1961 Vega VOX Vegavox III 3 Plectrum 4 String Banjo Dixieland / Traditional Trad. Jazz
1961 Vega VOX Vegavox III 3 Plectrum 4 String Banjo Dixieland / Traditional Trad. Jazz
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. Mid and high end versions of the Vega Vox banjo seldom come up for sale and are highly desirable for players of these styles. They also work great to double for guitarists, when moved to "Chicago Tuning."
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 3/16 in. (34.16 mm.)
Serial Number: 101092
The body of this lovely banjo has the serial number 101092 (circa 1961) printed on a yellow Boston Massachusetts Vega label identifying it as a VOX III. Its neck features a fancy headstock overlay with a model III truss rod cover and high quality tuners. The resonator has some lovely decorations around its perimeter. It is one of the nicest sounding and best playing plectrum banjos we’ve ever had!
This Vegavox is in giggable condition. It's set up well, it’s easy to play, and sounds great all the way up its long 27” plectrum scale neck. Action is currently set to 1/8" on the treble side and 9/64ths on the bass for comfortable playing. Some of the frets seem to have had an amateurish dressing done at some point, which we did our best to clean up. All the notes throughout it’s scale sound clearly and project strongly with the crisp tone expected from a Vega VOX.
It was clearly well loved, played extensively for many years, and shows normal playwear on the back of its neck. The interior neck dowel may have been replaced or had its finish removed at some point in its life. It comes in its sturdy original Vega brand professional hard shell case with a couple extra tension rods and a strap. Wonderful sounding and great looking Vox plectrum Jazz banjos seldomly come up for sale. Don't miss out on this gem!
Very Good Plus (VG+) Condition