Fairbanks Vega banjos

Subject: Fairbanks Vega banjos
From: kendall
Date: 06 Dec 05 - 08:13 PM

Who knows anything about the Fairbanks Vega 5 string banjo. It's about 100 years old. What is it worth?

Subject: RE: Fairbanks Vega banjos
From: Charley Noble
Date: 06 Dec 05 - 08:31 PM

Kendall-

Really depends what model it is and its condition.

You could do a search of ebay for recent sales, searching for "Fairbanks Vega" and see what you come up with. They have a category for "completed sales" which I find useful.

The range is probably between $1000 and $2000.

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Fairbanks Vega banjos
From: Dave Hanson
Date: 07 Dec 05 - 04:47 AM

Mugwumps has got lots of info about Vega/Fairbanks banjoes, if you can find what model it is it will be easier to price up.

eric

Subject: RE: Fairbanks Vega banjos
From: kendall
Date: 07 Dec 05 - 08:42 AM

It's a number 2 special with a solid wood body, that is, not covered by metal. There is no star on the peg head.

Subject: RE: Fairbanks Vega banjos
From: cool hand Tom
Date: 07 Dec 05 - 09:43 AM

Hi
    Can you send any pics of the banjo.A solid wood body seems it is the zither type construction.Also is it a five string or four ?.

          Regards Tom

Subject: RE: Fairbanks Vega banjos
From: kendall
Date: 07 Dec 05 - 12:31 PM

It's a 5 string. For some reason I have a hell of a time sending photos via e mail, but I'll try. PM your e mail address and I'll have a go.

Subject: RE: Fairbanks Vega banjos
From: GUEST,Larry Meyer
Date: 07 Dec 05 - 02:48 PM

Not a banjo expert myself, but do know that 100 year old Vega Fairbanks of the White Laydie and Tubaphone types are much prized. I don't own one but I have played a 100 year old Tubaphone and it was the best. If of that type and in good condition, 5-8k is more like it. The one I played sold for 6k, I believe.

Subject: RE: Fairbanks Vega banjos
From: GLoux
Date: 07 Dec 05 - 02:54 PM

There's a White Laydie on sale right now at Elderly. It's listed at $8,000.

I noticed a couple more down at Gruhn's in Nashville.

-Greg

Subject: RE: Fairbanks Vega banjos
From: Mark Ross
Date: 07 Dec 05 - 04:12 PM

What kind of tone ring, Capt'n? It makes a difference. Why are you selling it?

Mark Ross

Subject: RE: Fairbanks Vega banjos
From: kendall
Date: 07 Dec 05 - 07:36 PM

There is no tone ring at all.
I find it very hard to tune and stay in tune. The keys are the originals I believe, and if they are easy to turn, they slip.
I could install new turners but that would ruin the antique value. (Assuming it has any)

Subject: RE: Fairbanks Vega banjos
From: BanjoRay
Date: 07 Dec 05 - 08:06 PM

Take the tuners out and keep them safe - they stay with the banjo. I believe you can get modern tuners that fit in the holes - try Elderly Instruments or Stewart-McDonald. This'll turn it into a banjo that's worth playing instead of a wall decoration.
Looking at some antique banjos on the websites of Elderly or Bernunzios or Mandolin Brothers could well give you an idea of what it's worth if it's put into good condition.
Cheers
Ray

Subject: RE: Fairbanks Vega banjos
From: GUEST,Larry Meyer
Date: 08 Dec 05 - 06:00 AM

Certainly any Vega Fairbanks banjo 100 years old is of historic interest and would be valued by collectors, much as would a Martin guitar of that age. Vega Fairbanks was the best. I mentioned Whyte Laydies and Tubaphones as these are models introduced by Vega Fairbanks about that time that are especially prized.

I don't know whether you've owned the banjo for some time or just come into possession of it. In any case I would say the first thing to do is identify the model and get it appraised. Possible of course is that the banjo has been slightly or extensively modified: that happens to banjos more so than guitars. If the issue is its unplayable as the tuners are loose, I would say a good banjo restorer could fix that problem using the current (possibly original tuners) In any case, due to it vintage, I would say a banjo restoration specialist is needed, rather than run-of-the mill repairman.

I know the owner of the Music Emporium, in Lexington, Mass, has a keen interest in Vega Fairbanks banjos. I was in the shop one day when an old Vega Fairbanks was brought in and it was treated with reverence and awe.

As I know you own an Apollonio 12-string (and I have one too), let me say that Vega Fairbanks are in the same class as Nik's guitars.

Subject: RE: Fairbanks Vega banjos
From: kendall
Date: 08 Dec 05 - 07:52 AM

I checked with Elderly Instruments and they say it is worth up to $1000.00 in excellent shape. It is close to excellent, but it just doesn't have what I'm looking for, sound wise.

Subject: RE: Fairbanks Vega banjos
From: cool hand Tom
Date: 08 Dec 05 - 10:41 AM

Interesting Instruments old banjos.I bought a fretless banjo not long ago with friction pegs and the neck is in lovely condition as is all of it,lotsa brackets a simple tone ring and an ebony fretboard with lotsa peal.Thing is it has no name.I have collected banjos for some time but this one is the oldest.Thing is how to date it and does anyone know when fretless banjos where popular might help me put some kind of of date on it,also the rim is metal plated over wood.
             Regards Tom

Subject: RE: Fairbanks Vega banjos
From: BanjoRay
Date: 08 Dec 05 - 10:50 AM

Fretless banjos have been popular since the banjo first arrived in America, so I don't think that'll help you much, Tom.
Ray

Subject: RE: Fairbanks Vega banjos
From: Jon W.
Date: 08 Dec 05 - 11:17 AM

Frets on banjos became common around the 1880's, not much before although there were a few earlier.

Subject: RE: Fairbanks Vega banjos
From: Jon W.
Date: 08 Dec 05 - 11:58 AM

Rims with metal spun over wood (spunover rims) were common from the 1880s on, though they probably date back to the 1860s (at least Frank Ford at www.frets.com has a picture of a banjo with on that he says is from the 1860s). They lasted into the 20th century, then began losing popularity in favor of heavier rims and tonerings.

Fretless and a spunover rim with lots of brackets seems to be somewhat of a contradiction as by the time lots of brackets came into style, fretless was pretty much out of style. It may have been custom made (or adapted) for a player who wanted a fretless banjo.

Subject: RE: Fairbanks Vega banjos
From: GLoux
Date: 08 Dec 05 - 12:39 PM

There's a great book on Banjos,

America's Instrument - The Banjo in the Nineteenth Century

by Philip Gura and Jim Bollman

published by University of North Carolina Press.

-Greg

Subject: RE: Fairbanks Vega banjos
From: cool hand Tom
Date: 08 Dec 05 - 01:15 PM

Thanks for the info guys.I have played 5 string for years now and have allways wondered what or why do some players prefer the fretless.I dont know anybody who plays one so never have had the chance to answer the question.My 2 prize banjos are aluminium merlins so the fretless is going to be interesting to play and it only cost me 20 pounds.The head is huge on the fretless about 14 inches.probably have a lovely old time sound.

    Regards Tom.