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The banjo reviews database is here to help educate people before they purchase an instrument. Of course, this is not meant to be a substitute for playing the instrument yourself!
7232 reviews in the archive.
Where Purchased: From Tom Nechville personally
Year Purchased: 2008
Price Paid: Don't Remember
historic exchange rates / currency converter
This 'open architechture' cocobolo wood tonering banjo sounds AMAZING! It is perfectly suited for my heavy handed playing style and has yet to go out of tune during a llive performance.
Sound Rating: 10
This Banjo was set up perfectly from the start. Nechville banjos are extremely easy to set up and make quick changes due to the wonderful Heli-mount design.
With the addition of the Midnight phantom style neck with tunneled fifth string and radiused fingerboard makes it play even that much sweeter. And the special Nechville contoured arm rest is very attractive and comfortable too!
Setup Rating: 10
Very eye catching and unique design! I get questions and this banjo strikes up conversations every time I pull it out of the case!
Appearance Rating: 10
I don't see any way to go wrong with the Heli-Mount frame. This design totally eliminates like 70 some hardware parts that are on a conventional banjo making it extremely reliable. This banjo stays in tune better than any banjo that I have ever played. It has yet to really go out of tune on stage during a live performance.. It is has a very beautiful and durable finish. I use this banjo on every gig without a back up with no worries.
Reliability Rating: 10
I can honestly say from personal experience that Tom Nechville, Al Price and the rest of the Nechville staff are a GREAT bunch of folks! They have been more than helpful and willing to go the extra mile! Nechville stands by ALL of their products.. No worries there.
Customer Service: 10
The Heli-Mount Openback Frame (Black), The new 'Open Architechture' Cocobolo wood tone ring, Tunneled fifth string, Radiused ebony fingerboard, High quality electric guitar style tuners, Nechville bridge. I guess that everything about a Nechville banjo stands out compared to the rest of the 'traditional' designed banjos.. haha..
Components Rating: 10
Best Banjo I've ever played/owned!!! I would HIGHLY recommend these Nechville banjos to anyone who is serious about their instruments. Clearly among the best and most innovative of the banjo designs out there!
Overall Rating: 10
Where Purchased: Nechville Musical Products
Year Purchased: 2007 06/09
Price Paid: Don't Remember (bought USED)
historic exchange rates / currency converter
Full\ Rich
Sound Rating: 10
Yes , Tom Nichville set it, that Satarday. Yes Nichville's are easy to change about 5-10 min.
Setup Rating: 10
Looks new. Its the best.
Appearance Rating: 10
Life
Reliability Rating: 10
They won't forget you.
Customer Service: 10
Nichville's the BEST.
Components Rating: 10
Yes I recommend Nichville's. Buy a new Moonshine if stolen. Love it, the one and only, Moonshine. Sound, sound, sound. Nichville's is the only banjo, that I drive 550 miles for.
Overall Rating: 10
Where Purchased: Nechville Musical Products
Year Purchased: 2006
Price Paid: Don't Remember
historic exchange rates / currency converter
I use the banjo more for 2-finger picking than clawhammer lately. It is bright and incredibly crisp in clarity- probably moreso than any of my other banjos (openbacks)- especially up the neck. Wow.
Sound Rating: not rated
After playing with many modifications (i.e.skin head, Nylgut strings, etc.) I have returned the setup to its former glory with a Renaissance head and medium strings. Enterprise bridge is suitable and the tailpiece is eased, completely reducing downward pressure on the strings.
Setup Rating: not rated
The banjo looks very slick. I got the option of the geomeric pegheag, diamond wing inlay, black binding and dark walnut stain with the Corona frame. The wood is highly figured and the fingerboard is radiused.
Appearance Rating: not rated
I purchased the banjo due to Tom Nechville's innovations with the banjo and am satisfied with how it has held up so far. Looks as if everything is solid and that this banjo will have endurance! The professed ease of adjustability of the components is a reality which makes it a fun banjo to tinker with.
Reliability Rating: not rated
Both Tom and Al were excellent in my dealings with them, making sure I received everything that I ordered. The banjo has a lifetime warranty in material and craftmanship if owned by the original purchaser.
Customer Service: not rated
The radiused fingerboard is the first I had and I must say that it does in fact play smoother and quicker in my hands as compared to my other openbacks. The comfort bevel armrest is a nice little touch as well and compliments the neck nicely. The guitar tuners are a God-send and precise/reliable tuning is very easy to achieve. The Helimount seems durable and sturdy and it comes with an incorporated wood tone ring.
Components Rating: not rated
This is a very lightweight banjo with a modernized look (my choice for the custom). I use it more for picking styles due to its amazing clarity and responsiveness up the neck- but can be used for clawhammer. It definitely brings a different feel of play and sound to my group of banjos.
Overall Rating: 10
Where Purchased: Banjo L
Year Purchased: '03
Price Paid: 1200 ($US) (bought USED)
Bought used Phantom and sent to Nechville to convert to open back Moonshine. Tom used the radius, tunned 5th neck and built an open back, non-metal tone ring pot(Helimount). Sound is very good for old time and very adjustable. Has Renaissance head, Nechville bridge and tailpiece.
Sound Rating: 9
This is one of the beauties of a Nechville--ease of setup is unlike any of the other conventional banjos. You have to try one to appreciate it. The 14-1 tuners are easy and reliable. The bridge(Nechville Enterprise)and tailpiece(also Nechville)are impressive.
Setup Rating: 10
Pot was not acceptable--rough edges where modifications were made. Tom Nechville accepted resposibility and made corrections without complaint(or charge). You can buy from Nechville with complete assurance.
Appearance Rating: 8
Judging the quality of the materials used, I'd be very surprised if any fail prematurely. The wood selection and finish are at least as good as any high-end custom instruments.
Reliability Rating: 9
Tom is available by phone or email and acts genuinely interested in his business(not something I've experienced with all banjo makers). Pleasure doing business with Nechville.
Customer Service: 10
Certainly no cheap parts on this instrument. The neck is beautifully finished walnut and pot is prototype Helimount open-back. Excellent 14-1 tuners with Nechville bridge, tail piece and ebony armrest.
Components Rating: 9
I received money back from Nechville(trading resonator/pot/tone ring)by converting to an open back. It was a very satisfying transaction and one I'd certainly do again. If there is an easier builder to deal with, I've yet to meet him. This is difinitely a different style of banjo(light weight, fast neck and easily adjustable)and one of my favorites. It's not made to sound like a Whyte Laydie or a Tubaphone and there are times when that would be its only drawback.
Overall Rating: 10
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