Northfield Big Mon NFB-F5A Adirondack Mandolin – New

Northfield’s “Big Mon” is of course named after the famous Bill Monroe tune, and like his iconic Lloyd Loar F-5 it has the black-white purfling lines on the sides (instead of on the top and back). Unlike Monroe’s Loar, the Big Mon has a slightly larger body which produces a bit of extra oomph in volume and resonance, which becomes clear with just a few chord chops and quick runs with your flat pick. This mandolin preserves the character of a vintage instrument with all the playability of a modern, professional grade instrument. Northfield pulled out all the stops for this model, which is evident in its hybrid-varnish finish.This example has an Adirondack spruce top.

Aesthetics, playability, and tone accounted for; the Big Mon is still very much its own thing in the most appealing way. The finish has a satin sheen, and the back of the neck has the look of a carefully worn fiddle neck. The inlay in the headstock looks great and is uniquely Northfield. For modern players, the radiused fingerboard is a must, and the extension is shortened and slightly scooped, so you can confidently pick close to the neck for a bubbly and warm tone. A Big Mon will, without a doubt, cut for leads in a group, and blend-in perfectly for rhythm. Regardless of the style you’re playing, the Big Mon definitely can bring it all to the table. It comes with the lightweight yet sturdy Airloom “Recurve” case.