Description
Pre-owned Fairbanks 8-String Banjo Mandolin by Vega Tu-Ba-Phone Banjolin - Style S from 1910. The bound ebony fingerboard is missing the binding on the high E side. Frets show some wear but still play perfectly well. In between the E and A strings tuners there is a small chip of wood out of the headstock, no affect on play or tuning ability. The head has a potentially offensive cartoon drawing on it and a small pin hole. Bridge was replaced at some point. The Tu-Ba-Phone tuning ring and added Grover Vibrator are complete, and includes the often missing tailpiece cover. Dowel and ring Serial match and show 26781.
Make: Fairbanks by Vega
Model: Tu-Ba-Phone Model S Banjolin/ Banjo Mandolin
Brackets: 28 , 26 currently installed. (One is missing, another one included but not in working order)
Scale Length: 14"
This small Fairbanks/Vega is one of the less commonly seen Tu-ba-phone configurations -- the 8-string Mandolin Banjo.
The rim is the standard Tubaphone with bracket band and the bottom rim has two strips of Tortoise shell styling.
The headstock is rosewood veneered with a decorative cutout but no inlay. The original inset mandolin tuners have composition buttons and an engraved rear cover plate.
Vintage