Vega Whyte Laydie No 7 Plectrum Banjo Original Case 1926

Mahar's Vintage Guitars is a brick-and-mortar and web-based retailer. We are happy to talk with you before you make a purchase.   Please reach out if you feel so inclined! We cross market our items here and on our own site, so items are subject to sale elsewhere at any time (however we will never cancel a sale if it happens here first). See our profile here, our Google reviews as well as our 100% positive Reverb feedback. Also, Reverb limits us to only 25 pictures of our items. There is a good chance we have more. Contact us if you’d like to see them.

No sales tax for direct sale customers outside California. Reverb sales are always taxed.

No sales tax for customers outside California.

This 1926 Vega Whyte Laydie No. 7 plectrum banjo is a stunning example of Boston craftsmanship at its peak. Known for its ornate inlays, engraved metal hardware, and elegant neck carving, the No. 7 was one of Vega’s top-tier offerings. This instrument retains its original finish, hardware, and even the original case, making it especially desirable to collectors and period-correct jazz or folk performers. The condition is remarkably well-preserved for nearly a century, showing honest playwear but no structural issues.

The tuning pegs are changed and they're mismatched.  The frets are in excellent shape - they may have been replaced at some point, but the fretboard is remarkably clean so maybe they are original to the banjo.

The Whyte Laydie tone ring delivers the chime, clarity, and projection that made Vega banjos favorites among early jazz banjoists and traditional players. Its 22-fret plectrum configuration offers a longer scale and brighter attack than tenor models, ideal for chord melody and ensemble work.

Collectors value the No. 7 for its scarcity, intricate craftsmanship, and tonal superiority. At Mahar’s Vintage Guitars, every instrument is inspected, set up for optimal playability, and photographed extensively for transparency. We buy vintage instruments and welcome trades.

Looking for more vintage stringed instruments? Explore our Vintage Acoustic Instruments or Gibson Guitars Collection, and visit our Sell or Trade Your Gear page if you're considering parting with yours.

• Weight: 6lbs 14oz 
• Body: Maple rim 
• Tone Ring: Whyte Laydie tone ring
• Neck: Intricate Carved Maple 
• Fretboard: Ebony
• Inlays: Mother of Pearl intracate individual inlay
• Frets: Original
• Fret Count: 22
• Nut: Original bone
• Nut Width: 1-1/4"
• Scale: 27"
• Neck Thickness at 1st Fret: .95"
• Neck Thickness at 12th Fret: .96"
• Action 1st String 12th Fret: 10/64"
• Action 4th String 12th Fret: 10/64"
• Total Length: 36-1/8"
• Head Diameter: 11"
• Hardware: 28 Hooks / Lugs, Whyte Laydie tone ring, 5 string No Knot tailpiiece
• Bridge: Non Original birch 4 string
• Tuners: Changed
• Case: OHSC
• Notes:

Shipping policy:

There are multiple shipping cost options for purchases made on our site.  Select Ground, 3 Day, 2 Day, or Next Day Air Saver.  For Reverb purchases, there is one cost option for these Eastern states and shipment will be made by UPS three-day-air.  Shipments will require signature on delivery, no exceptions.  If there is damage, the buyer must retain all packing materials intact and picture them immediately and send them to .  Less than 1% of our shipments are damaged in transit, and we are committed to making sure your item arrives safely, but we are taking these additional measures to make sure you are happy with your purchase.