Podcast 511: Northfield Instruments' Adrian Bagale

"Here's what happens when you invite a mandolin company, with crazy curiosity, to a guitar show four years in a row." -Adrian Bagale Northfield's Adrian Bagale joins us this week for what has to be one of the most insightful industry chats we've had in years. We talk about what the company is unveiling at our 2025 Fretboard Summit in two weeks – a new instrument for guitarists – but we also talk about so much more. For nearly 20 years, Northfield has built superb instruments both in the US and China. We discuss Northfield's unique business model, how they are navigating recent tariffs, and the growing popularity of acoustic music in China itself. Whether or not you play mandolin, Bagale's enthusiasm for music – and gear – is truly infectious. https://www.northfieldinstruments.com Come see Northfield and the new instruments at the Fretboard Summit: https://fretboardsummit.org/ The Fretboard Summit is our three-day festival celebrating great guitars and great guitar people. We have nearly 80 luthiers, amp builders, and pedal makers exhibiting, hourly workshops and master classes, and some mind-bogglingly great evening performances. The fun takes place August 21-23, 2025 at Chicago's Old Town School of Folk Music. We are brought to you by: Stringjoy Strings: https://stringjoy.com (Use the code FRETBOARD to save 10% off your first order) Mike & Mike's Guitar Bar: https://mmguitarbar.com Peghead Nation: https://www.pegheadnation.com (Get your first month free or $20 off any annual subscription with the promo code FRETBOARD at checkout). https://www.fretboardjournal.com