I posted recently that a friend of mine who is a serious musical instrument collector has offered me my choice of two lovely Vega cylinder backs.
1. One is their presentation model: flamed maple back and sides, beautiful floral mother-of-pearl inlay. It has probably more use and been more stressed in its roughly century of existence since it has required several repairs in the soundboard over the decades. Other than that, there is some wear and scuffing of the body but nothing significant. Because all the repairs have been in the soundboard, however, I worry it may be slowly buckling, but who knows, it could last a long time yet. Or not.
2. The other Vega cylinder is pristine: little wear and no damage, all original parts, all excellent shape. It is one of the models without inlay. It has a mahogany back (and, I think, sides). No signs of buckling or stress in the soundboard.
Sound: 1, the presentation model is brighter. 2, the mahogany back, is warmer and sweeter. Neither is loud but both have good volume. The presentation model (1) is distinctly brighter and a little louder than the mahogany model (2).
I am debating between getting 1 or 2.
I am probably going to get one and was wanting input. I know I am going to be asked what kind of music do I play and why do I want it. I live in Nova Scotia and play Celtic music (Scots and Irish) almost exclusively, maybe now and then some classical, Gypsy, etc, but 99% Celtic. That's where my heart's at.
I also am not a collector so I'd like to avoid maintenance issues as much as possible. I like the idea of a vintage, unique instrument but my real goal is something with a special tone, and both these Vegas have that in spades.
So, my question is: Is it better to get the maple back presentation model even with its repairs for its additional loudness and brightness, or get the warmer, slightly less loud but pristine condition mahogany back model?
Your thoughts, as always, are appreciated.
He lives several hours away and I don't have pics. Here are some he sent me. He's a remarkable musician but a lousy photographer, so I apologize for the photos in advance. (Laughing as I say this, don't take it too seriously, if you see this.) The one with the floral inlay on the pickguard is the Vega Presentation model, and second is the Vega mahogany back.
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