Vega Old Tyme Wonder Frailing / Clawhammer Banjo

The Deering company of Lemon Grove California has been one of the most respected manufacturer of high-end banjos for decades. Their Vega line of open-back clawhammer banjos including the Vega Old Tyme Wonder are packed with features and priced very modestly.

The latest model in the Vega banjo line is the “Old Tyme Wonder” which features a hand applied ‘Warm Brown’ stain over highly flamed maple finished with a matte lacquer. Some matte finishes feel coarse under your hands, but these instruments have been wet sanded and then hand pumiced to achieve a silky smooth feel with almost no friction or stickiness. The fingerboard scoop at the 17th fret is much appreciated by many old time frailers who ‘dig in’ and double thumb in this area and sometimes catch a nail on the fret ends. Nice touch Vega!

Here is what Deering has to say about the Vega Old Tyme Wonder: 

“For Clawhammer banjoists who prefer a scooped neck to ease plucking their banjos over the fingerboard we make the Vega Old Tyme Wonder. We build in a traditional “scoop″ that allows more room for the fingers and thumb of the right hand to pluck the strings over the fingerboard.

We steam and bend our violin grade maple rim and install a fiberskyn head over the rim, attaching a Deering designed “Knot-Less” tailpiece″ for a modern twist on a traditional old time sound. This is a light weight banjo that is made especially for musicians who want the warmer tones that go well in a string band with a fiddle and bass. “

Specifications for the Vega Old Tyme Wonder

* Ebony fingerboard w/ frailing scoop
* Three ply rock maple rim
* Dark, Warm Brown stain and Satin Finish
* Planet tuners
* Two way adjustable truss rod.
* Standard 11″ banjo head
* Geared 5th string tuner
* Traditional Vega peghead shape
* Made in USA
* No CITES listed woods used
* One Year Warranty

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