Description
Exc condition / SN: 24423
10-15/16″ Pot / 27″ Scale Length
28 Hooks & Nuts /
Original “Bump” Case Intact
This 1908 Vega #2 Whyte Laydie 5-string is in great shape. It is all set-up to play with a throw-back style Maple bridge, a Stern calfskin head and frets in fine condition with very little wear.
The hand-engraved elaborate pearl inlays are all in fine shape.
The Neck:
Maple 2-pc neck with dark wood stringer along the center of the back. Blackened peghead veneer with 3 large engraved pearl inlays: Vega Star at top, Gryphon in center and Trillium-like floral inlay just above bone nut. The tuners are period correct old friction tuners… Often simple friction tuners don’t tune easily, but these are much better than most. The tuners have original vintage celluloid buttons.
The Ebony fingerboard is bound with grained ivoroid binding. The fingerboard also shows good inlay work with another “trillium” at 1st fret, a Vega Star at 5th fret and stylized engraved pearl diamond shapes everywhere else.
The neck is in fine shape with no bowing or warping. There is some wear through the finish on the back of the neck. The dowel stick is original and in great shape. Ebony heel cap.
The Pot:
The Maple rim is bound with simple tortoise celluloid at the top and bottom. The 28 shoes are mounted on a bracket band. The head size is just under 11″, coming in at 15/16″. The tailpiece is similar to an early No-Knot, but I think it predates a No Knot. Serial numbers are on inside of the rim and on the dowel stick. All the hardware appears to be original. All hardware in excellent condition.
This banjo is set-up and ready to go with a great hide head and great bump case.
