ZEPP Country Music, Inc.

A classic banjo introduced in 1909, the Tu-Ba-Phone (TBP) was the apogee of Vega development. Its tone ring carried Vega through the Roaring Twenties, Dixieland, ragtime, the folk boom of the 1960s (Earl Scruggs even endorsed a TBP model), the Martin years of 1970-1980, and to the end of the traditional company when the TBP was being made in Japan following sale of the Vega name to Galaxy. Today, the name is owned by Deering, and guess what tone ring is used in their "Vega No. 2" model?

Over the years, the TBP has become one of the most popular and sought-after banjos ever made.

This particular banjo has a very nicely done reproduction neck made by a now-unknown builder.

With its hardshell case, this consigned piece is here for $2500. 03 Feb: Price lowered by owner to $2250. Sold

	The ca. 1919, 11-13/16 inch, maple rim has celluloid binding on its interior edges.			The three-piece, reproduction flamed maple neck is a good copy of an original. We have no idea how old it is, but it has a few small dents from use.
	The headstock is classic Vega, as is the engraved, MOP and abalone "flower pot" inlay in the ebony overlayment.			The reverse of the headstock has an ebony overlayment with backstrapping continuing up the neck. The tuners are 5-Star brand planetaries, with a worm and pinion 5th string tuner.
	The ebony fingerboard has an engraved, no. 2 inlay; there is virtually no fret wear. Fifth string spikes have been installed at frets 7 and 9.			The 11-13/16 inch pot has a Renaissance brand head, a Moon brand bridge, and a Presto-style tailpiece.
	The 90+ year-old nickel plating shows some light tarnish and scratches, but nothing one would not expect in a banjo of this age.			The worst of the nickel wear is where it has worn through, down to brass.
	The original dowel stick has been reused with the reproduction neck.

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