Results 1 to 21 of 21

Thread: How would an Eastman MD505 compare with a Northfield M?

  1. #1
    Registered User
    Join Date
    Dec 2004
    Location
    Leesburg, GA
    Posts
    183

    Default How would an Eastman MD505 compare with a Northfield M?

    Wondered if a Northfield M would be a BIG leap up from the Eastman MD505 or even an 805? Thanks.

    Playing before buying is not a realistic option.
    Last edited by MikeVB; Jan-23-2023 at 1:32pm.
    Mike
    Grasp things by the smooth handle - Tom Jefferson

  2. #2

    Default Re: How would an Eastman MD505 compare with a Northfield M?

    Play before you buy (if possible).
    Not all 505s or Model As are equal.

    Now that that's out of the way, it's a logical upgrade path. It should be noticeably better.

    Before I would buy one for 2700 I would look at this Hinde A style. It's at 2700 and he's accepting offers:
    https://reverb.com/item/63760633-hin...dolin-sunburst

    And this Northfield NF5S used for 2499 at Guitar Center (Link is a wall of text but just look up used instruments on Guitar Center website).


    NFI
    Girouard Concert A5
    Girouard Custom A4
    Nordwall Cittern
    Barbi Mandola
    Dunwell B-1 Bouzouki
    www.singletonstreet.com

  3. #3
    rock in rôle Paul Statman's Avatar
    Join Date
    Feb 2003
    Location
    Los Angeles, CA
    Posts
    1,244

    Default Re: How would an Eastman MD505 compare with a Northfield M?

    Quote Originally Posted by Chuck Leyda View Post
    Play before you buy (if possible).
    Not all 505s or Model As are equal.

    Now that that's out of the way, it's a logical upgrade path. It should be noticeably better.

    Before I would buy one for 2700 I would look at this Hinde A style. It's at 2700 and he's accepting offers:
    https://reverb.com/item/63760633-hin...dolin-sunburst

    NFI
    That's one sweet (and played in) Hinde at a good price, IMO, Chuck.

  4. #4

    Default Re: How would an Eastman MD505 compare with a Northfield M?

    Quote Originally Posted by Paul Statman View Post
    That's one sweet (and played in) Hinde at a good price, IMO, Chuck.
    Yeah it sounded impressive. I'm all set with the Girouard but if I was looking I would give that serious consideration!
    Girouard Concert A5
    Girouard Custom A4
    Nordwall Cittern
    Barbi Mandola
    Dunwell B-1 Bouzouki
    www.singletonstreet.com

  5. The following members say thank you to Chuck Leyda for this post:


  6. #5

    Default Re: How would an Eastman MD505 compare with a Northfield M?

    "your posts ... very VERY opinionated ...basing your opinion/recommendations ... pot calling ...kettle... black...sarcasm...comment ...unwarranted...unnecessary...."

  7. The Following 3 Users Say Thank You to Mandobar For This Useful Post:


  8. #6
    Registered User Charles E.'s Avatar
    Join Date
    Feb 2007
    Location
    Saint Augustine Beach FL
    Posts
    6,618

    Default Re: How would an Eastman MD505 compare with a Northfield M?

    That would be the one to jump on. Nice looking instrument.
    Charley

    A bunch of stuff with four strings

  9. #7
    rock in rôle Paul Statman's Avatar
    Join Date
    Feb 2003
    Location
    Los Angeles, CA
    Posts
    1,244

    Default Re: How would an Eastman MD505 compare with a Northfield M?

    Quote Originally Posted by Mandobar View Post
    That's a steal for someone!

  10. #8

    Default Re: How would an Eastman MD505 compare with a Northfield M?

    I would be all over that NF-A5 if I was the OP. Holy cow.
    2018 Kentucky KM-950, 2017 Ellis A5 Deluxe

  11. #9
    Registered User
    Join Date
    Mar 2003
    Location
    Tangent OR
    Posts
    842

    Default Re: How would an Eastman MD505 compare with a Northfield M?

    I would say if you can't play it ahead of time, make sure you get an trial period where you can try it out and return it (paying shipping cost, of course). I say this because I have an Eastman 515V and a Collings MT, and the Eastman sounds as good as the Collings. Also, I have A/B's the collings with other instruments (other Collings, also a Stiver F) and the differences were subtle. I would try to set yourself up to be able to the A/B with your own instrument without fully committing.

    Cheers,

    Rob
    Follow the Flatt Stanley Incident on Facebook

    Listen to original tune "When You Fly" by my old band The Kindreds

  12. The following members say thank you to RobP for this post:


  13. #10
    Registered User
    Join Date
    Dec 2004
    Location
    Leesburg, GA
    Posts
    183

    Default Re: How would an Eastman MD505 compare with a Northfield M?

    Quote Originally Posted by Mandobar View Post
    I just ordered it. Thanks for the heads up.
    Mike
    Grasp things by the smooth handle - Tom Jefferson

  14. The Following 3 Users Say Thank You to MikeVB For This Useful Post:


  15. #11
    Registered User Mando Esq's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2022
    Location
    New Hampshire
    Posts
    105

    Default Re: How would an Eastman MD505 compare with a Northfield M?

    Congratulations!

    Give us a report once you get it.
    Eastman MD515 mandolin
    Gretsch G9310 mandolin
    Eastman MDO305E-SB octave mandolin
    Eastman E20om guitar
    Vega Little Wonder tenor banjo
    Epiphone El Capitan acoustic bass

  16. The following members say thank you to Mando Esq for this post:


  17. #12
    rock in rôle Paul Statman's Avatar
    Join Date
    Feb 2003
    Location
    Los Angeles, CA
    Posts
    1,244

    Default Re: How would an Eastman MD505 compare with a Northfield M?

    Quote Originally Posted by MikeVB View Post
    I just ordered it. Thanks for the heads up.
    Congratulations, Mike!

  18. #13
    not a donut Kevin Winn's Avatar
    Join Date
    Apr 2016
    Location
    Portland, OR
    Posts
    733

    Default Re: How would an Eastman MD505 compare with a Northfield M?

    Quote Originally Posted by MikeVB View Post
    Wondered if a Northfield M would be a BIG leap up from the Eastman MD505 or even an 805? Thanks.

    Playing before buying is not a realistic option.
    Yes.
    "Keep your hat on, we may end up miles from here..." - Kurt Vonnegut

  19. The following members say thank you to Kevin Winn for this post:

    MikeVB 

  20. #14
    Registered User
    Join Date
    Dec 2004
    Location
    Leesburg, GA
    Posts
    183

    Default Re: How would an Eastman MD505 compare with a Northfield M?

    Quote Originally Posted by Mando Esq View Post
    Congratulations!

    Give us a report once you get it.
    Definitely will.

    Quote Originally Posted by Paul Statman View Post
    Congratulations, Mike!
    Thanks, and thanks for contributing to the discussion.
    Mike
    Grasp things by the smooth handle - Tom Jefferson

  21. The following members say thank you to MikeVB for this post:


  22. #15
    Registered User
    Join Date
    Dec 2004
    Location
    Leesburg, GA
    Posts
    183

    Default Re: How would an Eastman MD505 compare with a Northfield M?

    Now, considering the finish is spirit varnish would it be a bad idea to try a Tone-Gard and armrest if I decide to keep this Northfield?
    Mike
    Grasp things by the smooth handle - Tom Jefferson

  23. #16
    Registered User
    Join Date
    Sep 2007
    Location
    NC
    Posts
    4,781

    Default Re: How would an Eastman MD505 compare with a Northfield M?

    It should be old enough for the finish to have cured well. If it feels tacky at all maybe give it some time before adding the accessories, but I suspect you’re fine from the git go…
    Chuck

  24. The following members say thank you to CES for this post:

    MikeVB 

  25. #17
    small instrument, big fun Dan in NH's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2021
    Location
    Nashua NH
    Posts
    835

    Default Re: How would an Eastman MD505 compare with a Northfield M?

    I'm about as big an Eastman booster as there is on the forum, but not even I would pretend an Eastman is a match for a Northfield.
    Eastman MD-514 (F body, Sitka & maple, oval hole)
    Klos Carbon Fiber (on order)

    And still saving my nickels & dimes & bottle caps & breakfast cereal box tops for my lifetime mandolin.

  26. The following members say thank you to Dan in NH for this post:

    MikeVB 

  27. #18
    not a donut Kevin Winn's Avatar
    Join Date
    Apr 2016
    Location
    Portland, OR
    Posts
    733

    Default Re: How would an Eastman MD505 compare with a Northfield M?

    Quote Originally Posted by MikeVB View Post
    I just ordered it. Thanks for the heads up.
    Congrats - that's a major bargain!
    "Keep your hat on, we may end up miles from here..." - Kurt Vonnegut

  28. The following members say thank you to Kevin Winn for this post:

    MikeVB 

  29. #19
    Registered User
    Join Date
    Dec 2004
    Location
    Leesburg, GA
    Posts
    183

    Default Re: How would an Eastman MD505 compare with a Northfield M?

    Quote Originally Posted by Kevin Winn View Post
    Congrats - that's a major bargain!
    Yeah, it kinda makes me go...Hmmm? LOL
    Mike
    Grasp things by the smooth handle - Tom Jefferson

  30. #20

    Default Re: How would an Eastman MD505 compare with a Northfield M?

    As my dear friend Dave Surette used to say, “Yeah, Buddy.”
    "your posts ... very VERY opinionated ...basing your opinion/recommendations ... pot calling ...kettle... black...sarcasm...comment ...unwarranted...unnecessary...."

  31. The following members say thank you to Mandobar for this post:

    MikeVB 

  32. #21
    Registered User
    Join Date
    Dec 2004
    Location
    Leesburg, GA
    Posts
    183

    Default Re: How would an Eastman MD505 compare with a Northfield M?

    The Northfield A Special arrived yesterday. I waited 24 hrs to open it until this morning as the box commanded me to do. It's a beautiful instrument. Fit and finish are flawless other than a few micro scratches here and there which are less than one would see on most new specimens hanging in a nice music shop. Don't have a way to take and post photos at the moment. But I will eventually.

    The sound is very honest in that it sounds like I hadn't played a mandolin in over 10 years.

    Time to get my literal chops back!

    Thanks to Mandobar and everyone else's help in my search.
    Mike
    Grasp things by the smooth handle - Tom Jefferson

  33. The Following 8 Users Say Thank You to MikeVB For This Useful Post:


Bookmarks

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •