Mando upgrade

[The Corsair]

Hey, all. I’m due for an upgrade and have a budget of around 3k. I’ve been eyeing the Northfield f5s and from what I’ve heard it sounds perfect for me. Can anyone testify to how well it plays, 1 1/8 vs 1 3/16 nut, yada yada? I currently play an Eastman 515, which has served me well for learning, but it’s not a great performance mando. If not the f5s, what other mandos in that price range should I look into? Obvy I’m looking for scrolls and binding, ‘cause I’m vain. Thanks in advance.

[The Corsair]

<duplicate thread merged>

[George R. Lane]

Here is one at the Mandolin Store. Ask Dennis about the nut width and shape of the neck.

https://www.mandolincafe.com/ads/115510#115510

[The Corsair]

I will. Thank you.

[Josh Levine]

Northfields are great. Tough to beat for that price point. Matt Ruhland in Portland, Oregon makes some good mandolins slightly above the 3k mark. Varnished F5s. Worth examining. Northfield makes a fine mandolin, though. You could probably find a Collings MF for that price. Seen some MF5s for 4k recently.

[colorado_al]

I really like the Northfield mandolins. I played a bunch of them at Tejon St Music in CO Springs.
Very high quality and comfortable.
There are a few used Master Model Northfields around that I would check out. You might see if you can snag one for $3500.
Here's a Northfield "Big Mon" that they are asking $3900 for. They might be able to move on the price some:
https://www.mandolincafe.com/ads/116840#116840

Here's a 2010 Master Model that has just had a refret and new setup for $3300
https://www.mandolincafe.com/ads/116692#116692

I'd also consider this Summit F-100 for $2000
https://www.mandolincafe.com/ads/117095#117095

Gibson F5G for $3050
https://www.mandolincafe.com/ads/116830#116830

If you want a wider nut, I'd call Dennis and ask about this used Lafferty at $2500
https://www.mandolincafe.com/ads/116438#116438

[Br1ck]

TMF has a used Silverangel for $2500

[yankees1]

In your price range and even higher a Northfield would be hard to beat ! Great sound !

[The Corsair]

I’ve looked around some more and decided to put the used Big Mon on layaway at Morgan Music. Thank you for all of your input!

[colorado_al]

I’ve looked around some more and decided to put the used Big Mon on layaway at Morgan Music. Thank you for all of your input!

I think that is an awesome call! Morgan is a great shop and the Big Mon has nicer finish and a fuller sound than the NF5S, in my opinion. Both are great mandolins, but the Big Mon is really something special.

[CWRoyds]

To answer your question, every Northfield I have played was awesome to play.
The necks are rather nice, and they play like butter.
The necks and setup have all been great on the ones I have played.
I can only speak for the modern setup ones, with big frets and radius fretboard though, as that is what I like.

The F5S has an unbound neck, but they all play really easily, except one I played that was narrow at the nut (1 1/32?)
The ones I have played had a punchy dry tone that would be awesome for bluegrass.
It is a more modern sound.
The fit and finish are great, but without the bling. (Binding etc.)
I kinda like the way they look.

The Big Mon has a bound fretboard, and plays very very well.
The Big Mon has a little more deep clunk in the tone, like an older mandolin.
It is a great sound for traditional bluegrass.
The fit and finish are a bit better than the F5S.

The Artist model I just got plays even better than the others for my hands.
The neck just feels awesome, and the violin style finish on the neck is perfection.
It is a very high quality instrument.
I am super happy with the Artist model.
It is the nicest mandolin I have owned, or played, by a mile.
A legendary mandolinist played it the other day and said it was one of the loudest mandolins he has ever heard.

As for neck width, I thought I would like a wider nut, but have found that 1 1/8 is just about right for me.
A little wider is good too, as it gives your fingers more room.
Try out some wider nut mandos, regardless of brand, to see how you like it.

Every Northfield I have played was a worthy instrument.
I think you will be happy with any of the models.
I liked the Big Mon, but there was an F5S next to it that just rocked.
I would have liked either, but that day I would have taken home the F5s.
The only reason I didnt buy the F5s was the color.
It was blond with a blond back, and I have a fetish for the traditional brown sunburst on a mandolin.

I was lucky and contacted Northfield about instruments they had for sale around the shop.
Turned out they had one of Mike Marshall's old 5-Bar Artist models that he had played for a year or so.
It is spectacular, and fully played in.
The 5-bar is a different animal than your average F5, but I love it.
I might have to get an F5S for straight up Bluegrass, but I would never get rid of this Artist model.

Northfield rocks.

[MontanaMatt]

Ratliff, single builder from TN, great!
http://www.ratliffmandolins.com

[The Corsair]

I’ve purchased the Big Mon from Morgan Music, and it’s on the way!!! I’m so stoked! I️ wish I️ had a chance to try it out, but that just wasn’t an option. I️ just watched every you tube viddy I️ could find. Thanks everyone for all your input, it is much appreciated!

[CWRoyds]

Congrats.
I am sure you will love it.
Post back when you get it.