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The banjo reviews database is here to help educate people before they purchase an instrument. Of course, this is not meant to be a substitute for playing the instrument yourself!

7211 reviews in the archive.

Vega: Little Wonder 5 String

Submitted by farka on 12/6/2007

Where Purchased: Mass St. Music (Some day)

Year Purchased: I wish
Price Paid: 1200 ($US)

Sound

As I've hinted, I don't own this beautiful little banjo, but I go up to Mass Street Music periodically to play this. For mellow clawhammer tunes, I haven't seen its equal. It is one of those instruments that makes you sound better than you think you are. Perfect sound, especially for solo playing.

Sound Rating: 10

Setup

Response is precise. The day I get this kind of money up, I wouldn't change a hair on its head. Even a mediocre frailer (read: me) can pick out notes precisely. Ergonomically fit to my hands, at least.

Setup Rating: 10

Appearance

"The Little Wonder has a deep warm brown stained, multi-ply rim, and a rock maple neck. The satin finished neck is fitted with a hard, dense, colorful, exotic, naturally beautiful ebony fingerboard, inlaid with mother-of-pearl dots. The rim has 24 brackets mounted on traditional bracket shoes. The pot has one lower coordinator rod that easily and accurately adjusts the banjo’s “action” or playability." from the Deering website.

In my own terms, yeah, if I wasn't married, I'd consider proposing to it. I wish it had the star on the fifth fret, though. If I have to nitpick, I'll grade down for that.

Appearance Rating: 9

Reliability

I'd wager it would stand up. This is a solid banjo. I'd go through life without a backup!

Reliability Rating: 10

Customer Service

As I said, I don't own this banjo (yet) but I have dealt with Deering. I own a much more humble product, and they're great on those, so I can't conceive of them being any less attentive with a high end Vega.

Customer Service: 10

Components

As I said, I wouldn't change a thing. If one thing I haven't mentioned stands out, it'd be the tuners. I can go from Sawmill to C to G in a jiffy, even F tuning with little to no problem.

Components Rating: 10

Overall Comments

I play five (give or take) stringed instruments, and own at least two of each. That said, I could happily live the rest of my days with this banjo alone. If someone gave me a new BMW, I'd sell it and run to the store today, then probably pick up a used Volvo with the remainder.

The Little Wonder leaves every other banjo I've played in the dust. It does precisely what it aims to do, which is make old time/civil war music sound spot on. I don't have a comparison, other than that it reminds me a little of my 90 year old Master Tone, only with better action, no dings, and workable tuners.

This is pricey, though I've seen a host of banjos that sold for twice as much that don't come near its sound. I wouldn't even like to think about having this instrument and then having it stolen.

Well, begging pardons, I know that the reviews should be strictly for owners, but I only saw a Little Wonder tenor review up, and this is the quintessential old time banjo. My judgment is not from one, two or three sessions playing it, but many. The people at the music store hate me, but I don't care. If a better banjo exists, I'd sure like to see it.

Perfect.

Overall Rating: 10

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