nechville - Posted - 10/07/2008:  13:12:53

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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!
nechville.com

guitdawg - Posted - 10/07/2008:  13:35:00

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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

Pink Eye - Posted - 10/07/2008:  13:45:30

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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

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

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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

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

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

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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
Jetts-creek.com
themandolinstore.com
recordingking.com
Drybranchfiresquad.com
myclassiccountry.com

Leslie R - Posted - 10/07/2008:  13:59:59

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

Leslie

rb4player - Posted - 10/07/2008:  14:00:56

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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

Trent in WA - Posted - 10/07/2008:  14:03:50

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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

myspace.com/trentghill

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

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

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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

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

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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!
nechville.com

OSCAR82AA - Posted - 10/07/2008:  14:10:47

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

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

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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!~

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

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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

Pink Eye - Posted - 10/07/2008:  14:19:21

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quote:

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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.

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Yah, that would be interesting, I have wondered that as well

Pink Eye

salvatone - Posted - 10/07/2008:  14:21:04

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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

salvatone - Posted - 10/07/2008:  14:25:56

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

Salvatone

Sheldon - Posted - 10/07/2008:  14:32:31

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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

jbjo - Posted - 10/07/2008:  14:36:15

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

James
Gibson Archtop
"Wipe ''Yo Feets"

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

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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!
nechville.com

dpete210 - Posted - 10/07/2008:  15:06:44

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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.

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

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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!

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

Guy - Posted - 10/07/2008:  15:29:59

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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!
salmagundi.me.uk

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

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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!
nechville.com

Tank772 - Posted - 10/07/2008:  15:33:03

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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

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

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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!!!!

beefus.net

BUY SUM BANJO BUTTER! banjohangout.org/classifieds/d...?cid=3723

snakeherd - Posted - 10/07/2008:  15:35:21

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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

dhergert - Posted - 10/07/2008:  15:38:26

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I've been admiring Nechville for a while, especially the Cyclotronic system after hearing Dennis Caplinger playing his Vintage. I'm a Gibson Ballbearing Mastertone fan myself, but Dennis' Vintage has that same sweet tone, plus huge punch. I loved hearing it, especially in Dennis' hands.

Recently my wife and I had the pleasure of being able to get a new banjo and a new mandolin and a new reso guitar for a young family bluegrass band in our area that we're trying to encourage. I chose a Nechville Classic Blonde for the banjo player, primarily because of the tone. It sounded nearly as good as my prewar Gibson. This is a professional quality bluegrass banjo that I'd be proud to play on stage, and the price was great too. Needless to say, the kids in this family band love this banjo, it is my understanding that they compete over who gets to play it next.

I like the old Gibson Ballbearing banjos, but if I ever need to replace my Ballbearing with something new, I'll be looking at a Vintage Cyclotronic like Dennis plays.

Best,

-- Don
home.att.net/~dhergert
mysite.verizon.net/don_hergert


"If you must use your banjo as a snow shovel, do so:
only don''t wonder if it sounds dull afterwards."
-- S.S. Stewart catalog, 1896.

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Edited by - dhergert on 10/07/2008 15:41:57

mtnpckr - Posted - 10/07/2008:  15:44:15

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Here's an idea! Since you are wanting critiques, how about sending a nechville to each BHO member to try out for a year or two, and then we can report back to you!


"Never take yourself seriously, others are always ready to do it for you"

N.E.banjo - Posted - 10/07/2008:  16:00:39

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Tom, what happens at IBMA - what kind of reactions and response do you get there?

I am intrigued by your banjos - especially the heli-mount.

I've yet to have an opportunity to play one.


Dan

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Edited by - N.E.banjo on 10/07/2008 16:04:29

xnavyguy - Posted - 10/07/2008:  16:02:47

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Tom, I have several jam buddies who own your banjos, plus my teacher, Eddie Collins has a Custom Vintage. I even sent one of my bridges to a Nechville Custom Vintage owner in Indianapolis to test for me. He liked the bridge just fine but said it made his banjo sound like a bluegrass banjo. My first experience with one of your machines was in my very first jam. One of the players had a strange looking banjo that sounded incredible to me. You guessed it. It was one of yours. Another of my jam buddies just bought a new one with his initials on the peg head. Very classy, outstanding craftsmanship. I'm hoping when I see him this Saturday, he will let me "fiddle" with it and turn some of the knobs. I think he is also on your list to get the thing electrified.

Jerry

We''re too soon old and too late smart.

androo - Posted - 10/07/2008:  16:50:31

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Tom,

On Sept 28 of 2007 I gave myself the gift of a used Nechville which Noam Pikelny had for sale. One year has passed and I've played that banjo everyday for an average of 3 hours a day. That amounts to 1,095 hours which breaks down to 45.625 days.

In August I played at the Blueberry Bluegrass Festival and my Nextar was the hit of the festival. Kenny Cantrell (Cedar Hill) and Trevor Watson (Lou Reid) both played it for lengthy periods and deemed it a fine instrument. Several local players tried it as well.

I showed people how it worked and how easy it was to take apart and put back together.

I was able to take the Nextar on board the plane by taking it apart. I put the neck in my Camera tripod bag and the pot in an over-the-shoulder bag and stowed in the overhead compartment. It took me 10 minutes to take it apart. When I arrived in Alberta our band had an hour before our first set. It took me 20 minutes (new strings!!!) to put it together. We warmed up and hit the stage and the banjo was doing its thing.

I also really like the radiused neck and the tone on this banjo is really responsive to the right hand attack. This banjo doesn't have the Cyclotronic system. It took me awhile to navigate the neck due to the inlay pattern but it's all good now.

In short, this banjo is an absolute delight to play and it has historical value as being owned and played by Noam's Pikelny. Sadly, he didn't sell me all the notes he played on this banjo but I'm slowly finding them.

I've got my lifetime banjo!








Andrew Conde
Banjo Monkey

ballbanjos - Posted - 10/07/2008:  17:03:54

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OK, I'm a traditionalist in many ways. I love the great nineteenth century banjos and their beautiful ornamentation and craftsmanship. But another part of nineteenth century banjodom than I love is the inventiveness. I'm really crazy about those wild old banjo patents, and most of my modest banjo collection reflects that craziness.

Tom's ideas are beyond what even the "farthest out" patent holders of the nineteenth century came up with. But, unlike many of his earlier counterparts, Tom got it right in more than one way.

The Helimount system is brilliant. The quick neck adjustment works great. But more important, the playability of Tom's banjos is absolutely top shelf.

I'm a traditionalist. I build banjos in at least a somewhat traditional way. But, I have to admit that the banjo that has been played the most at my house over the past couple of years is a Nechville Phantom. It's probably the best playing banjo I've ever owned, and when I build a banjo, I strive to make mine come as close as it can to my Phantom in playability. If a new banjo out of my shop passes that test, I feel pretty good.

And as much as I love the old banjos, the only banjo on my "want list" at the present time (OK, maybe not the ONLY one...) is another Nechville. I'd like to see a Nechville done up in nineteenth century decoration some time. That would be the ultimate! (interested in a collaboration sometime, Tom?)

Dave

jbanjoist - Posted - 10/07/2008:  17:07:05

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

You wanted it here it is.

Helimount. great design
Neck adjustment, another great design but some kind of cover that matches the wood would be nice instead of just a hole in the heel.
Flux Capacitor, actually IMO too pricey to catch on. Might as well spend some more and get the whole banjo.

I wonder why the walnut models are roughly $1000 more.

And to me some models are list priced quite high and that's what keeps some people from considering them.
I was lucky enough to get a great deal on a used custom but got a really great deal on a new Vintage. There's no way I and I imagine other price concience banjo consumers would acquire a Nechville if they had to pay near list on some of those higher priced models.
But of course it's your perogative to price them however you feel.

ready for more praise yet? lol

Jbanjoist
I''m a NECHVILLIAN!

twentyINCHwheel - Posted - 10/07/2008:  17:50:36

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The Meteor models are hands-down the best electric banjos out there. My experience with the acoustics is somewhat limited - only one person I know owns one (a Galaxy Phantom) but it holds its own against any other banjo I've ever seen/played. My next banjo may well be a Galaxy Phantom - love that inlay!

Chris
---------------
2000 Gibson Custom Shop RB-3 Wreath Top Tension
1970 Vega V.I.P.
2006 Deering Goodtime 2

pick1936 - Posted - 10/07/2008:  18:59:56

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My Nechville Classic Deluxe,, is probably the last banjo I will ever need,, It beats all other banjo's In every way,, all those hooks and nuts,, on the other banjo's,, are not needed, I would incourage You to stick with Your good design. As far as the cost,, most all banjo's are costly, BUT with a Nechville You get Your money's worth,,, and MORE,, I think many people have just never tried a Nechville.. another thing I almost forgot,, They have a wide, and broad bone nut, and big frets like My old Gibson flat--top, these frets should last the rest of My life..


Nechville. In Higginsville.

pick the banjer son.

Lee Kelso

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Edited by - pick1936 on 10/07/2008 21:53:42

pick1936 - Posted - 10/07/2008:  19:07:27

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Just one more thought,, all the pickers I know trade banjo's often,, The ones that bought Nechvilles,, are keeping them....



Nechville, In Higginsville.

pick the banjer son.

Lee Kelso

pick1936 - Posted - 10/07/2008:  21:39:05

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I just can't say enough,, as someone stated above,, some pickers are tradionalists,, I think the (Vintage),, and the (Classic),, are pretty traditional looking banjo's,,and Without a dought the fastest adjutability,,and You can get about any sound You want,, what more could You want?? I took My Classic Deluxe to a festival last Fri.,, I had 4 pro pickers pick it,, Two had never heard of them, two had,, BUT had never picked one,, They all four were very surprised at the Volume,, Tone,, Ring,, Pop,, knock,, and zing,, In other words,, They all liked it very much, They loved the compound radiused neck,, and finger board,, and how eazy it was to get around on the neck,, I think when more pro pickers get to see,, and pick a Nechville, They will decide They need one.


Nechville., In Higginsville.
pick the banjer sons.

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Edited by - pick1936 on 10/07/2008 21:41:38

Helix - Posted - 10/08/2008:  03:41:05

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Dude, welcome to the hangout. You have one of the unique aspects of banjo design, maybe not the only truly unique one.

I like hearing the choir, preaching to the choir, you gotta start somewhere. I notice the responses you were after did not emerge.

I'll ask in a friendly and pro tone. How much do they weigh? You know, standing there for three hours with a bell, a liberty bell around your neck.

As an innovator you've done pretty good. And you have a loyal following, a Nechville Nation. Keep on making music. How much do they weigh?





(_)====''===::} Banjo is a verb

nechville - Posted - 10/08/2008:  04:50:28

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My heaviest banjo is just over 8 pounds with the steel cyclotronic but I have tone ring options that take it down to 5.
A note on The Walnut Phantom Pricing- There are higher cost materials and some extra labor with the curly maple wood binding, also we use a rolling nut on the tunneled 5th string. By the time you add margins for the dealer and a small profit for myself, it's almost $1000 more than the Maple or Mahogany version.
Dave- Hey I like the idea of 19th century design on a Helimount- Maybe serial number 1000?
IBMA is a zoo. People love to come by and play, I always want them to play everything, cause I don't want them going away thinking we only have one type of sound. I'm always meeting new people, but it's more common to see the same familiar faces of those Nechville fans that only get to play one when I show up with the booth.

Banjo Revolution REV IT UP!
nechville.com

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Edited by - nechville on 10/08/2008 11:24:35

bigcraig - Posted - 10/08/2008:  05:57:51

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Hi Tom,
As an engineer your helimount design intrigued me since I first read about it. I think I first found your website from the link on the banjo hangout. It struck me as a great idea - repacing tension hoop, flange, hooks and nuts with a single casting. I've now seen, heard and played Guy's Nextar, and tried a few lower end Nechvilles in a shop recently and compared them with Huber, Gibson, Stelling, Ome and found the Nechville to have the best tone of the lot. I also took the back off to see how it worked for myself and show my friend how it worked. I often tell people about what a great design it is.
So why don't I own one? I have a Sullivan which I love. I bought that (before I'd heard of Nechville) in preference to Gibsons and Stellings on sound alone. I think Nechvilles sound a little bit better, but prefer the neck on my Sullivan. Nechvilles are cool (or as cool as banjos can be!) but the really cool models are expensive. I would love to own one, and who knows - maybe I will in the future.

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Edited by - bigcraig on 10/08/2008 16:14:54

revdmike - Posted - 10/08/2008:  06:28:48

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quote:

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Originally posted by Guy

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 could go on...

Guy

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

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I had the cahance to play Guy's instrument at Didmarton - admittedly in a noisy environment. It's was a delight, and as an engineer I love the design. In engineering terms I think the Gibson style really quite bad and overcomplex. I play a Gibson clone I might say, but perhaps might have brought a Nechville had I known about them - might still one day!

Mike J

Deering Calico
Windsor Zither
Made in Japan ''no brand''

jgwoods - Posted - 10/08/2008:  07:54:11

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Hi Tom
I think I owned the very first Moonshine you made- then I traded it back to you for one with a 25.5 scale, radiused mahogany neck, diamond wing inlays, corona pot, tunneled fifth string, wood tone ring, Ren head. It was wonderful, but it had two things that bothered me as time went by.
I sold it and I miss it- it had tone to the bone , better than any clawhammer banjo I ever played with a strong fundamental, and it played like a dream up the neck.

The neck was too skinny for me. Between that and the attachment method it was a bit whippy and if I leaned back while playing it would go flat as the neck bent some and the attachement point flexed. If it had a bigger neck- deeper from the fingerboard to the back- I might still have it, depending on how much flex remained at the attaching point.

Second- nice as the Helimount is it can be hard to get the threads started sometimes when swapping heads, also the head surface to rim top spacing is about 3/16-1/4" and with a clawhammer set up- neck set for highest action- and a 5/8' bridge the spacing between the head surface and the strings was too big. I like that space to be about 1/2" and it was more like 3/4 with no good way to get it right. I wound up gluing a little piece of ebony to the head right where my thumb would thump so it met the strings at the right spot. It worked, but it looked odd.

Also- while changing heads in 5-10 minutes is a neat thing I rarely do it once I get set up, and rarely tension the head after set up either, so, having a quick system for doing that is useful only on occasions, and not a reason to purchase for me.

I might buy another Nechville Moonshine again- this time with a 26.25 scale and a fat maple neck( or walnut?), traditional headstock, 5th string tuner in the regular spot, but try to save some money on the inlays and skip the radius on the fb. I liked it but don't need it. I'd really (almost) buy one if I was sure the neck/pot connection was rock solid...hard to do when it is adjustable. The wood tone ring was fine and it was a really loud banjo- easily could cross over from clawhammer to bluegrass picking and hold its own.- Got any pop off resonators?

Over the years I had my Moonshine I really came to appreciate your craftsmanship- it had triple binding and was sidebound too! and exceptional binding job on a beautiful ebony fb.

best wishes to you and your crew,




Be yourself- everyone else is taken

drocha - Posted - 10/08/2008:  10:31:00

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I sure like the Heli Mount design plus I enjoy the slim style necks. My 2cents



Get a bicycle. You will not regret it if you live. --Mark Twain

sram.com/en/

tubaphone1927 - Posted - 10/08/2008:  10:46:15

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I played a very nice custom walnut nechville at a jam I was at a couple days ago. It sounded great! I didn't want to put it down. The neck was perfect and it stayed in tune! That's pretty darn amazing.

nechville - Posted - 10/08/2008:  11:34:24

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A few notes about the Moonshine. I only tried it as an experiment to see if anyone would go for a new-age-open back banjo. Admittedly, I am not a clawhammer player, and my set-ups tend to be more Bluegrassy than some open back players like. I was surprised however how may people that played it really liked it. I recently decided to re-tool the Moonshine with a completely new body that will look better and possibly function even better. It won't be available until early 2009, but I thought you might want to know. The Nechville neck connection is very rigid when adjusted properly, I did a YouTube video on the neck attachment that would be helpful if anyone is having trouble with a loose neck.

Banjo Revolution REV IT UP!
nechville.com

jgwoods - Posted - 10/08/2008:  13:08:09

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Yeah- get Mr. Ball to engrave soem inlay 19th centruy style, also hide the hole in the heel with a pop off, or hinged, cap and we're really getting somewhere.

I look forward to seeing the new 2009 Moonshine design.

and I want a pop off resonator....

best

Be yourself- everyone else is taken

pick1936 - Posted - 10/08/2008:  19:21:51

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Yes the neck attachment is very solid, I can hold mine tight,, and pull back on the neck, without any effect on tunning,, BUT on the Gibson's, and Gibson copy's,, which most all are,, You can be pickin, and the slightest pressure on the neck, will cause a warble..... I have been sitting here trying to find something, that could be improved on, Can't think of anything,, maybe later HA. I will get the chance to play My Classic at Church again Nov. 16th,, The pastor will play guitar along with Me,, He likes My banjo so much,, He might be getting one soon. THANKS for building such great banjo's..



Nechville., In Higginsville.

pick the banjer son.

Lee Kelso

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Edited by - pick1936 on 10/08/2008 19:27:24

Tobes - Posted - 10/09/2008:  00:42:23

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Hello Tom,

Hope you are well. Just picking up on Guys thread. It is interesting how Nechvilles have taken off in the UK. The British bluegrass community is fairly small (well relatively to the states). One thought just struck me. Last year Noam Pikelny taught at Sore Fingers Bluegrass Camp - he had his Nextar with him - There were fifteen of us in the class and of the fifteen one had a Nechville already (Lluis Gomez). One year on and an additional five students now own Nechville banjos (me included). That is over 30 per cent of the class! That is a fairly amazing. I have never seen that happen with Stelling or Gibson.

But why did that happen? I think the thing that got me first was tone and playability. The Helimount and neck adjuster are great features and makes set up a breeze, but in many respects I think that the hook that will get most players is when they actually pick one up and play it. The more I looked at the design though the more I love it. I think that the problem is that until you have played one the design will almost scare people off - the fear of the unknown. The masterclone has for years been 'the' banjo design and many people are inherently traditionalists.

Anyway, hope you can make it back over to the UK soon for another EUNOC Nechville Jam.

take care

Tobes

budbennett - Posted - 10/09/2008:  05:21:17

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here's a few photos of my nechville in case some have never seen one in person:

banjohangout.org/myhangout/pho...umid=1668

i love mine and bought it because of the tone. much to my delight, the neck on it is the most enjoyable neck i've yet to play on. before the nechville i rated my stealth as the most comfortable and easy playing neck but wowzers, that phantom neck is NICE!

the very nicest thing about the nechville though is that we can call up tom or al at any time and ask them questions or ask for custom parts. tom made me a different bridge than the standard and i really really appreciated that. the service is really fantastic with these guys and i count that as a huge part of the "value" in buying a certain brand of banjo.