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View Full Version : 1927 Vega Little Wonder mandolin banjo refurbished



TDMpicker
Dec-16-2011, 8:31am
Here are some photos of a 1927 Vega Little Wonder mandolin banjo S/N #77545
that I recently refurbished. It was in excellent condition when I acquired it, but needed a new skin, bridge, general cleanup and a good setup with new strings.

7979679795

This instrument is a pristine example of the golden age of mandolin banjos. Built by the Vega Company of Boston, Massachusetts. Vega made three styles of mandolin banjos. The entry level style 'K', the upgraded Little Wonder and the top of the line, Whyte Laydie. This Little Wonder is in excellent condition and shows hardly any use. The mahogany neck and laminated maple rim are finished in a natural color and received a French polish finish from the factory. The nickel plated notched skin hoop, tone ring and hardware are bright and shiny. I found no evidence of corrosion, tarnish or rust. The ebony fret board looks good as new, no wear evident. The frets are in perfect condition. The Little Wonder had a bound fretboard and a simulated tortoise binding on the base of the maple rim. The original "skin" head has been replaced with a new Remo Renaissance head. A new ebony compensated bridge has been fitted and adjusted to a low action. This instrument plays very easy and is a great instrument for old time, Celtic or folk music.

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| Soundclip (http://www.tdmsoftware.com/mandolins/VegaLittleWonder1927.mp3) | Image from 1928 Vega Catalog (http://www.tdmsoftware.com/mandolins/images/VegaLittleWonderCatalogitem1928.jpg) |About Vega Instruments (http://www.banjolin.co.uk/banjo/vegahistory.htm) |

Bill Snyder
Dec-16-2011, 9:07am
That looks great Terry.

Jake Wildwood
Dec-16-2011, 11:49am
So, are there any other closet admirers of Vega banjo mandos? I can't get enough of them!

And excellent job! As well as good choice on head type!