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Thread: Circa 1930 Vega 8 string- 39 inches long

  1. #1

    Default Circa 1930 Vega 8 string- 39 inches long

    This may be a tenor guitar variant but in an eight string mode. I think the tuenrs are original Waverly items. Obviously, something nasty lurks under the tape- the seller really ought to peel it off. For good measure, someone has screwed on a 1950s Harmony Monterey pickguard. I think this is quite a rare bird and is probably restorable for the requisite sack of pennies.

    https://www.ebay.com/itm/32381317800...hs-uzGg3DXCQ4U

  2. #2

    Default Re: Circa 1930 Vega 8 string- 39 inches long

    I found this photo from a few years back- a lute mandocello: https://www.mandolincafe.com/forum/t...andolin-Family

  3. #3
    NY Naturalist BradKlein's Avatar
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    Default Re: Circa 1930 Vega 8 string- 39 inches long

    Wow! That one has been through some very hard times! It'll be a labor of love to bring it back, and who knows what is under that packing tape repair!
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    Registered User William Smith's Avatar
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    Default Re: Circa 1930 Vega 8 string- 39 inches long

    Yeah that baby is in rough shape! The tuners are the sweetest part if it stays cheap enough! What is with the tape?

  5. #5

    Default Re: Circa 1930 Vega 8 string- 39 inches long

    Like all good airliners, it is held together with duck tape. I bought a Kalamazoo with tape around its neck by the nut- I knew it was broken- and it was. Of course, I could have complained to ebay that the ignorant seller had said it was in good order and scored a huge discount but I bought it knowing there was a problem. I think it is a good policy to show deficiencies- especially if they are masked by tape. My guitar man repaired the neck on the guitar and it is invisible- I have no idea how he does it.

  6. #6
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    Default Re: Circa 1930 Vega 8 string- 39 inches long

    I would assume the worst for the side, and be pleasantly surprised if it turns out to be just couple of easily repaired cracks.
    If necessary, the worst case scenario would be replacement of at least part of the side.

    I'm more concerned about whether that goop can be taken off the top and a reasonable resurrection of a decent finish made without thinning the top. The Vega instruments left the factory with the tops about as thin as possible without self-destructing. That's why they sound so good.

  7. #7
    Mando accumulator allenhopkins's Avatar
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    Default Re: Circa 1930 Vega 8 string- 39 inches long

    Quote Originally Posted by NickR View Post
    Like all good airliners, it is held together with duck tape...
    Any repair-person who'd do that is a real quack.
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  9. #8

    Default Re: Circa 1930 Vega 8 string- 39 inches long

    I think it is possible to remove a gloopy finish additional by using a cutting agent- I have done that with overspray. Of course, it depends what it is and what is underneath- and how long you are prepared to spend doing this sort of procedure.

  10. #9
    Registered User William Smith's Avatar
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    Default Re: Circa 1930 Vega 8 string- 39 inches long

    The price sure has jacked up on it! Like I said the 1925 style oak leaf and flower bump end worm over Waverly tuners are the nicest part to me anyway? It would be nice to see what under the tape?

  11. #10

    Default Re: Circa 1930 Vega 8 string- 39 inches long

    it's a rare beauty fallen on hard times. years ago i heard a vega octave mandolin at a sessuin and it sounded great. but it will probably get a lot of bids and still require too much money to repair.

  12. #11
    FIDDLES with STRADOLINS your_diamond's Avatar
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    Default Re: Circa 1930 Vega 8 string- 39 inches long

    Saw this on Ebay & thought it was worth mentioning ...VEGA USA D100 ELECTRIC HOLLOW BODY MANDOLIN WITH ORIGINAL CASE https://ebay.us/vdmdzE

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  14. #12
    Registered User William Smith's Avatar
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    Default Re: Circa 1930 Vega 8 string- 39 inches long

    Is that a stock Vega electric with humbucker? or modified, I'm not up on all the Vega stuff but it sure looks neat!

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    FIDDLES with STRADOLINS your_diamond's Avatar
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    Default Re: Circa 1930 Vega 8 string- 39 inches long

    Quote Originally Posted by William Smith View Post
    Is that a stock Vega electric with humbucker? or modified
    Looks stock. The patent numbers on the label are from 1947 and are for the truss rod and electronics... so this should be from 1947 or newer. I doubt that is a humbucker as they weren't invented until 1955 and Vega D100's were discontinued in the early 1950's.

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  17. #14
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    Default Re: Circa 1930 Vega 8 string- 39 inches long

    Quote Originally Posted by NickR View Post
    For good measure, someone has screwed on a 1950s Harmony Monterey pickguard.
    Rickenbacker guitars' two-level pickguards DO look classy, IMHO, but this good measure? Maybe not so much.
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  18. #15

    Default Re: Circa 1930 Vega 8 string- 39 inches long

    it went for $531 usd. not bad . i almost bid but i don't need another project. if that side is just cracked it is worth it, even with the inevitable repairs. i bet it will be a special instruments, but in the end i hummed and hawed and didn't biddid anyone here get it?

  19. #16

    Default Re: Circa 1930 Vega 8 string- 39 inches long

    Yes, it would have been a good project- I am sure it will be resurrected now.

  20. #17
    Registered User William Smith's Avatar
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    Default Re: Circa 1930 Vega 8 string- 39 inches long

    I bid on it but didn't want to go too high-I do want an old mandocello, I have a soft spot for diamonds in the rough! That one had potential!

  21. #18

    Default Re: Circa 1930 Vega 8 string- 39 inches long

    i almost got in but i have too many projects as well. still it was very nice. that scale length wouldn't really be a mandocello would it???

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