jgwoods - Posted - 10/17/2008:  07:07:23

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quote:

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Originally posted by pick1936

Hey Joe,, You must have something not adjusted right,, Mine stays in tune better than any banjo I ever owned, I can tune mine, drive 45 min, to a jam every Thurs. night, take it out, It's in tune,, usually play for three hours, I dont ever capo, Put in the case, drive home and usually leave it sit till the next Thur. night, drive back 45 min. and ready to play again, I practice during the week,, with another banjo, so as to keep the DR. strings on the Nechville ready,, I dont like to change string very often,, anyway The Nechville stays in tune better than any other banjo I have ever owned.

Nechville. In Higginsville.
and pick the banjer boys, and girls.

Lee Kelso

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I know what you mean about not changing strings often- i got 4 years out of a set on my old orpheum. I do change them once every year or two most of the time, but those strings just kept going, sounded good, so I kept'em

I think the tuning issue with my Moonshine comes from not having a resonator. I have much more contact with the aluminum pot than do you folks with resonators that isolate you from the pot having contact with your body and arm. If I take mine out of the case at 50 degrees and play it for 5 minutes it warms up to 80- or so and goes sharp.


Be yourself- everyone else is taken

BlueBanjo28 - Posted - 10/17/2008:  19:07:24

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quote:

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Originally posted by Daniel_Fields

Personally, I've never played a Nechville I liked and I think they're ugly too!

Sorry, I mean the build quality is pretty good and the necks are comfortable for sure, I just don't like the tone of them. To my ears they sound almost clinical, like the soul is missing from them. Can't quite put my finger on what it is....

I did hear one once with a Huber ring in it though which sounded fairly good. I could have lived with it anyway....as long as I didn't have to LOOK at the thing!!

I'm always willing to have my opinion changed though, so if I DO play one that I fall in love with, I'll come back here and revise my opinion!!

Daniel

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Maybe you haven't seen the Classic. Check out the website. It looks like any other banjo. The sound I am not sure about but to each his own. I hear you can put any tone ring on there that you wish if it is comparable to the newer Gibson style rings.

crsb - Posted - 10/19/2008:  20:26:33

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Tom,

I have 2 banjos I play, they are functional and sound good. My other banjos are really just for the art and fun factor. If the first banjo I bought was a Nechville I would be playing that for it's function.

Some people like cheap banjos so they can have more and goof around with the set up. They might like to refinish it, change the pot or build a new neck. You can't do that with a Neckville. You buy one Neckville and in one banjo you have many possibilities and other banjo parts don't fit it. IMHO most banjo players play and collect banjo related stuff. Examples would be banjo brands(Gibson, Ode, Vegas, B&D etc.), tab, song books, catalogs, CDs etc.

I wouldn't buy a Nechville because I would buy it for the art factor. Your banjo is functional not artistic. Look at Ome, Stelling, Small, Romero, Prucha and Lee. People buy them for their beauty as well as their function. At the other end of the spectrum someone straped for money and has one nice banjo would really have to love your banjo. He's the guy who really loves the music end of Bluegrass or Old Time and a banjo is just a tool to him. He would have to take a big hit on his banjo money wise and come up with extra cash to buy your banjo.

Open back players buy extra banjos for their beauty, different sounds and different tuning possibilities.

I was interested in a Nechville electric banjo once, but after I looked into it it was too complicated and required more work than I was willing to put in to figure it out. Plus the cost put me off. I had to buy amps and other gear which I wasn't familiar with. I might be wrong but I think most banjo players like banjos acoustic nature. Not to many have taken the banjo electric with success. Left Over Salmon is the only one that comes to mind. I know Fleck and Brown have Nechville electrics but they still use their old Gibson for most stuff. We are not rock and rollers. The mandolin player in my band played electric guitar and stopped because of the gear factor. He liked the idea of pulling out his mandolin playing with some people for a few hours. After he's done he puts his little mandolin in it's case and goes home. It's kind of like the gig thing, I hate all the gear. It's cool but the stuff is heavy and a pain in the butt to store, set up and maintain.

I hope that's what your wanting to hear Tom. I don't mean to rip on your product, I hear nothing but good things about it's quality. But these are the reasons I haven't purchased a Nechville. Believe me I have enough banjos and banjo gear, if you don't just ask my wife!

Good luck with your efforts!




It''s not the destination, it''s the journey,

Joe

pick1936 - Posted - 10/19/2008:  20:36:09

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I was pickin My Classic Sat. and I thought maybie the strings needed changing, Then I noticed I had the head awfull tight,,, I put on the wrenches, and put on a piece of tape for pos. , and loosened the head about 3/4 inch turn,, and MAN it came back sounding so good, I hadn't been marking before, and I tend to over tighten, and it took hardly any time to adjust it.. These banjo's almost adjust themselves,, If anyone hasn't tried one Yet, and You live close here in Mo., You can come play mine anytime, I live about 50 miles east of K.C.Mo.



Nechville. In Higginsville.
pick the banjer son.

Lee Kelso

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Edited by - pick1936 on 10/19/2008 20:37:55

nechville - Posted - 10/19/2008:  22:29:42

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Thanks for your dedicated endorsement Lee, and others, Also Thanks to Daniel, Joe and those offering critiques. Without getting into a discussion of the heat expansion rates of aluminum vs, brass, or maple, I'd say any banjo by its nature is susceptible to tuning difficulties. With proper string application, and solid anchoring of the neck and tailpiece, we try to minimize those problems. and the frame of the Helimount has proven to be a stable way of anchoring both neck and tailpiece. Over the Helimount's 20 year history, I've never noticed the heat stabilized and hardcoated aircraft alloy of the Helimount to be the cause of any tuning problems. If expansion of metal were a problem, I'd expect that expansion of the brackets in the "z" dimension would offset or overcome any tendency to go sharp.
I've had issues to overcome with machine service suppliers, but we stand behind what we make. If anyone has trouble with a Nechville call me and let me try to help. I hate hearing about your problems for the first time here in a forum AFTER you've sold it. If I can't satisfy you, well then come back here and state your case. Anyway, This IS a forum on shopping advice and I feel justified in letting you know that I certainly want you to buy one of mine, because I do believe in them. AND I think I have an answer to most of your criticisms. For example, The artistic side of an instrument is important and it's inspiring for the player. My preference is for the simple elegance of Natural woods with well-designed function. But I also have ornate and custom inlay services available to those with an eye for a particular style. (Stay tuned for the introduction of a fine new antler theme inlay). I also offer a variety of plating options and will discuss any ideas you may have for special designs sound preferences. Nechville is not for everybody, The soul of this instrument comes from the heart of the player. T.E.N.

Banjo Revolution REV IT UP!
nechville.com

jgwoods - Posted - 10/20/2008:  07:19:17

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Hi Tom-
Banjos are indeed subject to tuning problems, that's the way it goes with a flexible head, and a long neck too, and those things are inherent to the design no matter if it's a Nechville, or a Ramsey, or Lee or any maker of banjos made anywhere.

Expansion rates of aluminum vs brass, maple etc.- well, borrowing from the engineers toobox site on the www it looks like Al expands at approx 6x oak- they don't have maple on the list, but I would say that the rough number holds for wood vs Al, and further that if expansion was going to be a problem, then aluminum might increase the likelihood of it being noticeable.

Please don't think I sold my Moonshine out of frustration with it, or you and your fine service, I sold it for a variety of reasons and would not like anyone thinking it was because Nechvilles are less than the best. If I add up the reasons I sold and balanced that against how much I miss it's tone and playability, I wind up concluding it's time to get another Newchville Moonshine. So- bring on the 2009 Model, I'm curious to see the changes.

Be yourself- everyone else is taken

Guy - Posted - 10/20/2008:  13:19:29

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Beauty is in the eye of the holder and I resent the suggestion that I've spent a lot of money on an ugly or less than beautiful banjo. Nearly everyone I've shown my Nextar has been bowled over by it's looks.

I could have taken the trad route and bought a Vintage or a Classic, or even gone very safe and bought a Gibson or a Stelling. I did not want that type of sound with all those overtones, I wanted the purity and range of tones I could get from a Nechville, nothing else comes close. Having decided that, I decided if I was going to have a revolutionary banjo, I might as well have one that looks the part, I decided on a Nextar. I chose to have Tom's amazing 'Cascade' inlay pattern, I asked Tom to do some unique artwork of my own on the peghead. Tom happily obliged, cleaned up my design and made an absolutely first rate job. I went for the 'Corona' finish on the Helimount, I happen to like Nickel, after consultation with some knowledgable friends, I decided on a Mahogany Neck and Rim, I love Walnut and Maple but again, tone considerations came out on top.

If I never own another banjo in my entire life, I will still die a happy man. I want to play my banjo, enjoy and experience it on a daily basis. I haven't got time for tinkering, or maintaining several banjos, spending my time working out which one I like best on any given day.

Hand me my Nechville. It's time to play some music!

Guy

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

jbanjoist - Posted - 10/20/2008:  18:51:41

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I suggest that those that have the opinion Nechville's are somehow "ugly" or not "artistic" take a look at the Nechville's at the Turtle Hill banjo site.
I hardly think having a bunch of hooks and nuts makes any banjo look better.
Tom's finishes and choices in wood are just as fine as any.

I have a maple and a mahogany and both are as fine or finer in looks than any maple or mahogany I have seen in my 20 plus years of playing. And the added plus of sounding as good as anything out there except the 4th string, it sounds better than anything I have heard on a banjo. It BOOMS at you and has great tone all the way up the neck.
Most banjo's 4th strings die out with thuds up the neck but not a Nechville.

Also the Galaxy "starizon" inlay on cocobolo Tom does with some of the necks
looks like a moonscape with stars and planets and such in the horizon.
Very "artistic".

Jbanjoist
I''m a NECHVILLIAN!

Trent in WA - Posted - 10/20/2008:  19:37:12

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The photos on the Turtle Hill site are gorgeous. Having seen a batch of Nechvilles up close, I don't think most photos of them on the web (for that matter, on the Nechville website) really do them justice. The Nextar with the Cascade inlay is one of the prettiest banjos I've ever seen.

myspace.com/trentghill

Va Picker - Posted - 10/20/2008:  20:16:41

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The most important sounding string for me on a banjo is the 4th, so when I listen I like to hear a twangy 4th string and that is what has always sounded distinct to me on a Nechville even though I don't own one.

Bob

Guy - Posted - 10/21/2008:  01:19:25

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I too love the bottom end on Tom's banjos. I love playing things in D with standard tuning, you get a thick resonant sound, I think Lee refers to it as a knock, either way it knocks your socks off. Tune down to C and that bottom string growls like a tiger. Grrrrrhhhh

Guy

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

budbennett - Posted - 10/21/2008:  04:58:53

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the nechville phantom is FAR from ugly and it sounds fantastic and the neck plays easier than any neck i've ever played on.

RT - Posted - 10/21/2008:  08:33:10

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Tom,

I really like your banjos and think the design is an elegant answer to head tensioning and adjustments. Been looking for one in my price range for a long time. Everytime one turns up in my price range it seems to be a blond geo model and I prefer a walnut or mahogany classic. So price and looks can be big factors. Many folks also are looking at resale value even at the time of a new purchase.
It seems that your innovative features may well be a big barrier to many players. The helimount neck attachment does not have a wood to wood or direct neck to pot contact. So many people think that this is one of the most important parts of tone production on a conventional banjo. I have also heard people talk about the size and nature of your rims. ie. Not connected to the neck just the tone ring and helimount.
In regard to the flux capacitor. The neck adjustment is a great feature, but most players have an action that they prefer and once a conventional neck is set right there is no need for further adjustment. The ability to swap necks(somewhat affordably) like so many do goes away with a neck made for the flux. Also some folks may not want the aluminium attachment between the neck and pot. So the flux capacitor may only be interesting to a few.
I think that if you advertised with a little more focus on the "made in the USA" aspect you may bring a few more into the Nechville camp. So many seem to be focused on that aspect in the banjo community right now that it may be the right time to stress this part of your endeavor.

Respectfully,
Rick

ps. I am still holding out for a walnut classic

trapdoor2 - Posted - 10/21/2008:  10:33:31

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What do I think about Nechville? Well, I think about 'em a lot. I have played a bunch of 'em (anytime Tom is around, there are a bunch to be played!) and have lusted after a Phantom for years. Still, they're damned expensive and I already have a damned expensive banjo.

So, I guess my next 'best' would be to try the 'Flux Capacitor'. It is an excellent solution to a difficult problem. Hmmm...I have a Sullivan FF pot assembly which needs a neck. Tom and I talked about it during his recent visit. I need to persue it.

Anyway, back to critique. I saw (a few pages back) some mention of the 'cheesiness' of the casting. I have never been a fan of the surface finish left on Tom's banjo pot...and was astounded to find they were sandcast. This is a minor pick, to be sure, and hasn't taken the edge off of my need for one...but with all the beauty in Tom's design, I find this to be a scratch in the canvas.

Thus, I was quite happy to see powder coating on the banjos Tom brought with him on his last trip to Huntsville. Powder coat tends to 'level out' surface imperfections and looks great. Still, I'd love to see the casting method move into the 20th cent. or even see one hogged out of billet (now that would drive the costs up). These are the pipe dreams of an engineer, I know.

What else? I will opine that the "Moonshine" is poking around in a market niche that is just too small. I play one occasionally (impossibly thin neck on Rebecca's, too light too...but she loves it). I would really love to see one with an internal resonator a'la Bacon FF models, some tasty inlay and a scoop.

Re: hole in the heel. Well, I also think this could be handled better with some sort of a cover, esp. on the 'non-resonated' models.

I like the way you think, Tom. Keep it up!

===Marc

"If banjos needed tone rings, S.S. Stewart would have made them that way."

pick1936 - Posted - 10/21/2008:  12:35:17

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about the above post,, Of the neck not making direct contact to the rim, I was concerned about this,, when I first saw a Nechville,, Now I'm sure Tom can explain it much better than I,, After I got My Nechville Classic deluxe,, I realise that the neck does not make direct contact, with the wood rim, BUT it does make direct,,SOLID contact with the hard frame,, and where as the frame is in direct contact with the screw in retainer,, which is in direct contact with the wood rim,, and tone ring..,,, all these being solidly conected to the intire frame, incuding the spokes, which are ( conected,,made in to the top) --being equal to a tension hoop, with head, and tone ring pushing against it,,, all this working together,, to My way of thinking,, makes it like a complete,, and very SOLID neck connection, and Mine has a solid conection,, and plays GREAT,, and stays in tune very well,, like I said, (Tom can explain it much better) anyway it seems to Me like it's as solid contact,, or better than the Gibson syle banjo's.. Only MY opinion...



Nechville. In Higginsville.
pick the banjer son.

Lee Kelso

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Edited by - pick1936 on 10/21/2008 12:44:41

Daniel_Fields - Posted - 10/21/2008:  13:33:59

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I'm not saying my opinion is the right opinion but I DO find them ugly! Please don't think I only like the look of traditional banjos, in fact the Stealth is one banjo I would really like, plus I love most of the Bishline range. There's just something I don't like about Nechvilles! I will admit though, they do play nice and are solidly built.

I wouldn't criticise anyone for buying one of Toms banjos but they just aren't my cup of tea I'm afraid... I've never found a banjo I liked more than my buddies Stelling Staghorn, now THAT's a beautiful banjo!!

Daniel

jbanjoist - Posted - 10/21/2008:  17:24:56

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As far as the neck to heel connection I can attest that it does not hurt the sound at all and may be one of the things that makes a positive affect on the tone.

I have not seen a flux capacitor in person so I don't know about those but it seems to be the same basic design but just adapted to a regular pot.

Jbanjoist
I''m a NECHVILLIAN!

nechville - Posted - 10/21/2008:  18:14:39

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Hi I think I owe everyone a little more info about the Flux Capacitor. Bela and Noam both think that it probably has a positive impact on the tone compared to other banjos in their collection and other necks that have been tried. It is still too early to publicize any testimonials or make any generalizations since I still consider this an experimental procedure. It is totally reversible however, and if you are interested in trying it, it may be as simple as trying an existing Nechville neck on your pot. Not all pots work, but Gibson style 1 and 2 piece flange designs do, That encompasses several popular brands of pots since most are modeled after pre-war specs. If you agree to cover shipping, the results are guaranteed, or you don't pay for the attempt. (except shipping) Also we are lowering prices on necks in order to stimulate additional interest in this upgrade service. A new special is being put together which gives a free Flux and installation and set-up including custom bridge for just the discounted price of the neck. Contact me privately if you are interested. T.E.N.

Banjo Revolution REV IT UP!
nechville.com

Ottawa - Posted - 10/21/2008:  20:24:25

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I picked up a Moonshine in 06 and followed up with a Phantom in 08. Both banjos play absolutely fabulously and have the tone that I was seeking. As I slowly downsize my banjos (as I have a few more than necessary), these are the two I have told myself I would keep. Here are some points.

Although I can appreciate the connection with the past with the look of a traditional banjo assembly and aesthetic, I wanted something that was pleasing to me personally with disregard to what someone might think about the look or design. In fact, the Helimount design simplifies the set-up process and the look can be the choice of understated elegance of natural woods (i.e. the beautiful coccobolo fretboard on my Phantom) or dot inlay, or else more traditional-looking (Classic/Diamond Wing) or more contemporary (i.e. the Cascade).

As far as the casting of the frame, the Phantom I received was impeccable. Though different, it maintains a relatively consistent appearance with a traditional bluegrass banjo and so did not detract me from buying it. In fact it looks more unified as a whole and is more stable.

The frame on the Moonshine, on the otherhand, does not resemble that which one would find on a traditional openback design, and the frame hangs out over the tone ring/pot like a metal shell and somehow does not look finished in terms of the contours and shaping of the entire thing. Don't get me wrong, I still bought it and play my Moonshine- I'm just talking about the aesthetic- which realistically, is a large point in also deciding to by a banjo. I saw your Beverley hillbillies banjo- that certainly looked more old-timey and could attract a few people if it also included your innovations. I would like to know more.

I haven't noticed any real tuning issues with either banjos, and in fact, they stay in tune better than my others. The necks are the best I've ever played (especially the radiused).

I would have to say that although your banjos are really top notch, the website could be improved- especially the pictures. There are great pics of your banjos at Acoustic Vibes where you can get multiple pics/angles and zoom in and out (see link below) of the various models. Many of the photos on your website look faded and do not offer many angles etc.- not providing enough visual appeal to hook someone into inquiring further.

acousticvibesmusic.com/catalog...Path=3_75

I know you asked about the innovations, but I don't see these as a problem- who wouldn't want easier set-up, conversion, and playability. I think that your innovations necessitate design changes which ultimately change what people have as the archtypical image of a banjo in their head (with hooks, nuts etc.). Yes, its a shallow world but I people really look at appearance as another major factor in a purchase. I think with more exposure and getting your great banjos into people's hands to play- people will come around. I think people are uncomfortable with what they're unfamiliar with- as well as change. Its human nature. Only more exposure will improve that.

Sorry for the ramble, just trying to throw things out there! Hope it helped!

Keep it up! Love your banjos Tom!





Steven

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Edited by - Ottawa on 10/21/2008 20:41:47

Guy - Posted - 10/22/2008:  03:55:10

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I still find it difficult to believe that anyone could describe a Nechville as ugly, then again, I don't like the whole Kel Kroyden pearloid thing which other people rave about. I still wouldn't go as far as calling them ugly, it's all a matter of personal taste. I wouldn't give house room to a Stelling, not because I don't like the look of them, they're not that much different than a Nechville Classic or Vintage, I just don't like the sound of them.

I would like to make one small observation on Tom's Helimount design and peoples perception of them. I live in the UK and banjos are not that popular over here, I have shown my banjo to people expecting them to notice the lack of bolts and have waited with baited breath for them to gasp in amazement as they realize the ramifications of the design and ask how it all fits together. This doesn't happen, they tend to be somewhat non-plussed and are simply not that interested, they mostly want to hear me play it. This just goes to show that the people who worry most about the Helimount are those that have got accustomed to the classic Gibson design and can't get their heads around the idea that a new design can be as good if not better than the old one.

I watched a program on Les Paul this week, and Gibson turned their noses up at his ideas for ten years, describing his invention as a broomstick. It was only when Leo Fender bought out his Strat that they started to take notice, even then it took them a year!

Guy

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

pick1936 - Posted - 10/22/2008:  09:31:20

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One big thing for Me I may have mentioned before?,, All the Nechville's have nice big frets,, about the size of the frets on My OLD Gibson flat--Top guitar, Not like the tiny frets on most banjo's, These frets on the Nechville's can be dressed many times,, Probably last at least 5 times longer than most. and again I say anyone close to Me Here in MO. can come and try it out anytime..


Nechville. In Higginsville.
pick the banjer son.

Lee Kelso

sammys - Posted - 10/22/2008:  09:57:42

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What do I think about Nechville?

they have the most comfortable, playable necks out of all of the banjos I have owned (gibson, deering, goldstar, stealth)
I feel very comfortable changing out the head or making a neck adjustment.
I currently own a classic with a turbo module installed.
unplugged it makes for an excellent practice banjo, not too loud and very light. plugged in it sounds great, having both an EMG pickup and a piezo with separate controls I am able to make it sound like a "banjo" or go for more of an "electric sound."
I am saving my pennies right now for a phantom.

Keep up the great work Tom!

skywaterbanjo - Posted - 10/23/2008:  18:26:46

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Having been a Nechville owner, retailer, and passionate player every chance I get, I can only say that I have had several banjos come and go during my ownership phase of my Vintage. Some banjos had better workmanship, some banjos had prettier plating, some banjos even came with an expensive name, but none of them has yet to equal the playability and sound of the Vintage. It is the only banjo I play EVERY day, even though I might also play another. I still get people asking me why my banjo doesn't go out of tune and why it sounds different from other banjos (it's the only banjo my wife lets me play in the house at 6:30 in the morning). The comfort factor alone, the incredible neck, the awesome armrest, and the fact that it weighs less than my other banjos, (a significant factor when I'm on stage for 3 sets) are enough to make me a Nechville zealot. Did I mention the sound?

Are they perfect? No, I don't think the Nechville is perfect, especially in the fit/finish department (of course, mine is 4 1/2 years old and I think Tom's gotten a lot better at it). I'm not a big fan of the tunneled 5th (sticks when tuning). I can't think of anything else negative to say about your banjos, Tom. You know what a big supporter of yours I am and the fact that I've sold probably a dozen of your banjos in my store (outselling anything else 2:1) should speak firmly about my feelings about your instruments.

Keep up the great work, the innovation, and, most importantly, the willingness to listen to all of us for constructive criticism.

Your friend,
Mark

Mark
banjo@thebadlybent.com

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Edited by - skywaterbanjo on 10/23/2008 18:36:26

skybolt - Posted - 10/23/2008:  20:16:02

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Tom, why do you do what you do?

Jerry

nechville - Posted - 10/23/2008:  20:50:34

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Hi Jerry, Thanks for the question. It gives me a chance to ask myself that searching question. I remember when I first started, someone, I think it was Sandy from Massachusetts asked the same question but stomped on me for going against the tradition. He said there was no point in me trying to change the banjo, and I was doomed to failure. I said I wasn't changing it, I was making a new banjo. I've since made amends with Sandy, but he defined my challenge in bringing new ideas to a traditional marketplace. That challenge was made harder by having no advertising dollars and not enough capital to start up a real business. I did it very gradually and steadily from my garage, and later from my small building, and now from my industrial building. Why? Because I am naturally curious and I love banjos. I decided to forget about the way other banjos are made in order to discover something that was so different that you could hardly call it a banjo. It's fun doing something impossible, If you fail, it's expected, but if you keep on going, everyone's impressed.
T.E. N.

Banjo Revolution REV IT UP!
nechville.com

skybolt - Posted - 10/24/2008:  06:27:06

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Thanks Tom. I admire the patience and perseverance of your journey.

Jerry

moore030 - Posted - 10/24/2008:  12:06:35

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Hi Tom,

I think it would be a good idea to develop a better way to attach the resonator than with 4 annoying little thumb screws.

Maybe a twist-on similar to the helimount?

Brett

Va Picker - Posted - 10/24/2008:  13:46:35

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Isn't that how Deering resonators attach?

jbanjoist - Posted - 10/24/2008:  15:30:45

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HEHE. On my two Nechvilles Tom uses resonator screws that are pretty easy to grab and turn making it easier to remove the resonator.

Jbanjoist
I''m a NECHVILLIAN!

Pink Eye - Posted - 10/24/2008:  16:10:45

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quote:

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Originally posted by moore030

Hi Tom,

I think it would be a good idea to develop a better way to attach the resonator than with 4 annoying little thumb screws.

Maybe a twist-on similar to the helimount?

Brett

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Now that would be really cool. The only problem I forsee is that the resonator "hugs" the neck and you cannot spin through the neck.

Pink Eye

pick1936 - Posted - 10/24/2008:  20:44:53

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Well We do have to have something HARD to do, on these Nechville's,, everything is so eazy,,, take the effort, and loosen the thumb screws, It's worth a few seconds, to see the intracate and eazy workings of these fine banjo's..



Nechville. In Higginsville.
pick the banjer son.

Lee Kelso

bnjoplr - Posted - 10/25/2008:  05:04:22

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I love Tom's banjos, and am proud to own two of them.
banjohangout.org/myhangout/pho...albumid=0

Bobbi
Windy Strings
Gotoh Tuning Machines, Banjo Instructional Materials, and Accessories
Bluegrass and Clawhammer banjo taught in Northern Virginia
windystrings.com

pick1936 - Posted - 10/26/2008:  05:58:00

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Good Sunday Morning, What a great day,, I am taking My Nechville Classic to Church this Morn.,, I will be playing (Send The Light),,, The preacher will be playing with Me, On My 1959 Gibson Flat--Top guitar.,, We should have a great day..



Nechville. In Higginsville.
pick the banjer son.

Lee Kelso

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Edited by - pick1936 on 10/27/2008 10:15:26

jgwoods - Posted - 10/26/2008:  09:32:40

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quote:

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Originally posted by nechville

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

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Well the thread has turned into a love fest testimonial and preaching to the choir. Better those who love their Nechvilles should go and preach to the wider world of hidebound traditionalists and the great unwashed hordes of banjo ignorami who don't know a good thing when they see/hear it.

I'll go one more round on your request for opinions on 3 specific things:

Helimount- I love it, I wish it was easy to put an unmounted skin head on but it's not. Further I wish that the threads reached a little further to make getting started easier as I have found myself pushing the ring down hard trying to get the first thread to catch. In that case it was a mounted skin head and probably was similar to a low crown height, but anyway, I wish it worked easier when that happens.

Quick neck adjustment. I like it, but for clawhammer I just let it go to the highest action it allows and sock it down. I think it's a little difficult to make small adjustments, but then again it's a heck of a lot easier than any other banjo. On your new model Moonshine I am hoping the range of adjustment goes a little higher, maybe not so low.

Flux capacitor- haven't seen, nor tried one, so no comment except to say if Tom designed it I bet it's a winner.

Be yourself- everyone else is taken

jbanjoist - Posted - 10/26/2008:  10:01:33

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I kind of doubt Tom ever meant for an unmounted skin head to be put on Nechvilles and like most banjos Nechvilles work well with the crown height they were designed for. Maybe he can clarify.

I will say one thing that would be nice is for the neck adjustment to be where you could turn a bolt to raise and lower the action instead of sliding it by hand. Would make for much easier minute adjustments.
But in all honesty I'll take what is there now over anything else out there.
And I bet there could be made a thumbscrew that locks in place under tension into a detent after maybe half a turn.
The design's in my head anyway but I think they are already out there in use under different applications.

(glad I'm one of the "washed")

Jbanjoist
I''m a NECHVILLIAN!

nechville - Posted - 10/27/2008:  09:15:45

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I have mounted calf skin heads around a square or round bead in the Helimount. I'd say it was a lot easier than dealing with all those loose brackets. If you do it with a pre-mounted head, Gordan is right, It might be too low-crown to work easily. I have a trick for that. I use three squeeze clamps between the top of helimount and a blocks pushing on the rim. That way I can squeeze the assembly and pre stretch the head to get the threads started easily.

Banjo Revolution REV IT UP!
nechville.com

jgwoods - Posted - 10/27/2008:  10:05:05

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Hi Tom-
There's probably not many folks who have tried mounting a skin head on one of your instruments- you found it fairly easy, I did not- but- I might have had an easier time if I used a 16" unmounted skin rather than the 14" that is the usual size for an 11" pot. It. Having extra material would have made it easier to get it around the flesh hoop and back up again to the top to stretch out the wrinkles and even the tension a bit before letting the Helimount do its thing.

best,
gordon woods

Be yourself- everyone else is taken

dpete210 - Posted - 10/27/2008:  11:20:49

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A note to jgwoods and anyone else who has a similar concern. I hope I haven't misunderstood what jgwoods wrote: "I wish that the threads reached a little further to make getting started easier as I have found myself pushing the ring down hard trying to get the first thread to catch." In the player's manual that comes with a Nechville banjo, it is noted that "it is best to first back-thread the tension ring by hand (counter-clockwise) until its threads seat evenly with the threads of the housing component."

You should hear a click that tells you it is properly seated. My apologies if this doesn't address you concern.

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.

jgwoods - Posted - 10/27/2008:  14:10:06

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Yep -23 years as a mechanic taught me a few things like backing up to find the start point when threading. If that doesn't work there's always reading the manual...
glad you did it for me.

Be yourself- everyone else is taken

pick1936 - Posted - 10/28/2008:  08:43:03

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Hey Joe,, as a mechanic for 23 years,, You should really like the Helimount system, It makes adjustment SO easy,,, and You can get any sound You want. Play a Nechville for a week,, and You wont want anymore banjo's..,, If I ever get another banjo,, It will be another Nechville,, maybe a wood tone ring?? Nechville's are the best...


Nechville. In Higginsville.
pick the banjer son.

Lee Kelso

NYCJazz - Posted - 10/28/2008:  11:31:34

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Here's Eddy Davis, (leader of Woody Allen's jazz band) playing his tenor Nechville:

youtube.com/watch?v=PosOCeYu9w...e=related

Eddy's solo is at about 6:45.

This clip also features fine banjo performances by

Cynthia Sayer

John Gill

Andy Bean (of Two Man Gentleman Band)




Friends don''t let friends convert jazz banjos.

OSCAR82AA - Posted - 10/29/2008:  04:23:14

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Maybe some day.
Music Moose teacher has one and sounds great.

pick1936 - Posted - 10/29/2008:  21:14:41

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I will be taking My Classic Deluxe to church again this Sunday,, There will be 3 guitars,, a Mandolyn,, 2 fiddles, and My banjo,, a big jam session Sun. night.. I will be taking it to K.C. Mo. tommorrow night for the big weekly Jam, I play with some guys who have a Deering Calico,, a Stelling Staghorn,, and black Jack,, i think Mine has far the best volume,, Tone,, Knock,, pop,, and ring,, We have lots of fun..



Nechville. In Higginsville.
pick the banjer son.

Lee Kelso

pick1936 - Posted - 10/30/2008:  10:13:09

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Getting ready to go to the Jam, In K.C. Mo. area,, ( LEES SUMMIT) Country meadows Baptist Church,, great place for any pickers in the K.C. area, from beginers,, to pro's, everyone welcome, We have a great time,, Dave Hicks,, and Bill Barker are the hosts,, and They make everyone feel welcome,, 6:30 to 9:30. every Thursday night,, Yall come.



Nechville. In Higginsville.
pick the banjer son.

Lee Kelso

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Edited by - pick1936 on 10/30/2008 10:14:52

pick1936 - Posted - 10/30/2008:  20:32:37

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i just got back from lees Summit, Mo. three of us pickin in the banjo room, one guitar, A deering Deluxe, A deering Calico, and My Nechville Classic,, The last 1/2 hr. We switched around and played each others banjos,, I tell You, I wouldnt trade Mine for any of those,, and they are very nice banjo's,, But I like mine better.,, The Volume,, Knock,, Pop,, and Ring,, and Zing..



Nechville. In Higginsville.
pick the banjer son.

Lee Kelso

jgwoods - Posted - 10/31/2008:  10:30:21

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quote:

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Originally posted by pick1936

i just got back from lees Summit, Mo. three of us pickin in the banjo room, one guitar, A deering Deluxe, A deering Calico, and My Nechville Classic,, The last 1/2 hr. We switched around and played each others banjos,, I tell You, I wouldnt trade Mine for any of those,, and they are very nice banjo's,, But I like mine better.,, The Volume,, Knock,, Pop,, and Ring,, and Zing..



Nechville. In Higginsville.
pick the banjer son.


How about whumpus? Has yours got any whumpus?
Lee Kelso

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Be yourself- everyone else is taken

pick1936 - Posted - 10/31/2008:  20:40:39

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I don't know man? I better be quiet,, people might think I like Nechvile banjo's although I don't know why HA.



anyway pick the banjer son.
Nechville. In Higginsville.

Lee Kelso

Forrest - Posted - 11/01/2008:  06:17:25

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Too late, Lee!

"Run, Forrest, Run!"

Va Picker - Posted - 11/01/2008:  06:23:41

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I'd love to have a Nechville. Heck, I'd even be willing to trade my almost new Beard Vintage R Cherry dobro for one.