Just won this 1924 Tenor Banjo at auction for £350, it was advertised as a style M Vega, however after my limited internet research I think they have misread it and it should actually be a style N? The neck is very plain and I only see similar on Style F and Style N pictures. The serial dates it to 1924 I believe - interested to know what others think, and did I get a good deal!?
Edited by - Orphspez on 07/03/2024 01:46:43
A Vega 17 fret openback tenor even without a fancy tone ring is better than some of the products coming from the far east for the same money. The price you paid seems fair to me.
It's definitely not an M, which would have a Tubaphone ring. But I agree that even the low-end Vegas can be fantastic instruments and that you got a reasonable deal. One of my best banjos is a 1960s Vega Eddie Peabody tenor, which has no tone ring at all.
It does look like a Style N. It has 26 brackets and a plain fingerboard and peghead which was common for a Style N. The Style M was a higher-grade banjo.
I have a couple of old Vega style N rims that I use for mounting banjo heads.
Mine (and others I've seen) have a black painted edge on the back of the rim. The paint is gone on yours. Maybe it is worn off from handling.
They also have a faux tortise binding edge on the outside bottom of the rim. and simple tone rings - similar to the Little Wonder.
Edited by - jbalch on 07/03/2024 12:20:59
The Style M is I believe a parallel to the 5 string Style 3 Tu Ba Phone, which means it would have a Tu Ba Phone tone ring PLUS a bracket band, rather than bolt holes drilled through the rim.
The photo of your dowel stick is hard to make out in detail, but it appears the Model letter has been defaced or gouged or some such thing such that you can't tell if it's a letter "N" or "M" or whatever.
Nevertheless, you didn't overpay. That might be around $450-$500 in USD, which is lower than typical for an M, perhaps typical or a little under here for an N in good playable condition.
Enjoy!
Edited by - The Old Timer on 07/03/2024 13:19:19
Thanks everyone, I apparently have the chance to check it out in person before parting with the cash.
The listing says it has been 'reconstructed' whatever that means, and a change to the neck angle, so will see!
The style "N" is a hidden gem of a banjo that is affordable, light, comfortable, has accurate fretting, & a very musical voice thanks to the little wonder tone ring.
However, I would go into this transaction w/ a skeptical eye. Has the neck been reset at the dowel rod, or has the heel or fretboard been shaved. Is there a shim? The wear to the bottom of the rim seems to indicate that it has been shuffled around for a long time without a case.
Edited by - tdennis on 07/03/2024 17:24:08
I have the five string version of this banjo, paid very little for it and properly set up it gives my Whyte Laydie and Tubaphones a run for their money, great little jo methinks.
Picked it up today. Definitely a style N, but plays lovely and has been set up really well. Thanks for advice guys
quote:
Originally posted by spoonfedI have the five string version of this banjo, paid very little for it and properly set up it gives my Whyte Laydie and Tubaphones a run for their money, great little jo methinks.
The 5-string and Plectrum versions of the Style N are the Senator.
This is not to be confused with the current Deering/Vega Senator that is actually the modern version of the '20s Regent and the '60s Wonder.
