Vega pete seeger prototype 1958

We are now offering this unique Vega prototype "Pete Seeger" long-neck banjo, an instrument that was actually owned by Pete Seeger in the late 1950s and early 1960s and then played by Bernie Krause as he toured with The Weavers in 1963-64.  
When young Bernie Krause joined The Weavers in 1963 to replace the out-going Frank Hamilton, he went to visit Pete Seeger up in Beacon, NY and Pete gave him this Vega long-neck that had been given to him by the Vega Company, likely the prototype made ​just as Vega was releasing the Seeger model in the late 1950s
Bernie played this Banjo with The Weavers as they toured through 1963 and 1964 before breaking up.  The Weavers would not play together again until their reunion with Pete Seeger in 1980.  


Shortly after 1964, Bernie Krause gave up music for other pursuits and the banjo was put in storage.  It remains in near- perfect playing condition having not been significantly used for almost 50 years and comes with a leather banjo bag, a letter of authenticity signed by Bernie Krause and photographs of Bernie with The Weavers.  Bernie has also signed the inside of the banjo head.
The banjo is all-original except Bernie changed out the tuners, removed the arm rest and changed the original head which had torn. (Please call for details) 845-765-8548.