In many ways, building mandolins has been about finding the way back home—both for the instrument, and for us.

Northfield Mandolins was founded in 2007 after years spent designing, developing, and producing instruments. During that time, our team worked with factories and workshops in China, Japan, and Korea, contributing to the development of hundreds of instruments for companies around the world. The experience was invaluable. We learned not only how great instruments are made, but also what happens when scale begins to erode intention.

What stayed with us was the thrill of getting it right—and getting it right together. What didn’t was the pressure to get it “right”.. “for the money”. From the beginning, Northfield has been guided by a simple idea: we aim to make the best instruments we can, not the most and not chase dollars. We want to make world-class mandolins for players everywhere.

Our work is deeply rooted in the great American mandolin tradition, with particular respect for the landmark designs of the 1920s. Those instruments—and the makers behind them—set a standard that continues to inspire us. We study them closely, honor their intent, and bring that knowledge forward using modern tools, materials, and collaborative methods developed over years of hands-on experience.

Quality and consistency are central to everything we do. Each Northfield instrument is built with an exacting approach, refined through years of research, iteration, and listening. We strive for instruments that carry a clear tonal identity and visual character, and we work carefully to preserve that from one build to the next. And we are always trying new things. We are constantly refining and developing. It’s our honor to contribute progressively to the community and the evolving musical landscape. 

Our international foundation is a strength we are proud of. Since the beginning, Northfield has been shaped by a team with diverse backgrounds and shared dedication—builders, designers, engineers, and musicians from the United States, China, and Japan working collaboratively. That mix of experience allows us to approach tradition from multiple perspectives: from material selection and carving, to varnishing techniques, production processes, and long-term instrument stability. It’s a constant exchange of ideas, and we learn something new every day. Frankly, it’s harder to make instruments the way we do it. But it’s worth it to us.

Today, Northfield operates workshops in Marshall, Michigan, and Qingdao, China, working as a single, integrated team. Our Marshall presence began in a restored 19th-century building in the heart of town and has grown to include additional workshop, machining, and warehouse spaces nearby. Qingdao—our long-standing partner location—is a coastal city with a temperate climate well suited to instrument building and a rich cultural history that continues to influence our work.