1925 Vega Tu-Ba-Phone Style M 4-String Tenor Banjo with Original Case

Description

D: DESEST     C: EDD
1925
Vega
Tu-Ba-Phone Style M
4-String Tenor Banjo
with Original Case
Used - Very Good Condition
The Vega Tu-ba-Phone banjos, which first appeared in 1909, feature a perforated metal tone ring—-a ring-shaped, square-sectioned metal tube that lay between the instrument's wooden rim and head. This Tu-ba-Phone design tone ring provides a volume and tone still admired and highly sought after by many of today's banjo players.  And specifically, the Tu-Ba-Phone Style M is well-known for its loud warm tone and excellent clarity. Perfect for Celtic music, Vega Style M banjos have often been seen converted to 5-string instruments as well.  But this 4-string tenor has not been converted and is in amazing condition for an instrument approaching 90 years of age!  This is an incredible playing vintage instrument that is ready to keep picking until it reaches way beyond the age of 100!
Cosmetic and Functionality Description
Body:
the head, which is not original, shows some minor signs of wear and discoloration in a few areas, plus some of the tension rod lugs appear to be non-original as well, but blend in well as they show the same kinda wear as the originals do--the bridge is not original and looks virtually flawless; the chrome surfaces show some noticeable scuff marks, scratches, and areas of pitting and normal wear in the plating--a few very tiny dings can be found in a few spots too; the back cover has some dents and is slightly bent in a couple of places; the wood surfaces show some obvious wear in the lacquer as well as some small chips in the wood, plus some scuff marks and scratches can be easily seen as well
Neck, Fretboard, and Headstock:
the fretboard has a couple of very light scratches on it and there is a ding along the bass side binding between the 10th and 11th frets that should not affect playability; the neck looks almost flawless with only a couple of very subtle blemishes on the neck heel; the headstock has an obvious chip in the wood right next to the nut, plus the front, back, and sides of the headstock show some small dings, scuff marks, and scratches--one of the tuners has been replaced with the holes from the original still visible on the back of the headstock
Frets:
moderate wear, with a few small grooves starting to form in the first three frets, however they play well with no buzzing
Action and Playability:
the action is about medium-high and the neck is straight
Hardware:
one of the tuners has been replaced with the holes from the original still visible on the back of the headstock
Includes:
4-string tenor banjo and original case
Features
4-string tenor banjo
Perforated metal tone ring—-a ring-shaped, square-sectioned metal tube that lay between the instrument's wooden rim and head
Maple rim
Metal spin-on resonator
28-Hook tension hoop
11" non original Remo Weatherking head
2-piece flamed maple neck
Ivoroid bound ebony fretboard
Pearl inlays
17 frets
Rosewood headstock overlay with Pearl Vega inlay
Planetary-style tuners (one of the tuners is not original)
Chrome tailpiece
Maple/Ebony bridge
Scale:  21-3/8"
Nut width: 1-1/8"
Weight: 7 lbs. 10 oz.
Made in USA
Buy used and save big!
We've been selling used guitars and amplifiers for over 29 years in the same location!
Metro Sound & Music Company
Richmond, Virginia
USA
Open Tuesday - Saturday 11 am to 6 pm
Est. 1991
BUY SELL TRADE
We reserve the right to end this auction early. This banjo is also for sale in our showroom.
SHIPPING
All items sold by Metro Sound & Music (metrosound117) are shipped with full insurance coverage  included in the indicated shipping price shown in the listing above. For inquires concerning coverage, expedited shipping and international  parcels please feel free to message us. We are always happy to provide a quote for shipping and insurance for our customers outside of the  United States and those requiring special services.
All domestic orders  (Continental United States, Alaska and Hawaii) will be shipped using  FedEx Home or Ground delivery, where applicable. International orders  will be shipped by United States Postal Service Priority International.  Both FedEx and USPS offer expedited shipping services and we are always  happy to utilize any of these at our customer’s request.
Please inquire for additional information concerning these options or any specific shipping questions you might have, we are always happy to find the right solution.
117 West Broad Street
Richmond, Virginia 23220
Since 1991, Metro  Sound, Music and Recording Studios has been selling and servicing  vintage, new and used musical gear worldwide. We take great pride in our eBay listings and assure each buyer that we will do our best take make  sure each item is accurately described, packaged safely and shipped from our showroom to your destination as quickly as possible. We appreciate  you taking the time to look at this auction and invite any comments or  questions in reference to it.
For those driving through Richmond, Virginia via I-95, we are located just 5 minutes from the  interstate. Our 40,000 square foot facility houses a recording studio,  lesson rooms, band rehearsal spaces, and Factory Authorized Warranty  Repair Center. There is no other music store like Metro Sound!
Buy with confidence knowing that we will make sure every guitar or  amplifier sold in our store will be sounding its best when it leaves.
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Offering the finest new, used and vintage gear
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