1926 Vega Tubaphone w/ Rickard Neck 5-String Banjo Used

This Vega Tubaphone was built as a four string plectrum in 1926 at the height of the Jazz Age. Sometime in the past, the neck was separated from the shell and was lost. Because plectrum banjos are not very popular these days, we opted to have a new five-string neck made for this fine old shell. Happily Rickard, one of our favorite contemporary banjo makers, was up to the task and this 1926 Tubaphone has a new maple neck and a new lease on life. There are nods to contemporary open back banjo style, such as the S-scoop fingerboard, the shorter 25 1/2″ string scale, and high-ratio cycloidal tuners, but the new neck has the classic Vega headstock and heel shape and a pleasing antique natural stain. Thanks to the shorter scale, it’s an easy banjo to play and has a somewhat deeper, plunkier tone since the bridge is closer to the center of the head. Part old Vega of Boston, part Rickard of Aurora, Ontario (Canada), this old/new hybrid is ready for its next round of banjo music!