Bastertone - Posted - 05/02/2012:  13:59:37

It was great to see Tom and Tedd in Toronto Last night. Lots of great Nechville banjos and a great turnout at the 12th fret.

pick1936 - Posted - 05/10/2012:  15:28:40

I  will  be  neckin  on  My  Classic  Deluxe, Timbr -- Tronic  tomorrow,  I  have been  sick  again,  and  missed   4   weeks,  But  I  am  back  now

Nechville.  In  Higginsville.

Lee  kelso

pick1936 - Posted - 05/16/2012:  12:30:24

I  will  be  pickin  on  the  Timbr -- Tronic  this  weekend.   It's  always  a  joy  to   pick this  fabulous  banjo.   I do  know  many  have  never  either  seen,  heard,   or played  a  Nechville  banjo.  You  do  not  realize  what You  are  missing.   they  are  great.

Nechville. In  Higginsville.

Lee  Kelso

pick1936 - Posted - 05/18/2012:  22:43:18

Back  again,  I  can't  say  enough  about  Tom's  Nechville  banjo's,  You  will  never  know,  till  You  pick  one.

C Mon  Men  Lets  get  em  burning,  Pick  a  Nechville.  and  stop  Nut  tunin.    (That  Twelve  Banjo,  was  a  little  to  heavy,  For My  Size,   Yes  For  My  Size)

Nechville. In  Higginsville.

Lee  kelso

pick1936 - Posted - 05/30/2012:  22:08:06

I took  My  girl over the  Hill.   We  had  fun  with  the  old  Nechville.   We  picked  High, We  picked  Low,   picked  a  little  bit  of  of  Cotton  Eyed  Joe.   Picked  and  had  some  clean  fun,  Now  the  old  Fox  is  on  The   run.    

Nechville.  In  Higginsville.

Lee  kelso

dpete210 - Posted - 06/01/2012:  09:43:44

Here's a little taste of a Nechville banjo in a tune I wrote after visiting one of Norway's beautiful waterfalls.  This waterfall, Månefossen, happens to be the largest in a fylke (county) named Rogaland.  It drops 92 meters, or about 300 feet.  It is remarkable to think that among the many other waterfalls in Norway, there are 8 others that fall even further than this one.    So here is my Nechville Classic 

Edited by - dpete210 on 06/01/2012 09:49:39

VIDEO: Maenafossen (Norwegian Waterfall) (click to view)

Guy - Posted - 06/01/2012:  12:18:39

Lovely tune Pete and very evocative. Sounds great on your Classic.
Guy :-)

dpete210 - Posted - 06/02/2012:  09:01:10

Thanks Guy.  The challenging hike up to see this marvel among Norway's beautiful nature was fun and it was fun working up the song.   It  fits my Nechville banjo well.  

Guy - Posted - 06/03/2012:  08:10:17

Hi Pete, little bit envious, I've never been to Norway but I'd love to go. I have been to Sweden and Holland. Holland being the other end of the scale. The only water fall you'll get in Holland is out of a tap LOL.

Guy

pick1936 - Posted - 06/16/2012:  17:21:05

I have  been  lazy  lately, But  Got  out  My  Timbr--Tronic   and  picked  for  2  hrs.  Yesterday.  What  a  Joy  To  play.

Nechville.  In  Higginsville.

Lee  kelso

Banjo Saint - Posted - 06/16/2012:  17:38:26

I bought a Nextar with a Turbo unit.  Until now, all my banjos were traditional acoustic ones.  I must say that it has been a blast to play.  The neck is simply fantastic.  My wife really enjoys the electric banjo with the amp turned off.  It sounds muted, but better to my ears than a muted acoustic banjo.  I have a better sense of the tone being produced.

If you have been sitting on the fence about an electric banjo, jump off!

DbBanjo - Posted - 06/21/2012:  16:55:21

Howdy,

  I've been considering obtaining a Nechville.  These banjos appear to have eveything which I am looking for: even rounded tone, lighter weight, quality craftsmanship & appearence & ease of playing. 

  However, I haven't actually "played" a Nechville yet - Lol.  I suppose my only concern is the overall volume and tone of a Nechville.  For ref, I've been playing walnut Stelling banjos for several yr's now.

  With the above in mind: how do Nechville's (note: acoustic models) compare with say Stellings and Gibson style banjos in terms of volume and tone?

                 Thanks,

                        DbBanjo (Marc Bolen)

dmiller - Posted - 06/21/2012:  22:20:49

quote:

---

Originally posted by DbBanjo

Howdy,

  I've been considering obtaining a Nechville.  These banjos appear to have eveything which I am looking for: even rounded tone, lighter weight, quality craftsmanship & appearence & ease of playing. 

  However, I haven't actually "played" a Nechville yet - Lol.  I suppose my only concern is the overall volume and tone of a Nechville.  For ref, I've been playing walnut Stelling banjos for several yr's now.

  With the above in mind: how do Nechville's (note: acoustic models) compare with say Stellings and Gibson style banjos in terms of volume and tone?

                 Thanks,

                        DbBanjo (Marc Bolen)

 

---

Hi there Marc.  The tone and volume (both) on a Nechville can be adjusted to whatever your personal preferences might happen to be at any given time.  I have the Nuvo model (an older one with a more "traditional" peg head).  It's a maple model, so it's inherently more "bright" than the two other mahogany banjos I have.  What makes the Nechville so versatile in tone (and volume) is the heli-mount system that can be adjusted in a matter of moments, rather than hours.

Here's a link describing it - - - > > >  CLICK HERE

​What's really "nice" about the Nechville is - - there is no tension hoop/ no tension hooks/ no nuts to tighten and worry about correct tension on the head all the way around.  With the Nechville, you have a molded hoop/ hooks/ and flange all in one, and everything works from UNDERNEATH that.  There isn't a single moving part on the outside of the banjo.  

Since everything can be adjusted and changed from the INSIDE of the banjo, It can be changed to fit your "mood" instantly, rather than hours later.  If you want a mellow sound, take off the resonator, use the two wrenches to loosen the head a bit, put the resonator back on, and you have it.  If you want a brighter sound (and more volume), take off the resonator, tighten the head, put the resonator back on, and you have that also.

Here's a closer picture of the inside workings of the Nechville Heli-mount system:

The neck on mine is unbelievably smooth and easy to play.  I've got a Gibson (mahogany) and have picked on a Stelling or two (here in the area),and I'd have to say the Nechville sounds (over-all) more like the Stelling.  You can make a Nechville sound "mellow", but it'll never sound like an old Gibson does.  A friend of mine (Tedd - - a member here on the BHO who lives in town and travels occasionally with Tom Nechville to various shows and festivals) has a Walnut Phantom that I've had the chance to pick on a time or two also.

I really like his banjo.  It's got (basically) the same neck that mine has, so it's supremely easy to work high or low (radiused fingerboard) and get a great sound out of the instrument "at hand or in your lap".  His walnut gives an (overall) more mellow tone than my maple does - - so I'm thinking with Nechville - - your choice of wood might make an ultimate difference in the banjo you get for the preferences you might have for you and your picking.



Of course - - I haven't tried them all - - so who am I to say?  

If you're a pro or a rank beginner - - - One of these will do you proud.

Seriously - -  you CAN NOT go wrong with a Nechville.  Period.  

Edited by - dmiller on 06/21/2012 22:36:58

Guy - Posted - 06/22/2012:  05:35:11

quote:

---

Originally posted by DbBanjo

Howdy,

  I've been considering obtaining a Nechville.  These banjos appear to have eveything which I am looking for: even rounded tone, lighter weight, quality craftsmanship & appearence & ease of playing. 

  However, I haven't actually "played" a Nechville yet - Lol.  I suppose my only concern is the overall volume and tone of a Nechville.  For ref, I've been playing walnut Stelling banjos for several yr's now.

  With the above in mind: how do Nechville's (note: acoustic models) compare with say Stellings and Gibson style banjos in terms of volume and tone?

                 Thanks,

                        DbBanjo (Marc Bolen)

 

---

Hi Marc

I'm always surprised by this question, it's a bit like saying, I'm thinking of buying a Stelling, can you make it sound like a Nechville?

When I started to take the banjo seriously I wasn't sure what I wanted from a banjo, everybody kept going on about "The Tone" without necessarily being able to define what it was. I tried as many banjos as I could lay my hands on, I ended up at a festival where a friend of Tom's was selling Nechvilles. I was intrigued by the construction and wasn't sure what to make of them when I first saw them, That quickly changed when I tried playing one. I was instantly taken by the playability, the neck was fast and fluid like a high end electric guitar. Then I started listening to the tone. Again, I was taken by the musical quality of the notes, like a banjo but without all the trebly overtones. I thought to myself, I don't know what "The Tone" is, but this was certainly a tone I could fall in love with, a tone that was worth finding the money to buy. A very big problem for me at the time.

dmiller is absolutely right, you will not find any banjo that is easier to set up and you can get a huge variety of tones out of it. If you need something specific, ask Tom. Tom's knowledge of banjo dynamics is second to none. Look back through this thread and you will find countless affidavits to Tom's ability to get the best out of their banjo, regardless of make or construction.

Sure, you can get a Nechville to approximate the sound of another banjo. Personally, I think you should treat a Nechville banjo as a Nechville banjo. My question is not, can you make it sound like a Stelling? My question is; why would you want to? 

Try to get to a festival or an event where you can meet Tom and play his banjos, I think you'll see what I mean.

Guy

briln - Posted - 06/22/2012:  05:48:30

I just want to echo what has been said except I am coming from the perspective of a Nechville owner(Walnut Phantom with Timbertronic ring(delrin and plastic tone spheres) and a Rennaisance head. AND a 1983 Stelling Sunflower.

Why would I buy the same sounding banjo twice? I love my Phantom and probably play it 75% of the time. When I play my Stelling I always think Wow! What a canon!!! I would never sell my Stelling

but I always go back to my wonderful Nechville. Sometimes you want chocolate and sometime mint chocolate chip.

Edited by - briln on 06/22/2012 05:59:19

Guy - Posted - 06/22/2012:  05:58:04

Precisely

DbBanjo - Posted - 06/22/2012:  06:01:31

Howdy,

  Guy, I do appreciate your post & the info.  I'm sure it will help me make a decision on a Nechville.  Lol, I don't recall asking if I could make a Nechville sound like a Stelling, but perhaps I might have sounded like this is what I was implying.  For ref, I'm not looking to obtain a Nechville, acoustic banjo which sounds exactly like a Stelling.  Despite this fact, I am interested in obtaining some of the features of a Stelling if I choose to obtain another type of banjo (ie: Nechville).  And honestly, one of these features is the volume.

            Thanks, 

                 DbBanjo (Marc Bolen)

quote:

---

Originally posted by Guy



Hi Marc

I'm always surprised by this question, it's a bit like saying, I'm thinking of buying a Stelling, can you make it sound like a Nechville?

...

Sure, you can get a Nechville to approximate the sound of another banjo. Personally, I think you should treat a Nechville banjo as a Nechville banjo. My question is not, can you make it sound like a Stelling? My question is; why would you want to? 

Guy

---

DbBanjo - Posted - 06/22/2012:  06:08:01

Howdy DMiller,

  I appreciate your detailed post and the info in terms of Walnut.  

         Thanks!

              DbBanjo (Marc Bolen)

Guy - Posted - 06/22/2012:  07:25:32

Hi Marc,

Sorry if I misunderstood the question, it's easily done and the question has been asked before...

I know this is a Nechville thread and answers are likely to be a tad biased but once you have played and owned a Nechville banjo it's very likely you will understand the reverence that we share for these awesome banjos.

Guy

DbBanjo - Posted - 06/22/2012:  07:46:47

Howdy Guy,

  We have no prob's & I believe I do understand what you are saying.  The reverence which Nechville owners have for their banjos I find quite similar to the same feeling many Stelling owners have for their instruments.  

  Also, I should add a bit more detail on why I'm considering a Nechville: over the last few yr's I've been either reworking or strongly considering reworking my current banjo (1994 walnut Stelling).  As I started looking around at other manufacturers I started to realize it might just be a lot easier (and Lol, possibly cheaper) to obtain a banjo which "already" had so many of the features I was looking for.

  I'll keep this thread posted as to my progress ...

                     Thanks to everyone for their time & info!

                              DbBanjo (Marc Bolen)

quote:

---

Originally posted by Guy

Hi Marc,

Sorry if I misunderstood the question, it's easily done and the question has been asked before...

I know this is a Nechville thread and answers are likely to be a tad biased but once you have played and owned a Nechville banjo it's very likely you will understand the reverence that we share for these awesome banjos.

Guy

---

  

pick1936 - Posted - 06/22/2012:  11:50:52

Just  ask  the man  who  owns  one.   He  will  let  You  pick  it,  and  probably  take  it  partly  apart,  and  show  You  how  these  Great  banjo's  work.

Nechville.  In  Higginsville.

lee  kelso

alprice - Posted - 06/22/2012:  11:56:31

quote:

---

Originally posted by DbBanjo

Howdy Guy,

  We have no prob's & I believe I do understand what you are saying.  The reverence which Nechville owners have for their banjos I find quite similar to the same feeling many Stelling owners have for their instruments.  

  Also, I should add a bit more detail on why I'm considering a Nechville: over the last few yr's I've been either reworking or strongly considering reworking my current banjo (1994 walnut Stelling).  As I started looking around at other manufacturers I started to realize it might just be a lot easier (and Lol, possibly cheaper) to obtain a banjo which "already" had so many of the features I was looking for.

  I'll keep this thread posted as to my progress ...

                     Thanks to everyone for their time & info!

                              DbBanjo (Marc Bolen)

 

 

​Marc, I would suggest a visit to Turtle Hill.  He's in Maryland too (yes, I know its a big state, but you have to be closer than I am in Seattle), and is an expert in both Stellings and Nechvilles.  Worth a phone call at least.

Al

jbanjoist - Posted - 06/23/2012:  09:04:49

I am a double Nechville owner and I do own a traditional banjo, an original Gold Star JD Crowe model which as many know is no slouch at all in the tone department.

But I will say this, it has "it's tone and my Nechvilles have their tone. I have a maple and a mahogany Nechville and they do sound similar but not totally but very unlike the Gold Star.

To me to be realistic about banjo tone I have taken the attitude of liking each banjo as an individual, each with it's own attributes and not over thinking it or worrying about making it sound like something else, but just setting up each to it's optimum and then just playing them and seriously enjoying them for what they each offer.

Having said that the Gold Star rarely sees playing time. I like it's sound too but as I get older I don't feel like lugging it around and I prefer the 11/16 bridge on the Nechvilles.

And yes indeed as some have said the Nechville is just so darn sweet to play, to set up, and light on the shoulder.

It's all I care to have in a banjo.

scottiebeardsley - Posted - 06/23/2012:  13:46:43

I am very interested in the Nechville concept. I love they features and ease of adjustment that I have seen on the website. I have not played one, but will definately consider Nechville for my next purchase. I play traditional bluegrass, but I understand they can be adjusted to sound however you want.

alprice - Posted - 06/24/2012:  09:09:55

Scott, FWIW, I am strictly a Scruggs style guy myself. And even before I went to work for Tom, my main banjo was a Nechville. I traded away a Gibson to get my first one, and have never looked back.

Debbiej - Posted - 06/24/2012:  10:53:16

Al, which model nechville do you play and how do you have it set up? What kind of head do you use for it?

thanks,

Debbie

alprice - Posted - 06/25/2012:  06:59:38

Hi Debbie,

I have a couple. My main banjo is a Vintage with a 3/4" bridge and a standard Remo white frosted head. My other one is a walnut Classic DLX with Cascade inlay. Also 3/4" bridge and Remo white frosted head.

Al

jgwoods - Posted - 06/25/2012:  14:34:41

I want the model with the tunneled 5th string, rolling capo, pop off resonator, swappable tone rings, and cool inlays. Which one is that?

dmiller - Posted - 06/25/2012:  16:04:48

quote:

---

Originally posted by jgwoods

I want the model with the tunneled 5th string, rolling capo, pop off resonator, swappable tone rings, and cool inlays. Which one is that?

---

I've got the Nuvo which has the rolling capo.  The resonator doesn't "pop-off" though.

Two screws hold it on.  No tunneled 5th string either.  The fifth string on mine

goes straight to the peghead.  The Phantom does have the tunneled 5th and cool inlays.   

pick1936 - Posted - 06/25/2012:  20:38:00

Yes,   The  Nechville  does  have   a  huge  variety  of  tone  rings,   fast  adjust  neck   fast neck  removal,,  absolute  even  head  tension,  and   The  best   neck  ever  to  wrap  Your  hand  around,  and  Yes  You  can  get  some  of  the  most   fabulous  neck  inlay  ever.   as  for  the  pop off  resonator,  that  is  Deering     You  will  never  ever  know  how  great  a  Nechville  is  UNTILL  You  play  one,  after  that  You  are  on  Your  own..   (Settin  Flat  On  Ready)

Nechville  In  Higginsville.

Lee  kelso

Guy - Posted - 06/26/2012:  12:09:57

Tom was toying with the idea of a magnetically attached resonator for a while...

jgwoods - Posted - 06/26/2012:  15:25:08

If I get a new Nechville it will be my third. I love my Atlas but I've been giving thought to learning some Scruggs style picking after 40+ years of clawhammer. That gives me an excuse to look for a resonator banjo. Besides, there are plenty of clawhammer players using resonator banjos, having a pop off resonator might be ideal.

C'mon Tom and Al, let's have one.

pick1936 - Posted - 07/05/2012:  15:00:48

I  havn't  played  My  old  timbr Tronic  Classic  Deluxe  for  awhile.    it  sets  under the  bed,  thin  carpet over  concrete,   It  set   there  for  over  two  weeks,  Pulled  It  out,  it  was  still  completely  in  tune,  I  think  that  is  a  result  of  Tom's  thick,  and  very  stable  Tail  piece?    I  picked  an  old  Hymn  at  Church  last  Sunday.  It was  sounding  real  good,  As  Usual. 

Nechville. In  Higginsville.

Lee  Kelso

DbBanjo - Posted - 07/08/2012:  11:06:59

Howdy,

  Hmm, I like this idea - I wonder if Tom N. is still working on this or has he decided to scrape the concept?

  On another note, I've taken possession of like-new Nechville Athena.  I'm very, very pleased with every aspect of this banjo.  As an aside, my "concern" over the possible loss of volume as compared to my Stelling is now not a concern at all.  Honestly, I think I may have found a very suitable replacement for the Stelling I've been playing for several years now ('94 MasterFlower).

           DbBanjo (Marc Bolen)

quote:

---

Originally posted by Guy

Tom was toying with the idea of a magnetically attached resonator for a while...

---

Edited by - DbBanjo on 07/08/2012 11:07:50

Guy - Posted - 07/08/2012:  12:58:03

Result!

We were never in doubt that you would be anything less than delighted. That, plus the sheer playability and ease of setup.

I've just been playing mine, Four years on and I still can't get enough of my Nextar. Every time I play it, it's like the first time. it still surprises me that anything can sound so good. I swear it gets better every time.

Guy

alprice - Posted - 07/08/2012:  17:49:18

Marc,

Congratulations on your Athena.

Tom never scraps an idea... its just finding enough time to complete each one.

Al

uncledaveh - Posted - 07/09/2012:  11:47:29

Hey Lee (pick1936) - I played at Church yesterday (both services). I got to pick and sing harmony on 'When The Saints Go Marching In' and 'Somebody Touched Me' plus pick and sing lead on 'This World Is Not My Home' (also played back-up for several other songs). I had a blast and the people really liked the banjo. I thought about you. Hope you are doing well.



Tom & Al - Sorry, this isn't really Nechville related except that I would like to have an Atlas.  Tom makes an excellent banjo!!



David “Uncle Dave” Holbrook

The Rockdale Ridgerunners



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

Edited by - uncledaveh on 07/09/2012 11:49:18

DbBanjo - Posted - 07/09/2012:  14:57:54

Howdy Al,

  I emailed Tom N. about obtaining (buying) a set of "Black" plated/colored tuning keys for my Athena as well as a matching black tailpiece.  Haven't heard from him in terms of a quote yet - any idea of cost for these items?

              Thanks,

                    DbBanjo (Marc Bolen)

quote:

---

Originally posted by alprice

Marc,



Congratulations on your Athena.



Tom never scraps an idea... its just finding enough time to complete each one.



Al

---

Edited by - DbBanjo on 07/09/2012 14:58:27

mikesven - Posted - 07/09/2012:  15:07:56

quote:

---

Originally posted by DbBanjo

  I emailed Tom N. about obtaining (buying) a set of "Black" plated/colored tuning keys for my Athena as well as a matching black tailpiece.

---

Wow, a black plated/colored tailpiece would really look nice. Would love to get my hands on one for my Galaxy Phantom. I think it would really finish off the look of an already awesome banjo.

alprice - Posted - 07/09/2012:  22:21:07

Marc,

Call me at the sales office tomorrow and I'll help you out.

Al

Denton - Posted - 07/09/2012:  23:43:39

Hey Tom, Al, just found this forum. Great inputs being made.
Denton

alprice - Posted - 07/10/2012:  12:25:52

If you scroll through the early pages, you will find suggestions we put into practice.

gnatman - Posted - 07/10/2012:  21:20:52

quote:

---

Originally posted by mikesven

quote:

---

Originally posted by DbBanjo

  I emailed Tom N. about obtaining (buying) a set of "Black" plated/colored tuning keys for my Athena as well as a matching black tailpiece.

---

Wow, a black plated/colored tailpiece would really look nice. Would love to get my hands on one for my Galaxy Phantom. I think it would really finish off the look of an already awesome banjo.

---

I've got a black tailpiece on my Galaxy Phantom and it looks fantastic, I just love the black heard, black tail piece, black pegs, very slick look.

I also wanted to mention that I'd recently been feeling like my Nechville had lost a little bit of it's power, and I was having trouble tuning it as easily as I used to.  I figured a string change was probably in order, but on a whim, and since it would take way less time, I decided to mess with the tension on the head.  First going lower to see how that sounded.  I got some good mellow sounds, nice, but not quite what I was looking for, so I tightened it up past where it was when I started, and it sprang back to life.  I feel like I've got a whole new banjo.  Sounds just as good as the day I got her.  So if you haven't messed with your head tension in a while, give it a shot, it won't take long, and you might be pleasantly surprised.

Guy - Posted - 07/11/2012:  09:17:02

Tom has a great tip. Put a bit of tape on the tensioning ring so you know where you started, that way you can get it back to what it was before, if you don't like where you ended up. I hope that makes sense...

Guy

DbBanjo - Posted - 07/12/2012:  15:48:14

quote:

---

Howdy Al,

  Got your email & spoke with Tom N. today - I'm all set.

       DbBanjo (Marc Bolen)

Originally posted by alprice

Marc,



Call me at the sales office tomorrow and I'll help you out.



Al

---

DbBanjo - Posted - 07/14/2012:  10:46:20

Howdy Al,

  Everything arrived this morning - this might be the faster shipment from one side of the US to the other I've ever experienced - Lol.

          Take Care,

                DbBanjo (Marc Bolen)

quote:

---

Originally posted by DbBanjo

quote:

---

Howdy Al,

  Got your email & spoke with Tom N. today - I'm all set.

       DbBanjo (Marc Bolen)

Originally posted by alprice

Marc,



Call me at the sales office tomorrow and I'll help you out.



Al

---

 

---

alprice - Posted - 07/15/2012:  08:21:56

Glad it got there quickly, Marc. Enjoy!

skywaterbanjo - Posted - 07/15/2012:  19:51:46

Hey Al,

Are either you or Tom going to RockyGrass this year?

alprice - Posted - 07/16/2012:  15:32:15

Hi Mark,

Neither of us-- Armando Zuppa will rep us at the festival. Are you coming to IBMA this year?