Vega Whyte Laydie #2 Model 5 String Banjo (1925), made in Boston, Mass., serial # 55852, natural varnish finish, laminated maple neck and rim, ebony fingerboard, black tolex hard shell case.
This banjo is a splendid example of one of the world's standard openback 5-strings-the Fairbanks/Vega Whyte Laydie #2. With its optional large (almost 12") rim and long 28" scale this instrument produces a sound that few banjos, new or old, can match. It is a lovely if fairly plain banjo, with the single pearl star on the headstock and one on the bound ebony fingerboard. As with all Vega instruments, everything is to the highest quality standards This one was made in 1925, shortly after Vega discontinued the Fairbanks brandname and when the tenor banjo was ascendant. By this time the company's exceptional 5-strings were produced in far fewer numbers. Regardless, the Whyte Laydie is one of those vintage instruments that instantly justifies its stellar reputation as one of the finest of "old school" banjos ever made.
Overall length is 38 in. (96.5 cm.), 11 13/16 in. (30 cm.) diameter head, and 2 1/2 in. (6.4 cm.) in depth, measured at side of rim. Scale length is 28 in. (711 mm.). Width of nut is 1 3/16 in. (30 mm.). Very nice overall, some light general wear, one scrape through the finish on the heel but no alterations except fitted with later (c.1980's) geared tuners. Set up with a skin head and a repro 1890's style bridge, an excellent sounding and playing old-time banjo. Excellent - Condition.
