Northfield A4 Special NFMSP-A4 Mandolin – New

Although the model code “A-4” reminds vintage mandolin fans of Gibson’s highest A model, that’s where the similarities to this Northfield A4 Special end. For starters, Northfield has moved up both the soundhole and the bridge, giving you 14 frets clear of the body. The end of the fingerboard is also cantilevered above the top, which results in a larger and far more active soundboard.

What this means to the player is the A4 Special offers the same access to the upper frets that you enjoy with an F-model, and the tone and volume are expanded as well. Yet the oval soundhole and lateral top brace give you the warmer, sweeter tone you expect from a mandolin that doesn’t rely on f soundholes and tone bars top bracing. The figured maple, multi-ply binding and shaded varnish finish in Light Leatherburst are equivalent to the best Northfield F models. This A4 Special may change how you think about A model mandolins.