1980s Iida Mastertone Bluegrass Banjo Vega Style

A rare Mastertone copy made by the Japanese company Iida in the 1980s. The neck of this instrument is not—as is usually the case—a replica of a Gibson model, but rather draws inspiration from instruments by the American manufacturer Vega in terms of its shape and fingerboard inlays. This Vega-inspired look on a Mastertone body with a heavy flathead tone ring makes this banjo a rare curiosity.

The sound and playability are excellent, as one would expect from a professional bluegrass instrument. Chrome-plated hardware, 2-piece flange, clamshell tailpiece, Flathead tone ring, Shubb 5-string capo, and planetary tuners, as found on many high-end Japanese banjos.

The classic Artist and Tubaphone models from Vega inspire the carved neck heel, peghead, and fretboard inlays.

Length 96 cm, scale length 67 cm, nut width 30 mm, head diameter 11"

The instrument comes with new strings and a new Remo Renaissance head and is ready to play. Includes the original, but heavily used case. Minimal signs of wear.

Testing and collecting in the Hamburg / Luebeck area, Germany

Worldwide shipping!