Made by extremely well regarded Michigan/Chinese joint manufacturer Northfield, this custom ordered A5 Special is a great example of what can be achieved by competent luthiers, no matter where they’re located.

Made with Italian spruce, high end maple, (a particularly nice piece on the neck), and Northfield’s “Gloss Hybrid Varnish”, this mandolin has a nice bassy voice, still with plenty of articulation, and an overall very modern style and sound.

Capped off with Gotoh tuners, a Nugget style tailpiece, a 1 1/8th nut on a fairly full neck, this mandolin plays and functions as good as it looks.

This example was custom ordered with headstock, neck and back binding, adding to its already heavily tortoise-shelled aesthetic.

Great shape, just one or two nicks here or there.

Comes with the original “Heirloom” case.