JonT - Posted - 07/27/2024:  21:16:16

I'm thinking that it's time to pass a wonderful instrument along to its next caretaker. I'd like to sell it locally, if possible, because I'd like to avoid shipping it and we have a thriving music scene here where I live.



I do not know how to price it. As the title suggests, it's a 1922 Vega Tubaphone, a 10 11/16ths bracket-band, 28-bracket pot attached to a long neck built by Bart Reiter in 1990. I bought it from Elderly Instruments in, I think, 1995. It currently has a Stelling bridge. It's complete and well cared for, and comes with a hard case.



I have no idea how to price this instrument, since it's not a "real" Vega Pete Seeger longneck. I'm hoping some of you might be able to offer me a clue. Thanks. I appreciate any wisdom you might be able to offer.

Edited by - Texasbanjo on 07/28/2024 14:06:58

Reiter longneck front

 

Bill Rogers - Posted - 07/27/2024:  22:24:53

It has a dowelstick, which is preferable. Bart did excellent work. After a quick check of asking prices, I’d start at $2,500 and see what happens.

JonT - Posted - 07/28/2024:  11:12:53

Thanks, Bill. Yes, it does have a dowel stick. It's actually a pretty nice instrument. I had one of the Vega PS 5s and didn't like it. This one just sounds better. The late Larry Brown, a respected luthier in Los Angeles who did a little work on it when I first got it, told me that it was the best sounding longneck he'd heard. I hope I can find someone who will appreciate it as much as I do.

Texasbanjo - Posted - 07/28/2024:  14:09:17

I've moved your post from the Swap shop to the Shopping forum.

The only time you can post in the swap shop is when you have a classifid item on the hangout.

Please read the rules and guidelines for both Swap Shop and Classified ad and then post. Go here: banjohangout.org/classifieds/rules/

When you post a classified ad, let me know and I'll move your thread back to the Swap Shop with a live URL to your classified ad.

mainejohn - Posted - 07/30/2024:  07:35:05

If your Vega has 28 brackets, I'm pretty sure the diameter is 10 15/16" the preferred size. I sold a very similar 1920's Vega Tubaphone longneck on BHO about 5-6 years ago, except mine had a custom made Wyatt Fawley longneck with a gryphon inlay on the peghead, along with a "period correct" 1960's Lifton longneck case, both in excellent condition. I started at $2500, and it languished in the BHO classifieds for 375 days before it finally sold for $1900. I sense that longneck values, being the niche market that they are, have even diminished since then, but I could be wrong. Just thought I'd share my experience.

Edited by - mainejohn on 07/30/2024 07:39:54