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musical instrument details

Rare 1927 Vega "Little Wonder" Tenor Banjo

Estimated price for orientation: 550 $

Category: Banjos
Class:











Description
Brand: Vega Exact Year: 1927
Number of Strings: 4 Country/Region of Manufacture: United States
Model: Little Wonder Era: 1900
Banjo Type: Tenor Banjo


Vintage Vega "Little Wonder" banjos have a legendary reputation.  The were extremely well made and durable and they play easily and really ring out. For sale is this Vega Little Wonder 4 string (tenor) banjo that is in excellent condition except the rawhide head recently contracted with time and needs to be replaced on the pot. The banjo has a beautiful birdseye maple resonator with a rare  decal that is a work of art (photo 4). This is a 17 fret banjo with all 28 original hooks and brackets. The neck is straight and the frets show very little wear. The serial number 64662 is engraved into the wooden pot as well as the dowel stick (photo 9). It looks like a vinyl nautical star emblem is on the head stock (photo 2). There are 4 friction tuners (Waverly pegs) which hold well (photo 3).  Nut measures 1 and 1/4". Length of the neck from nut to metal rim is 13 and 3/4". The instrument has a Grover tailpiece and tailpiece cover (photo 6). Rim appears to be 11 and 1/2". Pot and neck look to be maple and there is a tortoise shell trim on the pot. The fret board  appears to be ebony with ivory piping that has craqulature and is missing a segment or two at the end of the neck over the heel of the banjo. Serial number places the birth date of this banjo as 1927. This banjo has a black chipboard case that is older but functional. A terrific player but could convert to a 5 string also.