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Nechville Phantom submitted 8/27/2008 Submitter budbennett (see all reviews from this person) Where Purchased Turtle Hill Year Purchased 2008 Price Paid $3500- $4,000 ($US) Sound I was looking for a banjo that sounded different from my others and listened to a lot of them. When I heard the Phantom, I decided that one was the one for me. The tone is different, hard to describe- crisp, rich, woody, organic? I don't know a good word to use but it's wonderful. I play mostly classical and new age like music on this banjo and the tone for that is wonderful. I have found that by cranking down the head I can quickly and easily change the tone to more of a bluegrass sound and i have done that and the banjo really cracks and carries. I really like that the banjo is so easily adjustable and versatile. Sound Rating 9 Setup I had a few issues with the banjo when I first got it. I tried to work them out myself but couldn't so I contacted Tom Nechville and Al Price and they were extremely helpful (more about that below). I ended up taking it to a luthier and he fixed it right up for me in a very short time and I have no issues or concerns at all now. New banjos sometimes need a tweak or two, no big deal. Setup Rating 7 Appearance It's gorgeous. Beautiful walnut burl, first rate finish, not a single thing to complain about. I love the look and everyone else does too. Appearance Rating 10 Reliability The only reason I would bring another banjo with me to a job is if I were going to be playing both traditional and classical music. The Phantom is reliable, consistant and I don't foresee any trouble with it. Reliability Rating 10 Customer Service I bought the banjo from Turtle HIll and contacted Dave via phone and internet. Dave is a first rate standup guy and I recommend him to everyone. Dave was approachable by email, answered in a timely manner, was factual and honest, and he even gave me a free capo and hand delivered my banjo to me due to a convenient situation. I spent an hour or so with him and enjoyed it very much and I look forward to buying from him again. When I had a few small issues with my Phantom, I contacted Tom Nechville and Al Price and they were very helpful and informative about my problem. Tom made me a custom height bridge and Al had a new head sent to me. Both did this without asking for money first and trusted my honesty and integrity and THAT is not something you see every day. I completely trust them and applaud them for it. In the end, my issues were cleared up completely and I truly cannot imagine better customer service than what I got from both Turtle Hill and Nechville. Fantastic people and fantastic service! Customer Service 10 Components The look of this banjo is fantastic. The tone is fantastic. The neck plays fantastic. I wouldn't change a thing. Components Rating 10 Overall Comments If this banjo was stolen I would call Dave at Turtle Hill and have him order me another just like it. I love the tone and playability. I suggest if anyone is considering a Phantom to try and hear one in person, they are a little different sounding from other banjos. I for one count that as a big plus too. In my opinion, variety is the spice of life in terms of tone. Overall Rating 10