Is this a Vega cylinder-back plectrum or a long-neck Vega 4-string mando-cello? What's in a name anyway? (Just joking, please don't lecture us on the official name). Dating this Vega is approximate, but the interior patent stamp states "Nov. 4, 1913" and the serial number 37789 is stamped on upper edge of headstock. The original paper label on inside back is complete. This came to us from a local family several years ago exactly as you see it here (Gryphon just doesn't have time to repair the cracks). The original owner, who was Italian, played both banjo and mandolin and it seems this was a good compromise of both.
This rare Vega has seen quite a lot of use and also wasn't handled very carefully, but it's still quite functional as it is. We'll describe its issues so you can decide what you want to fix but you really don't have to do anything to play it. It appears to be all original with the possible exception of the bridge and tailpiece (which is also missing its cover). Original nut, inlaid pickguard, finish and Grover tuners. All interior bracing is intact with nothing damaged or missing and the only repair is a funky interior block to reinforce the cracks to the treble side (see photo). Neck is quite straight on the treble side with only slight relief on the bass side (strung with plectrum banjo strings and tuned to pitch).
The photos are part of the description! If you only view this listing on your phone you may not spot some of the finish issues so please, take the time to view our photos on a decent-sized display.
The body is 12 1/2 inches wide and 17 inches long, string scale is 27 inches, the Vega standard. The top is in great condition with no warp or distortion but note the 6 1/2 inch (unrepaired) crack on the bass side. The back has no cracks but there are signs of very minor crunching along one edge as the sides apparently took a few hits. The treble side just shows finish damage, but bass (upper) side has multiple cracks, two 1/8" holes, and about ten little holes that make no sense at all. Note small holes in the neck heel and back of the headstock, plus the big chip at the tip of headstock. The white paint spatters on the face of the headstock and on the spruce top do NOT wipe off with mild cleanser.
Comes with a lightweight gig bag that does the job but is an imperfect fit for obvious reasons.
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