WS15-16

Fairbanks                     “Transitional style” Electric No. 0                 5 String

 

S/N: 22248      1903                             10 7/8 x 26"           5 5/8 lb.

 

Fully original.

 

Condition: Mint except the “ear” of the peghead by the second tuner has been professionally re-glued.

 

Background: I call this a “Transitional style” for these reasons.  Earlier examples had inlays like those on the previously pictured banjo ( S/N- 19428). After the fire many Vega-made examples had rather bland inlays and engraving. Made in a brief interval between those two, this banjo is quite different. Inlay work is superior and the full spun pot is considerably taller. Compared to earlier No. 0s, the neck is thicker and, perhaps only a coincidence, the stain is more of an auburn color. Admittedly requiring several assumptions on my part, it is possible that as they introduced the new Whyte-Laydie line ( and probably began to drop some of the numerous Electric models), Fairbanks opted to “spice up” the No. 0. Whatever the reasons, they certainly created an attractive instrument both visually and acoustically.

 

Features of this instrument:

1) Ex-Bollman Collection.

2) Probably a very rare design.

3) Superb engraving and novel designs such as the shapely star on the peghead and inverted crowns around the nut ( rarely seen on Electrics).

4) Unusually tall pot.

5) There is a non-decorative ( i.e. well hidden) 8 mm. section of wood between the heel and its cap ( presumably for strength and possibly related to the height of the pot).

 

Click to enlarge: