1931 Vega Resonator Tenor Banjo

Overview: This particular banjo model is a bit of a mystery. It's very similar to the older Style N tenor banjos of the '20s in styling but it has a Little Wonder-style resonator and a simple hoop (with no sleeve) tonering. It effectively sounds and plays like a "Little Wonder Special" tenor of the same year but is simpler in build by just a hair and lacks flange plates for the resonator. That all said, even if it's styled simply, it's still a nice-quality Vega product and is loud, proud, bright, and ready to hang in with the best of them.

Repairs included: Molly gave it a level/dress of the frets and I set about fitting all new replacement hooks and nuts (they're mismatched, however), a new Remo Renaissance head, adding new Gotoh 4:1 geared pegs, and a replacement tailpiece. I also set it all up. It's playing bang-on and ready to go!

• Weight: 5 lbs 10 oz
• Scale length: 23"
• Nut width: 1 1/8"
• Neck shape: medium V 
• Board radius: flat
• Depth at first fret: 7/8"
• Depth at seventh fret: 15/16"
• Head diameter: 10 7/8"
• Resonator diameter: 13 1/2"
• Depth overall at rim: 3 3/4"??
• Rim wood: ply maple
• Tonering: hoop
• Bridge: ebony/maple
• Fretboard: ebonized maple
• Neck wood: mahogany
• Action height at 12th fret: 1/16" overall (fast, spot-on)
• String gauges: 32w-9 for CGDA tuning (let me know if you want a different tuning/stringing)
• Neck relief: straight
• Fret style: narrow/lower

Condition notes: It has mild-medium wear and tear throughout (some finish checking, scratches, scuffs, etc.) but looks nice. All of the hooks, the tuners, the head, the tailpiece, and the bridge are unoriginal. It was missing its mounting hardware for the resonator but I replaced it with a simple bolt-attachment that goes into the dowel.

It comes with: It's got an old chip case as I recall.

Consignor tag: CLLR