Help Identify Vega Bandurria

[dschrum]

Can anyone give me information on Bandurrias made by Vega? I obtained one from an estate in North Carolina several years ago. I assumed that there would by information and photos of similar instruments on the web. as old gold and black oval Vega labels have the words Guitars, Banjos, Mandolins, Zithers and Bandurrias printed around the edge. I have found nothing on the web either in terms of photos or information. I did find reference to one in a museum in Romania but this did not include either a photo or description. On my instrument the bridge, tailpiece and tuners have been replaced though the original split bridge is in the case. It has 12 strings and 12 frets. It has the original label in soundhole and an oval Vega imprint on the back of the headstock. The only other reference to an oval Vaga logo I have found was from the 1920's. The neck appears to be mahogany, the top is spruce and the back and sides are figured maple. Please see attached photos.

[Jim Garber]

Pretty rare. I am trying to remember if there is a picture of one in a Vega catalog, tho I may be confusing it with a Lyon & Healy. I can look later. Post more pics please.

[dschrum]

Pretty rare. I am trying to remember if there is a picture of one in a Vega catalog, tho I may be confusing it with a Lyon & Healy. I can look later. Post more pics please.

Thanks Jim, I have attached a few more photos

[Jim Garber]

Thanks for the photos. I honestly think that I have not seen one of these, certainly not in person and not in a catalog either, tho most Vega labels do mention them. Too bad the original tailpiece is not there.

[allenhopkins]

...Too bad the original tailpiece is not there.

Yeah, you're gonna want to do something about that. The strings resting directly on the edge of the top are clearly causing damage.

[Dr. P]

[QUOTE=dschrum;1185775]Can anyone give me information on Bandurrias made by Vega?

I would LOVE to find out more about this bandurria! More photos. Is there a serial number punched into the top edge of the headstock? If so, what is the number? I have a couple Vega catalogs and have not seen any reference to a Vega bandurria other than on the label. So sorry that I did not see this thread when it came out. Very happy to find it today. Paul

[Jim Garber]

Well, Paul, if you have not seen one it is pretty rare. One of Paul’s many areas of expertise is Vega instruments.

I would imagine that the demand for bandurrias in the US in the teens and 1920s was pretty low since I don’t think there were any large population of people from Spain in New England. I would think that there would be more demand for Portuguese instruments like guitarras which would be similar in construction to mandolins.

[ollaimh]

that is pretty cool. i didn't know vega made bandurrias. more pictures please???

[Jim Garber]

The OP posted over 5 years ago. It would be nice if we could contact him but may be possible.