Vega cylinder back

**MikeB** · Jan-29-2007, 5:28pm

Well, I should be getting my Vega CB later this week (thanks to some help from JGarber--thanks, Jim!)

Jim also recommended strings for this mandolin...J-62s, I think he said, or nothing heavier than that. First, what are J-62s (D'Addario lights?), and are there any other good choices for this mandolin? I use GHS Silk & Bronze on almost everything else I play. Would these be too heavy for the Vega?

**Larry S Sherman** · Jan-29-2007, 6:36pm

Hi,

My friend stopped by recently with a Vega cylinderback which he had just restrung with Tomastics light gauge strings. It sounded and looked great. I think that light strings are best for this mando.

I certainly don't want to hijack your thread, but maybe some pictures will get you even more excited about your new mando?

Larry

Updated becasue I called it a "bowlback"...duh!

**Larry S Sherman** · Jan-29-2007, 6:37pm

The front...

**Larry S Sherman** · Jan-29-2007, 6:39pm

The back...

**Larry S Sherman** · Jan-29-2007, 6:41pm

The edge...

**Larry S Sherman** · Jan-29-2007, 6:44pm

And the tuners. Please forgive my hijack, and I hope you are very happy with your Vega Cylinderback. If you don't like it for any reason I'm sure there are many (including me) that would line up to take it off your hands.

Larry

**MikeB** · Jan-29-2007, 10:45pm

Thanks, Larry. That mando IS actually a Vega cylinder back. It looks exactly like mine, except for the sunburst. Did this mando come from Charles Johnson? He had one posted there just like it, stating that the finish wasn't original because he'd never seen a sunburst before. Regardless, I think it's beautiful. Thanks.

**Jim Garber** · Jan-30-2007, 7:31am

I agree that light gauge is best for these. I have seen too many with warped tops due to adverse climate conditions and too-heavy stringing.

Jim

**Larry S Sherman** · Jan-30-2007, 5:37pm

Originally Posted by (MikeB @ Jan. 30 2007, 00:45)

Did this mando come from Charles Johnson? He had one posted there just like it, stating that the finish wasn't original because he'd never seen a sunburst before. Regardless, I think it's beautiful.

No, it's not from him. This one is owned by a collector in MA.

Larry

**Charles Johnson** · Jan-31-2007, 7:17pm

I am apparently wrong. The two mandolins are different, as the grain pattern in the back wood is not the same. The sunburst patterns are remarkably similar. The chance of both being refinished exactly the same is very small. The logical answer is that they are both original factory sunbursts. I've just never seen one before. Mine even has the same pattern checking as is evident in the one in this thread.

You learn something new every day!

Best,
Charles Johnson

**Larry S Sherman** · Jan-31-2007, 7:58pm

I was told by my friend that it was all original, even the case. It was a remarkable instrument, and a great player.

You guys are quite lucky to have one!

Larry

**Jim Garber** · Jan-31-2007, 9:38pm

Originally Posted by (mwhq @ Jan. 31 2007, 20:17)

I am apparently wrong. The two mandolins are different, as the grain pattern in the back wood is not the same. The sunburst patterns are remarkably similar. The chance of both being refinished exactly the same is very small. The logical answer is that they are both original factory sunbursts. I've just never seen one before. Mine even has the same pattern checking as is evident in the one in this thread.

You learn something new every day!

Best,
Charles Johnson

Looks like the price went up somewhat...

Jim

**Gail Hester** · Feb-01-2007, 2:35am

I've had this 1918 Vega cylinderback in the shop for some TLC and I've made a new bridge for it. #The owner was very specific about the strings, Martin Light 10-034. #I think they are a good choice for these and they sound great on this one.

**MikeB** · Feb-01-2007, 9:01am

Thanks, Gail! Now I know where I can get a bridge--if I need one made. This looks exactly like the one I am getting TOMORROW! I guess I'll mail order some of those Martin strings. Can't get them anywhere near me...

Btw, the pics of my new mando, show what looks like a bone saddle sitting on top of the bridge. Anyone seen THAT before (I hope)?

**Gail Hester** · Feb-01-2007, 10:18am

Mike, yes the original had a bone insert. The drawback is that they are straight with no compensation. The one I made is a very close replica except I built in string ramps so that I could get the intonation right.

**mrmando** · Feb-01-2007, 10:57am

Hey, I might still have a pack of those Martin (actually Darco) strings around ... I will check.

**MikeB** · Feb-01-2007, 11:05am

Thanks, again, Gail. Is the foot of that bridge flat? I might commission you to make me one. OTOH, I guess fitting a flat bottom bridge shouldn't be too tough. I've fitted arch-tops, done compensation, etc. But, me doing that stuff is about like me doing plumbing. I do it so seldom, each time is like the first time. Very inefficient and time consuming.

mrmando...I CAN order strings locally, but if you have a surplus set, I'd take them off your hands.

Thank, everyone. I might post photos, if I can take decent ones, but I think the one Gail posted is close enough. I WILL report my reaction to the sound and playability. That is what this all about for me, really.

**MikeB** · Feb-01-2007, 11:07am

I'm still salivating over that sunburst...if I'd figured out that Charles Johnson's model was, in fact, original finish, I might well have opted for his...

Ironic, in fact, that it was my posting about the Vega I AM getting that flushed out the sunburst photo, and caused Charles to re-evaluate the one he is selling (and raise the price...can't blame him for that, though).

**David Newton** · Feb-01-2007, 4:05pm

Wow, beautiful mandolins. If anyone runs across one of those engraved cloud tailpieces, I have a healthy son that I would trade for it.<g>

**Charles Johnson** · Feb-01-2007, 6:17pm

Well, I figure original finish is worth more than a refin. I try to price accordingly. In any case, the price is negeotiable, and as most deals also seem to involve a trade its often hard for me to figure out what I actually sold it for after the dust settles...

Best,
Charles Johnson

**MikeB** · Feb-01-2007, 6:26pm

Just good business, Charles, IMO. In case anyone hasn't seen that Vega at Charles' site, I suggest you take a look. He's one of the sponsors of this site. You can find the link on the homepage. Mandolin World Headquarters. I really like that mandolin!

**MikeB** · Feb-01-2007, 7:16pm

Man, this is getting weird....I don't know if anyone else went to look at that Vega. Actually, the ones above, in this thread, do it to me, too. I'm getting almost hypnotized by the design of these old mandos! I haven't even taken possession of my own Vega, and I feel almost like its taken possession of me! I have other mandolins--a nice old Gibson A model, a Collings MF, a Brian Dean OM. All great instruments. but something about the Vega design (haven't even played mine yet) just tugs at my heart/eye. Was there any other mando from that period that terminated the fb like this? I know that little abbreviated curve is common now, but I know Gibson didn't use it. Just the whole shape knocks me out. I must have Vega fever...

**David Newton** · Feb-01-2007, 8:48pm

Which one of you have one of these in hand? I would love a pattern, a tracing around the body. If not that, what is the width of the body and length from the neck-join to the end? Whoo, these are beautiful.

**MikeB** · Feb-01-2007, 9:13pm

I wish it were me, Dave. But, I'll have one tomorrow, and since I stirred this up, I would try to get you what you want. You planning on building? (Glad I'm not the only one who is spellbound by these...actually, maybe I should be glad, or I'd never be able to afford one.)

**Bill Snyder** · Feb-01-2007, 10:41pm

Originally Posted by (Dave in Tejas @ Feb. 01 2007, 20:48)

Which one of you have one of these in hand? I would love a pattern, a tracing around the body. If not that, what is the width of the body and length from the neck-join to the end? Whoo, these are beautiful.

I believe that would be Gail.