Re: Heiden vs Northfield GOM
Originally Posted by
Br1ck
It took me a while to overcome my Northfield bias, but came to realize there was no fundamental difference between a fine craftsman in China, and a fine craftsman anywhere else. Australia, Chezk Republic, US, Canada, a mandolin is a mandolin, regardless of who made it. Northfield succeeds because a living wage with benefits is less in China than elsewhere. Every time I play a Big Mon back to back with a Collings MF, I have these thoughts. First, the Big Mon is fully bound, glossy finish, with inlayed headstock vs top binding and semigloss finish. Second thought is how qualitatively similar they are. Third thought, damn, $1500 is a lot of money. Forth thought, man it would be nice to have a Collings. Half the time I prefer one, half the other. I think the $1500 part would decide things.
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Hi Brick.
I have both a Collings MF and a Northfield Big Mon. I find they have different voices, and appreciate each. The MF seems drier and cuts great in a jam. In fact, I'm often told it is louder than I think it is. The Big Mon has a rounder, fuller sound, and is what I pick up when I'm playing by myself. It comes through great when amplified in the band's PA. Both wear a set of Northfield strings, which are really a custom set of coated d'addarios. Bottom line, I like them both.
Make America Grateful Again!
2013 Collings MF, 2017 Northfield NF2S, 2019 Northfield Big Mon F
1968 Martin D12-20, 2008 Martin HD28, 2022 Martin CEO 7
1978 Ibanez Artist "Flying Eagle" Masterclone Banjo
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