1925 Vega Tu-Ba-Phone Style M 4-String Tenor Banjo with Original CaseUsed - Very Good Condition The Vega Tu-ba-Phone banjos, which first appeared in 1909, feature a perforated metal tone ring—-a ring-shaped, square-sectioned metal tube that lay between the instrument's wooden rim and head. This Tu-ba-Phone design tone ring provides a volume and tone still admired and highly sought after by many of today's banjo players. And specifically, the Tu-Ba-Phone Style M is well-known for its loud warm tone and excellent clarity. Perfect for Celtic music, Vega Style M banjos have often been seen converted to 5-string instruments as well. But this 4-string tenor has not been converted and is in amazing condition for an instrument approaching 90 years of age! This is an incredible playing vintage instrument that is ready to keep picking until it reaches way beyond the age of 100! Cosmetic and Functionality DescriptionBody: the head, which is not original, shows some minor signs of wear and discoloration in a few areas, plus some of the tension rod lugs appear to be non-original as well, but blend in well as they show the same kinda wear as the originals do--the bridge is not original and looks virtually flawless; the chrome surfaces show some noticeable scuff marks, scratches, and areas of pitting and normal wear in the plating--a few very tiny dings can be found in a few spots too; the back cover has some dents and is slightly bent in a couple of places; the wood surfaces show some obvious wear in the lacquer as well as some small chips in the wood, plus some scuff marks and scratches can be easily seen as wellNeck, Fretboard, and Headstock: the fretboard has a couple of very light scratches on it and there is a ding along the bass side binding between the 10th and 11th frets that should not affect playability; the neck looks almost flawless with only a couple of very subtle blemishes on the neck heel; the headstock has an obvious chip in the wood right next to the nut, plus the front, back, and sides of the headstock show some small dings, scuff marks, and scratches--one of the tuners has been replaced with the holes from the original still visible on the back of the headstockFrets: moderate wear, with a few small grooves starting to form in the first three frets, however they play well with no buzzingAction and Playability: the action is about medium-high and the neck is straightHardware: one of the tuners has been replaced with the holes from the original still visible on the back of the headstockIncludes: 4-string tenor banjo and original case Features4-string tenor banjoPerforated metal tone ring—-a ring-shaped, square-sectioned metal tube that lay between the instrument's wooden rim and headMaple rimMetal spin-on resonator28-Hook tension hoop11" non original Remo Weatherking head2-piece flamed maple neckIvoroid bound ebony fretboardPearl inlays17 fretsRosewood headstock overlay with Pearl Vega inlayPlanetary-style tuners (one of the tuners is not original)Chrome tailpieceMaple/Ebony bridgeScale: 21-3/8"Nut width: 1-1/8"Weight: 7 lbs. 10 oz.Made in USA
Buy used and save big! We've been selling used guitars and amplifiers for over 23 years in the same location! Metro Sound & Music Company Richmond, VirginiaUSA(804) 643-7125 Open Tuesday - Thursday 11am to 6pm Open Friday and Saturday 11am to 5pm Est. 1991 BUY SELL TRADE We reserve
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