pick1936 - Posted - 02/21/2010:  23:15:48

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Hi Ray You missed a good one last Wed. I hope You get You a Nechville soon,, Clintons festival is coming up soon, Maybe I'll see You there, at least I know what You look like now.




Nechville. In higginsville.

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Edited by - pick1936 on 02/21/2010 23:17:01

daytripper - Posted - 02/22/2010:  15:18:19

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Some questions..:

1. What is it that makes radiused neck easier to play..? And then, why aren't they more common..?
2. What kind of sound does a wooden tone ring ring..? Is it a sound between openback & trad BG banjo..?

Really curious to find out. Although I'm crap (15 months pickin'), I think these 'jos look fantastic and I'd love to own one.

thanks
marc

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Edited by - daytripper on 02/22/2010 15:24:33

kcking1 - Posted - 02/22/2010:  15:42:40

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Marc,

I don't why a radiused neck is easier for some to play, but for many, like me, it just is. I have a radius on my Hatfield Custom and my Nechville Zeus, and I find it easier to get my fingers onto the right string and around the neck (and my hands aren't small) than I did on my RK-80 with the flat neck.

For the second question - sound - Dave Schenkman of Turtle Hill Banjo has told me twice (and I believe him!) that with proper set up you can get almost any sound out of a Nechville that you want. I bought a used Zeus with a Renaissance Head and, at first, it did sound somewhere between an openback and my Hatfield. I tightened up the head (and was amazed at how easy that is to do on a Nechville), changed out the delrin bearings "sound spheres" for steel - I had a 2:1 steel to Delrin mix before - and cranked the head tighter, and added new strings. Now it sounds much more like my more traditional banjo but at a fraction of the weight. I love it.

Now why doesn't it sound even more like a traditional BG? That would be my fault - not the banjo's!

KC

RaYhOLio - Posted - 02/22/2010:  16:01:29

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Radiused neck is easier on the right hand because the bridge is also radiused.. the middle string sticks up the highest, and the outer two strings are the lowest.. so you don't have to practice quite so much 'string avoidance' with your pickin' fingers.. on the neck, it just more of the same + the fact that a radiused neck is more ergonmic.. matching the natural shape of the hand..

From what I could tell, a wooden tone ring can sound just as good as a metal one.. There are also wooden tone rings with titanium caps on them that sound VERY pre-war to me.. As KC said.. it's really all in the set-up..

but to anwer your question.. the difference between an openback sound and a BG banjo will be largely in the presence of a resonator.. BG banjos get their sound from the acoustic traits of the resonator.. Openbacks get theirs from the lack of that res... Everything beyond that is set-up and playing style.

pick1936 - Posted - 02/22/2010:  23:50:56

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Right ray, the arched bridge makes it eazer for inside rolls, and My wood ring sounds as good as the bronze,, 80 steel balls pushing against the wood, produces a metalic tone, just dial in the sound You want, It' all there with a Nechville. And I Mean ALL. WOW.




Nechville. In Higginsville.

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Edited by - pick1936 on 02/25/2010 11:55:05

pick1936 - Posted - 02/26/2010:  21:25:11

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i was really neckin on The Nechville, thurs night at the K.C. jam, It just gets better every day.




Nechville. In Higginsville.

pick1936 - Posted - 02/27/2010:  20:45:50

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Nechville to church tomorrow Morning, We always have a Great time, Pickin for The Lord Jesus.. We Had A Great Time.. ps. try a Nechville You'll never go back to being a Nut Turner again.. No need tightening all those nuts, then hope You have it tight uniformly.. Man these Pupy's are some Great banjo's, No What I mean Vern.. and keep pickin friends..




Wild Wood Banjo.


Nechville. In Higginsville.

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Edited by - pick1936 on 03/03/2010 22:51:39

pick1936 - Posted - 03/04/2010:  23:17:38

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Hey Hey, I took My Timbr--Tronic Classic Deluxe to the Big Jam in K.C. Mo. tonight, I set in on the big Circle, And played along as some sang songs In Key of G,, C,, D,, Eflat,, B, and others keys, I played along without a Capo, I do not intend to ever use a Capo, Unless, for a song ti fit My voice, Old Nech was Ringing,, Poping,, Knocking,, and zinging, I was cuting thru everyone, Playing back up in different in different Keys, while being tuned to Regular G,, I was even doing some licks in these Keys. Nechville banjo's are so good, I can't even begin to discribe all the Great features in them,, GREAT,,GREAT,, GREAT.. PS. I went pickin again tonight, great time/


Rings Like Silver.
But It's Cocobolo.


Nechville. In Higginsville.

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Edited by - pick1936 on 03/05/2010 21:25:31

pick1936 - Posted - 03/07/2010:  18:23:32

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I Know some of You guys might get to thinkin I like Nechville Banjo's,, (RIGHT I DO),, Not just like it, I love it.. I just can't think of anything Not to like about Nechville's. For any picker who has never seen or heard one, Man look one up, Like I have said before, If You live close to Higginsville, Mo. Come by and I'll let You Pick My Timbr--Tronic, I will take it completely apart, show the beauty of how they work, Put It Back together,screw it down tight, and and pick it all You want. I live at 419 fairgound Ave. Apt. 106 Higginsville Mo. 64037, We can make all the noise We want at This Apartment, Now a Quick story---- I went to a new jam in a small town, every one sat in a Circle, I took My Nechville,, Almost everyone had a mike, I did for awhile, Then a nice lady asked Me to move down Two more chairs, O.K. I still had a mike, Then the Nice lady, asked Me, very nicely if I could move down Two more Chairs, Making room for a guitar size Bass, Which I never heard when We started playing, Then I had No Mike, The lead guy had TWO Mikes, One for singing, and one Stuck right almost into the hole,, But When It came time for Me to pick, or sing,, They slid a Mike over for ME, allright, Can't complain. There was so many singers, and instruments there, The sound Level was LOUD,, But My little Timbr--Tronic Nechville, was cutting right thru, I played back up in all Keys, without capo, so it worked out O.K. I picked untill the GOOD LADY Banjo picker came in, Then I got My Guitar, and ended up singing 4 songs, Very small, But Nice friendy people made Me feel Very Welcome.,, I think I'll go back this week, Just small in the big Circle, I had to turn My Chair sideways, so as not to be hittin the Woman on My Left, with My Guitar neck, But it was fun, A Nechville thou Will CUT THRU a Noisy bunch, I'm not complaining, I had a lota fun thou, and I'm going back This Week,, But back to the start,, (YOU DO NEED TO TRY A NCHVILLE) stop being a nut turner, and have more time for pickin,, (THEY ARE THE BEST BANJO'S BEING BUILT TODAY,, AND TOMORROW)..
Their is so many Features on a Nechville, It would take 2, or 3 pages to list them all, Like Magic, Tom's Mind runs (Years) ahead of most people.


Rings Like Silver.
But It's Wood.

Nechville. In Higginsville.

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Edited by - pick1936 on 03/07/2010 18:29:06

JC1708 - Posted - 03/07/2010:  21:16:30

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I tried several out but they just were not for me.I dont like the looks of them too much either, but hey alot of ppl do.I thought about getting a phantom awile back but after i played the stealth i totally changed my mind.This is "what do you think about a nechville" so i thought i would say what i thought about them

pick1936 - Posted - 03/07/2010:  21:39:30

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Hi J.C., It's good to know what You want and like, If You tried one thats set up right, and can't get the sound You want. Everyone has their likes, I love Mine, But good to hear from You It' good to be honest, Thanks. I'll never have another banjo, Unless it's another Nechville. WOW.
I really don't get the part about not liking the looks, You should see the Vintage, In Gold or even the beautiful Chocolate finish, Undescibabley Fantastic, BUT, You are The one who knows what You like, Keep On Pickin..


Pick What You Like.
Like What You Pick.


Rings like Silver.
But It's Wood

Nechville. In Higginsville.

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Edited by - pick1936 on 03/10/2010 14:39:35

pick1936 - Posted - 03/11/2010:  13:38:59

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Just in case some don't know, Tom has some fanastic Vedeo's,, Showing many of His new models,, plus different finshes, Including (CHOCOLATE) and many diverse Tone Rings, Just go To Toms site, and check it out



Nechville. In Higginsville.

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Edited by - pick1936 on 03/14/2010 18:37:46

pick1936 - Posted - 03/11/2010:  21:52:52

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man I went to a big Jam tonight, will go to another tomorrow, Boy this Nechville is really barking,, Ringing,, Poping,, Knocking,, and Zinging, A real Joy To play.


Built To Pick..

nechville. In higginsville.

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Edited by - pick1936 on 03/11/2010 21:54:07

pick1936 - Posted - 03/13/2010:  12:47:24

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here I am again, I jave been sick for the lst 2 days,but I'm coming around,, if I feel like going to church in the morning,, I will take My Timbr--Tronic Classic Deluxe with Me, Hope I feel up to it tomorrow, I was pickin on it a little last night, and it was sounding just perfect,, Ringing,, Knocking,, Poping,, Barking,, Zinging,, Then I realized it was midnight, and I might be to loud for the lady who lives above us, so I had to put Her away, These Nechville Banjo's Are just so Great it's hard to fully describe all The Geat features about Them, Tom Has some new Videos out also,, I think, as stated before,, That Tom is building The Best banjo's TODAY,, and TOMORROW, SO TOM, Keep pickin, and building, and THANKS..





That 7 pound banjo, It;s Just My size, Praise The Lord.
and pass The Amunition,, and We'll all Pull Thru. HA.


Nechville. In Higginsville.

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Edited by - pick1936 on 03/13/2010 12:49:35

pick1936 - Posted - 03/14/2010:  18:47:38

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startin a new version of Jimmy Martins song Freeborn man,, --- I was Born In Missiouri,, some odd years ago, I ran Away with My Girl friend, Cause She told Me I Could Go,, I'm A Free Born Man, My Home is On My Back,, I know Every Inch of the Hi way,, Every foot Of Back Road, and Every Mile Of Rail Road Track, // Got Me A (Nechville) Banjo,, I carry it In a Hard Shell Case, Everytime I take It out It Puts A Big Smile On My Face, I'm A Free Born Man,, My Home Is On My Back/ I know Every Inch of The Hi Way,, and Every Foot Of Back Road,, and Every Mile Of rail Road Track.,// Got a Gal In Kansas City,, One in old saint Lou,, But Eveyrtime I Need A Gal,, Just Any Gal Will Do,,, Cause I'm A Free Born Man,, My Home Is On My Back,, I Know Every Inch Of The Hi way,, Every foot Of Back Road,, And every Mile Of Rail Road Track... To Be Continued..



Nechville. In Higginsville.

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Edited by - pick1936 on 03/19/2010 04:52:46

Brevabloke - Posted - 03/15/2010:  14:47:46

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Pick I wonder if you know how many second hand Nechvilles come up in Toms shop, or generally. I WILL have a Nechville for my 50th birthday if my plans go to..er plan! I saw 2 of them at a jam yesterday - picked one up and what was so surprising was how light it was. Forgot to ask the guy the exact model of it....

Guy - Posted - 03/15/2010:  14:57:35

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Hi Scott

I don't know when your 50th Birthday is but the good news is, Tom's coming over to the UK in September for Didmarton and the Cornish Bluegrass Festival. He is going to be sponsoring Didmarton Bluegrass Festival and you can buy rafflle tickets for a Leon Hunt signature model Phantom banjo. How cool is that?

Guy

Brevabloke - Posted - 03/15/2010:  15:11:13

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Well I'm certain to be going to that festival, and I'm certain to be buying a ticket! Yes my 50th is in 7 years...so plenty of time to be saving up. Not exactly sure if Nechvilles are sold in the UK, or what they run to ££££ wise, but as I saw one advertised here second hand for $2999 they must be quite a bit.

As far as banjos go I'm totally open to ideas about design and construction, so have no problems with the Nechville design, and I actually love the look of them too. There was on at the Tuckenhay jam last night and that sounded pretty good to me.

kirbonite - Posted - 03/15/2010:  18:57:08

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Yeah,

I've played a phantom and have to say, It felt Great. but I don't much care for the looks of them but Hey, I could get around that with a Classic or customized neck.
It surprised me that most people select the phantom. the peghead looks like it belongs on a Heavy Metal guitar. On the other hand, maybe that opens some ears up from the stereotype.

My question. I've narrowed my next banjo down to two. One being the Nechville classic standard or saturn. It doesn't have the cyclotronic system. plus... If you're buying a Nechville to save trouble.. who wants to mess around with all the damn ball bearings. Just my thoughts. How does the wood ring nechville sound and how does the standard Nech sound.. thanks guys. seems most people that respond have the classic DLX or phantom.

Brevabloke - Posted - 03/16/2010:  00:25:30

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Kirb its the Geometric that appeals to me. I'm keen to get those 12-1 tuners. And having dissassembled the head of my Washburn B16, sitting there, looking at all the parts, I felt there HAD to be a better way!!!

dpete210 - Posted - 03/16/2010:  06:32:42

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quote:

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If you're buying a Nechville to save trouble.. who wants to mess around with all the damn ball bearings.

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Kirbonite, don't let this deter you. The ball bearings are held in place. I have never had any problems with them falling out when I've changed from the metal to a wooden tone ring or when changing heads. Could they? Yes, if you knocked the whole assembly over or dropped it, but a person would have to be pretty careless to do that. Here is a photo from the Nechville web site of how the ball bearings ride in the tone ring assembly.

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Edited by - dpete210 on 03/16/2010 06:46:16

Guy - Posted - 03/16/2010:  06:50:31

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They're an absolute doddle. I hate doing stuff like that and I've done it. More to the point, if I can do it, anyone can!

Guy

kcking1 - Posted - 03/16/2010:  06:59:29

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Kirbonite,

I have a Zeus and was concerned that it didn't have quite the ring I wanted, so I bought some more steel ball bearings through Al Price and changed out the Delrin balls. I was fairly nervous about taking the head apart. But between the video on the Nechville site, and the great design of the banjo, it was a cinch. Frankly, I think tuning a head on a traditional banjo would be more difficult.

It's got just the sound I want now and I would tell anyone and everyone that it really is as easy as Tom and Al and Lee say it is. I wouldn't be the least bit concerned about the ball bearings. It was a breeze.

KC

RaYhOLio - Posted - 03/16/2010:  07:23:15

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I'm with Breva... The ball Bearings may be a little troublesome.. (I personally think they're COOL..) Bit nothing in comparison to all the hooks, nuts, and crud that make it impossible to change a normal head in less than an hour, and impossible to get the tension right.. The Ball Bearings also open up the sound a little more.. Allowing some to escape thru the sides of the banjo..

I personally much prefer the sound of the ball bearing banjos, and The wood tone ring.. you can get a titanium topped wood tone ring for a REAL traditional sound. but the weight difference is incredible. Talk to Tom.. He could put a tunneled 5th in with just about any style peg head you want.. It's pretty much all custom, so the sky is the limit!

-Ray

JamesTanglewylde - Posted - 03/16/2010:  07:32:49

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I've had my Nechville since perhaps 2003, 0r 2004 and the ball bearings have never created any issues for me. I would say that at the worst, they may add an extra minute to the process of breaking down the banjo and another minute during reassembly. In my opinion, it's a very minute aspect that I would hardly refer to as an inconvenience. More importantly is the fact that they further allow you to fine tune your banjos tone more to your liking which is to me, an invaluable tool!

Luke

kirbonite - Posted - 03/16/2010:  10:31:10

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Doddle?

Language barrier Guy

well, everyone certainly seems pleased.

K.

Guy - Posted - 03/16/2010:  13:59:43

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quote:

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Originally posted by kirbonite

Doddle?

Language barrier Guy

well, everyone certainly seems pleased.

K.

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Doddle = Cinch. Cinch = Doddle

CodeSmith - Posted - 03/16/2010:  20:46:35

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Late comment, but if you get a chance, try one equipped with the titanium capped ring. I've upgraded my banjo based on input from folks here. Love it! very traditional sound. Still fine tuning, but impressions so far: crisp, full clear tone. Even up and down the neck, doesn't fade off, very responsive x-y. Growls with presence

pick1936 - Posted - 03/17/2010:  19:52:13

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Mine is the Classic Deluxe, with Cocobolo wood tone ring, sounds great, I may try The Rosewood, with Titanium capp thou




Wood Is Good.

Nechville. In Higginsville.

RaYhOLio - Posted - 03/17/2010:  20:14:05

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If someone would hurry up and buy my Recording King RK-85, I'd join the club! I'm looking at a galaxy phantom with rosewood tone ring..

Banjo Island - Posted - 03/18/2010:  03:30:12

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quote:

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Originally posted by Brevabloke

Pick I wonder if you know how many second hand Nechvilles come up in Toms shop, or generally. I WILL have a Nechville for my 50th birthday if my plans go to..er plan! I saw 2 of them at a jam yesterday - picked one up and what was so surprising was how light it was. Forgot to ask the guy the exact model of it....

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It's a phantom.

Jer

Brevabloke - Posted - 03/18/2010:  11:34:17

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Ta Jer - still amazed at how light it was and it sounded great. They are a great many ££££ I would imagine....

Banjo Island - Posted - 03/19/2010:  07:35:16

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quote:

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Originally posted by Brevabloke

Ta Jer - still amazed at how light it was and it sounded great. They are a great many ££££ I would imagine....

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Not cheap, no. But you could always try and win one in this year's Didmarton raffle!

Jer

jfb - Posted - 03/19/2010:  17:09:34

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Heres one that is priced very reasonably..

banjohangout.org/classified/10990

kirbonite - Posted - 03/20/2010:  10:14:54

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Yeah I'd grab that if I had the money right now.. it's been for sale for a long time.

pick1936 - Posted - 03/21/2010:  18:34:14

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yes that beautful Nechville Vintage, Is a Steal at that price. WOW.
Maybe next year?



Wood Is Good.

Nechville. In Higginsville.

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Edited by - pick1936 on 03/24/2010 20:54:01

jfb - Posted - 03/22/2010:  19:49:43

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Someone should take advantage before i get old enough that I need a lightweight banjo..if I get to that point it may be a keeper..BTW, I have already bought a lightweight case..

pick1936 - Posted - 03/26/2010:  08:55:06

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I was realy Neckin,, On My Timbr--Tronic Classic Deluxe last night at the K.C. Jam, We had a Great Time, This Classic is really opening up,, and sounding better all the time.



Rings Like Silver.
But It's Wood.

Nechville. In Higginsville.

RaYhOLio - Posted - 03/26/2010:  09:41:25

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Well.. I JUST put the check in the mail to start construction on a custom nechville.. and I mean CUSTOM.. these guys are willing to do just about anything, no matter how off the wall... Black stain, and a 5th string that is fretted all the up to the peg head.. can't wait til I get it! :)

dpete210 - Posted - 03/26/2010:  10:48:12

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I contribute this entry to help illustrate what I think about Nechville. Since last fall I've been playing my Nechville at jams and when our band has played out. I put my Deering Hartford in its case and stored it in a closet with a couple of other instruments. When I took it out about a month ago, it had developed extreme buzz and then discovered it had developed a twist and back bow in the neighborhood of the first four frets. After a couple of unsuccessful attempts to correct the situation (long story), I decided to replace the beautiful Hartford neck (no warranty as I bought the Hartford used). Options considered were to replace it with either a new Hartford neck or a radiused Nechville neck and flux capacitor. Knowing how much I like the radiused neck on my Nechville Classic DLX, after serious consideration I decided to go with the Nechville flux capacitor option. After several emails back and forth with Tom, I eventually picked a Zeus neck. This is the one that has the rolling capo and built in 5th string capo, a design ahead of its time (the 5th string portion of which fellow BHO member Mike Rowe helped to refine). There is no 5th string peg. The inlay will be similar to the Nuvo inlay. Tom calls it the Zeus Nuvo with stars at every position. The neck concept is very intriguing and although not traditional, I feel it is very practical and someday there will be lots more banjos employing that design or one similar. If you want to see how this concept works, Mike Rowe posted a couple of pictures on this thread: banjohangout.org/forum/topic.a...ID=168078
You'll have to scroll down a bit to find the photos.
You can also see the Zeus neck at the Nechville web page: nechville.com/
Look under the acoustic menu and then click on the Zeus banjo. The inlay is on the Nuvo banjo.

When this neck is done it is going to be so cool to maintain the Hartford sound (a great banjo) and have it enhanced with Tom's terrific flux capacitor and Zeus neck. Wow, talk about having a great combination from 2 GREAT banjo companies!! Waiting for the neck to be done will be the hardest part.

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Edited by - dpete210 on 03/26/2010 18:17:30

RaYhOLio - Posted - 03/26/2010:  13:58:18

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that sliding capo is SUWHEET! but it was quoted a LOT higher than the spikes (for obvious reasons).. I just can't spring for the extra $$$ although it would REALLY add to the banjer!

I think you're right about the full length 5th string.. there will come a time when everyone wants one.. it will seriously change the dynamic of playing 'drones' in music..

kirbonite - Posted - 03/26/2010:  15:11:00

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Let us know how the Flux capacitor works out. I've already decided.. If something happens to my neck, that's what I'm doing. You can argue about the sound of the pot. I was a Rockabilly guitar player before a banjo player. I think of the old pot like a Bigsby tremolo. It doesn't work exactly right. that's the beauty of it. You always get a slightly untuned sound due to the overtones. You might get overtones in other ways but they're even tones. but you can't argue with the Flux capacitor if it works half as good as they say it does.. It certainly seems like it would.

pick1936 - Posted - 03/28/2010:  18:29:09

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Tom is building The Best Banjo's, Today, and (Tomorrow) I am not going back to being a Nut Turner, Way To Much wasted time..



Rings Like Silver.
But It;s Wood.

Nechville. In Higginsville.

swirlypillow - Posted - 03/29/2010:  06:19:28

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I just wanted to say that I went over to Zepp Country Music on Saturday and they had a Nechville Atlas 12," and it was one of the most beautiful sounds I've ever heard come out of a banjo. They also had a Saturn but I didn't have the chance to play it.

pick1936 - Posted - 03/30/2010:  20:21:47

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My Classic had to sit a couple days, been sick again, havn't picked it since last Thurs. night. hope to be at it again tomorrow.. It just sounds sooo good,, hate to laeve it sit..



Nechville. In Higginsville.

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Edited by - pick1936 on 03/30/2010 20:24:15

ProfessorBanjo - Posted - 03/31/2010:  12:27:44

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I bought a Nechville Geometric LC with a radius fretboard about 2 months ago.
It has no tone ring, no ball bearings, dot inlays and very plain looking. It sounds fantastic! Plus it is very light and easy on you during those long jam sessions or 4 hour bar gigs.
The really cool thing is the price is just over $2K and made in USA!

pick1936 - Posted - 04/01/2010:  11:27:09

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Hi Mike, Nechville makes so many different models, You can get about any banjo You want, Mine is The Classic Deluxe, with steel bearings, and Cocobolo wood Ring, It weigh 7 Lbs. Tom has enough Ideas to last for another 10 years, or more.



Rings Like Silver.
But It's Wood.


Nechville. In Higginsville.

nechville - Posted - 04/02/2010:  09:23:32

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Thanks to everyone, (especially Lee) for keeping this thread going, I have a lot of supporters out there, and I am always pleased when one of you reports on the good results you are having with your Nechville. I'm not trying to sound self serving here, but I've noticed that people are commenting here about all things Nechville, and no one seems to be doing product reviews anymore, I think if you are compelled to report on your level of satisfaction with an instrument, the product reviews section is also a good place for that. Happy Easter to all! Tom

pick1936 - Posted - 04/03/2010:  18:23:34

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Hi Tom, I diidn't know They had a Product Review's Section? Anyway I don't need any Reviews, I'm sticking with Nechville. I'll Be taking Mine To Church in The morning, Will play with the pastor, and Do (The Stone Was Rolled Away The Lord Was Gone),, Happy Easter To You. And THANKS.. WOW.



Rings Like Silver.
But It's Wood.


Nechville. In Higginsville.

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Edited by - pick1936 on 04/06/2010 16:37:29