nechville - Posted - 11/23/2008:  19:53:32

Any one out there that has a cosmos and can put up a sound clip of its sound without effects? I'd do it if I had one in stock.

Banjo Revolution REV IT UP!
nechville.com

pick1936 - Posted - 11/24/2008:  19:01:35

i don't know about that model But all the accoustc banjos Tom has made are THE best, Such a joy to play, I been pickin at church, bout every week,, Pastor getting us all to jam, and play together and pick a Hymn before Church servace,, Havin some fun.



Nechville. In Higginsville.
pick the banjer son.

Lee Kelso

MickG - Posted - 11/25/2008:  06:42:23

Is this a Nechville that Dennis Caplinger is playing in this Video? If so, which model?

youtube.com/watch?v=_pUlJ0J37oQ

There is a closeup of the pot near the end (4:34)

Mick

Nev Jackson - Posted - 11/25/2008:  07:09:28

Tom, My students are really excited about your "lite" models. They're amazed, as am I at the sound of these banjos. My 12 year old wiz picker (Gracie) is so so so so happy that she is now able to stand and play her new Geo (5.5 lbs.)

I just recieved my Phantom "Lite" yestersay and it's great!

Nev Jackson

pick1936 - Posted - 11/25/2008:  09:38:56

Mick, Thats a Nechville,, Looks like the Chrome plated,, Vintage Model,, sounds great..




Nechville. In Higginsville.
pick the banjer son.

Lee Kelso

MickG - Posted - 11/25/2008:  10:23:22

Lee, thanks for the info.

There may be a Nechville in my future. I'm 65 with back problems and getting to where I can no longer strap on a heavy 12 to 14 pound banjo.

Dennis sure makes his sound good.

Mick

alprice - Posted - 11/25/2008:  10:23:24

quote:

---

Originally posted by MickG

Is this a Nechville that Dennis Caplinger is playing in this Video? If so, which model?

youtube.com/watch?v=_pUlJ0J37oQ

There is a closeup of the pot near the end (4:34)

Mick

---

Guy - Posted - 11/25/2008:  11:32:15

Do Nechvilles come with all those extra notes Dennis plays? Only, some of mine seem to be missing.

Guy

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

Edited by - Guy on 11/25/2008 11:33:00

pick1936 - Posted - 11/25/2008:  17:11:36

Hey Mick, I know what You mean,, I have had 3 surgerys on My back, and one on My neck,, all in the past 8 years, I am going to meet with Tom, and try a wood tone ring in My Classic Deluxe,, Maybe then I'll be able to stand and pick again,, should really lighten it up a lot,,, Tom is Is really a great banjo buider,, and A great man,, and He plays banjo really well..



Nechville. In Higginsville.
pick the banjer son.

Lee Kelso

Edited by - pick1936 on 11/25/2008 17:13:02

Kstevensmd - Posted - 11/25/2008:  17:54:41

Hi Tom, I think you banjo's are wonderful and someday I may be buying one. I would have about 100 banjos if I bought all the ones I would like to have! I haven't seen your bilevel wooden armrests mentioned in this thread yet. I have two of them and they are magnificent! Very comfortable, warm and frankly, "cool". I was able to buy a walnut colored armrest to match my banjo, and it's beautiful!

I did see your booth at Grey Fox, I believe. Beautiful craftmanship!

Ken Stevens

Edited by - Kstevensmd on 11/25/2008 17:55:31

pick1936 - Posted - 11/26/2008:  11:13:59

Go to Nechville site, and for something different look at the Custom Hybrid,, Alison Brown model, with Cascade inlay,, AND only $3.800,, Great deal take a look..



Nechville. In Higginsville.
pick the banjer son.

Lee Kelso

Hillbilly Gypsies - Posted - 11/26/2008:  18:42:43

I know one thing.. My cocobolo wood tone ring on my new custom Nechville openback sounds AMAZING! I haven't had much experience or play time on any of the resonator wood tone ring models but I would HIGHLY recommend this 'open architecture' cocobolo wood tone ring with the Nechville Moonshine openback frame. It sounds great! I can only imagine that it sounds great on any model Nechville makes!!

Oh.. If anybody in the West Virginia region would like to try out a Nechville banjo then please feel free to get in touch with me. I'd be glad to meet with you and let you try one out.

Pick On Y'all!

Trae Buckner ~ ''The Hillbilly Gypsies''

thehillbillygypsies.com/

Edited by - Hillbilly Gypsies on 11/26/2008 20:12:07

MickG - Posted - 11/26/2008:  19:27:38

Lee, sorry to hear about your back surgeries. Hope the wooden ring works out for you. I am hoping to avoid surgery and might have to go with a wooden ring myself. I am thinking I can probably handle anything less than 8 pounds.

Does anyone know the weights of the various Nechville models? I can't find that info published anywhere.

Mick

Hillbilly Gypsies - Posted - 11/26/2008:  20:09:02

Mick..

I'm not sure of the exact weight for every model but there's one model (mentioned in a previous post) that they've got down to about 5.5 pounds If I'm not mistaken.. I believe it is called the Geo but don't quote me on that :) I'm sure that Tom and Al could best explain all of the details and weight?? These wood tonering models are definitely VERY light in comparison to anything that I have ever played. ..and like all Nechville banjos they play like a dream and sound AMAZING!!

Pick On Y'all!

Trae Buckner ~ ''The Hillbilly Gypsies''

thehillbillygypsies.com/

Edited by - Hillbilly Gypsies on 11/26/2008 21:28:10

jbanjoist - Posted - 11/27/2008:  16:50:15

Hey Tom do you have any wood tone ring models on your site's sounds page?
If not any links to where a person could hear one?

Jbanjoist
I''m a NECHVILLIAN!

pick1936 - Posted - 11/28/2008:  21:45:28

[quote]Originally posted by pick1936

I met Tom today and had Him install the Cocobolo tone ring in My Classic Deluxe, He also put on a beautiful Pau Abalone truss rod cover. and a Ren. head,, weighs 7 lbs.,, but thats including the weight of 80 steel bearings,, Would be 12 ounces lighter with the 80 Delrin balls,, I can stand up and pick again,, only problem is I can't pick 1/4 as good as Tom, He is a very super guy, and VERY good picker, It still has the ( volume,, Tone,, Bass,, Treble,, Knock,, Pop,, and Zing) The Pau Abolone cover macthes the Abalone in My peg--head,, Tom said,, Anyone buying a new Nechville, and mentions ( Lee Kelso) will get a discount..



Nechville. In Higginsville.
pick the banjer son.

Lee Kelso




Lee Kelso

pick1936 - Posted - 11/29/2008:  11:06:46

I just couldn't resist to post again today, This banjo with the new wood tone ring is just sounding so good, makes Me want to practice more, I will be playing a Hymn tomorrow on banjo, My pastor,, and My sweet wife will play with Me, pastor on 12 stringe, Wife on the old 6 string 48 year old Gibson flat--top.,,, what a day that will be.



Nechville. In Higginsville.
pick the banjer son.

Lee Kelso

Va Picker - Posted - 11/29/2008:  14:06:12

Lee,

I'd love to hear a sound file of the wood tone ring sometime.

pick1936 - Posted - 11/29/2008:  20:36:35

Hi Bob, This wood tone ring sounds (GREAT) I can't do sound yet, I think next week or two, I can Get the sound put on, I hope,, I have a friend in the City, who is a super picker,, and I think He can put it on for You to hear, I'll see,, I REALLY LOVE IT... It can even HONK some,, I can hardly beleive it,, Nechville wood banjo is GREAT.



Nechville. In Higginsville.
pick the banjer boys & girls.

Lee Kelso

Edited by - pick1936 on 11/30/2008 04:53:21

alprice - Posted - 11/30/2008:  09:47:58

quote:

---

Originally posted by Guy

Do Nechvilles come with all those extra notes Dennis plays? Only, some of mine seem to be missing.

Guy

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

---

pick1936 - Posted - 11/30/2008:  21:31:03

Yes Guy,, all those extra notes are on there,, and they are on My Wood tone ring Classic Deluxe also,, But I'll never get them out of it,, but I have fun trying, played it Church today twice,, Morning service,, and the night service We had a great day,, My converted wood ring is fantastic,, And will get ALL the sounds..


Nechville. In Higginsville.
pick the banjer boys & girls.

Lee Kelso

banjo1930 - Posted - 11/30/2008:  22:59:45

I just noticed this thread and I thought that I might post my thoughts. I like the idea and design of the Nechville banjo, and Tom, Al, and all of the Nechville guys are great people who really love what they do, Tom truly cares about what the customer wants and is very willing to take the time to work with you, thats not very common. I owned a Nechville for a few months, and I liked it for certain styles, but not for other things, no matter how I set up this specific banjo I coudn't get "my" sound out of it, and I had to play it very hard. Don't get me wrong, it sounded good, but it didn't give me everything that I needed (not many banjos do) I think that if I became a professional banjo player (possibly some day) this would be the perfect banjo to travel with since it is so easy to adjust. There was one thing that really impressed me alot on this banjo and that was the neck, I had two necks on this banjo, the first a straight grain maple neck with a flat ebony fingerboard, and then a wide radiused mahogany neck with a inlay of saturn at the fifth fret that I requested (Tom calls it the saturn now) I have to say that both of the necks were extremely comfortable. I really liked the wide radiused neck, the frets are a bit bigger which I really like, I think it makes the banjo a bit easier to play. the only thing that I can really complain about in the parts of the banjo was the tailpiece, I like a presto which is MUCH thinner than Tom's tailpiece, I also think that it is important for the neck of the banjo to touch the rim, the nechvilles only touch the frame. Tom's new flux capacitor is an interesting idea, since it has the neck connection of a nechville, but the piece that connects the neck to the banjo is touching the rim. But I guess deep down I'm a traditionalist, maybe someday I'll try a nechville again. Keep coming up with great ideas Tom!

pick1936 - Posted - 12/01/2008:  12:28:39

Hi Gabe, You are right the neck hooks up very solidly to the frame, The frame contacts tightly to the threaded ring,, which conects securly and tightly to the ( RIM) resulting to an even better neck to (RIM) fit than Gibson styles do, couldn't be better,

BUT
Pick What You Like.
Like What You Pick.


Nechville. In Higginsville.
pick the banjer son.

Lee Kelso

banjo1930 - Posted - 12/01/2008:  17:21:01

Hi Lee, I think I get what you are saying, but I really do think that DIRECT neck to rim contact is very important. The heel's direct contact to the rim is very important to the sound of any banjo. Thats why I find Tom's flux capacitor so interesting, the neck solidly attaches to a part that is in direct contact with the rim. I'm not saying that the rim in a nechville doesn't affect the sound of the nechville banjo, it certainly does, I tried a maple rim and a mahogany block rim in mine and they were both very different sounds (the mahogany rim was better) I just think that the neck's direct contact to the rim helps create many of the natural overtones and sustain that many nechvilles I have played lack, some of them do have it though, there was a vintage model at merlefest that was one of the best sounding banjos I have ever played.

pick1936 - Posted - 12/01/2008:  21:47:08

The Nechville is the best new banjo being made today, I would not trade My (Athenafied) Classic Deluxe for any banjo.


Nechville. In Higginsville.
pick the banjer son.

Lee Kelso

banjo1930 - Posted - 12/01/2008:  23:54:10

"Athenafied" means that it has the open "see through" pot assembly with the wooden tonering right? I played a vintage like that at Merlefest and if I had the money at the time I would have bought it. I think nechvilles play better than many other banjos, but I like the sound and response of the traditional gibson style banjos set up loosely better, especially the banjos with mahogany rims and top tension style resonators. I would love to see a nechville with a TT style solid wood resonator, I think it would sound really good.

Also I forgot to mention, the wood and the stains that Tom uses on his banjos are just beautiful!

Edited by - banjo1930 on 12/01/2008 23:55:07

nechville - Posted - 12/02/2008:  03:54:29

I have departed most radically from the commonly accepted theory that the neck needs to be directly contacting the rim and tone ring. That one fact is the main reason that Nechville banjos ARE different. I can instantly hear a purity of tone that distinguishes them. But others may find something lacking. I am still interested in going down the path of discovery for guys like Gabe who's particular taste has grown very very specific, but finding that one quality becomes more elusive especially since they have developed tastes around a completely different instrument design. It is guys like Gabe that I am trying to reach and satisfy. That's why I have new options available that retain some of the best Nechville features in a well built traditional pot design. I think Gabe is a perfect candidate for a Flux Hybrid. Please don't go off on a big discussion about "the neck wood somehow needing to transmit sound waves directly to the pot" or such nonsense. It works. If you notice any difference in sound, it will probably be a cleaner, more solid tone due to a more stable neck connection. The action adjustability and travel portability are nice bonus features. I think the flux is a big enough subject for it's own thread, so I am going to start one. For me the quest goes on to offer more and more options, and hopefully gain more satisfied customers. Stay tuned for some major announcements about new instruments and options from Nechville. We're on a roll

Banjo Revolution REV IT UP!
nechville.com

Edited by - nechville on 12/08/2008 13:47:26

pick1936 - Posted - 12/02/2008:  10:48:15

Right Tom,, That Flux Hybrid, You had own Your site, The Alison Brown Model looked great, Gibson style pot,, Traditional peg head, and that beautiful Cascade inlay on neck, Maybe Gabe should take a look at one like that,, BUT I am Really liking My (Athenafied) Classic Deluxe..



Nechville. In Higginsville.
pick the banjer son.

Lee Kelso

banjo1930 - Posted - 12/02/2008:  16:26:53

I think I may want to try a flux capacitor banjo some day, I really like the idea of it. The only banjo set up with a flux that I have played so far was a pre-war flathead granada (Dogwood Dave's banjo, it's amazing!) I really like the look of the Alison Brown neck design also. that cascade inlay is really nice.

Hey Tom, I wanted to ask you, in the banjo that I had it had the cyclotronic system, it had metal ball bearings with one derlin (is that how it's spelled?) every seven ball bearings, I was wondering if that actually has an affect on the sound. I know that the cyclotronic system makes the banjo sound different, but I am curious about the sounds that come from the different materials used for the ball bearings.

nechville - Posted - 12/02/2008:  16:37:23

You know with YOUR ear, You could probably tell the difference if it had one less ball... Well to be honest, I am also intrigued by the differences in sound of different percentages of delrin balls. The Long neck low tuned banjo seems to like the 100% delrin, while I get more snap out of the 100% metal ones. A more expensive option is Ceramic balls, And my instinct tells me that they are really the best, but they cost over $2 each.

Banjo Revolution REV IT UP!
nechville.com

sammys - Posted - 12/02/2008:  19:43:18

hey Tom, what type of amp do you recommend for your electric banjos?
Acoustic, keyboard or guitar?

nechville - Posted - 12/02/2008:  20:27:35

There are tons of options on acoustic amps and keyboard amps, All good, I'd stay away from regular electric Guitar amps. They make everything sound like a guitar.

Banjo Revolution REV IT UP!
nechville.com

banjo1930 - Posted - 12/02/2008:  23:35:32

Have you tried hard wood balls? I think that could be an interesting experiment. Ceramic ball bearings sound interesting, have you tried them in a few banjos? at $2 per ball in a banjo with something like 80 balls that would make the banjo a bit more expensive, but if it sounds good then I think it would be worth a try. I did take the ball bearings out of the banjo just to see what it sounded like and I can honestly say it sounded like it was a completely different banjo, it didn't have as much brilliance and "sparkle" that it had with the ball bearings. I think that the mahogany rim also added a lot of clarity and warmth to the banjo. I've really gotten to like mahogany rim banjos in the past year, they seem to be a bit more versatile. Have you tried out a solid wood resonator on one of the banjos yet?

pick1936 - Posted - 12/03/2008:  19:21:37

I sure lick Mine The steel balls pushing against the wood tone ring, gives a very metallic sound, much like the bronze ring,, only much lighter, very nice. GREAT. If You didn't know the difference, You would swear it was bronze..



Nechville. In Higginsville.
pick the baanjer son.

Lee Kelso

Edited by - pick1936 on 12/15/2008 21:21:36

pick1936 - Posted - 12/04/2008:  11:14:12

I havn't been able to stand and pick My banjo, Now with the wood Tone Ring, I can stand, and pick, something I could not do for 7 Years,, What more can I say,,,, ( GREAT) GREAT...



Nechville. In Higginsville.
pick the banjer son.

Lee Kelso

Edited by - pick1936 on 12/17/2008 19:15:27

pick1936 - Posted - 12/04/2008:  21:43:56

Went to the first weely jam, In K.C. tonight, man wahat a night, This (ATENAFIED) Calssic Deluxe, Is a real bomb, I can't get over the fact that this wood tone Ring, Stays with, and equals most of the bronze rings,, What a GREAT banjo this is,,, ( Try one guys) no charge to try Mine, anyone who wants to,, can come and play mine, I live about 55 miles East of K.C.,, No joking. let Me know if anyone wants to try it out..



Nechville. In Higginsville.
pick the banjer son.

Lee Kelso

Edited by - pick1936 on 12/09/2008 11:55:03

j2wood - Posted - 12/04/2008:  23:11:48

quote:

---

Originally posted by MickG

Is this a Nechville that Dennis Caplinger is playing in this Video? If so, which model?

youtube.com/watch?v=_pUlJ0J37oQ

There is a closeup of the pot near the end (4:34)

Mick

---

Va Picker - Posted - 12/05/2008:  05:08:00

Hey Lee,

I think Tom at Nechville ought to make you the Nechville poster child (man) especially since you always have so many nice things to say about his banjos. Your offering to allow anyone to come by your house & test drive yours says something about who you are. Granted, there are many positive comments written here about Nechville but if I could afford one right now, you've definitely sold me.

Suffice to say, you're a fellow I'd love to meet someday.

Edited by - Va Picker on 12/05/2008 05:09:59

pick1936 - Posted - 12/05/2008:  12:53:38

Hi Bob, I just tend to tell it like it is,, This Classic is THE best banjo I have ever owned,, I think everyone should play one at least once,, thats Why anyone wanting to try one, and happen to live close, are welcome to come by and play Mine.



Nechville. In Higginsville.
pick the banjer son.

Lee Kelso

Edited by - pick1936 on 12/05/2008 12:54:47

Helix - Posted - 12/05/2008:  18:58:10

Dude, I want you to laugh here, whatever you're paying Pick1936, it ain't enough..

Up above you state that the neck does not need to be connected to the neck. I read it again, this is so cool, and it's harder than hell. You are farther out there than I thought, it's just a typo, but it's cool.

I want everybody to know that I believe Mr. Nechville was literally laughed at, one time in his early career, if not more than once. It ain't fun, and I'm glad you lasted, I think you've made a contribution that nobody really thought of, nice work.

That's what I think of you, Tom. The banjos are always evolving, no??

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

pick1936 - Posted - 12/05/2008:  19:46:38

Hey Man I don't get paid,, But I had the pleasure of Meeting ONE of the BEST banjo builders, and the pleasure of being lucky enough to be able to BUY a beautiful Nechville Calssic Deluxe, I'ts almost 5 years old now, and is in perfect condition, AND if I ever had enough money to buy another banjo,, It would be another (NECHVILLE) and by the way, Have You ever seen,, or played a nechville??? If not You should try one.. They are great..



Pick What You Like.
Like What You Pick.


Nechville. In Higginsville.
pick the banjer son.

Lee Kelso

Edited by - pick1936 on 12/13/2008 10:40:49

Helix - Posted - 12/05/2008:  20:01:36

Uh huh

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

pick1936 - Posted - 12/06/2008:  09:44:35

O.K. Helix,, The ( truth) is I am kinda (selfish),,, I want Tom to be able to continue to keep building His GREAT banjo's, Because in The future, I hope to be able to buy another fine Nechville,, and I think that here are many people that have never seen,, or played one of these fine banjo's,, THAT is one of the reasons I post about them so much,, The other reasons are that NO OTHER banjo can do what a Nechville can,, and do it so fast,, EVERY adjustment can be done in Min. Where other banjo's can take hours,, Or DAYS to do, You just wont understand untill You try one.. Once You try one, You wont want to go back to the Gibson Clones. Mine is sounding better every day.. now My Classic is sounding better,, and lighter, since I switched to the wood tone ring..



Nechville. In Higginsville.
pick the banjer boys & Girls.

Lee Kelso

Edited by - pick1936 on 12/14/2008 11:07:02

strang - Posted - 12/06/2008:  09:53:53

I still have sticker shock over the price of a neck

- = - = - = - = - = - = - = - = - = - = - = - = -
Bluegrass -- THE Original Country Music!

JamesTanglewylde - Posted - 12/06/2008:  10:05:19

I love Nechvilles for many reasons. To my ear they sound the best. To my hands they play the easiest. In my mind they cannot be topped in terms of adjustability. And they stand seemingly alone in a world saturated with everyday masterclones. Five string iconoclasm! Thanks for keeping it real Tom!

-Luke

JamesTanglewylde

Edited by - JamesTanglewylde on 12/06/2008 10:06:54

Helix - Posted - 12/06/2008:  13:16:49

Uh huh

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

David Schenkman - Posted - 12/06/2008:  18:47:47

I see and play a lot of banjos in the course of my business. I also own quite a few banjos, including a few prewar Gibsons. In my opinion, Tom Nechville makes an absolutely wonderful banjo, both from the standpoint of innovative construction and also tonal quality. Judging from the feedback of my customers, I'm not alone in that opinion.

David Schenkman
Turtle Hill Banjo Co.
Bryantown, MD
200 banjos in stock!
turtlehillbanjo.com
banjoukes.com

bkc - Posted - 12/07/2008:  09:06:14

[quote]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
(/quote)(/br)
Tom. I've had my Vintage a couple of years now and I love it. I decided when I got sort of good I would get a good banjo, and I got it used. I love the radiused neck and how easy it is to play. I like to practice a single string technique that I do using a forward roll, like Eddie Adcock does, and the radius neck helps that.

Plus with the neck adjustment I can get the string height exactly how I like it while using any bridge I want to.

The sound is great and I love it. Up the neck towards the head the sound is as great as by the tail! Its a real beautiful deep sound that makes you want to play up the neck.

I've got a Gold Tone skin head on the banjo and with the Helimount I can easily adjust the tension. I like the leather because the sound isn't as harsh as plastic.

The wooden arm rest is great. Those metal arm rests are just stupid.

I just love to pick it up to play every day just to hear the sound of it. Makes me feel good.

Great work! Nothing else like it!

Brent

nechville - Posted - 12/09/2008:  12:53:13

I love seeing the supportive chatter about Nechville. Thanks for sharing your time and experiences. I also think it's a good place to post new offerings and let people know what's newly available. (See the Flux capacitor thread if you haven't yet) I'm about to unveil a new 12"openback that is very cool. It incorporates the adjustable Nechville neck with a Block wood built up walnut body and integral cocobolo tone ring. I'm pretty pumped about it. I am bringing it and my Long neck E tuned banjo it to my Christmas gig tonight.
P.S. Also keep us in mind as a luthier for setup and repair as well as a source for new banjos and parts. People know of us for the Helimount, but they don't know we have"Hybrid" banjos; incorporating Nechville necks, armrests, bridges, tailpieces, tone rings, and resonators with conventional hook and nut construction. We can meet people's price budget while giving them a lot more for their money, DIRECT from the designer and builder. Merry Holidays You All. Tom

Banjo Revolution REV IT UP!
nechville.com