Epiphone - A-08

Epiphone - A-07

Epiphone-A-02

Epiphone-A-05

Epiphone-A-03

Epiphone - A-06

Epiphone-A-01

This is the early 20’s first generation heavy tone ring model which started its life as a plectrum 22 fret tenor banjo. It was professionally converted to a standard 19 fret tenor banjo using the original head stock and inlays, by Edinburgh luthier Jock Westwater. The new 5 piece neck is perfect in every way and shaped precisely as any other Epiphone professional model with an added trust rod for extra stability. The neck is made from tiger maple (dark stained) with a centre rock maple strip sandwiched between 2 ebony strips, checkered wood marquetry side walls and cream plastic binding. The heel cap is made from ebony with 2 other laminates. The headstock is decorated with decorative floral designs with the Epiphone name & Style A branding and new geared tuners with period style buttons. The ebony fretboard has the diamond MOP markers and all new frets and bone nut.

The heavy duty 3/4″ maple rim has the bottom mounted one piece flange on the bottom and heavy duty bell bronze scalloped base & bell bronze archtop tone ring seated on top. These tone rings were the best in the Epiphone range and dished out to top professionals to get their endorsements for the Recording range. The original resonator is in good condition, maple with matching checkered wood marquetry side walls.

The banjo is fitted with a new Remo renaissance head and hand made bridge. The original Oettinger tail piece is fitted which is a great piece of kit for individually adjusting the downward tension on the bridge. Comes with original vintage case (plectrum) in good serviceable condition. This banjo must be seen and heard to be believed. See details below (more photos to be added soon)

Banjo features

• Standard scale 19 fret tenor banjo
• Rock maple 5 piece neck with ebony fretboard and diamond cut inlay markers
• Checkered wood marquetry side walls on neck and resonator
• Ebony head stock with floral mother of pearl inlay patterns (original)
• Gotoh quality nickel plated 4.1 geared tuners
• 3/4″ multi rolled maple rim
• Strathopoulo patented arch top tone ring
• Solid brass (nickel plated) one piece bottom mounted flange
• Oettinger tailpiece
• Maple resonator with checkered wood marquetry side inlays

For Sale £1795

vega-vegaphone-01

vega-vegaphone-010

vega-vegaphone-02

vega-vegaphone-03

vega-vegaphone-04

vega-vegaphone-05

vega-vegaphone-06(1)

vega-vegaphone-06

vega-vegaphone-09

vega-vegaphone-12(1)

vega-vegaphone-12

vega-vegaphone-14

vega-vegaphone-15

Vega Professional tenor banjo, circa 1928 in excellent condition. The resonator side walls are decorated in dark red tortoise shell ivoroid  and maple bound pie-section to rear. All metal is nickel plated in good condition, The banjo was recently fitted with a  10-15/16″ renaissance head, and what give this banjo punch is the Vega Tubaphone tone ring. The rim is made from 1/2″ maple ply  with 28 brackets and flanges, 19 fret ivoroid-bound ebony fingerboard with pearl dot inlays (star inlay at 5th fret and scroll inlay at first fret), Vega armrest, “VEGAPHONE – PROFESSIONAL” engraved Presto tailpiece, “VEGA” logo and fancy pearl inlays on headstock, geared tuners stamped “PAT. PEND.” with ivoroid buttons, 1-3/8″ nut width, ~23-1/8″ scale length. The neck is straight and plays beautifully up the fret board. It has been very well cared for over its life time, so why not own a classic. The banjo comes with original vintage case in good condition.

For Sale: £1175

listen to a video of the vegaphone being played