Used Northfield Mandolins
I don't typically have used Northfield mandolins in my inventory, but they do come up for sale regularly on the secondary market. Here's where to look and what to keep in mind.
Where to Find Used Northfields
Mandolin Cafe Classifieds
The Mandolin Cafe classifieds is the first place I'd steer players looking for a used Northfield. The site has been around since 1995 and has a stellar reputation.
Listings are posted by individual sellers, and the site tracks each seller's ad history so you can see how long they've been active. In addition, the folks who run the classifieds do a lot of work behind the scenes to stop scammer and spam listings.
Northfields show up frequently, especially S-Series and Big Mon models.
Reverb
Reverb is a large marketplace for musical instruments with buyer protection built into the platform. You'll find listings from both individual sellers and dealers.
Selection varies, but there are usually a handful of used Northfield mandolins available at any given time.
In my experience, Reverb's prices tend to be a bit inflated since the seller's costs are a around 8.2%. With that said, Reverb's offer system makes it easy to negotiate on price.
Local Classifieds
Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, and similar platforms occasionally have Northfield mandolins, though listings are rare.
The big advantage is the ability to see and play the instrument in person before buying.
The downsides are limited selection, no seller vetting, and the likelihood of wading through scam listings and no-shows before finding a legitimate seller.
Music Shops
Dealers like Elderly Instruments occasionally take in used Northfields mandolins on trade or consignment.
The benefit of buying from a shop is that you have an established business backing the sale. The instrument will be inspected, properly set up, and be packed correctly for shipping.
The tradeoff is that shop prices can be a bit higher than private sales since the dealer's overhead and reputation are built into the cost.
How Much is a Used Northfield Mandolin?
Used Northfield prices vary based on model, age, and condition, but as a general guideline you should expect to pay roughly 70-85% of current retail for instruments in good condition.
Benefits of Buying New
New Northfield mandolins include a 5-year manufacturer's warranty, a top-notch factory setup, and the original Airloom case and documentation.
You also know the instrument's full history, including how it's been stored and handled (or not handled).