Northfield Mandolins is a relatively modern outfit, founded around 2007 by Adrian Bagale and a team with deep experience in large-scale instrument production, but built with a focus on tone and playability, and their luthiers in Quindao, China, have nailed both of those over the years.

This example, their “Big Mon” model, actually has less in common with Bill Monroe’s Loar than the rest of Northfield’s lineup, being a more modern, slightly larger-bodied interpretation of the F5 design, allowing for a richer low end. This example, finished in a blonde finish, has a varnish finish as well, instead of lacquer, allowing for a much more open, responsive sound.

1 1/8th nut, radiused board.

In good shape, with very few marks, though a fair degree of fret divoting at the first couple frets.

Comes with a hardshell case.