Posted By: lsher001 | Rate Member
$3,950 USD
1913 AC Fairbanks Whyte Laydie #2 Banjo made by the Vega Company, Boston, Massachusetts.
All Original Except Bridge
Multi-Ply Maple Rim
2-Piece Maple Neck
Ebony Fingerboard
10 7/8" Head Diameter
1 1/4" Nut Width
27 1/8" Scale Length
Includes Non-Original Hard Case
Serial Number is 29785
This Fairbanks/Vega Whyte Laydie #2 5-String Banjo is a splendid example of one of the world's standard open back 5-string-banjos. It was built in 1913 in Boston, Massachusetts, 9 years after the Fairbanks company had been bought out by Vega. The #2 was not the fanciest grade Whyte Laydie banjo, but was still an elaborate creation and structurally and tonally one of the finest banjos in the world.
The banjo has an overall length of 37”, with a 10 7/8“diameter head 2 ½” in depth, measured at side of rim. Scale laminated maple neck length is 27 1/8”, the standard size for a #2. Width of nut is 1 ¼”. This configuration is the absolutely classic old-time 5-string banjo and produces a sound that few others, new or old, can match. The Fairbanks "Electric" tone ring is fitted over the bracket-band rim, another patented Fairbanks feature. It is a lovely banjo, fairly fancy to look at but not as opulent as some higher end gilded age models.
There is an engraved pearl star on the headstock above the famous "Gryphon" inlay, a trademark that has been often imitated since. The bound fingerboard is genuine ebony (some are dyed maple), has a single shaped pearl floral inlay by the nut, with a star at the 5th fret and dots elsewhere.
As with all Fairbanks instruments, everything on this banjo is to the highest quality standards. By the time this Whyte Laydie was made, the company's exceptional 5-strings were the undisputed standard of the world, which they remain today. Often imitated in the decades since, the Fairbanks/Vega Whyte Laydie is one of those vintage instruments that instantly justifies its stellar reputation, remaining one of the finest of "old school" banjos ever made.
This banjo remains in mint condition overall. It is set up with an excellent modern pre-stretched skin head and makes for an excellent sounding and playing old-time banjo.
Location:
United States, Ryegate, VT, 05042
Shipping:
paid by seller
Payment Methods:
Check/Money Order, Cash (in person), Paypal
Return Policy:
Returns accepted. Buyer must contact seller within 7 days to arrange return. Refund will be given as Money Back. Buyer pays return shipping.
Condition of Item(s):
Used - Mint Condition
Category:
Make:
Fairbanks-Vega
Ad Status:
Active
Listing No:
108665
Contact Info:
Linda Sherrill, 802-584-4222
Page Views:
1401
This ad will automatically expire 4/29/2025 10:01:38 AM unless updated before that date. To keep the system current, ads expire if not updated for more than 60 days.
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