1928 Vega VOX Plectrum RENÉE KARNES CONVERSION Banjo 1953 Vegaphone De Luxe Vegavox Deluxe
It’s well known that the Vega VOX plectrum banjo is the king of the hill in the Trad. Jazz and Dixieland worlds. This is in large part due to Banjo virtuoso Eddie Peabody’s legacy. In fact he was directly involved in its development. High end deluxe versions of the Vega Vox banjo seldom come up for sale and are highly desirable. We’ve shown this banjo to many experts in that world and concluded the following. It appears to have begun its life as a Vega Tubaphone Deluxe, stamped 98810 (circa 1953, but could be leftover prewar parts). It has been made to look cosmetically like the first generation of the VOX banjos from the late 1920s. Although it is not marked, based on the finish coloring and engraving style, it would be very surprising if the custom work had been done by anyone other than master banjo builder Renee Karnes. The rim, dowel stick, and neck appear to be from the original Vegaphone banjo. The rim (also stamped 98810) and resonator, and headstock overlay were likely modified or created by Karnes. The tension hoop, flanges, tailpiece, armrest, and tuners are all newer and created by its builder or perhaps sourced from NOS Vega parts. Overall length: 38 in. (96.52 cm.) Head Diameter: 10 7/8 in. (27.62 cm.) Body Depth: 3 1/2 in. (8.89 cm.) Scale length: 27 in. (685.8 mm.) Nut Width: 1 1/8 in. (28.5 mm.) Serial Number: 98810 This banjo is in very nice condition and is set up well for easy playability up and down the neck! There is some light fretwear from normal use, but it sounds great all the way up its long 27” plectrum scale. It has light wear to the gold plating at contact points. It comes in a very sturdy bus slightly musty Superior brand professional hard shell case. Wonderful sounding and great looking Vox plectrum jazz banjos seldomly, if ever, come up for sale. And Renee's work is still highly desired long after her passing. Don't miss out on this gem! Excellent (E) Condition