Fairbanks/Vega Regent 5 String Banjo , c. 1910
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Item # 3565
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Fairbanks/Vega Regent Model 5 String Banjo, c. 1910, made in Boston, Mass., natural varnish finish, laminated maple neck and rim, ebony fingerboard, gig bag case.
The Fairbanks Regent is one of the classic 5-string banjos of the Vega line, not a top-line model but of extremely high quality and most attractive design. The rim is a simple spunover style reminiscent of much older 1880's banjos with a simple tone ring, predating the Fairbanks Electric and Tub-A-Phone style rims.
The neck is laminated maple with a bound ebony fingerboard featuring engraved pearl designs. The headstock inlay is the classic Gryphon-and-star in beautifully incised pearl, one of the trademark Fairbanks/Vega designs and one of the most beautiful. Matching numbers neck and rim; all dowel stamps correct and intact. This is a very good example of one of America's classic banjos.
Overall length is 36 in. (91.4 cm.), 11 in. (27.9 cm.) diameter head, and 2 1/2 in. (6.4 cm.) in depth, measured at side of rim. Scale length is 26 in. (660 mm.). Width of nut is 1 5/16 in. (33 mm.).
Nicely original, particularly for a banjo of this style and era. Several repaired splits in the ebony headplate and heel cap, otherwise no major damage or repairs. Hooks are a mix of original and reproduction, tailpiece is an original No-Knot, and there is an added later-style Vega armrest. Set up with steel strings and a newer grained calfskin head; simply a great old-time banjo. Excellent Condition.
The Fairbanks Regent is one of the classic 5-string banjos of the Vega line, not a top-line model but of extremely high quality and most attractive design. The rim is a simple spunover style reminiscent of much older 1880's banjos with a simple tone ring, predating the Fairbanks Electric and Tub-A-Phone style rims.
The neck is laminated maple with a bound ebony fingerboard featuring engraved pearl designs. The headstock inlay is the classic Gryphon-and-star in beautifully incised pearl, one of the trademark Fairbanks/Vega designs and one of the most beautiful. Matching numbers neck and rim; all dowel stamps correct and intact. This is a very good example of one of America's classic banjos.
Overall length is 36 in. (91.4 cm.), 11 in. (27.9 cm.) diameter head, and 2 1/2 in. (6.4 cm.) in depth, measured at side of rim. Scale length is 26 in. (660 mm.). Width of nut is 1 5/16 in. (33 mm.).
Nicely original, particularly for a banjo of this style and era. Several repaired splits in the ebony headplate and heel cap, otherwise no major damage or repairs. Hooks are a mix of original and reproduction, tailpiece is an original No-Knot, and there is an added later-style Vega armrest. Set up with steel strings and a newer grained calfskin head; simply a great old-time banjo. Excellent Condition.