2002 Deering Vega Tubaphone No 2 Openback 5-String Banjo

Overview: Deering makes a fantastic banjo and this updated, Vega-style instrument is proof of that. It's much like a 1920s Tubaphone but with refined appointments, fancier neck wood (check out that hunk of flamed maple!), modern tuners, a truss rod, and a dual coordinator rod setup in the rim which I find far superior to dowel stick construction (no matter how pretty the dowels are). They don't weigh much more than a traditional, Boston-made Vega, either, for all those extras. This one is very clean for its age but was definitely played enough to get the head a little worn-in up near the heel.

Tone: It's bright, chipper, clean, and balanced with a nice, lingering sustain.

Feel: The neck is very much similar to old Vegas but with more of a C and less of a V profile to the rear. It's quick and easy but has generous string spacing.

Interesting features: The FiberSkyn head gives it a mellower overall tone than it would have with a frosted-top or Renaissance head and it also looks the part of a thicker old skin. The owner upgraded the bridge to a moon-style one for better compensation/intonation. The hardware is all high-quality, rugged, and durable, and it's nice to have a full set of geared pegs. The flamed maple neck doesn't hurt the eyes, either!

Repairs included: I just needed to give it a quick setup and it was ready to go!

• Weight: 8 lbs 4 oz
• Scale length: 26 1/16"
• Nut width: 1 3/8"
• Neck shape: medium C
• Board radius: flat
• Head diameter: 11”
• Depth overall at rim: 3"
• Rim wood: maple
• Tonering: Tubaphone
• Bridge: compensated maple/ebony
• Fretboard: ebony
• Neck wood: maple
• Action height at 12th fret: 1/16" overall (fast, spot-on)
• String gauges: 10s
• Truss rod: adjustable
• Neck relief: straight
• Fret style: medium

Condition notes: It's quite clean and completely original save the bridge. I don't see any obvious marks from wear and tear and it must have been babied. The frets only show the tiniest wear -- not enough to do a level/dress job -- and our shop is keen on doing it to almost everything that comes in. This one was good to go.

It comes with: It has its original hard case.

Consignor tag: LCJO