Re: Northfield, Passernig, Pava...Input Ne
Originally Posted by
Bob Stolkin
I'm going to get a new mando, and have narrowed it down to a Northfield F5S, a Pava A-5 Player, or a Passernig A-5. I play mostly bluegrass, sometimes in a full group, and often in smaller arrangements (duets, trios).
I used to own an early (pre-Player) Pava and liked it, only I preferred and continue to prefer the Passernig more. They are similar tonally, but the Passernig offers greater dynamics, along with more comfortable for me (Collings-like) playability.
Similarly, I once tried to buy a shopworn Northfield F5S from a Cafe sponsor and was dissuaded by a well-intended salesperson. He felt that it would not match up to other mandolins in my experience (like a Collings) and did not want me to purchase an instrument from a distance with which he did not think that I would be entirely satisfied. I have yet to play one firsthand.
In sum, I would recommend a Passernig enthusiastically. I would recommend a Pava with reservations (depending on your preferred neck profile). And I have no basis on which to evaluate a Northfield.
1924 Gibson A Snakehead
2005 National RM-1
2007 Hester A5
2009 Passernig A5
2015 Black A2-z
2010 Black GBOM
2017 Poe Scout
2014 Smart F-Style Mandola
2018 Vessel TM5
2019 Hogan F5
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