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Please note this is an archived topic, so it is locked and unable to be replied to. You may, however, start a new topic and refer to this topic with a link: http://www.banjohangout.org/archive/128478/6
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banjo1930 - Posted - 12/10/2008: 20:49:49
Hey Tom, That 12" open back sounds like a really cool banjo. How do you think a 12" pot bluegrass banjo would sound? A 12" pot that could convert from a resonator banjo into an open back would be a cool banjo. I think that a pie plate style resonator would make it even cooler!
Edited by - banjo1930 on 12/10/2008 20:51:29
ukd73 - Posted - 12/14/2008: 11:36:03
Hey Tom I am one of the Rocky Grass banjos owners, one of only two in the world, and LOVE it the playability is amazing and the sound is right there too. I purchased it in nashville and dont regret a dollar of it. My banjo teach looked at it for a long time then I played it and he started smiling, then he wanted to play it and said it is the type of banjo you could jam on all day. He like the sound and the neck, it has a tunnelled 5th string with fiddle cut peghead. I am interested in the ceramic balls, the steel sounds good to me but if it gets and better I dont think I put it down. Gibson is like harley davidson a name and logo and you aint in the club if you dont play one. everyone needs to play a nechville and they will see the quality is there.
God blessed me, cause I live in the bluegrass state!
Tom Hanway - Posted - 12/16/2008: 06:00:11
Tom - I love my Nechville Meteor electric banjo. It's my "after-hours" practice instrument at home, and I use it wherever I'm playing loud stuff with drummers, country, rock, blues - whenever I need volume with no feedback. I play it through my Carvin amp - the clean channel - no distortion. I'm getting a volume pedal to use with it, for more control for solos when I'm up against electric guitar players (who always like to turn up). ![]()
I'm still trying out new effects, and Tom, I'm open to suggestions - any suggestions? This is a banjo you can really experiment with. I already use a very quick delay, a subtle slapback effect, which gives the banjo a rockabilly sound and fattens it up. It's a fine clean instrument, and it looks really cool and often confuses people, which is always fun. It's a great conversation piece. ![]()
![]()
Tom, I have big news ... I just went global with distribution (MP3 downloads) on the major digital music stores. Folks can hear the Nechville Meteor in action, as a digital download, on iTunes, Amazon, Rhapsody or Napster (and lots of others). For a crossover-contemporary sound, I turned to my Nechville Meteor in the studio, on Tom Hanway & Vassar Clements: The Badbelly Project: Hesitation Blues. To hear it, simply scroll to 'Southbound' - it's Track 11 on the Amazon Tom Hanway & Vassar Clements downloads page, or folks can find it through my homepage link at bottom. Vassar plays great fiddle on 'Southbound' and he's on all three albums, which are all available now as legal downloads worldwide.
Here's a brief description of the Nechville Meteor: It's got two pick-ups which you can blend any way you like: one is an EMG (super clean), the other a piezo (natural), plus volume and tone controls. Awesome! Last summer I used it on tour with The Jack Grace Band, and the banjo hung in there and sounded great with Jack's vintage Telecaster. We have two tours of Ireland next year, so the Meteor will start seeing a lot more action on the Irish concert and festival circuits and at all my alt-country and non-acoustic shows.

Edited by - Tom Hanway on 12/17/2008 08:00:59
the-fish - Posted - 12/18/2008: 06:54:29
I just dont really care for the looks of the Nechville banjo. I have played a few at Elderly. The finish on them is up there wit hthe best of them, if not better, just not for me.. The few I played sounded just fine, just not my cup of tea... But very innovative...
Rick
pick1936 - Posted - 12/19/2008: 12:10:40
Hi Rick, whats not to like about the Nechilles, They Look good,, Play good,, Sound Good,, Every adjustment,, is so eazy, and fast,, The compound Radius neck, is such a joy,, You can get any sound You want from it,, I would not trade My wood tone ring, Classic Deluxe, for any banjo,,, UNLESS it would be another Nice Nechville..
Nechville. In Higginsville.
pick the banjer son.
Lee Kelso
Beardog - Posted - 12/19/2008: 19:17:36
My oldest son just moved to Fayetteville, Arkansas 2 weeks ago. The wife and I are here in a motorhome park visitng them. Anyway, I went to Janet Davis music today, and spent 4 hours playing every banjo she had (almost!). My HANDS DOWN favorite was the walnut Nechville Phantom. Yep. You name a banjo, and I played it today. I had no intention of falling in love with a banjo. I just wanted to see what Stellings, Deerings, Gibsons, Hubers, and an RK Scout all sounded like in my hands, in direct, head-on competition. She pulled out a Phantom for me to try, and after that, I tried my hardest to like the other banjos better...I failed miserably.
Her store is an absolute banjo players dream. She told me that if she can get someone to play a Nechville, they always love them. So many folks (myself included) never look (much less think) outside the Gibson Mastertone box.
I almost walked out with the Phantom. I may just go back tomorrow and get it. Someone will meet me there tomorrow morning, if I call and say that I want it (she is closed on Sat. and Sun.).
Someone pinch me. I need a reality check... I love my (brand new)Yates, and don't NEED a new banjo!
Beardog
Trent in WA - Posted - 12/20/2008: 00:29:57
Beardog, I cannot help you here. The one bad thing I can say about my Phantom (maple, with Cascade inlay) is that it deserves a better player. It is powerful, clear, and deep, easy to adjust, and a delight to play.
myspace.com/trentghill
Guy - Posted - 12/20/2008: 04:55:50
Hey Beardog
That's just what happened to me. Might as well give in now, you won't be happy til you do. The good news is, owning one is even better than wanting one. ![]()
Guy
You hum it son, I''ll play it!
salmagundi.me.uk
pick1936 - Posted - 12/20/2008: 13:24:15
yes go for it,, You will love it.
Atenafied Classic Deluxe.
Nechville. In Higginsville.
pick the banjer son.
Lee Kelso
the-fish - Posted - 12/20/2008: 15:26:04
quote:
Hi Rick, whats not to like about the Nechilles, They Look good,, Play good,, Sound Good
pick1936 - Posted - 12/20/2008: 19:42:46
Right Rick, I always wanted a Stelling Virginian,, Untill I bought this Used Nechville, Classic Deluxe, with the Compound radiused board,,, and The Cyclotronic tone ring system,, Everything was just so fast and eazy to adjust on it,, and with My bad left hand The radiused board made it so much eazeyer to fret full chords on, Then I had Tom put in the wood tone ring, and still having the Cyclotronic ball bearing system, which gives it more projection,, Sounds as good as any bronze ring.. The thing that did it for Me was at the music store They let Me unscrew and totally remove the Rim, and ring,, with the steel ball bearings, Then I put it all back together, all in about 8 minutes,, and Leaving it in tune,, just had to reset the bridge, touch up the tunning, and Pick it, and it sounded so good, and played so good, I knew then I would never be satisfied with anything less, than a Nechville, Still feel that way,, (BUT) I know what You mean,, everyone doesn't appreciate the same things,, I have to admit I am tempted at other banjo's,, BUT, I'm not going back, I like to PROGRESS,,, not REGRESS,, SO to each His own,, I do hope You injoy what ever banjo's You have. P.S. have You seen the gold plated Vintage Model?? Looks like a Gibson,, Someday I hope to have one like it, ( only ) with the Cascade inlay,, Fabulous,, beautifull,, and other words undescribable.... Try one... They are GREAT... Almost Unbeleaveable...
Nechville. In Higginsville.
pick the banjer son.
Lee Kelso
Edited by - pick1936 on 12/27/2008 19:28:35
Beardog - Posted - 12/20/2008: 20:35:33
I yielded to temptation and bought the walnut Phantom. Love it!. There was nothing that I played yesterday at Janet Davis Music that even came close to moving me like the Phantom did. I have played my Yates, then the Phantom, back and forth all evening. The Phantom is SOOO easy to play. However, the Yates instantly lets you know that it is here to kick @!# and take no prisoners. Two totally different instruments. This is a Nechville thread, and obviously, I liked the Phantom so much that I knew I was going to take it home at first touch. However, I am convinced that no Gibson clone, and in my opinion, even the top of the line Gibsons themselves, don't play as well or sound as good as the Yates RS banjo.
For all those "traditionalists" out there, don't buy another banjo without at least taking a Nechville for a test drive. I would not have even asked to play one. However, Janet Davis got one out for me to play, and the rest is history. She told me that out of all the banjos in her store, the Phantom is one of the hardest for her to put down. That says a lot.
Beardog
Guy - Posted - 12/21/2008: 08:06:56
quote:
Originally posted by Beardog
Janet Davis got one out for me to play, and the rest is history. She told me that out of all the banjos in her store, the Phantom is one of the hardest for her to put down. That says a lot.
Beardog
jbanjoist - Posted - 12/21/2008: 13:10:38
Congrats Bear. They are awesome banjos and I can attest honestly to that fact as I own a Vintage and a Custom.
But like you I sure want to get my hands on a Phantom.
I am super tempted to sell or trade my long owned 84 Gold Star J.D. Crowe but she's been with me for much of my banjo playing career and it's hard to let her go.
Jbanjoist
I''m a NECHVILLIAN!
Guy - Posted - 12/21/2008: 13:14:58
Decisions! Decisions! (Lewis Carrol)
Guy
You hum it son, I''ll play it!
salmagundi.me.uk
Trent in WA - Posted - 12/21/2008: 18:02:22
Beardog, I'm glad you bought that banjo. When I was in the market for a Phantom, that's the one that JDMC wanted to sell me--they told me it was Janet's favorite in the shop. I wound up getting a different Phantom in maple from them.
myspace.com/trentghill
Beardog - Posted - 12/22/2008: 04:17:47
quote:
I'm pretty much like Lee, I want everybody to know that feeling.
biscuit joiner - Posted - 12/22/2008: 11:11:43
I just read through this entire thread, since Nechvilles have always seemed interesting to me, but I've never been able to play one.
The thread seems to have never really evolved to the point where much honest criticism of Nechville's work has been brought up. Some minor gripes about the fit & finish, etc.
I don't feel like the thread regulars are very receptive to anyone questioning any of Nechville's unconventional ideas, which was what the point was (according to the original post, at least).
What I'm interested to hear, from those of you who played/owned Nechvilles and didn't like them/sold them, what turned you off? What was your impression of the sound? There's not one banjo for everyone, it's ok to not like a Gibson, Deering, Stelling, Nechville, etc. If you want to reply personally instead of in the thread that's fine, too.
Thanks,
Jim
pick1936 - Posted - 12/22/2008: 11:15:15
Right On Beardog,, They are GREAT, Everyone who has played Mine really like it,,, anyone living close to Me, can stop by and pick mine, glad to share the joy.. If You have a bad back,, or shoulder, This is definetly THE banjo for You..
Nechville. In Higginsville.
pick the banjer son.
Lee Kelso
Edited by - pick1936 on 12/27/2008 08:07:23
pick1936 - Posted - 12/22/2008: 11:42:40
Hi Jim, so far I havn't heard from any Nechville owners, Who didn't like them, maybe someone will show up latter, I have found nothing not to like on Mine. .EXCEPT sometime My Wife says My Athenafied Classic Deluxe, is to loud, Ha.
Nechville. In Higginsville.
pick the banjer son.
Lee Kelso
Beardog - Posted - 12/22/2008: 15:31:13
quote:
The thread seems to have never really evolved to the point where much honest criticism of Nechville's work has been brought up. Some minor gripes about the fit & finish, etc.
biscuit joiner - Posted - 12/22/2008: 16:12:22
quote:
Originally posted by Beardogquote:
The thread seems to have never really evolved to the point where much honest criticism of Nechville's work has been brought up. Some minor gripes about the fit & finish, etc.
I have spent at least 15 hours playing the snot out of my new Phantom (it is the Walnut Galaxy model). Fit and finish are excellent. Walnut is awesome looking. Light as a feather, compared to my Yates and Aria Pro II. Doesn't have the volume of my Yates Ron Stewart banjo, but is certainly plenty loud. Less sustain and up the neck ring than the Yates. Has a softer, soothing tone. Holds a tune very well. The black matte finish isn't eye catching like chrome/gold/nickel, but also won't require wiping down to prevent tarnish/wear. I haven't done any tweaking, like tightening/loosening the head yet, so my initial impressions may change, somewhat, with time.
Beardog
pick1936 - Posted - 12/23/2008: 21:55:51
quote:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The thread seems to have never really evolved to the point where much honest criticism of Nechville's work has been brought up. Some minor gripes about the fit & finish, etc.
I doubt You will get much criticiism about Nechville?? I can't find anyhthing about Mine thats not great,, and I bought it used, 4 years old, It's a keeper.. Sounding better everyday,, Will be pickin at church again tomorrow Sunday, What a joy.
Nechville. In Higginsville.
pick the banjer son.
Lee Kelso
Edited by - pick1936 on 12/27/2008 19:32:20
dixie kiwi - Posted - 12/23/2008: 22:31:25
OK, we know Lee is on board here. But I am curious why Forrest has just listed his Nechville in the classifieds, despite heaping praise earlier in this thread? I hope it's to upgrade to a Phantom!
banjohangout.org/classifieds/d...?cid=7821
Forrest???
Alan
banjo1930 - Posted - 12/23/2008: 22:54:12
The only criticism that I can say from the Nechville I owned is that the nut was a bit to high on both necks, the fifth string spikes were a bit to high on the first neck, and the tuners on the second neck didn't seem that great, BUT those are all very easy to fix. The only other criticism I have is that the particular banjo that I owned was not as versitile as I need my banjo to be, I need my banjo to sound great, not just good, for all of the styles that I play, I have only played one banjo that does that for me, and I own it (it's a heartland), the nechville that I owned sounded great for scruggs style, and not great for melodic and single string when set up several different ways, but when set up in other ways, it sounded great for melodic and single string, and not great for scruggs. But that is just for the nechville that I owned, I have played nechvilles that sound nice for all styles.
I think the most common criticism that I hear from people about Nechvilles is the fact that they sound different, they look different, and they feel different. They play and sound so different from a traditional banjo that many people just don't even want to give them a chance. I have heard people say that Nechville banjos lack richness, and ringing overtones, but in the end it all comes down to how a person defines words like richness.
Pink Eye - Posted - 12/24/2008: 09:08:30
SO, I have had my Nechville (mahogany Saturn) for a few months now and there are only two things that bother me about it.
One is, like Gabe said, that the nut is a bit high, though I can find someone to fix that. Second, I get buzz at my tail piece on my 3rd string. I put a little velcro under the string at the tailpiece and that solved the problem, though i would like to know what is going on there.
Besides that, I LOVE this banjo. It really is amazing. I just put some heavier gauge string on, and the best way I can describe the tone is dark, warm, and clean. I really like how it has less of those singing overtones the way I have it set-up, it gives it a pure, beautiful sound.
Pink Eye
JamesTanglewylde - Posted - 12/25/2008: 13:48:37
Discussing tone and playability is always a subjective topic. Everyone has different ideals and different interpretations of tone. I think the most important needs that a great instrument should meet are all based around player satisfaction. Instead of searching out negative reviews on these banjos, listen to the positives. There are plenty. Most importantly, go out and try one. This is surely the most important test.
Luke
JamesTanglewylde
pick1936 - Posted - 12/28/2008: 05:06:47
Hi Gabe, The nut on Miine is perfect, everything on it is perfect, even the weight, since I switched to the wood tone ring, with Cyclotronic,,, It has more ring ,, Pop, Knock,, Zing,, than the bronze ring. I would not change anything, For ME it's perfect,, What else could I want??? A Nechville with The Cascade Inlay.
Nechville. In Higginsville.
pick the banjer son.
Lee Kelso
Edited by - pick1936 on 12/29/2008 09:46:10
banjo1930 - Posted - 12/28/2008: 17:57:58
Hi Lee,
The best Nechville that I have played was one with the cyclotronic wooden tonering thing, It sounded pretty good. The nut on both of the necks that were on mine (as well as many that I have played) were to high, but that is also a personal preference. The nechville that I owned woudn't do what I needed it to do, for me it wasn't very versatile. I may try another nechville some day, but for now I am going to use my mahogany top-tension banjo.
pick1936 - Posted - 12/28/2008: 20:05:04
Ok. Buddy,, My nut is just right,, and everything else is also,, BUT if it wont do what You want, have fun with what You have,, good luck.. I'm keeping Mine . P.S. Mine is sounding better all the time. Just (GREAT)
Nechville. In Higginsville.
pick the banjer son.
Lee Kelso
Edited by - pick1936 on 12/31/2008 04:04:15
pick1936 - Posted - 12/31/2008: 20:56:15
You know, I don't Think Tom's Brain,, or Imagination EVER STOP working,, He don't even slow down,, AND building some of the best New banjo's..
Nechville. In Higginsville.
pick the banjer son.
Lee Kelso
jbanjoist - Posted - 01/03/2009: 11:29:16
Seen the Huber add where Sammy is playing a Huber with a "wider radiused fingerboard"?
pssstttt. Sammy it's already been done. It's called a Nechville.
hehehehe
Jbanjoist
I''m a NECHVILLIAN!
dpete210 - Posted - 01/09/2009: 13:51:41
Fellow Nechville players, Lee Kelso has been in the hospital with meningitis since 1/1/09 and will be there until the 14th of Jan. I am sure he would appreciate well wishes and for those who don't mind, prayers of healing and comfort. His wife sent me an email after I wrote to him and he didn't respond. She said it was ok to let folks on the hangout know what is going on with him and that as he misses BHO. So, Lee, get well soon. This thread has gotten boring ![]()
Any day playing music is a GOOD day.
jbanjoist - Posted - 01/09/2009: 16:04:36
Thanks for letting us know Pete. If you write Lee's wife again let her know us Nechvillians are thinking about him and praying for his fast return home and to playing his Nechville .
Jbanjoist
I''m a NECHVILLIAN!
dixie kiwi - Posted - 01/09/2009: 20:46:04
Hey Lee, Get better soon! The Hangout misses you and I know your church is missing you and the sweet sounds of your Nechville on those Sunday's.
Alan
Guy - Posted - 01/10/2009: 13:05:08
Hi Lee
Best wishes for your speedy recovery and return to BHO. Besides, your Nechville will be missing you.
Guy
You hum it son, I''ll play it!
salmagundi.me.uk
drocha - Posted - 01/10/2009: 17:21:33
Which one of you bought that Nechville Vintage that was for sale in the classifieds for $2500![]()
You got a heck of a deal![]()
pick1936 - Posted - 01/15/2009: 14:19:07
Hey guys, I just got home today, Jan. 15, This meningitus is some bad stuff, If You dont get to the hospital real fast, You die,, Even after 14 days on I V antibiotics I will still be feeling bad, for two weeks, But at least I am Home, Don't even feel good enough to pick My Classic.
Nechville. In Higginsville.
pick the banjer son.
Lee Kelso
Ottawa - Posted - 01/15/2009: 16:39:44
quote:
Originally posted by pick1936
Hey guys, I just got home today, Jan. 15, This meningitus is some bad stuff, If You dont get to the hospital real fast, You die,, Even after 14 days on I V antibiotics I will still be feeling bad, for two weeks, But at least I am Home, Don't even feel good enough to pick My Classic.
Nechville. In Higginsville.
pick the banjer son.
Lee Kelso
jbanjoist - Posted - 01/15/2009: 18:58:14
Yoour Classic is waiting patiently I am sure Lee. Get well soon.
Jbanjoist
I''m a NECHVILLIAN!
Hello, hello, hello
Is there anybody in there?
Just nod if you can hear me.
Is there anyone at home?
Pink Floyd, Comfortably Numb.
dixie kiwi - Posted - 01/15/2009: 19:51:20
Hey Lee, welcome back!! Hope you are feeling better- at least you're HOME now. You can surf the Hangout if ya dont feel well enough to pick- lots to catch up on here!
Keep gettn better!
all the best,
Alan
nechville - Posted - 01/15/2009: 22:58:02
Lee. We missed you Buddy, Hey on a note of agreement with you, I was confirmed in my confidence of the Cocobolo Tone ring last weekend at River city Fest, It really held up in a jam and You said, it, "Crack and pop", wow, I actually was surprised myself at what it does. Again tonight we had a recital on the Nechville mini-stage. That coco ring knocked em out. I bet your banjo will be glad to get you back. All the best for a rapid recovery, Tom
Banjo Revolution REV IT UP!
nechville.com
snakeherd - Posted - 01/16/2009: 09:47:13
Lee, I'm glad that you're home again. Take good care of yourself.
Scott
Scout70 - Posted - 01/18/2009: 19:51:13
Tom, approximately 2-3yrs ago I bought a "classic" from Al (who is an outstanding rep for you!!). Loved the sound of the banjo uncapoed. I bought a Price capo after giving them the model and dementions of the banjo. I found that when I capoed the banjo I would get either string buzz or deadening up the neck. I took it back to you several months later and you worked on the problem at Wintergrass, but despite your valient efforts, the problem persisited. I ended up selling the banjo out of frustration.
The Classic sounded great, was easy to play and was light weight. But, the problem described about was unacceptable to me.
I commend you for your innovative design and would not hesitate to consider another Neckville in the future if it did not have the issues I described.
bob
Bob McSeveney
jbanjoist - Posted - 01/18/2009: 20:21:47
Tom if you get a chance I sent an email about interest in your cocobolo ring.
Also would like to know about refret pricing.
Thanks.
Jbanjoist
I''m a NECHVILLIAN!
EDUMACATE YOSEF!
Hello, hello, hello
Is there anybody in there?
Just nod if you can hear me.
Is there anyone at home?
Pink Floyd, Comfortably Numb.
nechville - Posted - 01/19/2009: 12:15:06
A couple comments,
First, The Classic mentioned had a radiused fingerboard, right? It sounds to me as though the capo did not have the proper radius to match the neck, Beyond that, the problems you mentioned sound like basic truss rod and action adjustments, Next time give me a call, If it's a problem with workmanship, I'll replace the neck.
On to the new tone ring, I'll look for your inquiries in my e mail, and get back to you. They are interchangeable with the metal tone rings, and we do take trades if you want to exchange. Pick On, Tom
Banjo Revolution REV IT UP!
nechville.com
pick1936 - Posted - 01/19/2009: 14:45:50
Hi Tom,,and My Nechville friends, Thanks to all for the prayers, I am at home,, But running temp. From 99.5 to 100.3,, But to make things worse,, My wife was having Chest pains,, and shortness of breath,, She went to Dr. Today,, and He put Her in hospital. So PLEASE pray for Her, THANKS. . Better get off for now.
Nechville. In Higginsville.
pick the banjer son.
Lee Kelso
Trent in WA - Posted - 01/20/2009: 09:58:05
Lee, it sounds like y'all have a tough row to hoe. Hang in there.
myspace.com/trentghill
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