Re: F5 Upgrade Guidance - Gibson, Collings, Northfield
I traded for a used Northfield 4th Gen a few months ago. After taking it to Nashville twice and comparing it to everything I could find, I've decided that I'm happy with it. I left thinking I'd have to spend at least $12k to clearly best it, at least at Nashville retail prices.
What I learned (re-learned, really) is that there is not enough consistency between examples of any brand or make of mandolin to buy on name alone. I'm pretty confident that any Gilchrist or Dude would scare my NF back to its case, but I've played some Kimbles, Duffs, Heidens, a whole lotta Gibsons, and even an Ellis F5 that I wouldn't trade for.
Another big factor is the qualities you value in a mandolin. I used to love a big fat round tubby tone, but now I crave a strong, dry midrange with crisp highs like I hear in CJ Lewandowski's McClanahan (no...my NF don't sound like that).
If there's any way you can, grab a cheap ticket to Nashville and hit the music shops before you spend $7500. At the very least you'll have a ton of fun!
Barry
2020 Northfield 4th Gen #14
Pavel Sucek F-5 w/Skip Kelly top
1996 BellMaster F-5 (Carl Cates)
A bunch of fiddles and a couple D-28s
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