I don't know what's going on these days, but back in the late 1950s, Vega started making a "Seeger Model" 5-string banjo. Long neck, three extra frets, 11" head, open back, "Tuba-Phone tone ring." As I recall, they sold for $275.00, plus $75.00 for a hard-shell case.

I had one for a few years (recommended by Bob Gibson when he blew through Seattle in 1958). I ordered one. Terrific banjo! I learned how to play it (taught myself out of Seeger's book and record set, "How to Play the 5-String Banjo"), and developed into a halfway decent banjo player, but didn't really go at it hard enough to get "Scruggs style" down pat. I eventually sold it for close to what I paid for it.

Beautiful, nice playing instrument, but the problem was that I'm much more of a guitarist, folk and dipping into classical from time to time, and when I went somewhere for a gig or just to a hoot or party—well, I had to walk with a pair of forearm crutches, and lugging both instruments was a bit more than I could handle.

I hated to sell it, but it got to the point where I just wasn't playing it that much and I felt that it really should be out there being played by someone who would appreciate it. From the glow in the eyes of the guy who bought it from me, I think in wound up in a good home.

Don Firth