The Complete Northfield Mandolin Lineup
Since 2008, Northfield Mandolins has built a solid reputation among players for instruments that combine traditional craftsmanship with practical innovation.
Their multi-stage production process ensures mandolins that deliver consistent quality across a wide range of prices. Here's a breakdown of what they have to offer.
S Series
Price: $3,995
The S Series represents Northfield's core F-style mandolin. These instruments use red spruce or Engelmann spruce tops with figured maple backs and sides, finished in matte nitrocellulose lacquer. Available in both standard and wide nut configurations, plus F2 models with different color options.
The S Series delivers balanced tone that works for bluegrass, folk, and contemporary styles. Built for regular playing, these mandolins offer the clarity and projection that working musicians need without breaking the bank.
S Series Limited
Price: $4,995
The Limited editions step up to premium tonewoods with book-matched two-piece maple backs and gloss nitrocellulose finish. They include torch inlay, Gilchrist tailpiece, and deluxe Gotoh tuners. Available in Light Leatherburst finish with choice of premium Adirondack red spruce or Engelmann spruce tops.
Big Mon
Price: $5,695
The Big Mon takes Northfield's standard F5 design and increases the body width by 5mm at the widest point. This subtle change creates more midrange warmth and bass response while keeping the crisp high-end that defines a good F-style mandolin.
These instruments feature Engelmann, Adirondack red spruce, or Italian spruce tops with figured maple backs. The gloss hybrid varnish finish and scroll inlay give them a refined appearance. Available in standard or wide nut widths.
Big Mon Limited
Price: $6,995
The Limited edition showcases premium "stash" one-piece maple backs with hand-aged hybrid varnish in Antique Cremona finish. Features the new Astrafell inlay design and deluxe Gotoh tuners. Available with premium Adirondack red spruce or Engelmann spruce tops.
Artist Series
Starting at $7,495 (Limited Availability)
Developed with mandolinist Mike Marshall, the Artist Series represents Northfield's most refined instruments. These mandolins use ultra-premium tonewoods with either 5-bar or 2-bar bracing systems. The 5-bar design offers more bass response and harmonic complexity, while the 2-bar provides the classic Lloyd Loar-inspired voice.
Available with Engelmann, Italian, or Adirondack red spruce tops and figured maple backs. Each includes Rivers Edge inlay and premium appointments throughout. Built for players who need instruments that can handle any musical situation.
A-Style Mandolins
Price: $3,995
Northfield's A-style lineup includes the A5 Special and A4 Special models. These use premium Italian spruce tops with figured maple, fully bound with gloss hybrid varnish.
A-style mandolins work well for folk, old-time, and acoustic settings where their warm, woody tone can shine without competing for space.
Octave Mandolins
Price Range: $3,495 - $5,495
Archtop AT1 ($4,995): Italian spruce top with mahogany back and sides. Features a 30's Martin-style sunburst finish with glossed top and matte back.
Archtop AT2 ($5,495): Italian spruce top with figured maple back and sides. Full gloss nitrocellulose finish in dark cherryburst or amber.
Wavelength AT3 ($3,495): A-style model featuring Adirondack red spruce with figured maple and a shortened scale. Matte spirit varnish in ox amber or dark leatherburst.
What Sets Northfield Apart
Northfield's approach combines American design with skilled international craftsmanship, allowing them to offer quality instruments at reasonable prices. Each series maintains consistent voice characteristics while providing enough variation for different playing styles.
Players consistently note the reliability, playability, and distinctive voice that define Northfield instruments. Whether you choose the dependable S Series, the enhanced presence of the Big Mon, or the refined complexity of the Artist Series, these are mandolins built for playing.