Banjo Mandolin identification.

[deb-mae]

Hope the Mandolincafe experts can help. Picked up this banjo/mandolin in a case at a tag sale. It seems to look like a Style K 8 string Vega Fairbanks Banjo/Mandolin (10"ish open pot) in the original case. However, I can only find what appears to be a vague serial number on the dowel stick face up. The numbers are so light that I would need a super powerful magnifying glass to try to read them. There is also no serial number on the rim. I plan to take it to have it strung and the neck heel put back in place. I don’t play but my son wants to take lessons. My plan is to put this sweet little instrument back together if I can find someone in Maryland to do so. Also, suggestions on an expert in my area for repairs? If I made any mistakes describing the anatomy I apologize. Here are some pics of it including the case emblem Thanks for your help ya’ll!

[allenhopkins]

Sure does look like a Vega Style K. The one linked had the serial number and trademark on the side of the dowel stick rather than the back, and there was an eBay listing for a totally unmarked one -- identifiable as Vega by a star inlay in the headstock.

House of Musical Traditions in Takoma Park advertises repairs; no personal experience to rate them.

[deb-mae]

The only thing I see is on the back of the headstock. It's a hole but I can't see down in side of it. There are 2 holes on the dowel much like it but smaller and both look as if something is inside them too. This is a mystery gal!

[Pick&Grin]

Interesting find! Looks the spitting image of my Vega K, but for the lack of stamp. Could it be that the dowel was replaced at some point? Odd, too that there's no serial# to be found on the inside of the pot, but it looks just like mine, down to the screws. Hope your son enjoys!