In December 2020 I received a slightly customized (back binding added, blacktop, honey amber back and sides) A5 Special mandolin from Northfield. I have wanted to share my thoughts since it arrived and today is the day...
It is incredible. I still play in awe of the tone that it produces and the ease with which I am able to coax that tone from the mandolin. This was a major investment for me (I know their are MANY more expensive instruments, but for me, on my income, this level of investment is extremely significant!) and as I waited for the mandolin to arrive I will admit I wondered “Will it really be worth it?” It is. It has exceeded my expectations and I can not wait to get it out of its case, and I find my self playing significantly more music than I have in decades.
The depth of tone combined with the exceptional volume exceeds anything I have experienced before. While I have never owned a top quality instrument before I have been lucky enough to spend time playing some wonderful instruments and my Northfield A5 Special equals the best of what I have heard. The note clarity and separation (I think these are the right terms) are incredible. I can hear the notes that make up the chords I play in a way I have never before experienced. It is just an incredible mandolin, and I am so grateful to play it everyday.
My experience through the ordering process with Northfield was also exemplary. Derek was wonderful to work with, he kept me apprised of the instruments progress, and delivered the mandolin almost exactly on the initially proposed schedule (despite the challenges posed by COVID related delays). In short the service is as good as the mandolin.
This is long already so I will sign off. If you are considering a Northfield I think you will be thrilled with what you receive. I know I have been. Many thanks to the whole Northfield staff.
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