1968 Vega Earl Scruggs Banjo
Pre-Martin Vega / Audiosonic Tubaphone Tone Ring / Keith-Scruggs-Bump Tuners
Rare 1968 Vega Scruggs model banjo with original Keith-Scruggs-Bump tuners. These models don't come up for sale very often. Maple neck and resonator in fine condition. Nickel plated hardware. The tone ring is the desirable "audio-sonic" slotted version Tubaphone. This is the second variation of the Vega Earl Scruggs, with the crown, diamond, and bowtie inlay, but before it was officially designated the “Earl Scruggs II”. Made by the Vega Company in Needham Heights, Massachusetts a couple of years before the sale to Martin & Co. Of course Mr. Scruggs loved his Gibson, but he did perform with his Vega regularly when they toured for Martha White.
General Information:
• Serial Number: A-129348 • Year of Manufacture: 1968 • Made in Needham Heights, Massachusetts USA •"Scruggs – Keith – Kroll + Capo" hand printed in black ink on yellow tape • 1-1/4" nut width • 26-15/16" scale length • Double white-bound resonator with sunburst finish • 19/32" multi-ply rim
Tuners & Hardware:• Keith – Scruggs –Bump tuners on second and third strings. • Geared 5th string tuner • Planetary Tuners on first and fourth strings • Bracket hook nuts are nickel plated • Original Waverly tailpiece • Shubb 5th string capo installed • 4 Piece Flange
Pot:
• Multiply Rim (I count 10 - see photos) • Desirable and less common Audio-sonic Tubaphone.
With a double row of slits cut around the inner surface of the tone ring • New Deering Black Head • All maple resonator in with some nice flame • Dual Coordinator Rods
Neck:
• White truss rod cover inscribed “Earl Scruggs MODEL” in red • 3 piece neck with walnut stripe • Large Crown, Diamond, Bowtie and rectangle fingerboard inlays • Sunburst finish maple neck with nice flame • White-bound ebony fingerboard with pearl inlays • Black side markers on binding • Gold pearl star and "VEGA" headstock inlay
Other:
•There are two places on the neck that the finish is worn through. This is very common on this banjo. There is a “thumbprint” at the first fret, and then a slide from the second to fourth. There is also some buckle rash to the back of the resonator.•The frets appear in good condition •There is no case included •I believe all parts are original with the exception of the head, and possibly the 5th string capo.
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