Vega Conversion Electric 5 String Banjo , c. 1940
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Item # 4431
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Vega Conversion Model Electric 5 String Banjo, c. 1940, made in Boston, Mass., natural varnish finish, laminated maple rim and neck, ebony fingerboard, black tolex soft shell case.
This is an interesting and unusual instrument -- a pre-WWII Vega electric tenor banjo that has been given a very deluxe conversion to 5-string with an extremely fine Vega Whyte Laydie style neck. The original body is a semi-hollow circular box with an arched back and flame maple veneer on all surfaces. The pickup is a mini-humbucker, with a custom tortoise celluloid cover and newer wiring rig. The original Vega 4-pole pickup and pots rig are included, as is the 4-string bridge top.
The instrument is set up with tone and volume controls on either side of the bridge, and the jack (oddly enough) is mounted on the upper side. The original screwed-to-the-rim tailpiece is still present, mated to a replica of the original adjustable wooden bridge. While not a fully original Vega instrument, this is a fabulous-sounding and very unique piece for the 5-string player who wants to plug in, and about the highest quality (and coolest!) electric banjo we know of!
Overall length is 35 in. (88.9 cm.), 11 13/16 in. (30 cm.) diameter of rim, and 2 5/8 in. (6.7 cm.) in depth, measured at side of rim. Scale length is 24 7/8 in. (632 mm.). Width of nut is 1 7/16 in. (36 mm.).
Very nice overall, with some old wear to the body under a varnish application likely done during the conversion process. Appears to have been little-used since; a very fine instrument and very unique creation ready for the "modern" banjoiste! Generally Excellent Condition.
This is an interesting and unusual instrument -- a pre-WWII Vega electric tenor banjo that has been given a very deluxe conversion to 5-string with an extremely fine Vega Whyte Laydie style neck. The original body is a semi-hollow circular box with an arched back and flame maple veneer on all surfaces. The pickup is a mini-humbucker, with a custom tortoise celluloid cover and newer wiring rig. The original Vega 4-pole pickup and pots rig are included, as is the 4-string bridge top.
The instrument is set up with tone and volume controls on either side of the bridge, and the jack (oddly enough) is mounted on the upper side. The original screwed-to-the-rim tailpiece is still present, mated to a replica of the original adjustable wooden bridge. While not a fully original Vega instrument, this is a fabulous-sounding and very unique piece for the 5-string player who wants to plug in, and about the highest quality (and coolest!) electric banjo we know of!
Overall length is 35 in. (88.9 cm.), 11 13/16 in. (30 cm.) diameter of rim, and 2 5/8 in. (6.7 cm.) in depth, measured at side of rim. Scale length is 24 7/8 in. (632 mm.). Width of nut is 1 7/16 in. (36 mm.).
Very nice overall, with some old wear to the body under a varnish application likely done during the conversion process. Appears to have been little-used since; a very fine instrument and very unique creation ready for the "modern" banjoiste! Generally Excellent Condition.