WS17-3

Vega                          Tubaphone DeLuxe                      5 String Plectrum

 

S/N: 59331                  1924                            11 ½ x 28                                7 3/4 lb.

 

Fully original

 

Condition: Near mint.

 

Background: Most banjo fans, players, or collectors likely have never heard of a 5 string plectrum banjo. Indeed, the term sounds like an oxymoron. To learn about the origin and development of this extremely short-lived version, go to the Group of "Fairbanks Banjos By Vega", click on the "Information on this group", and read Part B. ( The other 5 string plectrum in the collection is S/N 27817 listed in the group prior to this one.) 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. The top-of-the-line model was the DeLuxe. Changes in musical tastes that led to the popularity of 4 string banjos resulted in very few 5 strings being made in the 1920s and 30s . Jim Bollman has seen about 6 of these 5 string plectrum banjos made by Vega. Two were constructed like Tuba. No. 3 models and the others like Tuba. No. 9 models. To those need to be added the 2 in this collection.

Features of the model: Tuners were gold plated patents with large chubby pearl knobs. All metal parts were gold plated and the bracket band and tension hoop were beautifully engraved. The bottom edge of the rim was covered with abalone pearl. The neck was curly maple of 3-piece construction with a moderately wide walnut veneer thru to the board and with multiple decorative veneers under the board and all 3 caps. The peghead was ivoroid bound and inlaid with an elaborate torch and feathers pattern covering the whole surface except the area just above the nut, which displays a large triangular inlay. The back strap, heel cap, and board had large beautifully engraved inlays. The heel was elaborately and superbly carved. In order to produce a plectrum neck, changes had to be made to accommodate the 5th string running all the way to the peghead. I find it quite surprising that no changes were made in the beautiful inlays on both the front and back of the peghead to allow for the 5th tuner which is simply placed right in the center of those inlays.
 

About this instrument:

1) The only known 5 string plectrum Tubaphone DeLuxe.

2) Very intriguing that in the middle of the heyday of plectrum banjo production someone should order this 5-string version.

3) Rather amazing that this persists in original condition and has not been ravaged for its parts.

4) Gorgeous engraved Kerschner tailpiece.

 

Click to enlarge: