1923 Vega Style X No.9 Tenor Banjo

Description

This banjo is "used" but in very good condition for being 100 years old. This is one of the finest Tubaphone Tenor models that VEGA ever produced. Serial number in the pot and on the dowel is 59568 which indicates that this banjo was made in 1923. These banjos are quite rare and collectible today. The Style X No.9 features beautiful intricate and ornate mother-of-pearl inlay engravings on the fretboard and headstock. The neck has sculpted wood at the bottom. Back in their day, this model was just one below the very top of the line for VEGA and this was an extremely expensive instrument with all its bells and whistles. The instrument is in good playing condition and comes with what appears to be its original lined hardshell case. The scale length is 20 and 3/4". The nut width is 1 and 1/8". String spacing at the nut is 15/16 and string spacing at the Grover bridge is 1 and 15/16". The head diameter is 11 and 3/4" with an Amrowco standard calf skin head. The rim has a nickle finish. The side depth is 3". The rim is 2 piece maple. The fretboard shows little fretwear and is made of ebony. The bridge is 1/2" and made by Grover. The neck shape is flat board with medium depth soft V shape in the rear. The tonering is Vega's coveted brass Tubaphone tonering with 34 holes for volume. There are 32 brackets around the pot (likely originals) and the tailpiece is a vintage Kershner style. The seller replaced the original Grover tuners with four Waverly ivoroid button friction tuners because the older original Grover tuners were slipping sometimes. The original tuners will be included in the sale if someone wants to switch back. On the backside of the wood pot there is fancy marquetry on the bottom and tortosie plastic binding inside and out. On the back of the banjo, the carved ebony heel can be seen as it showcases another elaborate ivoroid inlay. There appear to be 17 frets and 2 whole and partial frets where the fretboard extends over the pot.There is a metal armrest on the pot for the player's comfort. This fine instrument will be shipped in an original period correct hardshell case with a zippered velour lining. There are two "secret" boxes in the case for accessories. Instrument is set up to Irish tuning with low action. Also included in the sale are a pitch pipe, a vintage Gibson box which contains a few GHS strings, the original ornate case key for the locks and a frail, yellowed note from Vega explaining some of it nuances. Seller notes that there are 2 other Vega's like this on the market and both are priced at ,000 +.