1929 Vega Artist (Tubaphone) 5-String Resonator Conversion Banjo

Overview: What we have here is a 1929 Vega Artist (with a Tubaphone tonering) tenor banjo rim that's been fitted with a reproduction 5-string neck. I don't really have words to describe it, though, because the job one the neck is so good that it kind-of hurts! The inlay from the old neck would have only worked for some of the inlay in the fretboard so it looks like a lot of new, engraved inlay must have been made to match... and then there's that heel-carving! It's a tour-de-force, folks. The worst part is that the maker of the neck did not sign their work! Can you believe that? Even taking it off (to adjust the truss rod -- located in the heel), I found no markings. Suffice to say, it's a fancy, gorgeous banjo and the workmanship is top-notch.

Interesting features: The neck is on the bigger, chunkier, "modern-old-time" side of the equation. I know a number of local players who would go crazy for it. It's bigger than the actual old Vega necks so I'd gather that this was a special request to the builder. It has an original skin head, fully-adjustable fancypants tailpiece, gold hardware throughout, geared tuners throughout, and looks to the moon. The sound is clean, clear, and sweet but I imagine, with a modern head, it could be crisp and bright-enough to be bluegrassy, too.

Repairs included: I just had to give it a good setup and fit a compensated bridge. It's previously had some work done at the rim and, of course, it's had a completely new repro neck made for it in 5-string format. It's playing spot-on and ready to go.

• Weight: 9 lbs 5 oz
• Scale length: 26 1/4"
• Nut width: 1 5/16"
• Neck shape: medium-big V
• Board radius: flat
• Depth at first fret: 57/64"
• Depth at seventh fret: 31/32"
• Head diameter: 10 7/8"
• Resonator diameter: 13 1/4"
• Depth overall at rim: 3"
• Rim wood: ply maple
• Tonering: Tubaphone
• Bridge: ebony/maple compensated
• Fretboard: ebony
• Neck wood: 2-piece flamed maple
• Action height at 12th fret: 1/16" overall (fast, spot-on)
• String gauges: 10s
• Truss rod: adjustable
• Neck relief: straight
• Fret style: medium-narrow

Condition notes: It's in good order. There are a few small damaged areas on the top-edge binding of the resonator (near the tailpiece, essentially non-visible) and some light scratches here and there throughout. I think the whole instrument was, at one point, either refinished or topcoated as it has seamless look to it. It's sort-of antiqued as well -- because at a glance, you don't immediately suspect the neck is non-original aside from its wider build.

It comes with: It has a decent hard case.

Consignor tag: JFMS