Antique AC FAIRBANKS CO Banjo Mandolin c1909 7 5/8" Dia. Metal Pot 8 String VEGA - $675 - (Redding, CT)

Offered for sale today is this great little antique AC Fairbanks Co. (Makers from Boston, Mass.)/Vega banjo mandolin. This particular example bears a serial number of 25410 (marked in two places), which I believe dates it to 1909. Interestingly, AC Fairbanks was succeeded by the Vega Company in 1903; however, the instruments continued to bear the AC Fairbanks name plate until the middle teens. The instrument is quite sturdy; it measures approximately 7 5/8" in diameter and approximately 22 3/8" end to end, and weighs over 3 lbs. It has 8 strings, 18 hooks or brackets and an all metal body (pot). The surface appears to be some sort of stretched animal skin. I've been advised the scale length is 13," but I'm not sure what that means -- hopefully you do. While I am not a musician, it seems to be producing strong and pleasant sounds and is ready for playing. Aesthetically, the instrument appears to be in good condition for its age and use, though I should point out that I had a bit of professional restoration done to it, which included, replacing a few missing shoes, hooks and nuts, and repairing a string nut and heal cap. Finally, the bridge was replaced and located to the proper position. If you are looking for a fully functional antique or vintage banjo mandolin by one of the quality US makers, look no further.

Posted in Redding, CT, Music Instruments
From ebay.com - 1 month ago