I make my instruments totally in the USA with a unique approach to banjo design. I've been doing this for over 20 years, but it surprises me that more people don't talk about what we are doing and how different Nechville is. I'm curious how my brand is perceived and if Nechville's ideas are being digested by banjo lovers, or are they just a little too far out?

I'm specifically looking for opinions on the Helimount system, the quick Neck adjustment, and the new Flux capacitor, All the best, Tom

Banjo Revolution REV IT UP!
www.nechville.com

Posted - 10/07/2008 :  13:35:00    

I think they are the way banjos ought to be made. Renegade engineering to the highest degree. I had a Classic Deluxe that is now my "the one that got away"
Of course, I play rock banjo, so I am not after a "traditional' instrument.
The neck adjustment is far easier than it should be
I loved that the head tension adjust as easily.

Don't know bout the Flux capacitor, maybe I should start a savings account....

Apple Latch Un = mountains ; Apple Layshun = drinks

Posted - 10/07/2008 :  13:45:30      

I really love the Nechville design, but personally the tone is what drew me to your instruments. The neck and head easy adjustments look great, but I haven't beeen able to try them out yet, I'm currently waiting for my new Nechville Saturn with a wide neck :) to get finished and I can't wait.
Also, anywhere I read about your banjos, people seem to love them. And then there is the ability to customize almost everything through you guys and I see alot of people comment on how great the custom projects turn out.

Did you have fun in Europe?

Keep on innovating,
Pink Eye

Posted - 10/07/2008 :  13:50:19            

Tom
my next banjo I hope, will be a Nechville, although I havent played one yet, or seen one for that matter, I think what you are doing is great and the response/reviews are extremely positive. Sure its not a "purists" banjo and it is a bit out there, but full marks for creativity.
Regarding the Flux Capacitor, which I also think is a fantastic idea, I would love to have a curved fiingerboard and great action adjustment at my fingertips, the trouble I have is the cost, it almost seems by the time I buy that and a new neck I could (almost) buy a new boutique banjo complete. I know we all have to make a living, but for me its out of reach and thats why I'd probably get a complete nechville banjo eventually. Have you had good sales with the Flux Capacitor or does everyone think its a good idea but perhaps a bit expensive. (please no offense is intended)

an Aussie livin in NZ

Edited by - rob_jenny on 10/07/2008 14:03:47

Posted - 10/07/2008 :  13:55:50        

Hey Tom,
Personally I think the engeneering behind the nechville is genuis. I get frustrated with some of my other banjos because the smallest movement by one of the parts can really effect the tone. On the other hand, and you and I have talked about this before, I think that people in general are ... traditionalists. They want a banjo that is made the same way they were 80 years ago. To each his own I suppose. I love my Nechville, but by the same token I love my other banjos as well. The others are not as easy to maintain, not as easy to set up, and are a bit inconsistant at times. I guess what I'm trying to say is that I believe that people are a bit afraid of a new banjo design.
Adam

Adam Mcintosh
www.Jetts-creek.com
www.themandolinstore.com
www.recordingking.com
www.Drybranchfiresquad.com
myclassiccountry.com

Posted - 10/07/2008 :  13:59:59      

I would consider one, if I were in the market. I've heard nothing but great things about your banjos.

Leslie

Posted - 10/07/2008 :  14:00:56          

Hi Tom,

I've followed nearly every innovation that has come from your direction since you do a good job of explaining them. Many seem to me to be most attractive to "technology early adapters" that want to have the latest technology in their hands, or those that want to experiment with widely differing action heights or bridges. The most useful features allow easy adjusting of head tension and neck angle. I think any perceived lack of interest springs from the fact that for most of us, once we get a banjo set up the way we like it, there is no need for such adjustment. I own a several banjos. I have only changed three heads in over thirty years of playing. I probably don't tighten or adjust but 1-2 heads a year unless it is a newly assembled instrument. Similarly, most of my necks are stable and usually the only required neck tweak is a 1/4 turn of a truss rod nut now and again. This in no way diminishes my respect for your innovative ideas. My tastes simply run more to the traditional appearance and accompanying sound of Mastertone-style banjos.

I've not had a chance to play a Nechville, so cannot comment on tone, but I'm well satisfied with my existing instruments in that department. If I were looking for an amplified banjo, I'd certainly take a look at your offerings.

Regards,

Jim

Posted - 10/07/2008 :  14:03:50          

Tom, I'm in danger of getting a Nechville sooner or later (and possibly sooner) because the Heli-Mount and the neck design make them, as far as I can tell, the ultimate travel banjo. I've never played one, though. Luckily I live close enough to Al to drive down to check one out. From what I've heard and seen, they are great instruments and a setup tweaker's dream. And I really like the design of the Phantom.

The Flux Capacitor is a great idea, particularly for a touring musician who wants to use their priceless prewar Gibby on tour but doesn't want to play dice with the airline gorillas. Probably a limited market for them, though.

I'd love it if Nechville had a more extensive dealer network (and maybe a dealer pathfinder on the nechville.com site). I think people don't talk about them because lots of us haven't ever seen them except sitting in Bela's lap at a distance.

Trent

http://www.myspace.com/trentghill

Edited by - Trent in WA on 10/07/2008 14:05:48

Posted - 10/07/2008 :  14:04:31            

Tom,

Every single one of your banjos I have ever played has been nothing short of fantastic. Sadly, I can't afford one right now, but I can say with certainty that my next banjo will be a Nechville. Everybody I have talked to has been amazed by the playability and the range of tones that can be pulled out of one.

Jacob

Posted - 10/07/2008 :  14:09:01        

Hey, Thanks for those thoughts, Regarding the Flux Capacitor, It's price might come down some day if this catches on and the patent goes through. Right now it has only been used on original pre-war pots where the money is a tiny portion of the overall value.

Banjo Revolution REV IT UP!
www.nechville.com

Posted - 10/07/2008 :  14:10:47    

I have heard some good things about Nechville,
but my next banjo will be a Huber. With all due respect.

Posted - 10/07/2008 :  14:13:56          

I personally would not buy a nechville, because I am too much of a traditionalist, and I play mostly bluegrass, but i love the idea of all that fancy heli-mount and flux capacitor!

~Prewar banjos were so much cheaper before the war!~

Posted - 10/07/2008 :  14:14:13      

As you know Tom, I play a Nechville. I am loyal to the brand. When you look at the way the Gibson Mastertone has been fine tuned by a host of builders over the years with very little change in actual design, you must recognize that a Nechville is quite radical. These banjo players are a very conservative group. You may have to do this for another 20. years.

I am curious, how many banjos do you have out there? Mine is 300-315, and was made in March of 2000.

All the best,

Sal DeMaio aka

Salvatone

Posted - 10/07/2008 :  14:19:21      

quote:

---

Originally posted by salvatone


I am curious, how many banjos do you have out there? Mine is 300-315, and was made in March of 2000.

---

Posted - 10/07/2008 :  14:21:04      

I think that just the large number of post that have come up on this topic in under an hour is evidence that people talk about your banjos.

And let me add that they are great banjos and you are a great designer/engineer of them.

Salvatone

Posted - 10/07/2008 :  14:25:56      

Sorry to keep posting. Has Earl Scruggs or J.D. Crowe ever played one of your banjos?

Salvatone

Posted - 10/07/2008 :  14:32:31  

To those who are reluctant to try a Nechville because they , "only play bluegrass," don't be concerned because they are wonderful bluegrass instruments.

Sheldon

Posted - 10/07/2008 :  14:36:15          

a little off topic but are there plans for an archtop nechville?

James
Gibson Archtop
"Wipe ''Yo Feets"

Posted - 10/07/2008 :  15:01:05        

Wow, the number of replies here is staggering, Let me answer a few questions, I offer an archtop nechville on special order. Any tone ring can be fit in there. Jody King plays one.
I'm coming up on banjo number 1000, although there are more than that because some had no serial numbers, or repeating numbers. Stay tuned, #1000 will be something special to commemorate 20 years in business. JD and Earl have kept a distance, I would expect that because they built their careers with Gibson and had models designed for them. I'm betting that the next Earl might show up with a Nechville.

Banjo Revolution REV IT UP!
www.nechville.com

Posted - 10/07/2008 :  15:06:44      

Tom and fellow BHO members. I own a Nechville Classic, and I have several traditional banjos. I think the Nechville is a great banjo, easy to work with and a joy to play. The main reasons I bought it have to do with the sound and design Tom has brought into his banjos. I also like my traditional banjos and for me it is fun going back and forth between them and my Nechville. I don't look at any of them as being "the" answer. They all have their place and there are many great traditional banjos. Some prefer one design or brand over the other, and that's the way it will probably always be. If I had to choose to keep just one of my banjos, I don't know how I would make that choice. I love having the option of the Nechville sound and that which I get from my other banjos.

Tom's designs are brilliant and make setting up the banjo much easier and quicker. Some people like to tinker and experiment, so aren't opposed to the amount of time it takes to set up or change out a traditional banjo. But there is no question in my mind that the Nechville design puts more power into the hands of those of us who are less experienced banjo players or not as savvy about or as handy with mechanical things. Bottom line for me is that the Nechville is a tremendous banjo and gives musicians a choice. My recommendation is for anyone who has not tried the Nechville banjos to give them a try so you can base your opinion on your own experience. I can say from personal experience that the Nechville folks are friendly and helpful, and Tom is a genuinely fine person who will do all he can to make your banjo experience a good one. Thanks Tom!

Any day playing music is a GOOD day.
The gold star is for my Gold Star 100, my awesome Nechville Classic and Wyatt Fawley banjos.

Posted - 10/07/2008 :  15:16:52            

Tom some people just will not give them a chance because they want something "traditional".

I once thought that way until I heard Jim Pankey play his and learned how simple they are to set up.

I now have 2 and the only other banjo I intend to have is a Phantom.

The traditionalists don't know what they are missing.

Well I know what they are missing,

perfectly even head tension
the ability to use most any height bridge without modifying the neck
light weight
a great straight line design very adjustable tailpiece
the ability to set up the sound for bluegrass or any other music for that matter
the ability to change a head in minutes without taking off the strings
stays in tune better than any traditional banjo
a superior neck, very playable
great tone and volume
ETC...

Not just a banjo but a fine musical instrument!

Eventually people's minds will open to the possiblitys of something other than the same stale design but we in the banjo world are just barely getting over the old "only a Gibson is good enough" mentality.

It will happen.

Keep up the good work.

Jbanjoist
I''m a NECHVILLIAN!

Edited by - jbanjoist on 10/07/2008 16:46:50

Posted - 10/07/2008 :  15:29:59        

Hi Tom

I won't come as a surprise to you to know that I'm a huge endorser of your banjos. As you well know, I am one of a growing band of enthusiasts on this side of the Atlantic (in the UK). Maybe it's because we are less accustomed to hearing Gibsons, Stellings and the like that makes us more open minded to the sound of your excellent banjos.

I was in no position to make mistakes when I bought mine, so I thought a great deal making my decision. My first reponse to playing a Nechville was the playability, I couldn't believe how easy it was to play. I wasn't sure about the helimount thing and couldn't get my head round it till I saw one taken apart, then there was the tone. Being a recent convert to the banjo, I was trying to come to terms with the sound of different instruments. All I knew was, I liked the tone of your banjos.

Now I own a Nechville, I can say that, without any fiddling about or tinkering, I can get a range of tones from a Nechville that far surpasses that of any other instrument I've tried. These are phenominal instruments and the ease of setup and the like is a good dollop of icing on a very good cake. I have absolutely no interest in having 'the latest thing'. I have a Nechville because it is a joy to play and gives me the range of sound I need in order to play a wide range of music including straight ahead bluegrass.

I could go on...

Guy

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

Posted - 10/07/2008 :  15:31:18        

Enough Praise already, I was looking for skeptics that perhaps needed some nuts and bolts explanation of why I do what I do.

Banjo Revolution REV IT UP!
www.nechville.com

Posted - 10/07/2008 :  15:33:03  

If I ever feel like my skills deserve a banjo of this quality and price (and can afford it), a Nechville is at the top of the list. I like adjustability and ingenuity, your banjos have that and sound just as good or better to me. I figure all other things being equal, the adjustability puts you out front.

Parker

Posted - 10/07/2008 :  15:33:22          

Hi, it are BEEFUS! An BEEFUS want to say, as a Electrikal Banjo Pickur, that ifs BEEFUS are hads th $$$, hims wud buy a NECHVILLE METEOR cause that are th sweetist Elektrikul Banjo arownd! It are kinda a dreem uv BEEFUS to ufford a Meteor!

Fer now, BEEFUS must play hims Hoam Made Elektrikul banjo what are made owt uv a kutting board an a ole beet-up neck, but lets heer a showt-owt to Tom N an hims gobsmakkin wall-flattnin mule-scarin atomical elektrikle instermints! Sum Day when BEEFUS are famus, hims are gone get one!

Love

BEEFUS

YEAH! IT IZ BEEFUS!!!!

www.beefus.net

BUY SUM BANJO BUTTER! http://www.banjohangout.org/classif...asp?cid=3723

Posted - 10/07/2008 :  15:35:21    

Tom,
I'm considering getting a Nechville as my next banjo. I'd probably choose a Phantom. Following are the reasons that I'd like one:
1. Helimount system - easy maintenance, even tension, light
2. Phantom neck - I've never learned to like working around the 5th string tuner
3. radius fret board - never tried one, but sure seems like a good idea
4. appearance - genuinely modern and different look than same old prewar design

Things holding me back -
1. I've never heard one in person
2. I already have a banjo that is better than I need (and another that I need to sell before I spend any more $)

Thanks for making cool instruments.

Scott