Posted By: annetteangela | Rate Member
$6,900 USD
This is a beautiful1909 Fairbanks 5-string open-back banjo made by Vega, Tubaphone #9 with Large Pot. It is an original 5-string, not a reproduction in any way. If you know about banjos, you know what this is and we will be very sad to see it go, but we hope it will find a good home with someone who will cherish it. It is in very good condition, and has been refurbished and refretted by master luthier Greg Hanson of Durham, NC, luthier to many local old-time players. He also renewed the inlay ‘black lines’. Action is a bit high, quite playable, but you may want to use a lower bridge. I am the second owner. This banjo was bought new and previously owned by a professional player and used by him until his death at, I believe, 100 years old.
Fairbanks Vega Serial Number 26068 means it was built in 1909. Original friction pegs, with gold plating, that work easily and stay in tune. Beautiful marquetry on the back. Deeply carved heel. Backstrapping. Original 5th string nut. Kerschner tailpiece. Everything is original except for the new frets and the head.
Imperfections on this 114-year-old instrument include a repair to the dowel stick due to a previously-drilled hole for a resonator (repair done correctly by the luthier above), and there are a couple of small holes inside the pot (not sure what they were for). Neither of these is very noticeable or affects the playing at all.
Original case
Also included is the original case, which is quite rare. It has a rough handle but is otherwise usable or displayable. It’s hard to describe the unique design, so see the picture. Email me for more photos (I could only upload 5).
This is a gorgeous banjo and we have reduced the price to a lot less than we paid for it as sadly, it has to go. This instrument is an investment as an antique as well as a beautiful musical instrument.
N.b. I have had offers to trade but we need to sell, not trade.
Location:
United States, Siler City, NC, 27344
Shipping:
$150. Or, we are willing to drive as far as a neighboring state to deliver in person.
Payment Methods:
Check/Money Order, Cash (in person), Paypal
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.
Additional return policy details: Full refund less shipping charges
Condition of Item(s):
Used - Excellent Condition
Category:
Make:
Vega
Ad Status:
Active
Listing No:
97278
Contact Info:
9192009648
Page Views:
1301
This ad will automatically expire 5/18/2023 2:25:37 PM unless updated before that date. To keep the system current, ads expire if not updated for more than 60 days.
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