Description
Known as a Vega Galaxy No.2, this very nice open back Tubaphone style banjo, made in Japan around early 1979 and fits into a brief section of Vega's long history.
The 'Galaxy' term is not part of the actual instrument name but is instead a reference to the Galaxy Trading Company, which owned the Vega name and manufactured Vega banjos for perhaps four years.
Canadian Banjo artist Chris Coole has used one of these models, modifying it with a frailing scoop.
This all original instrument plays well and has a good sound. The original brown hard shell faux-gator covered case is included and in very good condition except for some wear to the lining caused by the tailpiece adjuster.
Vega Galaxy No.2 Materials and Construction
In very good original condition with light to moderate fret and fingerboard wear, this lovely 5-string banjo has an 11 inch laminated Maple pot with dark painted edges, a Tubaphone tone ring and 24 tension hooks.
The neck is three pieces of lightly figured Maple and carries a bound 22 fret lightly worn Indian Rosewood fingerboard and a matching Rosewood heel cap. The metal parts are chrome plated with very little tarnish or wear.
All the hardware is stock and in good working order.
Company and Model History
The Vega No.2 banjo was first introduced in 1910, and produced until about 1925, sometimes sold as a 'No.2 Special'.
The Vega company's history began in 1890 and was incorporated in 1903 producing musical instruments - stringed and brass- in Boston, MA. In 1904, the company acquired the remains of the Fairbanks company following their devastating fire. Production continued through two world wars, a worldwide depression and into the Folk boom of the late 1950's. Interest in banjos began waning as galloping advances in amplification technology allowed guitars and Rock music to dominate by the mid 1960's. In 1970, the C F Martin Guitar company purchased the Vega company, building and marketing Vega banjos.
Martin's Vega line included production outside of Nazareth PA. Around 1977, a labour dispute around the Martin shops led to some assembly in leased space on Milner Avenue in Scarborough, Ontario. Additionally, for sales in the European market, the Egmond factory in the Netherlands produced Vega banjos.
In March 1979, Martin sold the Vega name to the Galaxy Trading Company. Galaxy began production first in Japan, possibly by Kasuga or Tokai and of quite good quality. Korean production followed, but within a few years Galaxy entered bankruptcy and all production ceased, likely by 1984.
Finally, in 1989 the Deering Company purchased the Vega name and trademarks and have been building excellent Vega banjos since then.
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There are no refunds or returns on used items unless authorized in advance by a Twelfth Fret Sales Associate at time of sale. View Our Full Terms Here |
DETAILS:
- Instrument Model: Vega No.2
- Instrument Manufacturer: Vega / Galaxy Trading Company
- Instrument year: 1979
- Instrument Finish: Gloss Amber Tint
- Instrument Class: 5-String Open Back Banjos
- Instrument serial number: 1197, built late 1978 or early 1979 in Japan by Kasuga or Tokai
- Country of Origin: Japan
- Instrument Condition: Very Good
- Playing Condition: Very Good
- Right-handed
- CITIES Documentation Required: No
- Instrument Weight Imperial: 7.7 lbs
- Instrument Weight Metric: 3.5 kgs
- Scale Length Imperial: 26.378 in
- Scale Length Metric: 670 mm
- Nut Width Imperial: 1.189 in
- Nut Width Metric: 30.20 mm
- Case included: Yes
- Case original: Yes
- Case Type: Hardshell Faux-Gator
- Items in Case: String Pack
- Consignment: Yes
- Product ID: 190595
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There are no refunds or returns on used items unless authorized in advance by a Twelfth Fret Sales Associate at time of sale. View Our Full Terms Here |