Vega Style X Tubaphone N.O. 9 Tenor Banjo, 1920s, Lg. Pot, HSC

Description

Vega X NO.9 Tenor Banjo, 1920s, Large Pot, removable Vega resonator with hardware, vintage hard shell case. Matching serial numbers pot to neck 68822, circa 1925/27. Engraved inlays, carved heel, Vega resonator, 11 13/16” pot. Overall in good condition. The last time I held one of these beauties was 1983 when working at a small vintage shop in Minneapolis.
Someone really played this tenor! Some ebony fingerboard wear. Some of the black lacquer in the engravings is worn on the fingerboard as you’ll see in the photos. Much is still stunning. Frets have been dressed. The hook nuts are Vega style replacements. The hooks look right for this era Vega. Shoes are right and look to be original. The dowel reads Tubaphone on top and Style X N.O. 9 on the side. This should be reversed. It is glued in solid. My best guess is that a previous owner planned to convert to a five string, removed the dowel and thought better of it. The neck, the pot and a five string neck came from the same estate. The next owner could remove the dowel and reset if desired. This doesn’t affect playability and absolutely functional as is.
The tuning pegs were removed at some point. I’ve installed high quality vintage tuners (spring tension). I did not alter the tuning peg holes. The G string peg hole is slightly larger than the others. That peg has the bushing. I have the 3 remaining bushings to go with the other tuners. I chose not to enlarge the holes to get the bushings to fit but it would take very little effort to do so. The nut is a vintage tenor bone nut from my parts box that fits well - Seriously good fit. The binding on the inside of the pot close to the rim edge is deteriorating and I think it warrants replacement at some point. Again, this doesn’t affect playability. There are initials and Omaha Nebraska etched on the tension hoop (see photo). The tailpiece is an old Kerchner and works well. One of three adjustment set screws has been replaced.  The case is a good one but not original to the instrument. It’s a decent fit and all latches function well. The synthetic head came on the banjo. A good calfskin head would be a nice addition - in that I’m a true believer.
This banjo will make a fine addition to your collection and or an excellent playing tenor in either jazz or Irish tunings. Let me know if you have any questions or need more photos. I ship USPS Priority insured. Hawaii and Alaska players check with me on additional shipping cost to the flat fee. I honor timely returns for any reason for a full sale price refund. That’s how I like to shop. Thanks for looking. Corey