Custom Vega Regent 1918 Maple

The Fairbanks Regent is one of the classic 5-string banjos of the Vega line, c. 1910, made in Boston, Mass., not a top-line model but of extremely high quality and most attractive design. The rim is a laminated maple with “tortoise” binding and a simple Little Wonder tone ring, predating the Fairbanks Electric and Tub-A-Phone style rims. The Eastman reproduction neck is laminated maple with an ebony center string and a bound ebony fingerboard featuring engraved pearl designs. The Eastman Repro Neck is made in the style of the old, Fairbanks banjos and are completely fretted, finished and inlayed with Gryphon headstock inlay and scalloped diamonds, one of the trademark Fairbanks/Vega designs and one of the most beautiful. Matching numbers neck and rim, all dowel stamps correct and intact, this is a very good example of one of America's classic banjos. Overall length is 36 in. (91.4 cm.), 10 1/4 diameter head (26.035cm), and 2 1/2 in. (6.4 cm.) in depth, measured at side of rim. Scale length is 26 in. (660 mm.). Width of nut is 1 5/16 in. (33 mm.). Hooks and nuts are original The tailpiece is a Grover replica not original to the piece If you prefer, I can exchange it with a period noKnot . Set up with steel strings and a newer grained calfskin head; Overall a really nice rare antique 5 string banjo with a good, strong sound and excellent playability. It compares favorably to the Whyte Laydie banjos but is much lighter in weight. It is the product of one of the foremost makers of banjos, Fairbanks-Vega from the time when the two company names were stamped together 1918, simply a great old-time banjo. Excellent Condition. Gig bag included.