Details
While the classy engraved pearl inlays make Vega's No. 9 Tubaphone a show-stopper visually, this example is fully functional with newish geared planet pegs, a straight neck, and excellent frets. The Vega resonator can easily be removed, and even the resonator flange pieces can be taken off if you prefer the earlier open-back style (Vega was offering banjos both with and without resonators when this one was made, and many sold without resonators were sent back to the factory for a resonator upgrade).
The shellac varnish finish appears to be original and is in great condition throughout. Since the hooks (which are steel, not brass) don't show any rust we're assuming the hooks are new, or newly replated.
These Vegas have a serial number stamped on the inside of the rim, and again on the dowel stick. On this example those numbers don't match, although one number starts with "50" and the other with "51"so both numbers were used in the same year. We can't be sure how or when this serial number mismatch happened, or why, but it's not at all unusual and with numbers this close it's likely a warranty issue corrected by Vega is the reason.
Specs
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Binding
Ivoroid on neck, faux tortoise on shell
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Fingerboard
Ebony
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Neck material
Maple
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Nut width
1 5/16"
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Scale length
27"
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Tuners
Planetary Geared Tuners
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Year
1922
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Diameter
10 15/16"
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Resonator
Yes
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Tone ring
Tubaphone
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Case type
Hardshell
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Serial number
50766 (Neck)/ 51707 (Shell)
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SKU
VEGNO9-50766/51707
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UPC
141819
