alprice - Posted - 02/15/2012:  22:29:50

I tried a number of heads on a Phantom a couple of summers ago. Even blogged the results. When all was said and done... white frosted Remo was what I went with.

Debbiej - Posted - 02/16/2012:  17:09:58

Al, is there a link to your results or someway I can see and hear the results of the various banjo heads on the nechville? You think the Remo frosted gave you the best bluegrass sound?

thanks,

Debbie

alprice - Posted - 02/16/2012:  20:24:55

quote:

---

Originally posted by Debbiej

Al, is there a link to your results or someway I can see and hear the results of the various banjo heads on the nechville? You think the Remo frosted gave you the best bluegrass sound?



thanks,



Debbie

---

No, sorry no samples.  I just wrote my impressions on my blog page here.   The Remo white frosted head gave what I thought the "grassiest" sound.   Remember, its a lot more than just the head.   Here's an article Tom wrote about banjo setup that may prove helpful:  nechville.com/nechvilleBlog2/?p=12

Edited by - alprice on 02/16/2012 20:25:31

Debbiej - Posted - 02/19/2012:  08:48:25

WHat is the height of the banjo heads on the nechville phantoms? Is it the medium 9/16" head. I know Tom says not to use the low crown, just wondering if the medium crown is what is used.

thanks,

Debbie

alprice - Posted - 02/20/2012:  08:57:16

quote:

---

Originally posted by Debbiej

WHat is the height of the banjo heads on the nechville phantoms? Is it the medium 9/16" head. I know Tom says not to use the low crown, just wondering if the medium crown is what is used.



thanks,



Debbie

---

We use medium crown.   

pick1936 - Posted - 02/23/2012:  22:22:40

I  picked  on  the  Classic  Deluxe  4  hrs.  yesterday.  Just  Great.

Nechville.  In  Higginsville.

Lee  kelso

Tedd - Posted - 02/28/2012:  15:43:42

Working on an up the neck version of "Rebecca" today on the Phantom....made me want to log on to see if Lee is still carrying the Nechville banner.  Good to see you were here recently.  Minnesota indoor festival this weekend in Plymouth.  Looking forward to some great jams and the Steep Canyon Rangers.

pick1936 - Posted - 02/29/2012:  16:44:12

Hi Tedd,  yes  I am  still  here.   I live  in  a  small  town  no  one  to  jam  with.   Lately  I  been  just  putting  on  a  standard  Bluegrass  tune,  and   try  to  play  along  with  it.   I  do  not  try  tab.  play  by  ear.   Last  month  I  saw  a  video   of  Red  Volkaert     on  guitar   showing  some  easy  double  stops.  I  am  converting  them  to banjo,   So  far  They  work  great  on  slow  tunes,  for  a  kick  off,  or  a  break.   nice to  know  You  are  building  guitars.   In   about  6  months  I  may  be  looking  for  another  good  guitar.

Keep  On  Pickin.

Nechvile.  In  Higginsville.

Lee  kelso

pick1936 - Posted - 03/08/2012:  20:51:45

This  Classic  Deluxe  is  sounding  so  good.  The  absolute  Perfect  Neck  Ever,    The  rest  of the  Nechville   is  Great   also.  Try  One  some  time.

Nechville.  In  higginsville.

Lee  Kelso

pick1936 - Posted - 03/10/2012:  12:51:15

I  took My Classic  Deluxe  to  the jam  in  K.C.  Mo.   had  a  lot  of  fun.

Nechville.  In   Higginsville.

Lee  kelso

silvioferretti - Posted - 03/12/2012:  03:50:09

I want to take the opportunity of speaking through one of the longest threads in the history of the BHO ​  to thank Tom and Al again, for letting me use a fine Atlas (right?...) openback on the three sets that we played at Wintergrass last month. That banjo was LOUD!! I don't think the soundmen had to work the faders to bring it up, my mic being set for my old flathead. I just played a little bit more into the mic and that was all I needed to do to be heard. And the tone wast round and fat and clucky. Tom and Al are great guys, and I really appreciate their help.

alprice - Posted - 03/13/2012:  11:35:42

It was a pleasure to help you out, Silvio. And great to hear Red Wine again. We look forward to seeing you the next time we are at the same event.

pick1936 - Posted - 03/15/2012:  11:44:01

Hi  Silvio,  I  have  used  Your  bridges  before,  I have  never  heard  Your  band.   Do  You  have  any  video's  out?  THANKS.

Nechville.  In  Higginsville.

Lee  kelso

dmiller - Posted - 03/15/2012:  20:56:17

quote:

---

Originally posted by pick1936

Hi  Silvio,  I  have  used  Your  bridges  before,  I have  never  heard  Your  band.   Do  You  have  any  video's  out?  THANKS.

 

 

Nechville.  In  Higginsville.

Lee  kelso

---

Here you go, Lee.  Silvio and the stellar band Red Wine.   Enjoy.   

pick1936 - Posted - 03/16/2012:  15:21:34

Thanks  dmiller,  I    enjoyed   That.   Thanks  Silvio  also.   Good  Music.  Real  Grass.

Nechville.  In  Higginsville.

Lee  Kelso

aalborg - Posted - 03/22/2012:  02:50:36

Well I just bought a beautifull Zeus from Eagle Music shop in the UK. And pardon my ignorance. What is that hole at the bottom of the neck for? A strap or something?

zeus

alprice - Posted - 03/22/2012:  06:10:01

quote:

---

Originally posted by aalborg

Well I just bought a beautifull Zeus from Eagle Music shop in the UK. And pardon my ignorance. What is that hole at the bottom of the neck for? A strap or something?

---

Congratulations on your new Zeus!  That hole is to an Allen screw that is used to adjust the action.   Take a look at the "Nechville Neck Connection" video at:  nechville.com/banjoSetupTips.php.

Al

aalborg - Posted - 03/22/2012:  06:11:37

ahh cheers!
Will have a look at it when I get off work

pick1936 - Posted - 03/26/2012:  14:27:43

Hi  Aalborg,    bet You  are  having  much fun  pickin  that  New  Nechville.   I  REALY   Like  Mine.   (This  7  Lb.  Banjo  Is  Just  Right  For  Me)   

Rings  Like  Silver,  Sounds  Like  Gold.

Nechville.  In   Higginsville.

Lee  kelso

Edited by - pick1936 on 03/26/2012 14:29:10

Guy - Posted - 03/30/2012:  11:56:15

"Rings like silver, Sounds like gold". Ha ha Lee, Tom should make you a 9lb Version.

pick1936 - Posted - 03/31/2012:  10:53:29

Guy You are  not  far  from  right.  I  may?   someday  get  a  Minimized  Bronze  ring  from  Tom,  It would  probably  weigh  close  to   9 lbs.  Then  I  can  finish   the  take  off  on  the  song   (Nine  Pound  Hammer)    anyway   all  of  Tom's  banjo's   are  great.    I will  be  taking  My  Timber -- Tronic  Classic Deluxe   to  the  monthly  jam  in  K.C.  Mo.    what  more  could  I  want?

Pick  What You  Like.

Like  What You  Pick.

Nechille.  In  Higginsville.

Lee  kelso

pick1936 - Posted - 04/04/2012:  22:24:11

I  have  been  neckin  on  My  Nechville    still   adapting  double  stops  for  breaks, fills,  and  intro's.   works  real  good  on  slow  tunes.   (Iv'e  laid around,  and  Played  around  In  This Ol  Town  To  Long,  Now   I  Feel  Like  I gotta  Travil  On)

Nechville  In  Higginsville.

Lee  kelso

bilmur - Posted - 04/05/2012:  13:42:06

AL- The Cosmo you sent me last week is the cat's pajamas and the bees' knees. Just ordered a Roland Synth to go with it. Stand by for further announcements.

Debbiej - Posted - 04/05/2012:  17:04:27

Hey Lee, What is a minimized bronze tone ring, is nechville producing a lighter weight metal tone ring for the nechville banjos?

alprice - Posted - 04/06/2012:  06:53:35

quote:

---

Originally posted by bilmur

AL- The Cosmo you sent me last week is the cat's pajamas and the bees' knees. Just ordered a Roland Synth to go with it. Stand by for further announcements.

---

You'll have a blast with that Roland rig and the Cosmos, Bill.   My favorite setting is Hammond B3.

pick1936 - Posted - 04/06/2012:  12:38:52

Hi  Debbie,  Tom  had a write  up  n  Bluegrass  Unlimited  Magazine    several  Year  ago.   He  said  He  was  trying  the  minimized   bronze   Rings,  Experimentally   only.   I  think But  don't  know?   that  it  turns  out  to  costly  to  make  them   right  now?   Maybe  later  on     Whenever  Tom  Builds  one  I  want  it.   BUT  for  now  His  banjo's   are  the  best   banjo's  being  built.   I  am  only concerned  because  after   three  failed  back  surgery's   I  want  the  lightest   weight  banjo   so  I  can  still  stand  up  and  pick..   Toms  banjo's   are  THE  Best,  They  will  do  so  many  things  that  other  banjo's   Just  can  not  do.   I  switched  heads    last  week.   It  took  Me  45  min..  That  was  to  unscrew  it, remove the  steel  balls,  Clean  wood  tone  ring,  clean  and  grease  the  treads,  screw  it  back  to  the  exact  tension  put  the  bridge  back,  and  tune  up  and  was  pickin.  BUT  I  am  slower than  most. Very  Very   fast  and  easy  adjustments  on  every  part  of the  banjo.   You  just  can  not  get  any  better  Than  Nechville..   banjo's.    I  see  by  Your  line  up  You  like  electric  guitarists.  You  should  listen  to  (Jimmie  Bryant) --  The Man  who  Leo  Fender  Gave  the  first  broadcater  to,   Jimmie  Then  later  was  givin  The  telecaster,  He  was  the ( fastest),  and ( cleanest ) Guitar  picker  EVER.    You  could also  listen  to  (Roy  Buchanan)      BUT anyway   Lets   Pick  These  great  Nechville banjo's.    

Nechville. In  Higginsville.

Lee  kelso

CAPT Steve - Posted - 04/09/2012:  13:22:36

Greetings Nechville friends.  I have officially joined your ranks as of 29 March when my custom walnut Galaxy Phantom arrived.  I sent Tom a note thanking him and his crew for building such an incredible instrument; thought I'd share some of what I said to him with y'all.

Hey Tom,



This is what my wife posted on her FaceBook page today:



I agree everyone needs time to Play :) do something fun My hubby enjoys his Banjo,I like the newest one sounds make me want to dance. Have a Blessed Easter don't take everything serious Laugh out loud Smile someone may be watching.Love



Ya think you hit a home run?!  I'd say, absolutely.  I got it a week ago on my birthday (perfect timing), and I'm loving everything about it.  I'm so glad that you didn't send me any photos of it nearly finished.  I'd seen pictures of other walnut Phantoms and they were much lighter and browner than mine.  When I opened the case, I was stunned.  It was a lot darker with rich deep red undertones than I anticipated and the wood was gorgeous.  I love beautiful woods, and this is among the best I've seen.  The headstock turned out just like I'd envisioned it--thank you for making that happen. The black touches on the tuners and tailpieces are a perfect compliment to the dark walnut and the fingerboard (I already knew the fingerboard with the Galaxy pattern would be cool looking).  But no matter how fine the instrument looks, if it sounds bad, it's not worth anything.  If MY playing can get my wife to want to dance (and she has a very bum knee), I'd say something is definitely right. This banjo is certainly greater than the sum of its very interesting parts.  Best neck I've ever touched and I thought my Stelling's was good.  This one just makes me a better musician--thank you for that.  The walnut and sapele woods and the tone ring and pot design give it that true bluegrassy sound that I had hoped for, but with a real sweetness in its tone.  Not having ever played a Nechville before (I feel like we're kinda at the end of the road for some musical things) and not sure how the various components would come together, as this was custom even for a Phantom, I just had to trust that you and your crew would make it all work--and you absolutely did.  Thank you, as well, for letting me have input in what I wanted for my banjo; you're one of the handful of builders, with fingers left, that actually do that. 

I'll post some photos soon on my Homepage and let you know when I do so that you can see some of the Nechville folk's latest work--think you'll enjoy seeing it.

Steve

jbanjoist - Posted - 04/09/2012:  18:04:49

Welcome to the order of the Nechvillian banjoist's club!

CAPT Steve - Posted - 04/09/2012:  21:20:06

Thanks jbanjoist--honored to be in the land of Nechvillia.

Mike Rowe - Posted - 04/09/2012:  21:28:35

Hi Al,

Can you tell me the setup on the banjo Silvio is playing in that clip? What type of head and strings would be a great start!

Thanks  alot,

Mike

alprice - Posted - 04/10/2012:  06:23:29

Hi Mike,

In that clip, Silvio is not playing a Nechville, but rather one of his Gibsons. So, I can't

say.

Al

quote

:

---

Originally posted by Mike Rowe

Hi Al,

 

Can you tell me the setup on the banjo Silvio is playing in that clip? What type of head and strings would be a great start!

 

Thanks  alot,

 

Mike

---

silvioferretti - Posted - 04/10/2012:  13:32:30

quote:

---

Originally posted by Mike Rowe

Hi Al,

Can you tell me the setup on the banjo Silvio is playing in that clip? What type of head and strings would be a great start!

 Thanks  alot,

 Mike

---

 Hey Mike. Sorry for hijacking this Nechville thread (you guys!...), but I have to respond: that banjo is a 1930 conv. TB-3, with a neck that I made (and sold recently through the BHO, to which I still owe some money now that I think of it...). It has a #89 Blaylock tone ring, a regular WK head (which has been on it since 2001, when I bought it), 5/8" Scorpion bridge, GHS PF-140 strings (Crowe's studio set). Original Presto, no tension on it. Anything else? 

alprice - Posted - 04/10/2012:  15:40:23

Thanks, Silvio. I knew you'd jump in. :)

Mike Rowe - Posted - 04/10/2012:  16:01:24

Thank you Al and Silvio.

Silvio, that banjo sounds wonderful with you behind it!

Mike

silvioferretti - Posted - 04/13/2012:  14:01:34

Mike, in this case I'm afraid it's less the driver than it is the car... I got that banjo in 2001, and since that time it's had 5 different tone rings and about as many necks (presently neckless, in fact). I used it to record my band's 2007 CD ("Winter's come and gone"), and I was so underwhelmed by the way it sounded that I gave it to Elderly to sell. It didn't sell for a year, so I got it back in 2008, had Bill Blaylock install a Bear Tracks ring in it, and LOVED it ever since. It has another Blaylock ring now, even better than the Bear Tracks, and it sounds the way you can hear it in that video (much better actually, the sound system sucked on that stage). So well... thanks but it's not totally my merit by any means... Enough hijacking threads now!

Edited by - silvioferretti on 04/13/2012 14:02:11

Goldstarman - Posted - 04/13/2012:  20:22:31

wow, I just picked up a Nechville vintage and it is a dream. So much like a Bela copy with the wide neck and FE inlay. It also has a very fat tone which I love for alot of stuff.

alprice - Posted - 04/14/2012:  06:53:59

Silvio, you are a humble guy and I admire that in you. But no car is any good unless it is in the hands of a good driver.

-----------

Goldstarman, glad you are enjoying your Vintage! I hope you get as much enjoyment from yours as I do mine.

tooltimegrunt - Posted - 04/15/2012:  14:48:51

I am looking for an acoustic banjo after selling my last one 20 years ago, so in a sense I am a newbie.  I have looked into the Nechville and am very interested but have a lot of questions.  Like what's the difference between the 40 hole and 20 hole tone ring?  The walnut has a 40 hole but the maple a 20 hole, why?? Is is the wider neck  a problem?  What about the shorter neck?  What is the cyclonic tone ring and what about the flux capacitor??  What parts are interchangeable with standard 5 string?  What cant the Nechville (looking at a Phantom) do that a good BG banjo can??  Has anyone bought a Nechville and regretted the decision?   I dont have any dealers close to me to check one out.

Edited by - tooltimegrunt on 04/15/2012 14:51:06

dpete210 - Posted - 04/16/2012:  09:12:30

quote:

---

Originally posted by tooltimegrunt

I am looking for an acoustic banjo after selling my last one 20 years ago, so in a sense I am a newbie.  I have looked into the Nechville and am very interested but have a lot of questions.  Like what's the difference between the 40 hole and 20 hole tone ring?  The walnut has a 40 hole but the maple a 20 hole, why?? Is is the wider neck  a problem?  What about the shorter neck?  What is the cyclonic tone ring and what about the flux capacitor??  What parts are interchangeable with standard 5 string?  What cant the Nechville (looking at a Phantom) do that a good BG banjo can??  Has anyone bought a Nechville and regretted the decision?   I dont have any dealers close to me to check one out.

---

The best people to answer specific questions you have would be Tom Nechville or Al Price, and one or the other will likely pop in here to spot your post.  But in the meantime, a number of your questions will be answered by poking around on the Nechville web site found here:  nechville.com/

Look under the Product Info menu for some of the specifics.  The banjo models are listed under the Acoustic Banjos menu.    There is a telephone number you can call to speak to Tom Nechville.  Have fun!  

pick1936 - Posted - 04/16/2012:  14:03:21

Hi Dave,   You  can  not  go  wrong  on  any  Nechville.   They  have it  all,  best of  sound,  Fastest  adjustments,   tone  Rings   Bronze  20  hole,  40  hole,  at least  Two  different  wood  rings.  Tone  spheres,  Steel,  Delrin,  Cermic.   If  I had  the  time,  I  could  on  all  day,  but I  better get  off  now.   Nechvlle  builds  The  Best  New  Banjo's.  No  others come  close.

Nechville. In  Higginsville.

Lee  kelso

pick1936 - Posted - 04/21/2012:  13:28:04

I  picked  My  Classic  Deluxe   Timber--Tronic  yesterday.  My  friend  Don  came  down  from  K.C.  Mo.  with  His  banjo,    We  played  from  1:00  pm   until   9:00  p.m.   My  fingers  feel  it  a  little  bit today,  But  not  bad.  I doubt  I  could  pick   that   long  on   any  neck  besides  Nechville..  It  Is  for  sure  without  a  doubt,  The  best  neck  You  could  wrap a  hand  around.   Now  I  need  to   practice  a  Gospel  tune for Church  tomorrow.   Get  Yourself  a  (Cyclotronic)   And  stop  being  a  Nut  Turner.

Nechville.  In Higginsville

Lee  kelso

Tedd - Posted - 04/23/2012:  19:57:24

Tom and I are on the road again.  We stopped in Indy to finish some banjos and have a cold brew after 700 miles, but we'll be @ Willie's Locally Known in Lexington, KY tomorrow.  Come out and jam with us.     calendar.kentucky.com/lexingto...njo-dream     cc       

jswkingsfield - Posted - 04/25/2012:  17:39:44

Can you guys chime in on the merits/demerits of my chucking the Canada case which came with my Nechville Classic?  I have two banjos, each sits in its own stand.  Each has a HSC (the other one is the TKL case that came with my Gibson), plus I have a Reunion Blues Continental gig bag, plus a lightweight gig bag for actual walking around.  The problem is, I am short on storage space, and I'm thinking the Continental bag is as sturdy as the Canada case. 

1935tb-11 - Posted - 04/28/2012:  20:43:10

while at merlefest today , i stopped in and met tom at his booth, one heck of a nice guy. while there i saw this bronze colored hardware banjo lying on the table. it had the tunneled 5th string on the neck (right up my alley)  .i ask if i could pick it and was told, sure do it man.  so i picked it up and right away noticed it WAS VERY LIGHT!!.  so i sat down and started to pick it with NO PICKS,, and could not believe what i was hearing,  this banjo was strong and and had tone up the wahzoo.  tom turned around and seen i was playing it lefthanded,  well that started a whole new conversation .  and dave from dogwood designs was sitting there also and they all got a big kick out of watching me play. but anyway,, i told tom, man this thing is great.  he informed me that it had a wood tone ring.  it was one of the XXV models, with a cocobola (sp) resonator and maple neck. tunneled 5th string ,, very cool banjo. i have to say i was impressed, i wished i had brought my picks with me to really put it through ringer, but from what i saw and heard a wooden tone ring is for real in these things.  it was very easy to play noted well all the way down the neck and felt great. all the guys at the booth were as nice as could be and tom went into detail explaining his method and way of thinking about design and what his goal for final result are.  needless to say he and his woody tone ring XXV banjo has a new fan and possibly future customer. a 2 hour show with that on my shoulder would be a blessing for sure. save ya back ......      thats again to all you guys        

terry m

jbanjoist - Posted - 04/28/2012:  21:28:00

Well phooey. I had a chance to go to Merlefest today and couldn't because of a prior commitment.

I could have met the "man" himself.........

Maybe next year.

imac50 - Posted - 05/01/2012:  10:46:40

I just put a Nuvo neck on my walnut phantom. What an excellent design. The built in capo is real easy to use and doesn't get in the way of playing.

Terry, I agree about the wood tone ring. I put one in mine and the difference in weight is great. The sound is just as powerful. I've had people ask me if I put the old ring back in. I recently took it with me to the States and it is so much easier to carry around.

Great banjo.

Iain

juledolci - Posted - 05/01/2012:  11:43:16

I recently purchased a custom Zeus banjo with a 40 hole rim and I just just couldn't get it to sound right. Tom had sent me a new pot with the frosted white head and I it still wasn't the sound that I was looking for. Tom asked me if I could meet him in Pa. so that he could set-up the banjo himself. He was on his way back home from the Merle Fest. I met Tom last night in Philly and he spent over two hours going over my banjo so it sounded exactly the way I requested. He also went over each set-up procedure with me. So it was also educational for me. 

To say the banjo sounds awesome is an understatement, it is full and rich. It is neither dull nor bright. It is really perfect. I also own a Stelling Crusader and I would hate to pick but the Nechville is just as rich and full but has a better low end. The Nechville neck is much easier to play than the Stelling. Anyone looking for a banjo should definitely play a Nechville before they buy another banjo. It will really surprise the people that are hooked on Stelling's, Gibson's, and Huber's.

I don't know of any business person that would drive hours out of their way like Tom Nechville did for me. There was no monetary gain for him. He spent two hours of his personal time to help me out. He is a special person and really a great guy.

Sincerely,

Jule Dolci

Edited by - juledolci on 05/01/2012 11:54:19

pick1936 - Posted - 05/01/2012:  11:58:42

Tom  will  always  try  and  make   His  banjo's  sound  there  best,  They  are  so  adjustable,  and  so  fast  to  do  so.   Your  left  hand  will  thank  You,  when  You  wrap  it  around  a  Nechville  Neck.   I  see  You  like  Miles  Davis,  Good  man.    You  don't  have  to  be  a  Nut  Turner.

Nechville.  In  Higginsville.

Lee  kelso

juledolci - Posted - 05/01/2012:  12:12:23

Thanks Lee, Tom Nechville really is the man.

I am also a huge Miles fan and have over 40 of his albums. In his book, his first word is LISTEN and the last word was LATER. He definitely was a legend.

Jule