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Vega Vegaphone Artist Model Tenor Banjo, manufactured 1926, made in Boston, Mass., serial #68809  shaded maple finish, flamed maple 3 piece neck, piecrust resonator with cream plastic side walls tastefully engraved and infilled in contrasting black. This is a completely original example of one of the finest “Industry Standard” Orchestra tenor banjos from the 1920s, the Vegaphone Artist. Vega’s “Vegaphone” line was introduced in 1923 as an answer to the Paramount line of resonator-and-flange banjos. Essentially a long-scale tenor Tubaphone with a resonator and multi-flange system, the Vegaphones were an instant success, and along with the Paramounts established the basic design of the modern banjo. The Artist is second in a 3-banjo line, although a fourth, the Soloist, was added below it not long after. The Artist was quite a high-priced instrument for the time, selling originally for $250.00. It features all of Vega’s high-grade construction features and fairly fancy decoration, including gold-plated metal parts and elaborate engraved pearl inlay on the headstock, fingerboard, and heelcap. All workmanship is to the highest level, as is common with Vega. The pie-section resonator back has beautifully shaded figured maple sections and a tortoise celluloid-bound outer edge. There is elaborate engraved varied shaped pearl inlay in the heavy bound ebony fingerboard, with a 3-piece shaded maple neck featuring a carved heel. The pearl headplate inlay is Vega’s fanciest floral pattern and the headstock carries gold Grover tuners with grained ivoroid buttons. The gold-plated Oettinger adjustable tension tailpiece has each arm engraved in turn “Vegaphone-Artist-155 Columbus Ave. -Boston”.

They are arguably the best-sounding instruments of their type ever made, and from the beginning were extremely popular with period jazz musicians and can be seen in many old photographs, as well as heard on literally thousands of early dance band and jazz recordings. Overall length is 33 1/2 in. (85.1 cm.), 10 15/16 in. (27.8 cm.) diameter head, and 3 in. (7.6 cm.) in depth, measured at side of rim. Scale length is 23 in. (584 mm.). Width of nut is 1 1/8 in. (29 mm.). This banjo is in completely original condition, The photos show a 5 star head but this vega will be sold with a new Remo renaissance head, which is more flavourable with Irish trad playing.

The engraving is still crisp with very little wear on the fingerboard and the overall gold plating remains in good condition. The photos depict its condition when it arrived with myself so I’ll upload some more when it has has a proper clean & polish and new setup. The banjo is currently available for sale and comes with a vintage brown leatherette case with plush red velvet inner lining.

For Sale £2300

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The big tenor banjo companies from the 20’s went beyond making their own branded instruments i.e William Lange, Bacon, Puntillilo to name but a few. Puntillilo who was famous for his Majestic banjos also made SS Stewart banjos and several other brands, mostly for shop outlets. Although this banjo has no brand name, the parts and construction build tell the story. Majestic banjos were a small outfit who were supplied many of their parts from William Lange (Paramount) and Fred Bacon (Bacon & Day). It is a well constructed banjo and quite ornate in design with its rosewood 5 piece neck and rosewood resonator decorated in multi wood marquetry. I recently stripped the banjo down for a super clean and polish and a complete refret and new renaissance head. The headstock is tastefully decorated in floral mother of pearl, as is the beautiful MOP position markers. The tuners are original and of the Waverly brand and all working fine. The rim has nice wood trims although invisible behind the resonator. The flange is very unusual and as seen in the photos the hooks cleverly mount through them. There is an archtop tonering installed and a new Waverly style tail piece and armrest. The banjo is not light! you can feel the quality of the woods and nickel plated brass hardware. I have set the action low and the sound from this banjo is really nice (video to follow). Comes with an old vintage case but I’m sure the new owner may treat it to a better modern type. This is a wee bargain banjo I am selling for a friend, no offers please!!

For Sale £750

Click on the link below to hear video of the Majestic banjo

https://youtu.be/NaJ2Vyy7vpw