My vega cylinder back

**MikeB** · Aug-01-2007, 1:43pm

Well, let me count the ways...

Some of you might remember the story of how I acquired my Vega CB back in February. Long, somewhat sad that is all behind me now. I had the necessary repairs/restoration done by an excellent luthier and I've had time to lick my wounds, try different strings, fine tune the setup, and generally get intimate with this instrument. I've not posted my reactions so far because I didn't want to give my first impressions, which always seem to change about a 'new' instrument. (This one is not new, but it's new to me.)

For me, the true test for me is how often I choose this mandolin over my others (all fine, btw). For the past 2 months, or so, my Collings MF, my '20 Gibson A, and the Mid-Mo in my custody have all been gathering dust. I am SO in love with the sweet sound of this old Vega CB, I half consider selling all the rest of my mandolins. I actually might sell the Collings; I simply am not a bluegrass guy, I guess. I have the "scroll thing" out of my system.

If anything, I would consider another mandolin that has more of whatever this Vega gives me every time I play it: SWEETNESS, depth, sustain, warmth.

I'm sure such instruments exist somewhere, and if I find one, I am likely to scoop it up. But, in the meantime, I am enjoying a serious love affair with my old Vega unlike anything I've experienced with any of the dozen, or so, mandolins I've had the chance to get familiar with.

If I were famous, this would be an endorsement that would surely drive the price of Vegas skyward. Since I am essentially a nobody, this should just be a tip to people looking for a very special instrument at a very decent price. Check out a Vega cylinder back, if you get a chance.

Be sure to read THIS first.

**mrmando** · Aug-01-2007, 2:43pm

Well, dey's two o' dem cylindah back man'lins on dat dere ee-bay right now...

**Jim Garber** · Aug-01-2007, 5:18pm

Mike:
I am so glad that your story had a happy ending.

Jim

**Gail Hester** · Aug-01-2007, 5:27pm

Me too. The one I had in the shop sounded as you described, wonderful.

**MikeB** · Aug-01-2007, 6:23pm

Thanks, folks. I left out the part about how much I have invested in this mandolin. Not really important, I suppose. But, it might be useful to know that I think the new (larger) frets and the setup I had done have a LOT to do with my satisfaction. I'm seriously considering new frets on my Gibson A, even though I had new (small) ones put on just over a year ago.

I really DO love this mandolin, though. Jim, let JD look at your Vega and see if he thinks he can fix it. I am SO glad he did mine!

**Django Fret** · Aug-01-2007, 9:03pm

Originally Posted by (MikeB @ Aug. 01 2007, 14:43)

#I had the necessary repairs/restoration done by an excellent luthier and I've had time to lick my wounds, try different strings, fine tune the setup, and generally get intimate with this instrument. #

Mike, did Jim De Cava do the repairs to this CB for you?

**MikeB** · Aug-01-2007, 9:46pm

Yessir, Django, he sure did. I had a few issues with the mandolin when I got it back, which made me slightly hesitant to recommend him, but all things considered, Jim was very straight forward with me and I love the instrument. The mandolin is not restored to pristine original condition, but it sure is a terrific player!