1964 Vega SS-5 Folkore Longneck 5-String Banjo

This Vega "Folkore" model is like a "Pete Seeger Junior Model" version of the longneck 5-string. It's a simple, no-tonering, no-frills, good-quality build. It doesn't have the same snap and projection as the versions with Tubaphone or Whyte Laydie tonerings but it does have a good, wide-sounding, old-timey voice with plenty of clarity. The neck is comfortable and well-built and it has a dual coordinator rod setup in the rim like a Gibson so it's very sturdy as well.

Work was light on this one (a "glorified setup") and it's now playing spot-on and ready to go. The rim hardware is heavy duty, the rim itself is multi-ply maple, and the neck has a well-functioning truss rod. The friction 5th peg is a small nuisance but it has original geared tuners at the headstock.

Repairs included: a fret level/dress, cleaning, restring, and setup.

Weight: 5 lbs 12 oz

Scale length: 32 1/8"

Nut width: 1 3/16"

Neck shape: medium-soft V to C up neck

Board radius: flat

Head diameter: 11”

Depth overall at rim: 2 3/4"

Rim wood: ply maple

Tonering: none

Bridge: maple/ebony

Fretboard: rosewood

Neck wood: maple

Action height at 12th fret: hair-under 3/32" (quick, spot-on)
String gauges: 9s

Truss rod: adjustable

Neck relief: straight

Fret style: medium

Condition notes: aside from the head and bridge, it appears to be original throughout. The head is a lightly-used Renaissance and it's in good order. I've compensated the bridge so it plays better in tune up the neck. There are some "railroad spike" capos installed for 5th-string-capo use. The 5th peg is still an original friction peg and is fussier than geared pegs but works just fine. It has light/mild wear throughout but looks nice and clean overall. Note that I had to solder some extensions on to the two upper strings at the headstock to get the length I needed from my bulk strings -- I just didn't have a long, long banjo set on hand (GHS sets usually work, though).

It comes with: a period Gibson longneck banjo case.