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Vega Little Wonder

Written by Paul Conlon. Posted in For Sale


1927 Vega Little Wonder 19 fret tenor banjo in perfect condition.

All original in excellent condition and so easy to play, very much sought after especially as a first upgrade from beginner banjo. I play the open back version as it is so light but still has the volume and sustain to carry across any session. Fitted with the spun over tone ring and heavy 5/8″ tension hoop with 28 hooks and nuts and a newly installed Remo renaissance head which gives this banjo lovely sustain and cut, especially suited for Irish trad playing. The neck is straight with low playing action and good frets, also has new upgraded Schaller geared tuners with pearl buttons. Both neck and rim have the same serial number stamped and the beautiful pie crust resonator is also original. It is also fitted with a 4 piece Vega Professional flange, which normally only comes with the Vegaphone model. Fitted with original Presto brass nickel plated tail piece and fitted arm rest.

  • Rock maple 3 piece 19 fret neck
  • 10 – 15/16″ rim with spun-over hoop tone ring
  • geared tuners
  • Presto tailpiece
  • original vintage hard shell fitted case

For Sale: £895

1927 Paramount Aristocrat Tenor Banjo

Written by Paul Conlon. Posted in For Sale


A time capsule vintage tenor banjo from the famous William Lange Factory in New York, manufactured in 1927. Absolutely in mint condition this Paramount Aristocrat has been treasured for over 90 years. I acquired the banjo from the owners son who lives in California, his father Curt Williams (jazz player) performed with the banjo professionally in the 50’s and 60’s. I’m told Curt had the banjo professionally re-plated in gold around 2004.

About the banjo

The neck is made from 5 piece walnut with ebony fretboard. The head stock is decorated in beautiful mother of pearl inlay floral design with ornate shaped MOP postion markers along the fret board. The neck is straight and action is low, it has also had a complete re-fret. The original page 8 geared tuners are in perfect working order and feature the solid pearl buttons. The bottom of the fret board is fitted with a string height adjuster which is usually only fitted to the high end Paramounts, this sets the action nice and low.

The rim is constructed from multiply maple covered in walnut veneer which houses the metal supports holding the tone ring in place. The outer shirt is plated in gold as is the flange with cut out circles. There are 28 shoes, bracket hooks and nuts, Paramount swivel tailpiece, hotdog armrest, fitted with a smooth top Remo white head. The scale length of the neck is 23″. The resonator is made from laminated maple and walnut veneers with circular maple rings inlaid in the back with centred strip.

The Aristocrat comes with its own vintage case with internal dust cover.

For Sale £2250


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