DVD-quality lessons (including tabs/sheet music) available for immediate viewing on any device.
Take your playing to the next level with the help of a local or online banjo teacher.
Weekly newsletter includes free lessons, favorite member content, banjo news and more.
Posted By: Ceres Banjo Works (+100) | Rate Member
To say the least, this banjo is a historical piece to the Sonny Osborne, Osborne Brothers fan and American music in general. The banjo started as a normal "Sonny Osborne" 5-string model Vega in 1968. Sonny was obviously a musical innovator in several areas and he collaborated with another innovator from Charlotte North Carolina C.E. Ward to create a 6-string Vega for Sonny. C.E Ward is very well known for creating and building banjos "outside the box". The original 5-String neck is with this banjo. This is the Prototype that appears prominently with Sonny in the 1971 movie "Bluegrass Country Soul" widely seen by music fans. The banjo was used on numerous recordings with the Osborne Bro's including "Listening To The Rain" , "Ruby", and others in June of 1970 and numerous recordings following. The banjo has the typical Vega configuration with the Whyte Laydie tone ring. Sonny had installed a "pickup" of sorts using a SM57 microphone capsule glued to the inside of the resonator along with a jack and volume control knob (both were installed in the sidewall of the reso). All electronics were removed years ago. Also 2 hasps were installed by Sonny through the sidewall and flange to attach small padlocks to prevent removal of the resonator (there's a story with that). Structurally the banjo is still 100% ready to go. This banjo has been on display in a couple museums and is now being offered to the public. The banjo is historically very significant to the history of Bluegrass Music, Sonny Osborne, and The Osborne Brothers. Here's a clip of Sonny playing this banjo in the movie: youtube.com/watch?v=ZtSNeANMDd4
Location:
United States, TN
Shipping:
Paid by buyer. UPS, USPS, Fed-Ex, International as well.
Payment Methods:
Check/Money Order, Cash (in person), Paypal
Payment Option Notes:
Venmo, Bank wire as well.
Return Policy:
Returns accepted. Buyer must contact seller within 2 days to arrange return. Refund will be given as Money Back. Buyer pays return shipping.
Condition of Item(s):
Used - Excellent Condition
Category:
Make:
Vega
Ad Status:
Active
Listing No:
107213
Page Views:
671
This ad will automatically expire 1/15/2025 6:10:38 AM unless updated before that date. To keep the system current, ads expire if not updated for more than 60 days.