Work Page 7-26
1923 Fairbanks (by Vega) Senator
5 string banjo
Ser# 65098
Original neck and rim assembly
Marketed by Wurlitzer, a musical distributor of that era.
Ser# 65098
Original neck and rim assembly
Marketed by Wurlitzer, a musical distributor of that era.
This banjo came in in "near original" condition.
Someone has put on new frets and binding.
Also the Grover geared pegs and tailpiece were changed to friction pegs and a modern "No Knot" tailpiece.
Tailpiece lag bolt was not Vega so it will be changed out as well.
And, the tension hoop was modified to accept flat hooksets which are not original to Vega and the hooksets are of the style of Bacon "Long nut" tension nuts.
So I will use all of the best hardware from the other 2 and re-finish the rim.
The neck had a little too much relief to suit me, so I did a heat press on it and got it back down to normal relief.
I did a refinish on it as well as adding side markers.
My plan, since this was an original 5 string, NOT a conversion, to do something for it to enhance it in my own fashion, doing things I feel it deserves.
I had already converted 2 Senators (Plectrums) as of late, with 5 string conversion necks by Saga. They are nice banjos but I have a new plan.
I plan to take all of the best parts from the conversions, and make the original 5 string as "right" as I can.
There are far fewer plectrum players and they showed no interest in them when they were plectrums so they will now contribute as a collective, to the 5 string.
They will still have Vega parts where they had them before since all three are from the same era.
Here is how it is going down.
Someone has put on new frets and binding.
Also the Grover geared pegs and tailpiece were changed to friction pegs and a modern "No Knot" tailpiece.
Tailpiece lag bolt was not Vega so it will be changed out as well.
And, the tension hoop was modified to accept flat hooksets which are not original to Vega and the hooksets are of the style of Bacon "Long nut" tension nuts.
So I will use all of the best hardware from the other 2 and re-finish the rim.
The neck had a little too much relief to suit me, so I did a heat press on it and got it back down to normal relief.
I did a refinish on it as well as adding side markers.
My plan, since this was an original 5 string, NOT a conversion, to do something for it to enhance it in my own fashion, doing things I feel it deserves.
I had already converted 2 Senators (Plectrums) as of late, with 5 string conversion necks by Saga. They are nice banjos but I have a new plan.
I plan to take all of the best parts from the conversions, and make the original 5 string as "right" as I can.
There are far fewer plectrum players and they showed no interest in them when they were plectrums so they will now contribute as a collective, to the 5 string.
They will still have Vega parts where they had them before since all three are from the same era.
Here is how it is going down.
Nice example, needs some love.
Worn finish, normal.
Last head install.
Style N / Little Wonder style tone ring.
Non-Vega parts.
I will use only the Grover "Ideal" tailpiece, period for that time.
This resonator, on the other conversion will be used.
Stripping rim for re-finish
All hardware pulled, ready for swap.
Rim finish, fine wool was used to knock the sheen down.
Neck stripped.
Heel cap dyed.
Friction 5th peg will be changed to geared, with vintage button.
Steel parts showing heavy oxidation.
A company I have not seen before.
Wurlitzer logo plate.
Sadly, thehead has a bad spot on the sidewall:(
The 2 donor Senators.
And this original Vega case.
How many MAHOGANY pie section resonators have you seen?
The modified hardware being cleaned to go on other conversion.
No Knot now on the other conversion.
All cracks sealed in overlay. Ready for dye.
Taking on clear coats.
Most interesting resonator ever!
The reason I say that about the resonator, because in 100s of Vegas that I have either worked on or seen, NONE had a pie section that had mahogany veneer. Always maple...always.
And this is what was called the "Close fit" that was used before resonators that came with Vega's that had flange plates.
And none of those had an inside reinforcement connecting the sidewall to the bottom, and none of them had a fancy center button, and none of them had this sort of marquetry on the lower binding. Or wooden marquetry there at all. always celluloid.
It has no Vega stamps inside but is a perfect fit and has the exact same countersunk screw hole and is perfect for the Vega screw so maybe "Employee made" ?
Any input is welcome.
And this is what was called the "Close fit" that was used before resonators that came with Vega's that had flange plates.
And none of those had an inside reinforcement connecting the sidewall to the bottom, and none of them had a fancy center button, and none of them had this sort of marquetry on the lower binding. Or wooden marquetry there at all. always celluloid.
It has no Vega stamps inside but is a perfect fit and has the exact same countersunk screw hole and is perfect for the Vega screw so maybe "Employee made" ?
Any input is welcome.
Just a look, still taking on finish.
Pre-EPA "Weather King" head.
I have a set of proper tuners that match the hole pattern.
Grover Ideal tailpiece.
Geared 5th peg, with vintage button.
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