Vega Tu-Ba-Phone Style X #9 Model Tenor Banjo (1922), made in Boston, Mass., serial # 49737, shaded maple finish, laminated maple neck amd rim, ebony fingerboard, original black hard shell case.
This is the classic short-neck early style Vega Tu-Ba-Phone tenor, one of the first modern 4-string banjos and a spectacular instrument to behold. The #9 has all Vega's top-line features including heavily engraved pearl fingerboard, heel and headstock inlay, a lovely elaborate carved heel and the inimitable (if oft imitated!) Fairbanks/Vega Tu-Ba-Phone tone ring. This example combines an 11 1/2" rim with a short 20 3/4' scale neck with an overhanging fingerboard extension. The tuners are the spring-loaded Grover friction pegs with a locking shaft and pearl buttons, specific to this period. It is also fitted with an original period Vega close-fitting pie-section resonator that is easily removed for open back playing (if the trumpet player complains the banjo is too loud!). A really fine example of what is by nearly all accounts the best short-neck tenor banjo ever produced.
Overall length is 30 1/2 in. (77.5 cm.), 11 1/2 in. (29.2 cm.) diameter head, and 3 in. (7.6 cm.) in depth, measured at side of rim. Scale length is 20 3/4 in. (527 mm.). Width of nut is 1 3/16 in. (30 mm.). This banjo is nicely original with some light average wear but no notable issues. The head is a period Ludwig, still functional after 90 or so years if a bit dirty, while the bridge is a recent McIntyre with a bone top. All hardware appears original and this banjo plays very well�and is very loud! Excellent - Condition.
