Northfield’s octave mandolins, which are available in flattop and archtop versions, have become highly popular. While most archtop octave mandolins follow the traditional combination of spruce for the top and maple for the back and sides, flattop instruments offer more room for the tonalities of various types of wood species. In this video, Northfield’s Derek Smith demonstrates a trio of flattops, one built with walnut for the entire body, another featuring an Italian spruce top and walnut back and sides, and a third instrument that combines an Italian spruce top with maple back and sides.

Also check out Peghead Nation instructor Joe K. Walsh demo of his Northfield Archtop Octave Mandolin, as well as his Octave Mandolin course!

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