Northfield Model M Mandolin: the end of the line & worth the wait

[Demetrius]

This particular model intrigues me.

Thanks,
Dem

[pheffernan]

This particular model intrigues me.

Me too. Having owned (like Nic) a Collings MT and a Pava, I'm curious to see what Northfield could accomplish with their entry level A, particularly with a varnish finish.

P.S. Nic, I think there's a typo with your signature and that the Model M should be listed as a 2015 model.

[Nick Gellie]

Me too. Having owned (like Nic) a Collings MT and a Pava, I'm curious to see what Northfield could accomplish with their entry level A, particularly with a varnish finish.

P.S. Nic, I think there's a typo with your signature and that the Model M should be listed as a 2015 model.

Yes thanks Pat.

Ok in answer to Demetrius's interest a Northfield model M does not have the traditional bling of other As in that price range. But it does have a warm woody sound when set up well. When I first had it there was a problem with its factory set up. There isn't now because I know now what to do to improve it.

And it is fun to play and brings me a warm glow same as my Collings MT. They are essentially the same species of mandolin both having Engelmann Spruce tops and possibly Red Maple backs. Ask Collings about that to make sure.

[Nick Gellie]

Installed a Gidgee scratch plate instead of the plastic one from the factory:

[AgentKooper]

I'm curious whether the OP still has his Northfield Model M, and, if so, what additional thoughts he might have about it with the passage of a couple years. I'm in the process of acquiring one of these models and want to read more about them!

[Nick Gellie]

I wish I still had it. I had to let it go finally along with a Collings MT gloss top - both were very fine mandolins. I enjoyed playing it a lot. It was good in a jam session. In fact both were good in a jam session. I am heading now for a Collings MT2. I just like Collings mandolins the best now.

[AgentKooper]

I wish I still had it. I had to let it go finally along with a Collings MT gloss top - both were very fine mandolins. I enjoyed playing it a lot. It was good in a jam session. In fact both were good in a jam session. I am heading now for a Collings MT2. I just like Collings mandolins the best now.

Thanks for replying. Those MT2s are fantastic. I played one at a shop last week, and it was a revelation. I'm excited for the Model M. It's a big step up in quality from what I'm playing now, and I love the design.