Vega Whyte Laydie Conversion Short Neck Model 5 String Banjo (1922), made in Boscawen, NH, natural varnish finish, laminated maple neck and rim, ebony fingerboard, black hard shell case.
This is a very interesting and somewhat unusual 5-string conversion banjo with a unique feel and sound. The pot is a Vega Whyte Laydie 10" rim from 1921-22, and was most likely a banjo-mandolin originally. The neck is in the correct Whyte Laydie style and made by the dean of modern Vega-style makers Wyatt Fawley, and is exquisitely well crafted with especially clean lovely inlay work. The small 10" rim and short 22" scale neck give a bright but well-rounded and slightly 'funky' sound, without sounding thin like many smaller banjos. A neat and rare combination of banjo features, about as nicely realized as one could wish.
Overall length is 32 in. (81.3 cm.), 10 1/8 in. (25.7 cm.) diameter head, and 2 1/2 in. (6.4 cm.) in depth, measured at side of rim. Scale length is 22 in. (559 mm.). Width of nut is 1 5/16 in. (33 mm.). As a whole this instrument shows only minor wear (mostly to the plating on the original hooks and nuts) the newer parts are virtiually mint. Set up with a FiberSkyn head and compensated bridge, plays very well in a frailing style in standard G or higher alternate tuning. A very interesting and unique hybrid banjo with a great sound. Excellent + Condition.
