briln - Posted - 12/17/2011:  15:49:38

Steve. You will love it! My Stelling is great and my Walnut Phantom is such a great change, I just love it! Nechvilles are terrific.

CodeSmith - Posted - 12/17/2011:  20:50:24

Hi Folks,
If you're going with tunneled fifth (i.e. phantom neck), ask about the ball bearing option for fifth string. The fifth string rolls over a miniature roller bearing, yeilding super smooth tuning, no sticking at all! Pretty darn clever :)

I had a custom phantom built by Tom and crew, it was very enjoyable and pleasant collaborative process. Very happy with outcome, one of these days I'll get around to posting some pics.

On another note ...
Tom - I really like the Nechville tailpiece. Any chance you can produce a version with a hanger bolt so that I use it on my Gibby type axes?

Happy holidays all!

CAPT Steve - Posted - 12/17/2011:  21:50:05

Hey Ray and briln,

Great to hear your comments. Ray, while I don't usually do too much with my banjos after I get 'em where I like 'em, I suspect that may change with the Phantom. It'll be fun to hear the differences, especially as it can be done so quickly. Not quite ready to go the wood tone ring/rim route quite yet, still like what a nice bronze ring can do for sound. It's nice to have the option of that 'temptation' to try the Ti/wood ring. I had a nice e-mail exchange with Tom Nechville and thanked him for being fearless in an environment that doesn't always embrace variations from ' tradition'. He really seems to be a creative dynamo and, reading through this string, those who have tried his instruments have discovered great banjos. Briln, with your choices in banjos, sounds like you're one who can relate. I, too, think my Stelling is a superb instrument. I'll get to meet Geoff next week. I sent my neck up to him for a refret and will have him set it up for me Thursday. Can't wait; got a lot of respect for him as a craftsman and person. Getting the same sense about Tom and his team. Now my only problem with all these encouraging messages is that I still have to wait for the Phantom to be built.

Steve

briln - Posted - 12/18/2011:  02:43:16

Interesting. I visited Geoff last month for a refret (stainless), action raising to 11/16, head and some cosmetic repairs. When you go he is on the other side of the mountain, so just keep driving. I had a great visit.

My Nechville has the wood tone ring, which I would heartily recommend (I went with plastic/delrin tone spheres). I was going to get a bronze ring but
Tom suggested that I try the Timbertronic first and I might not even need the bronze ring. He was right. The wood ring sounds great and the.banjo sure is nice and light.

jbanjoist - Posted - 12/18/2011:  10:28:24

quote:

---

Originally posted by CodeSmith

Hi Folks,

If you're going with tunneled fifth (i.e. phantom neck), ask about the ball bearing option for fifth string. The fifth string rolls over a miniature roller bearing, yeilding super smooth tuning, no sticking at all! Pretty darn clever :)



I had a custom phantom built by Tom and crew, it was very enjoyable and pleasant collaborative process. Very happy with outcome, one of these days I'll get around to posting some pics.



On another note ...

Tom - I really like the Nechville tailpiece. Any chance you can produce a version with a hanger bolt so that I use it on my Gibby type axes?



Happy holidays all!

---

Hmmmm. Had not heard of that option. IF the string has a tendency to stick with the Nechville tunneled 5th strings maybe the ball bearing "option" should be standard equipment..............

jbanjoist - Posted - 12/18/2011:  10:31:20

Steve just wanted to say you will see much improved fret wear on your Nechville.

I was really surprised how little they wear. I'd say they last at least 50 % longer and maybe more.

How that happens I'm not sure but it sure seems to be the case.

How about you other Nechvillians here, does that seem to be the case for you?

banjorino - Posted - 12/18/2011:  13:26:30

I love my Phantom Moonshine very much in every aspects. 

I need my fishman pickup and was wondering if anyone has a picture of a T bracket? I very much like to see how it looks on the banjo.

Thanks

Rino

pick1936 - Posted - 12/21/2011:  10:42:15

I got My  Timbr -- Tronic  Calssic Deluxe  out  last night,  about  2  hrs.   practicing  song  for  church,  I got  one  hymn  worked  out  in  open  neck  Key  C.  ply  it  in  three  different  places.

Nechville.  In  Higginsville.

Lee  Kelso

alprice - Posted - 12/21/2011:  22:25:42

quote:

---

Originally posted by jbanjoist

Steve just wanted to say you will see much improved fret wear on your Nechville.

I was really surprised how little they wear. I'd say they last at least 50 % longer and maybe more.

How that happens I'm not sure but it sure seems to be the case.

How about you other Nechvillians here, does that seem to be the case for you?

---

al-f - Posted - 12/22/2011:  01:54:43

Mr.Nechville,Sir,
i never played anytype of instrument before but I want to learn to play the banjo.Ummm if you could how bout send one this way. This will benefit both of us.I wont have to try to bash my head in trying to learn on an el cheapo AND after I learn I can make an unbiased review and post it everywhere.I'll even have the tailgate of my truck painted into a rolling billboard for Nechville banjos, and i'll carry the banjo everywhere i go incase someone asks about them i can give an impromptu demo, as you can see i will be putting in a great deal of hard work and effort that will result in years of advertisement and hours of demonstrations for your company, I feel this would be a worthwhile venture for both of us.I appreciate your sincere consideration.
Al

nechville - Posted - 12/22/2011:  08:00:48

no plans to change the tailpiece, but you could use it with gibson or similar banjo with a slight modification to the tension hoop. small dimples drilled under where the tailpiece goes are needed. The dont show if you put standard tailpiece back on.

dpete210 - Posted - 12/22/2011:  10:28:38

quote:

---

Originally posted by al-f

Mr.Nechville,Sir,

i never played anytype of instrument before but I want to learn to play the banjo.Ummm if you could how bout send one this way. This will benefit both of us.I wont have to try to bash my head in trying to learn on an el cheapo AND after I learn I can make an unbiased review and post it everywhere.I'll even have the tailgate of my truck painted into a rolling billboard for Nechville banjos, and i'll carry the banjo everywhere i go incase someone asks about them i can give an impromptu demo, as you can see i will be putting in a great deal of hard work and effort that will result in years of advertisement and hours of demonstrations for your company, I feel this would be a worthwhile venture for both of us.I appreciate your sincere consideration.

Al

---

Nice try al-f.  No harm in asking, for sure, but chances are you'll have to buy one line the rest of us did. 

dpete210 - Posted - 12/22/2011:  11:04:38

quote:

---

Originally posted by CodeSmith

...On another note ...

Tom - I really like the Nechville tailpiece. Any chance you can produce a version with a hanger bolt so that I use it on my Gibby type axes?



Happy holidays all!

---

CodeSmith, I see where Tom has answered your tailpiece question.   Sometimes photos help clarify the process.  The photos show the Nechville tailpiece on my Deering Hartford banjo, installed as Tom suggested.  It works great.    You'll also notice that I've put a Nechville armrest on this banjo.  This Hartford also has a Nechville neck with flux capacitor attachment system and  built in capos as well.  So it is a blend of a Nechville and Hartford.    Terrific banjo!

Side view of Nechville Tailpiece on Deering Hartford banjo

Nechville Tailpiece on Deering Hartford banjo

jbanjoist - Posted - 12/22/2011:  15:35:48

quote:

---

Originally posted by alprice

quote:

---

Originally posted by jbanjoist

Steve just wanted to say you will see much improved fret wear on your Nechville.



I was really surprised how little they wear. I'd say they last at least 50 % longer and maybe more.



How that happens I'm not sure but it sure seems to be the case.



How about you other Nechvillians here, does that seem to be the case for you?

---

 

I got my Vintage almost 9 years ago. Still have the original frets. In the same time, I've had 3 cars and five dogs.

---

I have had my Vintage at least 7 years. I took a close look at the 2nd fret 3rd string, that one obviously gets the most work, and hardly any wear at all!

These banjos are the B-E-S-T.

CodeSmith - Posted - 12/23/2011:  09:55:40

quote:

---

Originally posted by nechville

no plans to change the tailpiece, but you could use it with gibson or similar banjo with a slight modification to the tension hoop. small dimples drilled under where the tailpiece goes are needed. The dont show if you put standard tailpiece back on.

Hi Tom, sorry for delay reply, year end crunches :) Will give it some thought. Thks!

CodeSmith - Posted - 12/23/2011:  10:07:35

quote:

---

Originally posted by dpete210

quote:

---

Originally posted by CodeSmith

...On another note ...

Tom - I really like the Nechville tailpiece. Any chance you can produce a version with a hanger bolt so that I use it on my Gibby type axes?



Happy holidays all!

---

CodeSmith, I see where Tom has answered your tailpiece question.   Sometimes photos help clarify the process.  The photos show the Nechville tailpiece on my Deering Hartford banjo, installed as Tom suggested.  It works great.    You'll also notice that I've put a Nechville armrest on this banjo.  This Hartford also has a Nechville neck with flux capacitor attachment system and  built in capos as well.  So it is a blend of a Nechville and Hartford.    Terrific banjo!

---

Thks! Finally had a chance to catch up on BH, the photos definitely helped. I gather not too difficult to drill the dimples for the tailpiece?  The Nechville armrests work great! I have the worse skin reaction with np armrests in warm weather.

CAPT Steve - Posted - 12/23/2011:  17:23:28

Thanks James and Al. Appreciate the info on fret wear; it's very encouraging and I'm glad I won't have to go through that expense again for a while. Now if the Phantom would just get here. Steve

pick1936 - Posted - 12/23/2011:  22:32:07

When  better  banjo's  are built   Tom  will  build  them.   No other  banjo  even  comes  close.   When  I  pick  My  Nechville.  I  Turn  Heads,  BUT   I  do  not  turn  nuts.  These    Nechvilles  are  just  GREAT.   I think  more  people  should   try    them.   The  necks  alone,  beat    (ANY)  other  neck  anywhere.

Nechville.  In  Higginsville.

ee  Kelso

Goldstarman - Posted - 12/23/2011:  22:43:54

I dont know many thats played a Nechville that wouldnt tell you the necks are the best they have played. 

briln - Posted - 12/29/2011:  23:21:47

It is amazing. I too have some excellent banjos including my 1983 Stelling Sunflower and a 30th Anniversary Deering with the Jens Kruger tone ring. But my new Walnut Phantom with the cocobolo tone ring is a whole new level of enjoyment. It plays beautifully, sounds great, looks amazing and is only 7 lbs. (what a pleasure). Every time I play it I have to smile.

Goldstarman - Posted - 12/30/2011:  04:45:16

Todd I know where your coming from, I dont endorse them or anything either but they are such great banjos. I ordered one a little bit ago and may order another...there that good.

Johnny Ace - Posted - 12/30/2011:  10:12:45

I have some great banjos, including the Bela Fleck repro I got from Goldstarman (thanks again).  I brought out the Nechville Nextar the other night (The Green Machine) and tightened the head up to just past G# and voila, an astounding BG sound. I have a Purcell 3/4 inch bridge on it so it is like Bela's set up. High bridge and low action.   And you are right about the neck.  Best  neck I have ever played on.  When I finally get around to thinning the herd, this will be the one I keep until I can no longer play.

This has the older tone ring.  I wouldn't change a thing. 

jbanjoist - Posted - 12/30/2011:  14:20:43

More and more people are discovering how great it is to be a "Nechvillian"!

Going out picking mine tonight and tomorrow night.

I will enjoy.

pick1936 - Posted - 01/02/2012:  13:41:06

Many  people  own  3  or  4  banjo's.   BUT  if  You  could  only own  just one,  It  should   be  a  Nechville.

Nechville.  In  Higginsville.

Lee  Kelso

pick1936 - Posted - 01/08/2012:  21:18:19

as  for  the  above  mention  of  Nechville  Tail piece,    There  is  none  better,  thick, slightly  radiused,  rock  solid  stable.   stays  in  tune   forever,  just  Great,  as  is  all the  features  on  the  Nechville's.   I have  ben  pickin  mine  some  today.   I  could go  on  and  on, but  better  get  off  now.    PS   please  pray  for  My  wife,  as  Her  heart  is getting  much  worse.  THANKS.

Nechville. In  Higginsville.

Lee  Kelso

dmiller - Posted - 01/08/2012:  21:53:07

Dang Lee - - - prayers sent..

nograss5150 - Posted - 01/08/2012:  22:44:09

Lee, prayers coming your way from all over!

Guy - Posted - 01/09/2012:  10:53:37

Hi Lee, sorry to hear about your good lady, my thoughts are with you both.
Guy

nograss5150 - Posted - 01/09/2012:  23:13:58

What a great time we had this past weekend at the River City Music Festival in Portland, Oregon, with plenty of great bands and sweet music.  The wife went to do her thing and I snuck off to look for the Nechville booth.  After a short search, I was successful and overjoyed to find both Tom Nechville and Al Price present.  After a couple of hours of fondling and examining the merchandise (sort of like kicking tires on a car), I felt my hand subconsciously reaching for my back pocket when I looked up and saw the wife entering the room.  "Why would you need another Nechville?", the little lady asked.  "Because I only have one so far and it's maple.  This one is walnut.  Totally different animal", I replied.  As I was heading out of the room, Al reminded me that he's only a 3 hour drive north.

Tom and Al, thanks for sharing your weekend.  I will be back.

Joe

jbanjoist - Posted - 01/10/2012:  18:35:56

Hate to hear about your wife Lee. I'll be keeping her in my prayers.

alprice - Posted - 01/11/2012:  07:12:27

Lee, you and Joyce are in my thoughts and prayers.

alprice - Posted - 01/11/2012:  07:17:17

quote:

---

Originally posted by nograss5150

What a great time we had this past weekend at the River City Music Festival in Portland, Oregon, with plenty of great bands and sweet music.  The wife went to do her thing and I snuck off to look for the Nechville booth.  After a short search, I was successful and overjoyed to find both Tom Nechville and Al Price present.  After a couple of hours of fondling and examining the merchandise (sort of like kicking tires on a car), I felt my hand subconsciously reaching for my back pocket when I looked up and saw the wife entering the room.  "Why would you need another Nechville?", the little lady asked.  "Because I only have one so far and it's maple.  This one is walnut.  Totally different animal", I replied.  As I was heading out of the room, Al reminded me that he's only a 3 hour drive north.

Tom and Al, thanks for sharing your weekend.  I will be back.

Joe

      

---

Joe, 

It was great to meet you and Donna.   Thanks for hanging with us Saturday.  

Wintergrass is just around the corner and we will have another great collection of instruments to try.  I have had my eye on an Orion for some time...

Have you joined the Nechville Owners Group here?  Its like our own little corner of the Hangout:  banjohangout.org/group/nechvil...nersgroup

uncledaveh - Posted - 01/17/2012:  13:31:34

Lee - I have been away from the Hangout for a while and just read about your wife.  Sorry, I will be praying for her and you.

David "Uncle Dave" Holbrook 

The Rockdale Ridgerunners

uncledaveh - Posted - 01/17/2012:  13:37:05

Tom and/or Al - Will you be at SPBGMA?  (I'm sure you will.)  A better question is, will you have an Atlas banjo with you?  Hope to see you there.

Hot dog!!

David "Uncle Dave" Holbrook

The Rockdale Ridgerunners

"Now good people, we're going to play this next tune with more heterogeneous constipolicy, double flavor and unknown quality than usual! Make it light on yourself." 

alprice - Posted - 01/17/2012:  19:06:15

Dave,

Tom will be there. He should have an Atlas with him.

pick1936 - Posted - 01/23/2012:  14:05:02

Al,  I hope  You and  Tom  are  selling  lots  of  banjo's?   I  sure  love  mine.  Never  gets  old.

Nechville.In  Higginsville.

Lee  kelso

pick1936 - Posted - 01/27/2012:  21:37:05

Man  These  Nechville  banjo's  keep  surprising   Me.   I  have  a  ground  floor  apt.  concrete  with  thin  carpet  on  it.  I  left  it  set  under  the  bed   for  almost  two  weeks.  Pulled  it  out opened  it  up.  and  it  was  exactly  in  tune  with  itself,  because  of  it being  cool,   I  had  to  loosen   the  strings  just  a  little  bit  using  the  tuner,   the  string  contract  a  little  bit  when  while  in  case  under  bed.  The  massive  and  super  stable   tail  piece  keeps  it in  tune.   I  have  never  every  before  had  a  banjo  that  stayed  in  tune  so  well.  in  case  or  after, or during  an  hr or  two    pickin.

Nechville.  In  Higginsvile.

Lee  kelso

Edited by - pick1936 on 01/27/2012 21:39:14

gnatman - Posted - 01/28/2012:  19:25:27

I can attest to the Nechville's amazing ability to stay in tune. I broke my arm a few months back, so my Nechville was sitting in it's case while I healed up. Took it out a couple weeks ago, and I kid you not, still exactly in tune. Played like a dream as always.

It feels good to be back picking again. Taking me some time to get back up to speed, but the Nechville still fits like a glove.

alprice - Posted - 02/02/2012:  11:01:17

quote:

---

Originally posted by uncledaveh

Tom and/or Al - Will you be at SPBGMA?  (I'm sure you will.)  A better question is, will you have an Atlas banjo with you?  Hope to see you there.

Hot dog!!

David "Uncle Dave" Holbrook

The Rockdale Ridgerunners

"Now good people, we're going to play this next tune with more heterogeneous constipolicy, double flavor and unknown quality than usual! Make it light on yourself." 

---

Dave,

Tom is in Nashville and has that Atlas waiting for you!

Al

Edited by - alprice on 02/02/2012 11:02:23

jscourt - Posted - 02/07/2012:  06:37:14

Al,

I'm really enjoying my Nechville Phantom...got it last June it's a dream come true in a great banjo. One issue only I don't understand: the Enterprise bridge seems to cause the strings to rust and break. This has happened a couple times...once during a gig. I put on a new set and in just a couple weeks especially the 5th string begins to darken in the slot. After the string snaps I can scrape off rust or something at the broken spot. Maybe I should change strings more often, but I've never has this happen on any other banjo and I've been playing since 1991. I put on a Snuffy radiused and it didn't happen.

Maybe someone else has had this happen. I always keep it in the case and use Fastfret on the strings. Last time I changed strings I put some nut grease in the grooves and it happend again after a couple months. I love the sounds with the Enterprise bridge on the Phantom, but well....

Stricken with pickin,
Jerry in Texas

dpete210 - Posted - 02/07/2012:  10:54:15

quote:

---

Originally posted by jscourt

Al,



One issue only I don't understand: the Enterprise bridge seems to cause the strings to rust and break. This has happened a couple times...[clip]



Stricken with pickin,

Jerry in Texas

---

Jerry, I'm not familiar with why this is happening.  If the strings are rusting, it seems to me there must be some moisture or condensation affecting the strings.  I use the Enterprise bridge on a couple of my banjos and have never experienced anything like that.  If you have not already tried this,  put some graphite or pencil lead filings in your bridge slots.  I do this to both the nut and the bridge slots when I change strings.

Guy - Posted - 02/07/2012:  11:56:35

I've had my Nechville Nextar for 4 or 5 years now and it's been played virtually every day. I hate changing strings so I only do it when I think I have to. Usually this is when I can't get them in tune any more. I can honestly say I have never broken a string.

Sounds like there may be a problem with that particular bridge. I'm sure Tom would change it for you if you let him know of your problem.

FYI I use Gibson Mediums.

Guy

Corwyn - Posted - 02/07/2012:  13:44:16

quote:

---

Originally posted by Guy

Sounds like there may be a problem with that particular bridge. I'm sure Tom would change it for you if you let him know of your problem.

---

In fact, that sounds like such a strange occurrence, the Nechville might want that bridge back to figure out what is going on.  Definitely weird.

briln - Posted - 02/07/2012:  16:50:10

I have posted many times how terrific my Custom Walnut Galaxy Phantom is for bluegrass. When I ordered it I talked to Tom about some possibilities to optimize it for clawhammer. Tom said he was experimenting on cutting out a foam "donut" to install between the resonator and head. He graciously agreed to make one for me and send it out for me to try.



I am now experimenting with learning clawhammer and I used the insert for the first time and showed it to my clawhammer friend. To say the least he was blown away with how good my Nechville sounded for clawnhammer and the versatility of a Nechville. You really can make it sound any way you want. No coordinator rods to get in the way and it really makes my Phantom perfect for clawhammer. It never fails to amaze me how good this banjo is! I've had my Phantom for just over 5 months and I really like it more and more every time I play it.

Edited by - briln on 02/07/2012 16:57:20

alprice - Posted - 02/08/2012:  11:40:23

quote

:

---

Originally posted by jscourt

Al,



I'm really enjoying my Nechville Phantom...got it last June it's a dream come true in a great banjo. One issue only I don't understand: the Enterprise bridge seems to cause the strings to rust and break. This has happened a couple times...once during a gig. I put on a new set and in just a couple weeks especially the 5th string begins to darken in the slot. After the string snaps I can scrape off rust or something at the broken spot. Maybe I should change strings more often, but I've never has this happen on any other banjo and I've been playing since 1991. I put on a Snuffy radiused and it didn't happen.



Maybe someone else has had this happen. I always keep it in the case and use Fastfret on the strings. Last time I changed strings I put some nut grease in the grooves and it happend again after a couple months. I love the sounds with the Enterprise bridge on the Phantom, but well....



Stricken with pickin,

Jerry in Texas

---

This is not something I have heard of before, Jerry.  I'd suggest you call Tom at the shop and see what he thinks.   

Al

alprice - Posted - 02/08/2012:  11:41:07

quote:

---

Originally posted by briln

I have posted many times how terrific my Custom Walnut Galaxy Phantom is for bluegrass. When I ordered it I talked to Tom about some possibilities to optimize it for clawhammer. Tom said he was experimenting on cutting out a foam "donut" to install between the resonator and head. He graciously agreed to make one for me and send it out for me to try.



I am now experimenting with learning clawhammer and I used the insert for the first time and showed it to my clawhammer friend. To say the least he was blown away with how good my Nechville sounded for clawnhammer and the versatility of a Nechville. You really can make it sound any way you want. No coordinator rods to get in the way and it really makes my Phantom perfect for clawhammer. It never fails to amaze me how good this banjo is! I've had my Phantom for just over 5 months and I really like it more and more every time I play it.

---

This is cool.   I'd love to hear a sound clip!

Al

alprice - Posted - 02/08/2012:  11:42:22

quote:

---

Originally posted by pick1936

Al,  I hope  You and  Tom  are  selling  lots  of  banjo's?   I  sure  love  mine.  Never  gets  old.

 

 

Nechville.In  Higginsville.

Lee  kelso

---

Lee, we are selling all of them!  :)

Al

pick1936 - Posted - 02/15/2012:  11:59:32

Man  I  was  neckin  on  the  old  Classic Deluxe  yesterday,  picked  for  3  hrs.   Still  sounding Great.

Nechville.  In  Higginsville.

Lee  kelso

Debbiej - Posted - 02/15/2012:  17:24:49

What is a good head to have on my Nechville Phantom Maple for playing bluegrass, to get that good crisp bluegrass sound? Right now I have the Renaissance on my banjo.

THanks,

Debbie