1960s Vega Baritone Ukulele

July 09, 2013

1960s Vega Baritone Ukulele

This is a Vega-branded baritone ukulele, more than likely from the early to mid 1960s, and that it's built from good solid materials: rosewood fretboard and bridge and mahogany body and neck. It's a bit different from early-'50s Vegas, though. I've handled several Vega baris from the early 1950s and the construction is quite different, though the finish and details are similar: bracing is fan-type, lightweight, and sculpted similar to the Favilla manner, and the body shape is more rounded and slim. Here are links to one 50s Vega and another 50s Vega that I have on the blog for comparison.

In contrast, this bari has ladder bracing and more rough-cut, non-scalloped, tall braces with rougher interior work. It's built more like Sorkin-branded/United-made baritones from the same period, though at a higher quality level.

That said, it's a nice old uke with fit and finish better than your typical Harmony baritone uke from the same period but not on par with the early 1950s Vegas, same-period Favillas, and same-period Martins. This particular one is also very clean (save scuffs and small dings here and there) and crack-free. It's also all-original and after I gave it a light cleaning, fret level/dress, and setup, it plays beautifully with a low 1/16" action at the 12th fret.

It's also got a nice new hard case with faux-alligator covering!

The nut and saddle on this are that 60s yellow plastic stuff. These 50s Vega decals were used right through the 60s and I'm used to seeing them on all sorts of non-Boston Vega products like Harmony-bodied electric archtops from the same time.

Good rosewood board with brass frets and pearl dots. The neck is thin and comfy.

The saddle had to come down some for good action. I like to string these with "ball end knot" style fashion rather than classical style because you get better down-pressure against the saddle with the knotted ends. The bridge (aside from the saddle material) is similar to older Vegas but that's not saying much, since Harmony and Favilla bridges were much the same, too.