| Jeff Neville. What comes to mind first when I think of Jeff is his unassuming and humble demeanor. With this admirable trait and a little time getting to know Jeff and his unique sense of humor, you’ll find a genuine desire to help others. This is what makes Jeff a truly rare breed.
When Jeff takes on a task, he absolutely doesn’t settle for, good enough, almost or pretty much. The concept is refined and distilled to its most pure form. From these personal attributes Jeff can’t help but make the Neville guitar both a nod to the past and a modern guitarist’s favorite go-to axe. He has managed to take the inherent designs and traditional materials of classics, and update both the aesthetics and functionality, making the guitars both works of art and instruments of toneful expression. One piece Maple, and Ash bodies. Quartersawn Birdseye Maple Necks. Nitrocellulose lacquer. AAAAA Quilted and Flamed Maple tops. You get the picture.
Where most manufacturers are happy with going to the lumber yard and picking from the stack of pre-sawn lumber, Jeff goes to the source, literally. A licensed and insured logger and woodsman, Jeff seems to have a nose for finding the most beautifully figured Northern Maple and Ash you will lay eyes upon. His methods of preparing the woods are time tested and make for consistent, stable necks and bodies. To me, this is akin to the finest Steakhouse actually running a ranch and picking only the finest cattle for harvest.
Many manufacturers grade their wood solely on appearance. Not so at Neville Guitars. Each piece is tone tapped and scrutinized, matching necks with fingerboards first, then finished necks with bodies that will ring sympathetically. His many years of woodworking have given Jeff virtual eyes and ears in his fingers and hands. It’s mystical in my opinion. He could tell you as the tree is falling, by the sound it makes when it hits the ground, whether the harvested wood will make it to the shop, or go directly to the paper mill or wood stove. Can’t imagine your large manufacturer’s wood grading team actually wielding a chain saw or skidder, in search of that perfect Quilted top can you?
But all that aside, for serious musicians and guitarists isn’t the tone we seek the most important thing of all? That elusive sound when flesh meets steel stretched over a slab of wood that induces shivers when done with skill, soul and talent. That’s where I find Jeff to be so special. His love for all things Twang has led him to seek out just what it is, that makes it sound like that.
I am blessed to have been able to watch Jeff play at countless juke joints and Country Music Festivals with his unique Hybrid picking style, and impeccable touch on the instrument always making my eyes go wide and the hair stand up on my neck. The all too infrequent jam sessions and shop talk, are moments I look forward to with great anticipation.
Some guys make guitars and don’t play all that well. Some play well and don’t make very good guitars. Jeff is one of the few who can do both and serve both masters equally. Few people attain Jeff’s level of proficiency at one trade, let alone two, three or four with very different skill sets.
Being a what I consider to be, a professional guitarist myself, for maybe 15 years, and having been practicing the instrument for over 30, I have been seeking tone for a long, long time. I feel I can recognize a quality guitarist and a quality guitar unequivocally. A life filled with music has blessed me, and given me a frame of reference with which few are so privileged.
When Jeff told me of his endeavor with Neville Guitars, I was thrilled. Seeing his success doesn’t surprise me in the slightest. My NevilleCaster is a trusted friend, built to my specs, with all the skill and attention to detail you would expect from a Brain Surgeon. Jeff listened to what I wanted, made a suggestion or two, and kept me on top of the build the entire way. If the house were on fire, the priority list would run: Family, Dog, Photos, NevilleCaster. The rest is replaceable.
If you want an instrument that will get you to that magical place where sound meets emotion and time evaporates into a blissful dream state of spiritual enlightenment, allowing the touching of another’s soul, Stop right here.
Neville Guitars, Harvested from God’s Country. Crafted with Soul, Assembled by Hand, in The United States of America.
Kevin Richtig
Professional Guitarist, Teacher
Lead Guitar and Vocals for Rock Power Trio-feed.
Proud Purchaser and Owner of NevilleCaster BB Ser. #0001. (Birdseye-Blackguard) |
