pick1936 - Posted - 04/06/2010:  17:28:17

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You can get any sound You want, Whats Not To like?? My 7 lb. Classic Deluxe with Cocobolo wood Tone ring, can be set to sound like the bronze rings, I woul never go back to being a Nut Turner again, Mine is a Keeper, and I hope to upgrade rings latter just for a little different tone, Nechville's Are Just Great.



Rings Like Silver. But It's Wood.
Nechville. In Higginsville.

dpete210 - Posted - 04/06/2010:  19:05:08

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quote:

---

You know, I don't quite know what the helimount system is.

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me!!! - this page on the Nechville site should help to explain what the helimount system is
nechville.com/advantage.html
There's nothing wrong with liking a traditional banjo. I play several wonderful traditional banjos in addition to my Nechville. I like what each has to offer, but the banjo I like best is my Nechville Classic. There's only one way to find out how terrific they are. I hope you get the chance to try one for yourself.

me!!! - Posted - 04/07/2010:  12:13:40

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i think that the nechville vintage is great!!

pick1936 - Posted - 04/09/2010:  11:35:24

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I agree Me, me to, I'd like a Vintage also, Hope to get one someday, But My Clasic deluxe, and Cocobolo tone ring, sounds GREAT..



Rings Like Silver.
But It's Wood.

Nechville. In Higginsville.

kirbonite - Posted - 04/09/2010:  12:49:45

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Somebody should buy the classic in the classifieds before I save up enough money.. it's a good deal.

Even though I don't own a nechville, it's easy to see, you can just pick the neck you want and the tone ring
you want and go from there. I've never played a tunneled 5th but I tell you this.

If you have trouble with a peg.. it's going to be the 5th string peg. this would save you that trouble and make copoing up the neck simpler.

K.

pick1936 - Posted - 04/10/2010:  14:37:52

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I took My Timbr--Tronic--Cocobolo Classic Deluxe to a big jam In K.C. Mo. last night, We had at one time 8 banjo's in the room We were pickin in, plus many people coming and going in, and out, Many just stared at My Nechville, never saying anything, Several Pro's included, One guy who had just finished playing down stairs came in, and sit down, Talking about how loose, or tight there His head was, He said while tightening, when close, He got a piece of plastic for a guage, so as He tightened, It would be consistant all way around, I told Him with Nechville, No need to worry about That, It was automatic, All but one picker knew anything Nothing about (Nechville's Magic,) I took off the reasonator, and put in My wrenches, and showed everybody how I had marked the spot with a lead pencile, Then I slowly Turned the wrenches Counter Clock wise, and they saw The rim move and tighten the head, about 1/4 inch, Then turned it Clock Wise, and turned it back to the mark, Everyone seemed to be influenced by the eaze of it, Then I showed them how easy it was to adjust the string action so easaly, I epected soon there will be some Nechville's showing up at The Big Jams, I get to play mine at Church tomorrow Morning, What a joy it is..


Ring Like Silver.
But It's Wood.

Nechville. In Higginsville.

dpete210 - Posted - 04/11/2010:  17:58:45

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quote:

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I'd like a Vintage also, Hope to get one someday

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Pick1936, Since you like the light weight and sound of the wooden ring and the helimount and cyclotronic designs you currently have in your Classic, an option you could consider, if you haven't already, is to have a Vintage neck made for your Classic. Just a thought......

jfb - Posted - 04/12/2010:  04:06:06

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Or, for about another thousand, he could buy the complete Vintage in new condition, that I have in the classifieds..:)

pick1936 - Posted - 04/12/2010:  16:42:30

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THANKS Guy's, I do hope to get a Vintage Custom someday,, BUT right now I can't come up with the money, This Classic Has all I really need, so for now I'll have to wait. POP,, KNOCK,, RING,, BARK,, ZING.. (And jfb), You should hold on To that Vintage.. I used to be a trader, But I'm out of trading stuff right now, Exept My 50 year old Gibson Flat--Top Guitar, and It Is NOt For sale, or trade,, My Wife got that one for me in 1975, It's still like new, and sounds , and plays FANTASIC,, about like My Classic Deluxe.. WOW. How many that have Radiused boards, noticed how easy It Is To Get Inside Rolls. Up date, This Nechville is all of a sudden really pickin up steam i tightened the head 1/4 inch, Now My next door neighbor says she can hear it, I asked if it bothered Her, She said Heck No, keep pickin, I lilke to hear it, I play lots of Pop tunes from,, 20's,, 30's,, and 40's,, Most around here are even older than Me, They Like the music.



Rings Like Silver.
But It's Wood.

Nechville. In Higginsville.

---

Edited by - pick1936 on 04/16/2010 07:12:52

BobCu - Posted - 04/16/2010:  09:05:52

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Reading back thru some of the earlier posts, Tom Nechville commented that he was looking for comments and questions about his system and technology. I have been to Tom's web and read his info, but I'm still a little confused on the ring technology. Bear with me as I am a new player (only 8 months) so I'm still learning as I go. That said, I haven't been in the game so long that I'm locked into old construction techniques. I'm more than willing to look at new - what is the old saying "I like to be on the leading edge but not so close that I get cut". Anyway, perhaps Tom can discuss the Cyclo ring and wooden rings. Are these used separately, but as an option you add the cyclo to a wood ring, or do you replace one with the other, the cyclo giving you more adjustments to tune the sound? How all of this ties into the heli mount system would be interesting as well. It may be that Tom has written some white papers on his building techniques so a pointer in that direction would give some good reading. I think I would like to hear about sound options, and then open up and have Tom discuss radius necks, as he seems to be a big proponent of that technology. Tom, if you're reading this I'm particularly interested in how all of this relates to the Moonshine openback. That would be the banjo I would be most interested in, and you mentioned you were going to rework that instrument some in 2009. Openbacks may not be your primary focus, but maybe that has changed some. Anyway, comments appreciated.
Thanks for all your time,
Bob

---

Edited by - BobCu on 04/16/2010 10:23:09

nechville - Posted - 04/16/2010:  13:15:30

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Especially for Bob, Welcome, and thanks for the questions, If you are new to the banjo, you first have to mess with conventional older banjos to fully appreciate the flexibility and wide open possibilities that the Helimount offers. It takes a long time to sink in, maybe even more so for seasoned players. For example an experienced pro player was here today, he has a Helimount. He tried my archtop and he started saying "boy this is nice, I wish I could buy this too." It didn't dawn on him that he could exchange his tone ring and he'd be playing an archtop in 2 minutes and 10 seconds. I've been doing this for almost 25 years, and people are finally starting to realize the possibilities. Sorry I don't have time to get specific, but go on our website and start with taking the guided tour of our site for an overview, Look at our videos, and then you can start digging into some of my archived articles on setup and components and such. TAKE IT Easy. Tom

alprice - Posted - 04/16/2010:  20:59:14

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Bob,

Visit the downloads page and DL each of the newsletters there. Read through them and you will find many of the answers you are seeking. If you have further questions, just give me a call at 253-293-5082 and we can talk in detail.

Al

quote:

---

Originally posted by BobCu

Reading back thru some of the earlier posts, Tom Nechville commented that he was looking for comments and questions about his system and technology. I have been to Tom's web and read his info, but I'm still a little confused on the ring technology. Bear with me as I am a new player (only 8 months) so I'm still learning as I go. That said, I haven't been in the game so long that I'm locked into old construction techniques. I'm more than willing to look at new - what is the old saying "I like to be on the leading edge but not so close that I get cut". Anyway, perhaps Tom can discuss the Cyclo ring and wooden rings. Are these used separately, but as an option you add the cyclo to a wood ring, or do you replace one with the other, the cyclo giving you more adjustments to tune the sound? How all of this ties into the heli mount system would be interesting as well. It may be that Tom has written some white papers on his building techniques so a pointer in that direction would give some good reading. I think I would like to hear about sound options, and then open up and have Tom discuss radius necks, as he seems to be a big proponent of that technology. Tom, if you're reading this I'm particularly interested in how all of this relates to the Moonshine openback. That would be the banjo I would be most interested in, and you mentioned you were going to rework that instrument some in 2009. Openbacks may not be your primary focus, but maybe that has changed some. Anyway, comments appreciated.
Thanks for all your time,
Bob

---

BobCu - Posted - 04/17/2010:  06:45:32

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Tom and Al, Thank you both for your replies. I will do just that. My fear is that when I get done I may have found my retirement gift to myself. LOL. Time to get reading.
Bob

RaYhOLio - Posted - 04/17/2010:  07:59:27

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Bob,

I started out much like you... simply intrigued by the 'revolutionary' -ha ha- technology behind the nechville... I always wondered why the banjo design hadn't changed over the years... but the real epiphany was attending one of toms workshops.. The banjos all sound unique, and very pleasing.. the same banjo can be made to sound very traditional, or thumpy... any way you want.. The set-up options mean that a player who is 'finding his way' can change the banjo to suit the style that he or she is in love with that week, day, or hour... WITHOUT buying a new banjo.

Go from playing a wood tone ring to playing a metal in less than 5 min.. (including tuning) or have 2 necks each with unique scales.. 5 minutes change out.. Want to try a different head? 5 minutes... want to change the tension on your current head? bet I could do it in 60 seconds.. Change the action height.. 60 seconds. Tweaking is more capable.. and INCREDIBLY fast.

From what I've heard, and played.. you can achieve any sound you want with a nechville.. and it eliminates the need for a collection of 4 different banjos. You can even get an electric banjo head for your nechville.

I'm far from an 'accomplished' player... but I just ordered a custom nechville.. I have every intention of it being one of two banjos I own pretty much forever.. The other banjo is for camping, and 'roughing it'

So, Go learn about the nechville.. but don't feel bad about dumping money on it before retirement.. Its my opinion that a nechville will save you money over the years that you would have spent upgrading banjos +$500-$4000 each time, trying to find that 'perfect' sound.. That perfect sound that is different for everyone.. could be achieved with one nechville banjo, and a couple weeks of experimentation.. maybe a couple different tone rings... The point is.. It's in the nechville.. you've just gotta find it. And you'll have plenty of help doing so with the Nechville staff.


Ray

BobCu - Posted - 04/17/2010:  08:11:00

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Ray, thanks for your reply. I have started doing some reading and there is a lot to learn about these neat instruments. I would most likely be interested in an open back, and I'm hoping that Tom continues his interest in offering OBs with the helimount technology. Right now I'm delving into the cyclotron article.
Thx

---

Edited by - BobCu on 04/17/2010 09:47:40

alprice - Posted - 04/17/2010:  09:48:47

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Bob,

The Moonshine is still available. 1799 for the LC (basic model), 2599 for the DLC

dpete210 - Posted - 04/17/2010:  09:58:11

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Bobcu, pardon for my sticking my nose in here, but in case you are not aware, the Nechville joint venture with Wayne Sagmoen, called the Atlas, is a recent openback model that you may want to check out, if you haven't already done so.
nechville.com/atlas.html

BobCu - Posted - 04/17/2010:  09:58:54

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Thanks, Al. dpete, I am aware of the Atlas, but I think that is a hybrid and has some aspects of conventional design. I have heard sound clips and it sounds nice.

kirbonite - Posted - 04/17/2010:  21:14:39

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Wow this topic is going forever. I was just thinking. People keep saying.. they don't know why the banjo design has ever been changed before.. Now, I'm not making an argument because I agree the Heli-mount system seems very logical and way simpler than a normal banjo. This is just an observation.

Well, Has the guitar design changed? (excluding electric guitar) or the mandolin or the bass or fiddle. The banjo is a kit instrument that lends itself to design changes but I think people will always desire some of the old sound. That's why bluegrass bands, old time bands and Rockabilly bands use the standup bass even thoough an electric bass works great.

Like I said , this is just an observation. the nechvilles seem great and I hope to own one sometimes in the near future but I'm also not surprised the design didn't change that much for many years.

K.

RaYhOLio - Posted - 04/17/2010:  21:48:56

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Sure.. I've seen guitars that are ONLY guitars because of the number of strings and tuning.. Carbon fiber, electric.. any shape, design, size etc..

It's also worth noting that a guitar is TYPICALLY a cavity, with neck and strings... The Banjo is a much more complicated instrument.. Tension hoop, Tone ring, Head, hooks... etc... I feel like there is a lot more room for improvement in a banjo from 75 years ago than there is in a guitar from 75 years ago... I feel that the guitar has evolved much further than the banjo in that time... maybe I'm wrong..

pick1936 - Posted - 04/18/2010:  05:27:36

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yes kirbonite, The guitars are changing, even accoustic ones, look up (Babicz Guitar)



Wood Is Good
Mine Is Good. or great.

Nechville. In Higginsville.

kirbonite - Posted - 04/18/2010:  10:08:29

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Yeah.. I went to the website.. didn't spend much time on it.. Will these guitars have setup options and easier adjustability? Actually, there used to be a youtube video of a guy playing a Nechville guitar. Can't find it now.

it was White Christmas. I've always been curious about that.

K.

pick1936 - Posted - 04/20/2010:  12:34:56

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Hi Ray, You Hit it ( flat On Ready),, Like You said most people will spend (more money) over time upgrading, and still not have the banjo You really Like, Great post Ray, I hope You get Your Nechville soon. Are You going to the Festival at Clinton Mo. The first week end in May?? If So I hope to see You there, Your post just about says it All..



Rings Like Silver.
But It's Wood.

Nechville. In Higginsville.

RaYhOLio - Posted - 04/21/2010:  14:03:21

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Thanks pick! No.. doubt I'll be out there.. it's my busy season at work... Thank god, otherwise I'd be calling tom every week to see how construction is going.. LOL

If I HAD to offer some criticisim about Nechville.. kinda touching on Kirbonites post.. it would be the web site. It's all over the place! I think the web site should have gotten his attention, and showed him everything he was looking for... and I think it's a problem that should be addressed because the nechville is almost always 1st represented via its own web site..

the site is always popping up different windows, and taking you to different pages with the same info... it's easy to get lost, and never really learn all that you want to. there is no button to return you to the home page. Some links are broken.. some are never updated (like the attic.. if you can find it ;) and others are just not standardized.. different sized pictures in different places and the like... LOL I'll stop there.. but I think that overall the web site does not represent the product as well as I would like.

I know someone worked hard on the site.. Web designers are artists, and artists get a bruised ego when you talk bad about their work.. It has happened to me with my site... but after fixing it, I felt so much better, and my customers use the heck out of it now.. instead of calling me.. BIG time saver for the owner/operator of a business.

More people like the site.. more people will buy.. More people buying nechvilles means more friends for me in the 'brotherhood' :)

So, there ya have it tom! Some criticism for your approval :) (Don't hate me.)

kirbonite - Posted - 04/21/2010:  18:08:01

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Yeah, I kind of agree with Ray about the website.

There is no HOME button on the BHO page either. Actually I've never seen a banjo website that I liked
very much. the sound files should be much better on the nechville site as well. I wouldn't buy one based on
that. I do kind of like the Yates website.. mainly because it's got a sense of humor about it and some real pics. It looks like my dad's garage. I love that.

RaYhOLio - Posted - 04/21/2010:  18:21:52

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I've found ONE I liked.. it was simple, and the banjo samples started playing as I looked at the banjo.. they wern't in a seperate spot... bishline.com

Mike Rowe - Posted - 04/22/2010:  05:03:23

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The home button on Tom's site is in the top-right corner.

The home button on BHO is the BHO logo in the top-left corner.

alprice - Posted - 04/22/2010:  07:48:27

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Thanks for the feedback on the site, Ray and others. We are working at realigning the navigation and menu structure right now. We have moved the sales items off the site and onto our other site, banjorev.com. Give us a little time, we are working to make your visit to nechville.com a satisfying experience.

Al

RaYhOLio - Posted - 04/22/2010:  16:16:55

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I'll be dang'd! There IS a home button there! :)

BobCu - Posted - 04/23/2010:  10:11:30

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quote:

---

Originally posted by RaYhOLio

Bob,

I started out much like you... simply intrigued by the 'revolutionary' -ha ha- I'm far from an 'accomplished' player... but I just ordered a custom nechville.. I have every intention of it being one of two banjos I own pretty much forever.. The other banjo is for camping, and 'roughing it'

Ray

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Definitely let us know when you receive it and how much you played it!

Ronnie - Posted - 04/23/2010:  10:28:52

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Will there be any more Banjovies??

swirlypillow - Posted - 04/23/2010:  12:34:42

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ooo ooo yeah! I want a Banjovie!

Ronnie - Posted - 04/23/2010:  15:59:50

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I think Janet Davis has a few left , but you better hurry!!

pick1936 - Posted - 04/24/2010:  15:58:27

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I'm stil here, I will be taking My Timbr--Tronic Classic Deluxe to Church tomorrow, I will Be Pickin Open Neck,, Key C. (Just A Closer Walk),,, and (I Shall Not Be Moved),,, What A Day That Will Be...



Rings Like Siver.
But It's Wood.


Nechville. In Higginsville.

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Edited by - pick1936 on 04/24/2010 16:00:46

BobCu - Posted - 04/25/2010:  07:52:30

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quote:

---

Originally posted by falconeman

I only had a chance to play my Atlas Deluxe for about a half hour, (work can get in the way!) so I can't give a fair and impartial review yet, so I'll just say it's freakin me out! I love it! Tom, you build a solid banjo. I'm going to pick a bit this morning with the intent to find something wrong, but I doubt I'll find anything! I'll post my review here soon and on the review section.

Chris

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Just wanted to followup on your Atlas. How have you liked it during the "break in" period"? Did you find adjusting to a 12 in pot difficult? They look so much bigger in comparison that I was wondering about playing comfort. Beautiful looking banjo - the photos of them look like the attention to detail is very sharp.

BobCu - Posted - 04/25/2010:  08:01:12

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Almost forgot to ask. Does anyone know the scale on the Saturn neck of the Atlas?
Thx

alprice - Posted - 04/25/2010:  08:27:49

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Bob,

Standard scale.

Al

BobCu - Posted - 04/25/2010:  09:00:06

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quote:

---

Originally posted by alprice

Bob,

Standard scale.

Al

---

Thanks for the info Al. I have been listening to sound clips from Zepp and Kathy Fink and really like the sound of the Atlas. Better to my ear than the Moonshine. I was asking about the scale because I was wondering how different the 12 in feels from an 11 and the "reach" on the neck to get to the standard chords. I know Kathy was playing an 11.

pick1936 - Posted - 04/26/2010:  13:38:08

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At The big Jam at K.C Mo. one of the guys, who has a 4 year old Stelling Stag--Horn, I think He was kidding?? not sure, But He said sounds great, But Maybe I should get a better looking banjo? I said My Nechville is My keeper for life, What little life I have left,, I'm 74 Years old.. I would not trade My Nechville for any Stelling,,or any other banjo's UNLESS for another Nechville. My Nechville is a 2004.. It's Great. WOW..


Rings Like Silver.
But It's Wood.


Get one for looks.
Or Get one for Tone.

Nechville.In Higginsville.

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Edited by - pick1936 on 04/27/2010 13:15:24

swirlypillow - Posted - 04/28/2010:  10:00:30

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quote:

---

Originally posted by BobCu

quote:

---

Originally posted by alprice

Bob,

Standard scale.

Al

---

Thanks for the info Al. I have been listening to sound clips from Zepp and Kathy Fink and really like the sound of the Atlas. Better to my ear than the Moonshine. I was asking about the scale because I was wondering how different the 12 in feels from an 11 and the "reach" on the neck to get to the standard chords. I know Kathy was playing an 11.

---

I've played the Atlas and the reach difference between it and a standard 11 inch is negligible. The pot on the Atlas is 12 inches but that's a 12 inch diameter so the difference in neck distance position with respect to an 11 is like 1/2 an inch...you don't notice the difference. You do notice that the pot is bigger though, while it's resting in your lap.

The banjo sounds incredible and is simply designed and elegant to the eye. The coolest part to me was the minimalistic Saturn inlay. It's only on one fret but makes the whole banjo look cool somehow.

pick1936 - Posted - 04/29/2010:  11:22:56

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I am going to the big Fstival at Clinton, Mo. this weekend, If anyone wants to play My Nechville, look Me up, I'll take it apart, and put back together While still in tune, no need to loosen the strings, Then screw it down tight, and Pickin again in no time, And the head will be Uniformly tight all around,, Hope to see some H.O. members there.



Wood Is Good.

Nechville. In Higginsville.

Erbus - Posted - 04/29/2010:  13:19:18

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I guess I can throw my 2 cents worth in here as I've just got my new Phantom yesterday. Mine has the wood tone ring and ceramic balls, I can't believe how light this banjo is. I love the action, the tone is great, I like the slightly wider neck, I love the tunnelled fifth string, lets see what else, the wider frets, the radiused neck, the tuners, the wood arm rest, the finish and I'm sure I forgot something...........

Terry

BobCu - Posted - 05/01/2010:  08:35:21

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Thanks for the info Swirly. I was looking for feedback from players, and it sounds like you are a happy picker.

kirbonite - Posted - 05/01/2010:  09:15:11

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Was wondering if anyone every had a Nechville rim chrome plated? People like to see shiny banjos.

just wondering

Guy - Posted - 05/01/2010:  13:18:20

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I bought the Corona frame, it's nickel plated. I think it's just perfect.

Guy

pick1936 - Posted - 05/01/2010:  13:52:18

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Riht Guy, I think the nickel plated Frame, looks great,, I might trade up to one soon, But as for sound, My banjo is blowing away most banjo pickers I pick with, This banjo is a Keeper, Just perfect for Me, And Guy could You play Yours on the sound off?? I would But Don't know how to to it Yet. THANKS..



Rings Like Silver.
But It's Wood

Nechville. In Higginsville.

jbanjoist - Posted - 05/01/2010:  19:25:18

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I have a Vintage and it has the Corona frame.
I also have a custom model I picked up used maybe 4 years ago and it has a gold plated frame.
Maple wood, wreath inlays. She's purty!

Kinda funny thing though, that banjo had a mahogany armrest and the Vintage had a maple armrest so when I got the Vintage I swapped them out so now they match perfectly.

Guy - Posted - 05/02/2010:  04:34:12

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Hi Lee, you're dead right, it's the sound of these great instruments that keeps you coming back for more.

I did record Whiskey Before Breakfast on my banjo a couple of years ago which you can find on my homepage, there's also a video of me playing Cherokee Shuffle in a jam session with Tony Trischka, Megan Lynch and Andrew Collins of the Foggy Hogtown Boys. Despite all the noise the Nechville stands up well and cuts just as well as Tony's new Deering. Watch out for Tony's ascending run in the B part. Awesome!

Guy

kirbonite - Posted - 05/02/2010:  12:59:10

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I like your solo as much if not better than Tony's. tony really has some nice pull offs in his break. Personally, I like a good clean melodic run better than anything on banjol

that looks like a great jam session. the fiddle and dobro player sound really good too.

K.

quote:

---

Originally posted by Guy

Hi Lee, you're dead right, it's the sound of these great instruments that keeps you coming back for more.

I did record Whiskey Before Breakfast on my banjo a couple of years ago which you can find on my homepage, there's also a video of me playing Cherokee Shuffle in a jam session with Tony Trischka, Megan Lynch and Andrew Collins of the Foggy Hogtown Boys. Despite all the noise the Nechville stands up well and cuts just as well as Tony's new Deering. Watch out for Tony's ascending run in the B part. Awesome!

Guy

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