pick1936 - Posted - 11/02/2008:  06:11:26

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I am taking My Classic to Church again today.,, Will Be practicing with the Pastor, and playing songs tonight, Wish You all could be with us,, We get to hear (THE WORD) and then pick,, What a great life.. Trying to have all the fun,, and encouragement, I can get before Tuesday HA.. ( I finally put a few pictures of My Calssic on My Home page, If You care to take a look ) THANKS..



Nechville. In Higginsville.
pick the banjer son.

Lee Kelso

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Edited by - pick1936 on 11/02/2008 06:13:05

Trent in WA - Posted - 11/02/2008:  10:48:54

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Right now my main problem with Nechvilles are that Janet Davis is setting up the Phantom with Cascade inlay I ordered and I won't have it for at least a week and change.

myspace.com/trentghill

pick1936 - Posted - 11/02/2008:  20:49:43

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It will be well worth the wait, The cascade inlay looks GREAT, to say the least.



Nechville. In Higginsville.
pick the banjer son.

Lee Kelso

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Edited by - pick1936 on 11/02/2008 20:50:38

pick1936 - Posted - 11/03/2008:  10:33:20

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If anyone would like to see, and pick a Nechville, come see Me, In Higginsville, Mo. 50 miles East of K.C. Mo. Also I have put pictures of My Calssic Deluxe, On My Home page, If You want to look? but anyone welcome to come by and try mine anytime...



Nechville. In Higginsville.
pick the banjer son.

Lee Kelso

---

Edited by - pick1936 on 11/03/2008 10:34:41

mikieb53 - Posted - 11/03/2008:  15:03:24

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Tom, I have spoken with both you and Al Price on the phone and I sense a great customer service experience coming on - probably because you believe in your product so strongly.

I love the Helimount concept. No torque wrench, no tedious leveling of the tension hoop, no going 'round and 'round, 1/8 turn at a time. And I love the look - clean and simple. And practical, too, as anyone who has spent the evening de-tarnishing their nickel plating will have to admit.

Your neck adjustment mechanism is the only way I'll ever get to try out a 1" tall bridge and low string action, like Bela Fleck's. After watching the neck video on your website, though, I have to wonder how many attempts it might take to dial in a very small action change. It's probably easier with no tension on the strings.

On first seeing the Flux Capacitor (on the website) I was very excited. But not everyone has a vintage pot that needs a neck. I have a great pot on my Sullivan Greenbrier with their OFF rim, and I would love to lower my action a little without taking the pot out of neutral, but I'm sure it will cost less to have the heel re-cut. And once it's right, adjustability will not be needed. And what would I do with an extra neck? Build another banjo around it? Yeah, right - it's only money! The real draw of your instruments, to me, is the Helimount system.

People who have been weaned on "The Gospel According to Gibson" are going to be hard to convince. They are heavily vested in the old hooks-and-nuts paradigm, and it takes courage to admit that someone else has a better idea. Peer pressure is ugly, no matter how old you are. I happen to like the various voices of pre-war banjos, and I like the sound of the Deering Goodtime, too. I also really like the sounds Noam Pikelny, Dennis Caplinger and the many stars of YouTube are getting on their Nechvilles. Since most of us have (or will eventually have) more than one banjo, I think having a Helimount in the stable is a great idea. Anyway, that's my plan.



Michael B. Rentz

Bastertone - Posted - 11/03/2008:  17:45:07

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you don't need to have a prewar gibson pot to enjoy the flux. I have a phantom neck on a cox rim,hatfield ring, sounds great. It's a great neck and the adjustments are so easy that you don't think twice about changing it for different playing styles. I also have a flux connecting to an openback set up for clawhammer. Tom makes great innovative necks and now you can put them on any pot.

1935tb-11 - Posted - 11/03/2008:  17:49:54

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this is one of the most innovative banjo ideas that has came down the pike
in 80 plus years. playing as i do left handed (with the 5th string on the bottom) i had a hidden 5th string neck
made by robin smith for my pre war gibson and have gotten so used to the
5th string peg not being there anymore, i am really getting excited about trying
a phantom nechville somewhere when i can. the only nechville i have ever got
to play is the one that stevie barr had from galax va. it was really alot of fun to play.
and i liked the sound of it also, not tubby sounding like alot of the stealth banjos i have tried.
i love my old gibson i mean it pops and cracks like a banjo is supposed to, but the design of
the nechville with its helimount system you can get any tone you want with it in short order.
thats real nice. i will have to sell a few things but i can see a phantom in my future sometime.
cudos tom on you design, hope to do business with you maybe next year.

terry m
n.c.

4 longs and 1 short=banjer ring

nechville - Posted - 11/03/2008:  18:33:05

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Hey if you see Steve Barr remind him he owes me over$1000. He's the only guy ever to rip me off. I'd never mention it if he was even thinking of paying me.
I also can't resist. I have 2 Walnut Phantoms here, Tweaked out and looking for a home. Call me if interested. Tom 612-275-6602

Banjo Revolution REV IT UP!
nechville.com

pick1936 - Posted - 11/04/2008:  14:22:35

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Hey Tom, Keep up the good work,, You are the only builder, who don't just clone Gibson's, I'm thinkin Your's are the best new banjo's being made today, I think that there are just many pickers, who have never seen, or played Your fine banjo's,, They will wake up some day?? I hope You keep building these fabulous Instuments, I think next year I am going to buy Your Athena model,, with wood ring,, and keep My Classic also, I want to have 2 Nechvilles,, another thing I like about Your operation,, Is the fact that You always keep ( thinking) some builders don't,, You are always coming up with NEW ideas, that really help us banjo pickers, THANKS.. also I now have pictures of My Calssic Deluxe on My Home page..



Nechville. In Higginsville.
pick the banjer son.

Lee Kelso

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Edited by - pick1936 on 11/04/2008 14:26:36

Bastertone - Posted - 11/04/2008:  17:14:35

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I had my classic delux with me at a festival this summer and two pro players, one bluegrass and one clawhammer wanted to try it, I changed the banjo to suit each player while we chatted and they both loved it and then tried to make me sell it to them. The one fellow had been saving for a gibson but after a few minutes with the nechville and he had changed his mind. I wouldn't give up my classic but I could have sold two right there if I had them.

PICKINGIT - Posted - 11/05/2008:  06:26:31

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I don't see many around my area so I always have a lot of interest in mine and love showing it off. I have had many players want to play it and they always have good things to say about it after they do. If you haven't tried one then you really need to. I love mine....here are some pictures.




pickingit!

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Edited by - PICKINGIT on 11/05/2008 06:27:15

pick1936 - Posted - 11/06/2008:  08:53:11

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Man thats some pretty Burled Walnut, Thanks for the picture. I am getting ready to go to the Thurs. night Jam, In K.C. Mo. tonight,, We always have a good time there, Hope some new pickers from Lees Summit, K.C. area can make it,, You can get to meet many good pickers..



Nechville. In Higginsville.
pick the banjer son.

Lee Kelso

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Edited by - pick1936 on 11/06/2008 08:57:21

pick1936 - Posted - 11/06/2008:  21:19:54

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Cmon Nechville owners, lets here from more of You,, lets keep this going like the Chief site,, after all Nechville's are some of the best banjo's being built today, No other banjo even comes close to all the fabulous features of Toms banjo's,, and They play and sound better than most. If You have never seen one go to My home page and look at My pictures, such beautifull wood,, I'll try to put some more pics. up later, You need to play one, in order to really realize how great They really are..



Nechville. In Higginsville.
pick the banjer son.

Lee Kelso

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Edited by - pick1936 on 11/06/2008 21:26:08

Trent in WA - Posted - 11/06/2008:  21:27:25

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I just got the Phantom with Cascade inlay today for my birthday. Man, is it a wonderful banjo. Nice, light, loud, with a good clear pop and ring to it! I will try to get something recorded and up this weekend.

myspace.com/trentghill

nechville - Posted - 11/07/2008:  10:22:04

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Hi. I want to thank everyone for contributing ideas and comments on their Nechvilles. I especially liked hearing those suggestions for improvement. Feel free to keep this thread up if you want, but I'm going to retire this thread in favor of another line of exploration. I'm thinking about what's new and what you'd like to see new for banjos, So the next thread is," What's new at Nechville?" Thanks again Tom

Banjo Revolution REV IT UP!
nechville.com

pick1936 - Posted - 11/08/2008:  10:40:41

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Hi, I know Tom is starting a new thread,, but for this one, one more post, In honor of Veterans this coming Tuesday,, Sunday--Tomorrow,, I am taking My banjo to Church, and play (Battle Hymn Of The Republic) In honor to God,, Country,, and My Uncle Donald Wonderly Who was killed at the age of 19,, at the crossing of the Rhine River into Germany with Pattons Third Army.
He is buried at The big Military cemetary in Holland,, and in Honor of all Veterans,, and after the song,, I will play Taps, on My harmonica. THANKS to all veterans, We owe so much to You guys..



Nechville. In Higginsville.
pick the banjer son.

Lee Kelso

1935tb-11 - Posted - 11/08/2008:  11:28:37

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weston that is one purty banjo son .
beautiful wood in it and i bet it does sound
as good as it looks.......

terry m
n.c.

4 longs and 1 short=banjer ring

gottasmilealot - Posted - 11/08/2008:  12:55:52

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Tom spent quite a bit of time with me up at the Greyfox Festival showing me his products and letting me try them all. A real gentleman with some great ideas and quality products.

Keith

Banjo Hangout Rules and Guidelines.

pick1936 - Posted - 11/09/2008:  06:51:31

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Getting ready to take My Nechville Classic,, and My OLD Gibson Flat--Top guitar to Church. What a day it will be,,, To hear the WORD,, and pick the OLD hymns..



Nechville. In Higginsville.
pick the banjer son.

Lee Kelso

PICKINGIT - Posted - 11/10/2008:  06:19:17

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quote:

---

Originally posted by 1935tb-11

weston that is one purty banjo son .
beautiful wood in it and i bet it does sound
as good as it looks.......

terry m
n.c.

4 longs and 1 short=banjer ring

---

Thanks Terry...I do love my banjo and it does sound sweet.

Weston

pickingit!

pick1936 - Posted - 11/14/2008:  22:06:47

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Man I get to play My Classic Deluxe at Church again this Sunday,, The Lord is good.. Ithink My pastor is going to get one of those no good Martin guitars, He had thout about Buying My old J--45, but I already traded it off,, so He will have to settle for second best..,, I still have My other Gibson Flat--Top guitar, but it is only 48 years old, and I would NEVER sell it.. My wife bought it for Me, for My birthday.. anyway You should try a Nechville banjo,, THE BEST... (Go To MY Home Page And Look At Mine)...



Nechville. In. Higginsville.
pick the banjer son.

Lee Kelso

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Edited by - pick1936 on 11/15/2008 13:53:02

Forrest - Posted - 11/15/2008:  14:28:19

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I have a friends Classic Deluxe on a weekend trial and it's a very impressive banjo to say the least. I wasn't sure if I'd like it or not, but I'm very impressed so far. He has it set up with fairly heavy gauge strings and the head at an A# and it sounds remarkable, even though I would have never set up one of my "Mastertone" banjos that tightly and expected it to sound this good. I've talked with Tom a few times about getting a Nechville and this Classic Deluxe may end up being mine.

"Run, Forrest, Run!"

dogwood - Posted - 11/15/2008:  23:33:45

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Well, what can you say about Nechville banjos? Intelligent, innovative design, beautiful woods, impeccable workmanship, easy playability & infinite adjustability. Of course, I'm a little prejudiced regarding Nechvilles. I have a walnut Phantom and a custom moonshine on order with dogwood blossom inlays. Oh yeah, I also have a Flux Capacitor & Nechville compound radius neck with original Flying Eagle inlays on my 1933 flathead Granada. I "retired" the original 5 string neck due to fret wear and fingerboard "scooping". The old girl sounds better now than it ever has and that's saying a lot! I did not want to refret or restore the original neck because then it would not be original. The beauty of the Flux Capacitor is that the banjo can be returned to its original configuration with absolutely no damage to the banjo.
Add to this that you will probably never deal with a better bunch of people with incredibly good customer service. Anyone who doesn't give Nechville a "look see" and a road test of one of their incredible banjos is doing a great injustice to themselves. That's my story and I'm sticking to it.
Dogwood Dave
dogwooddesigns.com

May I always be the kind of person my dogs think I am

jbanjoist - Posted - 11/16/2008:  11:56:43

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Hey Forrest, glad to hear you might join the "Nechvilian" brotherhood.

You are getting a good deal in trying out one beforehand. I didn't have that luxury and had to buy sight and sound unseen but I don't regret it a bit.

Maybe I can make it to one of the NC squad picking parties and take a look and a listen.

Jbanjoist
I''m a NECHVILLIAN!

Forrest - Posted - 11/16/2008:  18:51:29

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Thanks J! It was your Vintage that turned me onto Nechvilles in the first place.

Any idea what radius Tom uses for the fingerboard on these banjos? I'll likely want to think about a capo and I'd like to know in case I'm asked.

"Run, Forrest, Run!"

Forrest - Posted - 11/17/2008:  04:04:06

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I found the fingerboard radius figures on the Nechville.com web site. 7" to 12" compound radius. If I end up with this banjo, I'm going to have one of my capos bent to match. Any thoughts on which of these radiuses to use?

"Run, Forrest, Run!"

nechville - Posted - 11/17/2008:  09:43:49

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Hi Forrest, I have bent capos with success, If it has a rubber sleeve like Shubbs, There is a little forgiveness, You'll want to shoot for about 7.5 to 8" radius, no less. Just shout if you have any questions, Tom

Banjo Revolution REV IT UP!
nechville.com

Trent in WA - Posted - 11/17/2008:  10:41:35

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quote:

---

Originally posted by Forrest

I found the fingerboard radius figures on the Nechville.com web site. 7" to 12" compound radius. If I end up with this banjo, I'm going to have one of my capos bent to match. Any thoughts on which of these radiuses to use?

"Run, Forrest, Run!"

---

Tom, so far I have tried G7, Planet Waves, Shubb radiused guitar capos on my Nechville and they all work just fine.

Trent

myspace.com/trentghill

Forrest - Posted - 11/17/2008:  11:25:31

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Thanks Tom! I have one of the factory radiused Shubbs and it works pretty well. I'm thinking about bending the bar on one of my "McKinney" style capos, so these figures will help a lot. Thank you.

After pondering this issue for a while, I'm wondering if I'll screw up this Kay Eyz capo if I bend the bar. It meets so precisely, that I can see things going horribly wrong. Anyone tried doing this style of capo? If I were smart, I'd just order one pre-bent, but I feel compelled to try it if there is a reasonable chance of it working out.

"Run, Forrest, Run!"

pick1936 - Posted - 11/18/2008:  12:20:36

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I love the radiused board on My Clasic Deluxe,, I just bought a radiused capo from Rick Shubb, It works good,, But I do not capo very often I am learning to play in all the keys, without a capo, I might get it all figured out if I live long enough?? By the way Rick Shubb is a great banjo picker,, and Tom Nechville plays very well also..



Nechville. In Higginsville.
pick the banjer son.

Lee Kelso

Forrest - Posted - 11/19/2008:  05:37:28

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Thanks Lee. I love the radiused board on my new Classic Deluxe as well. To put it bluntly, this banjo kicks a$$. I'm now beginning to understand what all the buzz is about over Nechville banjos. I'm now starting to want a Phantom too. Haha!

"Run, Forrest, Run!"

jbanjoist - Posted - 11/19/2008:  14:12:46

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HA ; ) Welcome to the "I want a Phantom too " club.

Jbanjoist
I''m a NECHVILLIAN!

Hillbilly Gypsies - Posted - 11/19/2008:  14:46:12

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quote:

---

Originally posted by Trent in WA

quote:

---

Originally posted by Forrest

I found the fingerboard radius figures on the Nechville.com web site. 7" to 12" compound radius. If I end up with this banjo, I'm going to have one of my capos bent to match. Any thoughts on which of these radiuses to use?

"Run, Forrest, Run!"

---

Tom, so far I have tried G7, Planet Waves, Shubb radiused guitar capos on my Nechville and they all work just fine.

Trent

myspace.com/trentghill

---

I lucked out and got a prototype G7th radiused banjo capo from Nick Campling personally. Nick is the founder and designer of the G7th capo.. ..and he's a really nice guy. I have accidentally used my regular g7th banjo capo on my radiused fingerboard and it seemed to work out fine.. The g7th guitar capos seem to work to.. Pick on Y'all!

Trae Buckner ~ ''The Hillbilly Gypsies''

thehillbillygypsies.com/

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Edited by - Hillbilly Gypsies on 11/20/2008 02:13:49

Forrest - Posted - 11/20/2008:  05:04:08

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Well... I started to get out the pipe and a hammer and make my own radiused capo and fortunately I checked a few things before I started whacking away. I checked the capo on my Nechville, just to see how it worked as-is and made an interesting discovery. It fits over the nut and at frets 1-3, but is too narrow to travel up to fret 4. The neck widens ever so slightly and makes it impossible to fit. Whew! I'm glad I did a test fit first.

Fortunately, I have a radiused Shubb that works perfectly, so I'm in no rush. I'm going to contact 2 capo makers that I have in mind to see if they can make a custom capo to fit this banjo, which will probably work out for the best anyway.

I played my new Nechville Classic Deluxe at my usual Wednesday night jam and it was a bit hit. The folks at this jam are used to my bringing in banjos to try out and the feedback was overwhelmingly positive. The most common opinion was that the sound was perfect for the setting; warm, rich and full, but not overbearing. The volume was outstanding and the power of this banjo gives me the freedom to vary my attack depending on what I wanted to emphasize. I feel as if I'm better able to express myself musically. I'm sure the comfort with the lighter weigh and the super comfortable neck and the ability to adjust the action perfectly contributes too, but the tone and response is what really makes things for me.

"Run, Forrest, Run!"

Moosemade - Posted - 11/20/2008:  10:02:07

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I love your banjos, Tom. When I get to a skill point where it makes sense to drop about four grand on an instrument, I have every intention of making the trek down to your brick-and-mortar shop. I want one of your Meteors in a way that certain circles of psychologists might consider unhealthy. Joking aside, I consider your design philosophy to be the best I've ever seen. The fact that you're moving forwards with designs rather than trying to reach backwards in time pleases me very, very much. Can't wait to see what you come up with next!

_____________________________________________________________________________
Optical pickup status: On hiatus until I''ve got a source of disposable income for RnD

pick1936 - Posted - 11/20/2008:  18:36:59

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Yes THE last banjo You will ever need, Unless You want a second Nechville.



Nechville In Higginsville
pick the banjer son.

Lee Kelso

goldtopia - Posted - 11/21/2008:  01:15:29

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What is the weight of a Nechville?

Bill.O

Guy - Posted - 11/21/2008:  07:29:00

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When you weigh up all the other advantages of owning a Nechville, the weight is almost irrelevant.

Having said that, they are lighter, my old Antoria weighs a ton and I was very happy when I got the the Nechville. If weight is an issue for you, consider getting one of Tom's wooden tone rings, you may be surprised at how good they sound. I tried one in Cornwall and I was well impressed.

Guy

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

Forrest - Posted - 11/21/2008:  08:28:51

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I'll weigh my Nechville when I get home from work tonight and report back. Mine has the 20 hole Pro ring with the Cyclotronic setup, plus a Dogwood Designs strap and Keith tuners, so it's about as heavy as one is going to get. It's still lighter than my Gibson or Huber.

"Run, Forrest, Run!"

bosborne - Posted - 11/21/2008:  19:29:21

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quote:

---

Originally posted by nechville


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

---

Too bad! I'm going to comment on the Nechville Enterprise bridge. Javascript:insertsmilie('')

I just got one, 5/8, and put it on my Sierra, it has never sounded this good. Still has its nice mid-range, one of the characteristics of the Sierra I think, but now the sound is a bit brighter, more bell-like.

This is the bridge that going to stay on this banjo, finish experimenting with bridges now!

pick1936 - Posted - 11/22/2008:  10:27:10

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The Interprise bridge works good on all banjo's,, I will be taking My Classic Deluxe to Church again tomorrow The Pastor Will play along with Me on My 48 Year old Gibson Flat--Top guitar,, (What A Day That Will Be--When My Savior Comes For Me, When I Look upon His Face--The One Who Saved Me By His Grace--What A Day Wonderfull Day That Will Be)..



Nechville. In Higginsville.
pick the banjer son.

Lee Kelso

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Edited by - pick1936 on 11/22/2008 10:28:32

jbanjoist - Posted - 11/22/2008:  11:09:09

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Forrest it sounds like you got bit real good by the Nechville bug.

You'll just keep enjoying it more and more.

Jbanjoist
I''m a NECHVILLIAN!

Forrest - Posted - 11/22/2008:  19:48:23

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Thanks, J. I've wanted a Nechville since falling in love with one at Tom's booth at IBMA in 2005, so I'm extremely happy to finally have one of my own. I don't know that I've ever owned an instrument that has exceeded my expectations more than my Classic Deluxe.

"Run, Forrest, Run!"

---

Edited by - Forrest on 11/22/2008 21:39:56

pick1936 - Posted - 11/22/2008:  20:35:57

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Hey Forrest, Glad You got Your fine banjo,, My Classic Deluxe,, Year 20004, Mine is great curly maple It is the best banjo being made today,, and not a Gibson Clone.. I'm taking Mine to Church tomorrow, and pick (SEND THE LIGHT),, what a day that will be..


Nechville In Higginsville
pick the banjer son.


Lee Kelso

goldtopia - Posted - 11/22/2008:  22:42:14

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Thats really funny. If you tried to play a banjo in a church in England you would be asked to leave. Has anyone tried playing in the Vatican?

Bill.O

Guy - Posted - 11/23/2008:  05:27:57

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One of my students plays banjo in a UK church. I'll have to ask her if she's got designs on the Vatican. Hey there's a thought, has anyone here ever tried to play bluegrass on a pipe organ?

Guy

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

Va Picker - Posted - 11/23/2008:  09:17:38

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Does Jim have any plans to offer up some advertising sound clips of all the Nechville models on youtube, similar to what Deering has done with Jens Kruger and others?

jbanjoist - Posted - 11/23/2008:  10:09:15

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Tom has sound clips on his site.
If you catch Jim Pankey at the banjo lounge chat he sometimes plays his walnut Phantom while on webcam.


Jbanjoist
I''m a NECHVILLIAN!

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Edited by - jbanjoist on 11/23/2008 13:11:35

Moosemade - Posted - 11/23/2008:  15:01:35

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I'm actually a little disappointed that there aren't any sound clips of the Cosmos Meteor. It's described as having a "uniquely warm tone," but I can only imagine what the sound would be like. I assume it'd sound like a banjo-mandolin lovechild, but I guess there aren't enough people out there who use it and put up videos for me to confirm my theories.

_____________________________________________________________________________
Optical pickup status: On hiatus until I''ve got a source of disposable income for RnD