Great job Mike K. and Northfield.

  28. #25
    Registered User Joe Welna's Avatar
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    Default Re: Just Got a New Northfield M: It's Fantastic

    Did you get the optional case too? Just wondering what they're like.
    Glad you like the mando... I'm considering one myself.

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