2023 Northfield S Series NFS-F5WN Wide Nut Mandolin – Used

This Northfield NFS-F5WN was made in 2023 and it’s in excellent structural and cosmetic condition. It does have very minor scuffs here and there that are so small they don’t show up in the photos. There is almost no fret wear. This mandolin was fitted with a K&K mandolin pickup. Northfield’s S Series of mandolins are an excellent choice for the player looking for the best tone with a little less bling. This model offers the same quality woodworking as their more expensive instruments but by binding only the edge of the Adirondack spruce top and leaving the back unbound, the number of hours in each instrument is significantly reduced.

Another cost saving measure is using a satin finish, which is easier to apply than a gloss finish. Happily, Northfield’s builders didn’t skimp on the important stuff like tone and playability. The NFS-F5 has a two-bar bracing system like the classic Lloyd Loar mandolins and it has a clear, focused tone with a strong bark that can be heard over the loudest banjo picker. It also has a radiused fretboard, making it a breeze to play. The “WN” at the end of the model code stands for “Wide Neck,” so if you find your fingers a bit cramped on a typical 1 1/8″ mandolin neck this Northfield may win over your left hand very quickly. Includes a hardshell case.