waspz - Posted - 05/27/2012:  22:17:13

I unexpectedly find myself in a position to indulge myself and invest in a banjo that is better than I need. In Southern England there does not appear to be a shop where you can go and try stuff out (please correct me if I'm wrong) so its down to good old mail order. My choice has sort of narrowed down to either a Nechville Atlas or Moonshine and I'd be interested in anyones experiences with either of these as I do not have the opportunity to try either out and although the company I'd be buying from has a 14 day no quibble return policy I'd rather get it right first time if I go for it.

dmiller - Posted - 05/27/2012:  22:26:57

An archived topic from a year ago - - - - - > > >

banjohangout.org/archive/196784

I have a Nechville Nuvo.  It was "love at first note".  

(edited to add - - -) I love the Helimount pot assembly.

I would choose a Nechville with that, rather than the

"hook and nut" assembly.  Just my opinion.

Edited by - dmiller on 05/27/2012 22:36:41

derbyshirelad - Posted - 05/28/2012:  01:29:33

I bought a Nechville Atlas delux just over a year ago and have been delighted with it, so much so that I have just purchased a Nechville Phantom as well. I find the Atlas easy and comfortable to play, it's a pleasure to use. I have taken to the radiused fingerboard which is standard on the deluxe, this was one of my excuses for buying the Phantom as well! I bought both banjos from Eagle Music at Huddersfield and suggest that you give them a call before making your decision.

maryzcox - Posted - 05/28/2012:  05:43:30

Hello,
A friend of mine had a moonshine and it is a wonderful banjo-- wonderful tone and playability--especially like that very slender scoop as you can get the scooped sound without losing those high notes up the neck :)
One of my students at the JC Campbell school brought an Atlis to play and it also was impressive. Beautiful old time sound and playability at a very affordable price. Especially nice is the neck and body separate, so you could actually pack it in a true carry on for air travel.
In fact, I really seriously considered getting one for travel--but did not because it is very plain inlay and nickel hard wear & most of my banjos have flashy inlay, heel carving, and gold hardware, and folks would probably feel slighted if I brought out a very plain banjo to play for them. If it came as a gold and gussie upped model-- with that sound and removable neck-- my poor husband would be back in debt paying it off :)
Hope this helps,
Mary Z Cox

Mr. Spudboy - Posted - 05/28/2012:  06:51:33

I don't think you would ever be disappointed with either one.
Just depends if you want the wooden pot, or the Moonshine.
I like radiused necks.
Man, I feel sorry for you to have to make that decision!

CAPT Steve - Posted - 05/28/2012:  10:16:13

Hey Mary--thought I'd stir the banjo pot a bit.....you do realize that Tom and his crew can do "flashy inlay, heel carving and gold hardware" just like you need to maintain expectations.  I had a custom Phantom built that used a more traditional peghead and had some additional inlay work done to go with the standard galaxy inlays.  Turned out to be a beautiful looking and sounding instrument.  Just sayin'......

Steve

waspz - Posted - 05/28/2012:  21:45:54

Thanks folks,

I'm still in two minds, one moment I think "Let's go with the Atlas" and a couple of hours later I'll think "Do the kids really have to eat EVERY day, get the moonshine." Also having never seen a helimount I'm curious as to how it works aesthetically.

dmiller - Posted - 05/28/2012:  22:06:48

nechville - Posted - 05/29/2012:  09:04:53

Interesting and tough choice. I will be there this September to do a workshop at eagle music. I will also appear at banjos direct and at Cornwall fest and Didmarton. As for the question the atlas it was designed to improve the playability and comfort and tone of the old time sound. And you get a free flux capacitor that could be used elsewhere. The price is good. The Moonshine in its current state is costly but cool. We actually take the full Sized Helimount and cut it down to the size of the moonshine frame. I think it would be better to machine the Moonshine out of a solid piece of aluminum, and that is what I'm planning to do in the very near future. While this new Moonshine is being developed, you could get the Atlas and trade out the pots later if you decide to.

Edited by - nechville on 05/29/2012 09:08:59