WS16-1
Vega “Fairbanks” Un-designated Model 5 String Piccolo Banjo
S/N: 26105 1910 7 ˝ x 14 7/8 “ 3 lb.
Fully original except the 5th
tuner.
Condition: Near mint.
Background: As banjo
popularity soared in the 1880s, musical arrangements were written in four parts
and the piccolo banjo was made to play the soprano parts. Rims are usually
around 7" in diameter with necks to scale.
Like those by most makers, Fairbanks piccolos are quite rare and very few had
Electric tone rings or any model designation. By the time Vega acquired the
company and made this instrument, musical trends had changed and very few
piccolo banjos were being produced. Less than 6 made by Vega have been seen.
About this instrument:
1) Quite rare but a very
“plain Jane”.
2) Full spun pot with no tone
ring.
Click to enlarge:
