pick1936 - Posted - 03/24/2009:  09:53:42

---

i am thinking about trying a Remo on Mine again, I think They are a little thiner than The Ren. head, but I really think any head can sound good on a Great banjo like the Nechville.



Nechville. In Higginsville.
pick the banjer son.

Lee Kelso

banjo1930 - Posted - 03/24/2009:  11:46:46

---

One of the things that I like about the Nechville is that you can change a head in only a few minutes without even taking the strings off. The Nechville that I owned sounded better with the slightly thicker head that Tom sent it to me with. The banjo had some unwanted harshness to the tone with this head that would not got away no matter how it was set up (I loosened the head, put a different bridge on, tried bringing the tailpiece as high as it would go, different strings and several other things). When I put a standard remo on it was a little harsher, but with the renaissance head (like on all banjos I have tried a renaissance head on) I lost a lot of low end and the tone got very metallic and harsh with hardly any sustain or richness, it just sounded kind of unpleasant. The thing that really helped the tone the most was putting a different bridge on it, I think I put a compensated and radiused scorpion bridge on it. That took away a lot of the harshness, and actually made the intonation a tiny bit better. I am not saying that Tom's bridge isn't good, but for this particular instrument it sounded better with another bridge. The Nechville that I owned sounded best with the slightly thicker head that Tom put on it set loose (around F# or G), 11/16 Scorpion bridge (purple ebony top), Tailpiece set almost as high as it can go, and lighter strings (10-20-13-11-10).

---

Edited by - banjo1930 on 03/24/2009 11:47:42

Golden - Posted - 03/24/2009:  15:39:41

---

Hi Guy's

This has been interesting read. I have been thinking of getting a lefthanded nechville when I get more money saved up. I think these are interesting looking banjos and hope to get one.

Thanks for the info.
Ron

Ron Hansen

pick1936 - Posted - 03/24/2009:  16:10:49

---

Hi Gabe,, There must have been something that went wrong with Your Nechville, As You mentioned above, You can change the head in a few Min., also You can change the action on that beautiful neck, in a few Min. My neck is Compound radius board, nice big frets,, neck its self is V shape from peg head, to 5th fret, the gradually goes into a nice C shape, best neck I ever played on.. because of the instant neck adjustment, You can use any bridge height You want, Mine sounds GREAT, even with the wood tone ring, also Mine now has the Ren. head, and sounds very good, I might be trying a Remo, since it only takes a few Min. I see You have a couple of Robin Smith banjo's,, Robin does great work,, If i was ever to use a neck other than Nechville, It would be a neck by Robin,, BUT I think Toms necks can't be beat. I like verything about My Classic Deluxe,,, NOW Mine is a 2004 model, But The new Classics Tom is building are made just as good. I Would not trade Mine for any other NEW banjo, unless for another Nechville.. Now if I was able to order any new banjo, I would order a Nechville Vintage, chrome plated,, Cascade neck inlay,, Custom peghead Inlay, with a wood tone ring, and a bronze ring,, so I could switch back, and forth.. I saw You have some Epiphone banjo's Eddie Adcock started with one,
anyway.
Pick What You Like.
Like What You Pick.


Nechville. In Higginsville
pick the banjer son.

Lee Kelso

---

Edited by - pick1936 on 03/26/2009 10:57:28

banjo1930 - Posted - 03/24/2009:  16:46:46

---

Hey Lee,

There was nothing wrong with my Nechville, it was like all of the others, and I am absolutely sure that I didn't mess it up because I know how to set up banjos. Nechvilles fit some players, but I found that this particular one just doesn't fit my playing. I played a wooden tonering nechville that I liked a lot better.

That old Epiphone belongs to one of my teachers, they are pretty cool banjos, I saw a picture of Eddie playing one somewhere, I wish I could find that photo again.

pick1936 - Posted - 03/24/2009:  17:35:46

---

right gabe, I have three old L.P,s with Eddie and His Epiphone,some very close up, He really made that arch top sound sooo good..



Nechville. In Higginsville.
pick the banjer son.

Lee Kelso

kirbonite - Posted - 03/24/2009:  18:00:36

---

Well, I've never played one but am curious.. As far as skeptical.
I'm not attracted to the meteor. I'd like to see an electric with a
less spacey look if that makes sense.

but also would like advice. I like the design a lot and am attracted to
the light weight as I often suffer neck pain. I am a pretty big guy. my fretboard
is wider than most. What model would you recommend I look at or would that
be special order?

thanks for the interaction. I think that's really cool about this site.

Kirby

nechville - Posted - 03/25/2009:  08:14:37

---

I'm writing to welcome Ron and Kirby to the discussion, Thanks for the questions, I do make lefty banjos and to clarify the question about weight and width of fingerboard, The lighter tone ring option is available on any model AND interchangeable. So if you later want to try a different tone ring, it's not a problem. Similarly, the necks on most models are a little wider than most, the Athena neck is a little narrower, and we\ll customize per your taste. One more thing, I can electrify an acoustic Nechville with a simple pickup, or a more exotic solution is an electric head module- I call it the Turbo Module, Greetings to all from Costa Rica! Tom

Banjo Revolution REV IT UP!
nechville.com

kirbonite - Posted - 03/25/2009:  11:07:07

---

Tom,

I've never had the opportunity to play one of your banjos which is part of the problem
with banjo's in general. I can only afford the deering I have because another banjo
player sold it to me interest free.

Money is a huge problem when it comes to banjo's. I think they may have some at banjo.com in ATl. I will check them out when there. I have large hands.. the banjo's seem small. Please recommend a model. My banjo has a custom wide fretboard.

I really like the idea of the head design and the lighter weight., I watched the video of the
heli mount system. seems like it'd be easy to have the threads go bad. but don't know.
just a concern. let me know what you think.

thanks.,

Kirby

g-banjo - Posted - 03/25/2009:  14:20:02

---

Kirby, I think you'll be in for a pleasant surprise. If you're like many of the rest of us the first time you play a Nechville neck you'll find it answers a lot of questions you didn't even know you were asking.

kirbonite - Posted - 03/25/2009:  16:43:34

---

sorry to have posted twice.

I didn't think it went through.. 17 pages.. Wow.

now this makes 3 I'm done. I will make an asserted effort to play a Nechville now.

Kirby

jbanjoist - Posted - 03/25/2009:  18:38:13

---

Kirby there are some nice used Nechvilles in the classifieds.

I got my first Nechville from a hangout member.

Jbanjoist
I''m a NECHVILLIAN!

EDUMACATE YOSEF!

What do you WANT to believe?

God knows my every thought, my every fear, my every happiness, and my every hope,
and forgives me all my many shortcomings.
I''d be an utter fool to make fun of God.

Hello, hello, hello
Is there anybody in there?
Just nod if you can hear me.
Is there anyone at home?
Pink Floyd, Comfortably Numb.

alprice - Posted - 03/26/2009:  08:17:36

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by kirbonite

sorry to have posted twice.

I didn't think it went through.. 17 pages.. Wow.

now this makes 3 I'm done. I will make an asserted effort to play a Nechville now.

Kirby

---

Kirby,

Banjo.com has a nice selection of Nechvilles and can help you in the ordering process. Pay them a visit!

______________________________
alprice@nechville.com
vzvalley.com

nechville - Posted - 03/26/2009:  10:35:43

---

The threads on the Nechville are specially shaped and treated or a lifetime, they work better the longer they are in use.

Banjo Revolution REV IT UP!
nechville.com

Guy - Posted - 03/26/2009:  15:33:28

---

quote]Originally posted by nechville

The threads on the Nechville are specially shaped and treated or a lifetime, they work better the longer they are in use.

Banjo Revolution REV IT UP!
nechville.com
[/quote]

That's the first time I've heard of a lifetime guarantee on a thread. I'm up for it, if you are?

Guy

You hum it son, I''ll play it!
salmagundi.me.uk

kirbonite - Posted - 03/26/2009:  21:42:07

---

What about the radised fretboard? is it on all models.

What about my friend: Mr Capo? how will that effect
the capo on which so many banjo players rely

Also, what about Nechville guitars.. santa claus is playing one
on the website but they're are not any listed for sale.

curios.

sorry I lied.. posted again,

Kirby

Trent in WA - Posted - 03/26/2009:  22:17:30

---

Mr.Banjo Capo and the radiused Nechville fingerboards get on fine. Shubb makes a radiused banjo capo, or you can use a lot of radiused guitar capos (such as the Planet Waves, Dunlop trigger, G7 - whatever is handy). I love the radiused fingerboard. There are a few Nechville models available with flat fingerboards, too.

myspace.com/trentghill

pick1936 - Posted - 03/27/2009:  13:50:59

---

i use a Shubb Capo on My Classic Deluxe,, (ATHENAFIED) But I ususally don't use it, I am trying to pick songs, In several Keys, without the Capo, It's hard, but I have learned about 16 so far, went to the big Jam In K.C. Mo. last night, I played two real nice banjo's,, but after My Classic Deluxe with the Radiused finger board, I really realised how much better The Nechville is in sound, and palyability, Only My opinion,, But these banjo's are really great. Wow. Just keeps getting better.



Nechville. In Higginsville.
pick the banjer son.

Lee Kelso

---

Edited by - pick1936 on 03/31/2009 10:20:08

jbanjoist - Posted - 03/27/2009:  13:51:19

---

I wish there were more radiused BANJO capos out there. I don't like any capo that has anything sticking outside the edge of the fingerboard and any tension screw under the neck.

I recently got a planet waves ns guitar capo and trimmed off the extra capo that would stick over the edge of the fingerboard. Works pretty darn good and a real nice capo. Left it long enough to use at the 5th fret.

Jbanjoist
I''m a NECHVILLIAN!

EDUMACATE YOSEF!

What do you WANT to believe?

God knows my every thought, my every fear, my every happiness, and my every hope,
and forgives me all my many shortcomings.
I''d be an utter fool to make fun of God.

Hello, hello, hello
Is there anybody in there?
Just nod if you can hear me.
Is there anyone at home?
Pink Floyd, Comfortably Numb.

kirbonite - Posted - 03/28/2009:  10:41:45

---

Dang,

Now I'm dreaming about having one of these banjos. The versatility is
way cool I have to admit. the way you can change tone rings and convert it to an electric banjo. Wow..!

It does seem like a lot of people keep this as a spare banjo and keep
a regular banjo as well. I notice Alison Brown, Bela Fleck and Emily Robinson (only two of which I'd like to receieve a hug from btw) still
play a gibson as thier main banjo.

either way.. I want one now.

kirbonite - Posted - 03/28/2009:  10:57:09

---

Flux Capacitor is what I think this was originally intended for.

It makes me a little nervous but what an innovation. I'm pretty comfortable setting up single coordinator rods but not dual.. I
always pay someone to do that .. What a great tool.

Not being a bit of a traditionalist, It's really exciting to wathc
the evolotion or "revolution" of this instrument.

K.

pick1936 - Posted - 03/28/2009:  19:59:50

---

Hi G--Banjo, You got it right, Once You play Toms necks, You will know what We mean, I played on two quality banjos last week, with flat boards, I realized i really love My Classic, playabilty,, and sound, GREAT.. Will take Classic, and Gibson flat--Top guitar,, to Church, If don't get iced in. it was to icy this morn. will go to Church tonight,, Priase The Lord.. We had a great day.



Nechville. In Higginsville.
pick the banjer son.

Lee Kelso

---

Edited by - pick1936 on 03/30/2009 08:51:55

g-banjo - Posted - 03/31/2009:  12:55:12

---

Yep, my new radiused neck and Cocobola tone ring should be arriving any day now. I'm trying not to be too obvious in hanging around the front door at post time but I must admit the waiting is getting to me. Fortunately both my Nechvilles are great to play while I'm waiting - except I'm going to have to save up for a refret for my Meteor. There's always something!

pick1936 - Posted - 04/01/2009:  06:55:48

---

Hey G--banjo,, I think You will really like cocobolo tone ring, Mine sounds as good, or better than the bronze ring,, I taped off 7 songs with My Classic, and bronze ring, meet Tom in Columbia Mo.,, He switched Me over to the Cocobolo ring, and put on a Ren. Head, I came back home, on the same tape, picked the same 7 songs again, I couldn't hardly tell any difference, Most people who pick My classic, can not beleave it has a wood ring, It is great.



Nechville. In Higginsvile
I,m a Scottish American.

Lee Kelso

Bluegrass - Posted - 04/01/2009:  11:41:55

---

I think they're great banjos with a revolutionary setup and put together. I hope to have one some day, but if I had that kind of money right now, I would buy either a Huber or Yates. Someday I'll have both a Huber and Yates, and Nechville! That being said, I never have actully played a Nechville, so I realy don't know what I'm talking about.

John

Banjo Stan - Posted - 04/01/2009:  19:19:46

---

I just got my new maple Phantom Galaxy from Dave at Turtle Hill yesterday. I got the turbo module so I could use it to play in an eclectic semi- bluegrass band with drums. The radius fret board with the tunneled 5th string is a blast to play.

I played with it acoustically last night and the band really liked the sound. Thanks Dave, Tom and Al for your help in the decision making process.



Stan Robins

pick1936 - Posted - 04/02/2009:  10:10:22

---

I will be taking My Athenafied Classic Deluxe,, Cyclotronic,, Compond Radiused neck,, and finger board, BIG fretted banjo to the Jam In K.C. Mo. tonight, Great fun expected.. We had great time.



Nechville. In Higginsville.
pick the banjer son.

Lee Kelso

---

Edited by - pick1936 on 04/03/2009 16:06:47

Goldstarman - Posted - 04/02/2009:  14:46:50

---

Well Im someone who just loves banjos and I mean all of them. Ive owned over 50 top end os from Huber to Stellings to Gibsons, Stealths and Nechvilles just to name a few and Ive played many over the 22 years or so Ive been playing. The best Ive ever played was a Nechville and if price was no issuse I would own a Nechville. I wanted to get a Vinatge Neck to fit on a pot, and Toms resos and pots are as reasonable as they come but at 2K I cant afford a neck. Im not saying its not worth it cause Robin smith will make a similar neck for around 1800 so I dont think its overpriced, I personally just cannot afford one. When someone Im teaching or if Im out playing asks me about my banjo or talks about sound I always tell them to check Toms banjos out.

jbanjoist - Posted - 04/02/2009:  15:46:03

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Banjo Stan

I just got my new maple Phantom Galaxy from Dave at Turtle Hill yesterday. I got the turbo module so I could use it to play in an eclectic semi- bluegrass band with drums. The radius fret board with the tunneled 5th string is a blast to play.

I played with it acoustically last night and the band really liked the sound. Thanks Dave, Tom and Al for your help in the decision making process.



Stan Robins

---

Welcome to the Nechvillian Brotherhood Stan.

Jbanjoist
I''m a NECHVILLIAN!

EDUMACATE YOSEF!

What do you WANT to believe?

God knows my every thought, my every fear, my every happiness, and my every hope,
and forgives me all my many shortcomings.
I''d be an utter fool to make fun of God.

Hello, hello, hello
Is there anybody in there?
Just nod if you can hear me.
Is there anyone at home?
Pink Floyd, Comfortably Numb.

g-banjo - Posted - 04/02/2009:  16:52:27

---

quote:

---

The best Ive ever played was a Nechville and if price was no issuse I would own a Nechville. I wanted to get a Vinatge Neck to fit on a pot, and Toms resos and pots are as reasonable as they come but at 2K I cant afford a neck. Im not saying its not worth it cause Robin smith will make a similar neck for around 1800 so I dont think its overpriced, I personally just cannot afford one.

---

Yep, the way I rationalised it was like this:
I've been playing for nearly four decades now and I've had some real dogs of banjos. That said, I learned a helluva lot from them - how to set them up to get the best possible sound with the best action etc etc. But I must admit it's been frustrating at times: as a grafting professional musician I haven't been able to afford the fancy banjos that these doctors and lawyers can buy without even one night's worry about where the food's coming from.
But I'm only going to be on this planet this once and I'm a banjo player. I've been a banjo player for a long time - long enough to know exactly what I want when I see it, and hear it, and play it. I can't afford NOT to get it 'cos otherwise I'd be denying the whole direction of the last forty years!
It worked for me.



"it’s better to play the wrong note at the right time than the right note at the wrong time."

Goldstarman - Posted - 04/02/2009:  21:13:05

---

I know what your saying but if you dont have it, you dont have it

pick1936 - Posted - 04/02/2009:  21:17:44

---

Considering ALL the GREAT features Toms Banjo's have, Nechvilles are a bargin, Mine is a keeper for sure, I have to say it's the best banjo I ever owned, The way the Economy is going, it might be a long time, BUT someday I hope to own at least 3 Nechville's, They are just unbeatable.. And They Stay In Tune..



Nechville. In Higginsville.
pick the banjer son.

Lee Kelso

---

Edited by - pick1936 on 04/08/2009 09:01:06

Goldstarman - Posted - 04/03/2009:  21:48:20

---

Pick1936 I agree, Id liek to own just one at this point, im hoping before long I can make that happen. I agree they are a bargin for what you get but again, if you dont have it you dont have it...maybe soon?

pick1936 - Posted - 04/04/2009:  10:36:18

---

Hi Goldstarman, You could look for a good used one. But Tom makes some nice banjo's for reasonable prices, I didn't have the money to get Mine, so I sold My 52 years old fabulous Flat--Top guitar and bought a used Classic Deluxe, a 2004 model, BUT it was still like new, I miss My old guitar, But this Nechville makes up for it, I still have a very nice 48 year old Flat--Top, Anyway I'm sticking with Nechville's The Best NEW banjo's being built today,, AND all American made.. AND They stay in tune.. WOW..



Nechville. In Higginsville.
pick the banjer son.

Lee Kelso

---

Edited by - pick1936 on 04/07/2009 20:01:35

Goldstarman - Posted - 04/04/2009:  20:28:54

---

I agree, I was hoping to get a neck or somethign soon but just got the news today that things are even worse.....too ka 600 a month hit

Guy - Posted - 04/05/2009:  04:12:40

---

Hi Goldstarman,

Really sad to hear about your financial situation. It's probably not a good idea to stretch your finances in a time of crisis. Look on the bright side though, these things never last forever and usually something good comes out them. I for one have had a very rough ride over the last few years. I don't earn anything like as much as I used to and sometimes it seems I work twice as hard. However, my life is more rewarding and I am more focussed about the things that matter to me.

During my period of crisis, I started teaching guitar to help with my spiralling finances and during that period, a beginner asked if I could give banjo lessons. I had played a bit some 30 years ago and knew the basics so I said yes. That started my current obsession for playing the banjo. I had a really naff banjo and I got a good intermediate banjo. After a while I became discontented, I knew what I wanted, I wanted a Nechville. It was like a persistent ache that just wouldn't go away. I didn't dare tell the wife, I'd spent a lot of money on the banjo I'd got and she thought that was the end of it.

Some time later we decided we needed to borrow a significant amount of money, close on £10k, I finally managed to broach the subject and got the wife to agree that we could borrow a bit more and purchase a Nechville. My justifications went something like this. I explained that our 2nd hand car had cost twice as much as the banjo I wanted and that for me, the car was something I used when I had to go somewhere and rarely if ever, for the pleasure of driving it. The banjo on the other hand, was something I would willingly devote several hours every day to. It would bring me joy and who knows, occassionally, joy to others as well.

She agreed! I think this is probably one of the most satisfying decisions I have ever made, it runs alongside my desision to buy my Martin D35, some 25 years ago and my lovely Flatiron mandolin which I've had for 15 years or more. My banjo does bring me joy every day and I will never regret buying it.

It is worth the wait, no matter how interminable and a way will present itself. Bide your time and something will come along, if it's meant to be, it will happen. If iut is your heart's desire, you will no doubt find a way, you just might have to wait a while is all.

Guy

You hum it son, I''ll play it!
salmagundi.me.uk

nechville - Posted - 04/05/2009:  15:39:10

---

Well said Guy, Few investments in life have the potential of returning as much as a great instrument. Cheers, Tom

Banjo Revolution REV IT UP!
nechville.com

Goldstarman - Posted - 04/05/2009:  15:47:55

---

I agree Guy, Just talked to my wife, as soon as were out of this crunch....Ill get my Nechville...may be awhile but Ill get one...

"Aint" aint a word

Grey Dog - Posted - 04/05/2009:  18:24:11

---

If anyone on this thread is a Nechville New Englander, drop me a line.
I've wanted to hear a Nechville for years, now.

(Didn't want to troll the thread, but with 18 pages of Nechville fans the odds are too good to pass up!!)

Thanks!

][ Grey Dog in NH

Goldstarman - Posted - 04/05/2009:  21:47:49

---

you need to try one for sure, I think Tom even does an approval period...

"Aint" aint a word

---

Edited by - Goldstarman on 04/05/2009 21:48:03

pick1936 - Posted - 04/06/2009:  17:14:40

---

if You ever get to play one You will want one..



Nechville. In Higginsville.
pick the banjer son.

Lee Kelso

Grey Dog - Posted - 04/06/2009:  18:28:09

---

In all honesty and bluntness, I have *never* heard a less-than-stellar review of any Nechville banjo...Hence my curiosity.

][ Grey Dog in NH

Mike Rowe - Posted - 04/06/2009:  19:32:25

---

I just loaded some pictures of my Nechville on my homepage. Better pictures coming!

1983 Deering Deluxe (2008 JLS #4 tonering/ Cox rim/ Arthur Hatfield setup)
2001 Stelling Red Fox
2009 Nechville Phantom/Nuvo?

--What''s time to a hog?--

Goldstarman - Posted - 04/06/2009:  20:34:36

---

wow, I just for the first time listened to Jon Erics nechville banjo on you tube. I didnt know there was an electric banjo that sounded so banjo like...I love it

"Aint" aint a word

Goldstarman - Posted - 04/06/2009:  20:58:42

---

I would say the reason you have "*never* heard a less-than-stellar review of any Nechville banjo" is because anyone with a open mind wanting a GREAT banjo will give them a look and once they do.....there going to want one. Of course some people are not going to change there way of thinking and are never going to but Im talking about the most of us out thtere.

"Aint" aint a word

Mike Rowe - Posted - 04/06/2009:  21:47:07

---

I've added some computer renderings so that you can really see how Nechville's new 5th string capo works.

Here's some small ones:









1983 Deering Deluxe (2008 JLS #4 tonering/ Cox rim/ Arthur Hatfield setup)
2001 Stelling Red Fox
2009 Nechville Phantom/Nuvo?

--What''s time to a hog?--

---

Edited by - Mike Rowe on 04/06/2009 22:04:19

Goldstarman - Posted - 04/07/2009:  07:56:09

---

another great concept from nechville

"Aint" aint a word.

---

Edited by - Goldstarman on 04/07/2009 14:46:38

nechville - Posted - 04/08/2009:  18:15:25

---

Thats Cool Mike, A picture is worth a 1000 words.

Banjo Revolution REV IT UP!
nechville.com

Mike Rowe - Posted - 04/08/2009:  18:27:22

---

Not as cool as the capo is turning out to be. Last night at our weekly jam, I'd start playing a song in D, capoed at the 7th, and for the chorus capo it at the 2nd for some neat sounds and then back to the 7th for the verse. I'm having a ball! Playing in E? Capo 4th. Want something strange? Capo 12th. Too much fun.

Mike

1983 Deering Deluxe (2008 JLS #4 tonering/ Cox rim/ Arthur Hatfield setup)
2001 Stelling Red Fox
2009 Nechville Phantom/Nuvo?

--What''s time to a hog?--