{"product_id":"vega-tu-ba-phone-tenor-banjo-1925-5559","title":"Vega Tu-Ba-Phone Tenor Banjo (1925)","description":"Vega Tu-Ba-Phone Model Tenor Banjo (1925), made in Boston, Mass., serial # 62930, shaded maple finish, laminated maple rim and neck, ebony fingerboard, original black hard shell case. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis is an interesting transition Tu-Ba-Phone tenor banjo, a very fancy model with a mix of earlier and later features. Made just before the introduction of the full Vegaphone line this banjo has the long 22\" \"orchestra\" scale neck just introduced, but not the extension resonator and multi-flange of the Vegaphone. Basically this is a long-neck Style X #9, but not marked as such. The tuners are spring-loaded friction Grovers particular to this era and the heel carving, rim capping and heavily engraved inlay is all #9 style. There is a Wurlitzer store plaque inside the rim, indicating this model was made for them but no Vega model designation on the dowel besides the \"Tu-Ba-Phone\" stamp. There was probably a close-fitting or spin-on resonator mounted at some point, as there is a slight depression on top of the dowel from the clamp. All hardware is original including closed-end nuts, Vega armrest and a lovely Kersher tailpiece. This is a very lovely banjo and an unusual period piece from the early jazz age.\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003eOverall length is 33 3\/8 in. (84.8 cm.), 10 15\/16 in. (27.8 cm.) diameter head, and 2 11\/16 in. (6.8 cm.) in depth, measured at side of rim. Scale length is 22 in. (559 mm.). Width of nut is 1 3\/16 in. (30 mm.). Appears all original (down to the period head) with not a lot of wear for its almost 90 years on earth. Excellent sound, a very fine early jazz banjo. Excellent - Condition.","brand":"Vega","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46853339644044,"sku":"5559","price":2750.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0672\/8702\/3756\/files\/01_fc81c09b-4983-4ec1-93e4-81a2adc8d3d7.jpg?v=1774335063","url":"https:\/\/retrofret.com\/products\/vega-tu-ba-phone-tenor-banjo-1925-5559","provider":"RetroFret","version":"1.0","type":"link"}