Vega Vegaphone Professional Model Tenor Banjo (1929), made in Boston, Mass., serial # 85857, shaded maple finish, laminated maple neck, rim and resonator, ebony fingerboard, original hard shell case.
 
Overall length is 33 1/2 in. (85.1 cm.), 11 in. (27.9 cm.) diameter head, and 3 in. (7.6 cm.) in depth, measured at side of rim. Scale length is 23 in. (584 mm.). Width of nut is 1 3/16 in. (30 mm.). This is a well-used banjo, with a decent amount of wear overall but still an excellent player. The finish on the back of the neck is worn heavily but it is actually quite comfortable to play. The fingerboard is relatively clean as the banjo has been refretted some time ago; the frets are slightly larger than the originals but remain in good playing condition. The resonator had an old repair to the rim on the treble side, and was over-varnished ling ago-this work was not as clean as it could have been, but is perfectly functional. All hardware is original and complete except two of the multi-flange pieces are missing, and one tuner grommet is a bit mangled. Set up with a plastic head and newer bridge, this is a very good playing banjo with the typically great Vegaphone sound ready to gig for another 80 years. Very Good + Condition.