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 Douglas Unger 1973 Vega Tubaphone Five String Banjo An UNUSUAL and RARE opportunity to own this MAGNIFICENT banjo! |
Please click the images for enlarged photos.
BACK TO ROOTS OF AMERICAN FIDDLE MUSIC
Douglas Unger 1973 Vega Tubaphone Five String Banjo An UNUSUAL and RARE opportunity to own this MAGNIFICENT banjo! |
Please click the images for enlarged photos.
This is a stunning and lovely early example of Professor Douglas Unger's work from 1973. It is a 10 1/8" Tubaphone rim assembly with a 26 1/2" scale length . The neck is mahogany with walnut backstrap, with gorgeous carving of the heel and the back of the peghead.
The fingerboard is ebony and bound with ivoroid and is inlayed with lovely, engraved diamond shaped pearl and there is a most stunning peghead flower pot inlay. The tuners have ivoroid buttons and are of the frictions type. It is currently fitted with an original excellent Vega calfskin head labeled Joseph Rogers and also has an extra Fiberskyn head as well. The case is very fresh and is a five latch deluxe wood archtop that fits the banjo perfectly.
The first several frets have some grooves with wear but the rest are essentially unused. The finish on the neck is original and in excellent condition. The original dowel stick has been professional replaced several years ago and it is perfect match. The original dowel stick with Doug Unger's name is included as shown in the photograph below. It is stamped "DOUGLAS UNGER NO. 4" and on the reverse stamped "1973". It is a great player with lovely action and sounds fantastic. This is a true gem of classic five string beauties.
This banjo has its own presence and will be an exciting addition to any oldtime banjo players home. I will be happy to supply additional photos and information on request. Email me here if you are interested. I will consider any offers over $2,000.
