I have a Deering Golden Wreath, which is slowly becoming the winner banjo in my life, but I've been very interested in the Nechville Phantom (or photon).
For those who have had experience with both (or at least the Phantom and a Gibson since the Deering neck is modeled after the Gibson), how do the necks compare? I like the thicker neck of the Deering, but would also love the wider spacing of the Nechville near the nut. I know the Nechville is radiused and the Deering is flat, but beyond these details, how do they compare?
For those asking, I live in California and finding a Nechville in a store to try is basically impossible.
I own a Stelling and a Nechville and have played both for several years. The Nechville neck felt a little wider in comparison when I first got it and it took me a minute to adjust to the radius fingerboard. I play both banjos regularly and I find them both very comfortable to play. The Nechville fingerboard feels a little easier to play more intricate passages above the 12th fret in my opinion. I love my Nechville since it is particularly easy to make adjustments and I am amazed at how the adjustments can alter the tone.
To my hand, Nechville necks feel like slightly small electric guitars. Borderline thick front to back with a very shallow and comfortable backside curve. And I believe they have radius boards. Don't know which models they were.
Nothing at all like a Deering Golden. I vaguely recall the Golden neck not being as slim as Deering's other necks.
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