WS16-10

Fairbanks (by Vega)                             Tubaphone No. 3                                          5 String

 

S/N- 25744              1909                                10 3/4 x 26"                6 ½ lb.

 

Fully original.

 

Condition: Near mint.

 

Background: From the 1904 buyout on, Vega continued lines that had been offered by Fairbanks and added a few new models of relatively minor importance. In 1909 they introduced their new premier line featuring the Tubaphone tone ring.

Features of the model: Mahogany neck with a lovely flower pot peghead inlay and a star in fret 5 and in the heel cap. The heel had a handsome leafy carving. Only the 1909 examples carried the metal Fairbanks nameplate the use of which was discontinued the following year. 

 

About this instrument:

1) Ex-Bollman Collection and as such it was pictured in his section of the first Tsumura book (page 114).
2) First year of issue and thus displays the metal Fairbanks plate. 

 

Click to enlarge: