For the last 30 years, banjo designer Tom Nechville has pushed the limits of the 5-string template to maximize its sound, playability, and overall potential.
The Nechville Saturn combines many of Tom's innovations, and it delivers powerful resonator tone that isn't just another approximation of a '30s Mastertone. The Saturn produces a fuller sound with a wider range of tones than a traditional resonator. Part of that is thanks to the Saturn's Walnut resonator (instead of the more common Maple), which gives it a slightly different tone than you might expect from a traditional resonator banjo.
We ordered this Saturn (serial #3037) with Nechville's new Hybrid tone ring, which makes it substantially lighter weight than a standard Bronze tone ring. The Hybrid is Nechville's newest design, and it looks like the familiar all-wood Timber-Tronic ring with a soft metal hoop on the edge that comes into contact with the head. This adds a familiar metallic chime and just enough mass to increase the depth of sound.
The Saturn also features Nechville's Heli-Mount design and Cyclotronic system. The Heli-Mount revolutionizes banjo setups by allowing for even, uniform tension adjustment of the head. Adjusting with the Heli-Mount is not only fast, but it’s extremely accurate, and there's no need for endless tapping and back-and-forth guesswork. The Cyclotronic system facilitates the easy setup of the Heli-Mount by using brass ball bearings as the rim/tone ring interface.
On top of that, Nechville offers by far the most effective neck adjustment for banjos. Unlike traditional banjos which use alignment rods, the Nechville Quick-Cam Neck Connection uses a simple hex-key adjustment on the neck heel to adjust the neck angle and action. When you add a radius fingerboard for improved playability and a compensated bridge for proper intonation, there’s no question the Nechville banjo is a superior instrument for 21st Century banjo pickers. Plus, the Saturn features a slick in-line tailpiece, a comfort-beveled armrest, and it produces a balanced, warm sound—capable of driving a bluegrass band if needed, but also capable of opening a wider range of tones.
This Nechville Saturn (serial #3037) comes with 5th string spikes installed at the 7th, 8th, 9th, and 10th frets. Nechville's innovative designs allow you push banjo setup to a new level, and as a result, this Saturn is a banjo that will push your playing to a new level as well. Access Gig Bag Included.