At Top 40 Guitars,

customer satisfaction is our first concern.

All of our items have a 14 day return policy.

If after 14 days you are not completely satisfied

with your purchase, please return it for a refund.

...Peace be with you...

*all returned items must be in the same condition they

were at the time of sale.

All original packing must be included.

#

Up for Sale is a

Vintage 1912-1917 Vega Tubaphone Style M 4-String Tenor Banjo!

Rare Larger Banjo Head 11 3/8"!

Rare Gryphon Headstock Logo! Made In Boston, MA USA!

This is really Cool. You are looking at a Vintage 1912-1917 Vega Tubaphone Style M 4-String Tenor Banjo. Founded in 1881, Vega quickly became one of the very best Banjo Companies world wide. Vega was later sold to Martin in the 1970's and Deering purchased it from Martin in 1989. This is a Vega banjo from the original Vega Company built in either 1912 or 1917. I am not sure what year because there are 2 different serial numbers on this banjo. On the dowel stick the serial number says #28671 but on the inside rim, it is stamped #38170. I do not know why the different numbers. (See pictures #11, #13).

The Vega Style M Tubaphone tenor banjo is a vintage four-string instrument prized for its iconic Tubaphone tone ring and exceptional projection. The Tu-Ba-Phone was one of Vega's most popular banjos. this is a Short Scale Banjo. The Tubaphone banjo was in production from 1909 to 1939.

Key Features & Specifications:

• Tone Ring: Features the famous Tubaphone tone ring, which provides crisp clarity, bright punch, and deep bass response.

• Scale & Frets: Typically built with a 16 or 17-fret short-scale neck (around a 20" to 21" scale length), making it exceptionally fast to play.

• Pot Size: Commonly features a standard 10 3/4" rim (10 15/16" head) or the rarer, larger **11 3/8" or 11 13/16" "Professional" pot which offers extra low-end warmth.

• Construction: Maple neck and rim construction with bracket-band hardware.

Musical Applications:

• Irish Traditional (Celtic) Music: The short scale length and deep, meaty tone with a skin or Renaissance head make these short-neck instruments heavily sought after for GDAE Irish tenor banjo tuning.

• Jazz & Ragtime: Originally designed for 1920s dance bands and jazz setups, though modern players often prefer them for melodic and folk styles.

Rare and Historic!

Affordable USA Vintage!

Our luthier did a complete setup and installed new strings. Gig ready on Arrival.

Nut Width: 1.0"

Complete Package with Vintage Hard Shell Case Included!

Due to CITES Treaty for Endangered Wood (Mahogany, Rosewood) We no longer ship out of the USA.

Cosmetics: Very Good Condition. Keep in mind that this is a 100 year old + banjo that has been played. Some light pitting on the chrome hardware. Body, Back, Neck, Fingerboard and Headstock in great shape. Vintage Case has some scuffs, scratches and minor tears in the tolex. Interior is fine. All latches work. Overall, a very solid 100 year old banjo in Very Good Condition.

Top 40 Guitars is a Veteran Owned Business!

Thanks For Supporting Veterans!