Details
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 Engelmann spruce top and the optional Torch headstock Inlay.
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.
Specs
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Back sides
Maple
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Bracing
2-Bar
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Bridge
Ebony
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Fingerboard
Ebony
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Finish
Hybrid Varnish
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Frets to body
14
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Inlay
Torch Inlay
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Make
Northfield Mandolins
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Model
NFB-F5E Big Mon
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Neck material
Maple
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Nut width
1 1/8"
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Scale length
14"
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Top material
Engelmann Spruce
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Total frets
20
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Tuners
Gotoh
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Case bag color
Grey
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Case type
Airloom "Recurve"
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Serial number
B260884
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SKU
NORNFBF5ESBTI-B260884
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UPC
172556
