FOR SALE
The Vega Co.
Boston, Mass
Vegaphone Artist
74707
74006 Neck
73075...........................78371...............1927
Customized by Richelieu Banjo Co, in the 1980's
10-15/16 Artist rim with matching dowel,
Tubaphone tone ring
Nicely finished pie section resonator
28 flange plates with deep custom engraving
The issue on this banjo was the neck.
Someone decided to try and thin it down and when they trussed it they made the cavity too large, and botched the job and the neck is now unplayable
It was thinned too far for the style of neck, and it weakened and cracked.
The inlay is basically the only thing left salvageable.
...a Pity.
I had an old 74000 series Artist plectrum neck here
that was very tired, and I decided to refret it, and add a nice production
finish to it
I oversprayed the resonator with new fade and finish
to make for a closer match
This banjo in no way shape or fashion should be considered
a collectable and it is priced as a player, for a player.
I could have parted it out but I though I would try
and get it out there as a good gigging instrument that has alot of flash
for about 1/2 of what an original would cost.
INITIAL PICS
All Hardware is original to this Artist rim and the dowel has a
matching serial number.
I will not go to the effort to pull this dowel and replace the one
on the other neck
I will pull the defective neck off and clean all the hardware and
install a new head
The Vega Engraved Oettinger is a rare item in itself
I will reuse these Schaller tuners but not these buttons, I am choosing
Amber for this banjo
Removing finish from the 74006 neck
Refret is already completed
I chose a honey amber fade to a Dark Walnut, not the typical Vegaphone
colors and for obvious reasons...I'm bored with that look!
I washed a little Gold over the MOP as well to help set off the
amber buttons
Ready to clean parts
Someone pried the tone ring off at one time, this is not an uncommon
occurrence.
There is a trick or two to doing it correctly.
It's not going to hurt any playability
Amber buttons installed, Im ready to build the rim up
All clean, plating shows normal wear
The Gold is probably 20 years old by the look of it
Dowel was darkened as well.
Plays well up and down, lots of volume
Great banjo for looks and to use as a Workhorse