WS16-5

 Fairbanks (by Vega)                 Whyte-Laydie/Tubaphone No. 2                        5 String

 

S/N- 26276                 1910                            11 x 27 “                                  6 3/4 lb.

 

Fully original

 

Condition: Near mint.

 

Background: The model name I have listed above is probably perplexing. Whyte-Laydie No. 2 models were introduced in 1901 and continued with few changes by Vega after the buyout. Then in 1909 they introduced the Tubaphone line, which continued the bracket band and un-perforated rims but featured the new square tone ring and notched tension hoops. Undoubtedly some owners of Whyte-Laydie banjos must have taken or sent them back to the factory to have the new Tubaphone tone rings installed. I am essentially positive this instrument left the factory initially as it is now, i. e. an otherwise standard Whyte-Laydie No. 2 with a Tubaphone tone ring. The dowel stick is stamped on one side with “Whyte-Laydie” and on the other with “Tubaphone”. Nowhere is there any sign of “No. 2" ever having been stamped on the banjo as would have been expected if it had ever been a standard No. 2. The S/N, absent metal Fairbanks nameplate, and the notched tension hoop all verify it was made in 1910 or 11. Anyone wanting a Tubaphone instrument could have much easier and less expensively just ordered one of the new models. An expert on these banjos informs me that the rim diameter of 11" rather than 10 15/16" also proves the point

About this instrument:
1) Apparently a specially ordered banjo of the Whyte-Laydie No. 2 design that left the factory originally with a Tubaphone tone ring. As such, extremely rare or possibly unique.
2) Dowel stick stamped with both “Whyte-Laydie” and “Tubaphone” but no sign of ever having been stamped “No. 2".

 

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