Nechville Galaxy Phantom (2018)

We often throw around the term "space age" when referring to Tom Nechville's resonator banjos, but in the case of this 2018 Galaxy Phantom, it seems especially apt. This special take on the builder's flagship Phantom model features abalone outer space-themed inlays up and down the fingerboard for a truly out-of-this-world look that perfectly matches its outside-the-box approach to engineering. Like all Phantoms, this model features a channeled fifth string and a radiused fingerboard in combination with Nechville's brilliant Heli-Mount rim system, which trades tiresome, unnecessary weight and the sometimes clumsy playing experience of a Gibson-inspired design for a more evolved playing experience. It also comes stock with a Timber-Tronic tone ring, made from what appears to be ultra-stiff granadillo, ensuring the banjo has a rich, bell-like sustain but without the added weight and heft of a cast 20-hole ring. Unlike most Phantoms, this model also features all-mahogany construction, lending it lots of midrange and helping to fill out the frequency spectrum, resulting in a remarkably versatile five-string that sounds just at home on stage and in the studio as it does on your front porch.

This instrument arrived in our store in very good condition, with playing wear below the norm and consistent with moderate, careful use. Most wear is isolated to light scuffing on the back of the resonator and the neck, with minor wear on the original Renaissance head, special ordered from Nechville as an upgrade. All parts are original, and the banjo's set up is excellent, with low, comfortable, playable action up and down the neck. Included in the price is the original hard-shell case.

Specifications

Scale Length: 26.38"
Nut Width: 1.25"
Neck Wood: Mahogany
Fretboard Wood: Ebony
Peghead Overlay: Ebony
Peghead Inlay: Nechville logotype in mother-of-pearl
Fret Markers: 3rd, 5th, 7th, 10th, 12th, 15th, 17th, and 20th frets
Nut Material: Bone
Spikes: 7th, 8th, 9th, and 10th frets
Tuners: 14:1 closed gear matte black
Finish: Clearcoat
Rim Size: 11"
Rim Wood: Mahogany
Rim or Resonator Binding: Black
Resonator Wood: Mahogany
Tailpiece: Matte black Kershner-style
Head: Renaissance
Armrest: Hardwood
Case: Original hard-shell case