Vegaphone Professional Model Tenor Banjo (1927), made in Boston, Mass., serial # 73940, shaded maple finish, maple neck and rim, ebony fingerboard, original black hard shell case.
This is a nice example of the "Industry Standard" tenor banjo of the 1920's. The Vegaphone line is essentially a long-scale Tubaphone tenor with a resonator, and the Professional was the "popular priced" model selling for $125.00 with all the high-grade construction features but less fancy decoration. This early version uses Vega's multi-flange construction with individual flange piece for each hook. The Pie-section resonator has a beautifully shaded figured maple sections and tortoise celluloid outer edge. The three-piece maple neck has varied-pattern pearl inlay in bound ebony fingerboard, with pearl headstock inlay of the Vega logo in decorative surround. The Presto tailpiece is engraved with "Vegaphone Professional" design. These banjos were extremely popular with period Jazz musicians and can be seen in many period photographs; then as now the Vegaphone Professional is a great sounding high-grade instrument at a reasonable price.
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 at side. Scale length is 23 in. (584 mm.). Width of nut is 1 1/4 in. (32 mm.). Some general wear but overall an original and excellent playing banjo. There is a fairly heavy overspray to the resonator back and sides, and a less heavy application to the back of the neck. The hardware is original including a nice set of Planet tuners and the proprietary tailpiece; only the armrest is later. Set up with a fiberskyn head that has a clear "tap guard" added on the treble side for protection. Typically excellent sound, a very fine gigging 1920's orchestra tenor banjo. Overall Excellent - Condition.
