It was the last banjo that my Dad played professionally, that he sold to a good friend (and former student) about ten years ago.
It had been played many times since,by the new owner, and was in need of a freshening up.
It took some time,but I finally convinced Richard to let me have a shot at her.He just could'nt part with it,but luckily I had some loaner banjos for him to choose through,to keep his appetite whetted for the duration of the repairs.
She had a few problems,but nothing major.It was put together in Boston by my Dad's longtime friend, and master Luthier, John Di Pietro.
It was made with a 1928 Vegaphone neck onto a 1926 Vegaphone pot assy, with a 1970's Vega resonator setup on it.
I had waited a long time to do something like this! Finally a way to honor my Dad's musical career.And not a moment too soon,as she was in definite need of a touch up.
Disassembly
Short and sweet
She came apart O.K. after 20 yrs,and in the process,I found many small problems, but nothing major.Head was nearly torn off rim,from separating, bindings on neck needed replacement.Frets were o.k., Fingerboard needed some gouges filled.Lacquer was atrocious,covering all of the natural beauty with a dark plain look.Hardware was filthy after yrs of steady use,but would polish right up.Needed a set of hooks.Several inlays were rising, Geared tuners were already repl.by the new owner.Nothing abnormal for banjos from this era .
Reassembly Pics
