Vega Pete Seeger PS-5 Model Longneck 5 String Banjo (1967)
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Item # 11486
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Vega Pete Seeger PS-5 Model Longneck Model 5 String Banjo (1967), made in Boston, Mass., serial # A-129099, shaded maple finish, laminated maple neck and rim, ebony fingerboard, original black hard shell case.
This is an all original and very nice example of the classic Vega longneck "folk" banjo from the 1960s, originally designed as a custom instrument for Pete Seeger then put into production late in 1958. The iconic Peter Seeger PS-5 model went through a number of evolutionary changes; this is a later 1960s version from with metal coordinating rods instead of a wooden dowel and Grover Rotomatic guitar tuners. The yellow Vega label inside the rim has the A-series serial number ink stamped with "Pete Seeger" handwritten, and dates to late 1967 or the beginning of '68.
A link to earlier Vega banjo styles is the "Tubaphone" tone ring, which still has round ports instead of rectangular cut-outs found on some later PS-5 and VegaVox models. The shoes are mounted through the rim from the inside (instead of just through the bracket band), but otherwise it is built to the same high standard as Vega's older prewar instruments with typically excellent workmanship. The neck is laminated maple, finished in sunburst with a dot-inlaid bound ebony fingerboard and an adjustable truss rod. The headstock face has a pearl inlaid Vega logo and star emblem.
These long-neck banjos were designed to be tuned to a lower "E" pitch using standard 5-string "G" tuning intervals. The development was the result of Pete Seeger's need for a banjo that could comfortably accommodate different vocal keys, especially the typical blues guitarist's penchant for playing in E! He also sometimes used it in a low Bb version of "C" tuning. Most players kept a capo handy to easily switch to G or other keys...the position dots are actually designed to be in the familiar layout when the banjo is capo'd in the 3rd fret "G" position, and look odd when it is not.
This style banjo was an essential piece of equipment for late 1950s and early '60s folk groups, starting with the Kingston Trio. This actual Seeger signature model longneck was very sought after at the time and considered rather expensive; they are actually rather rare today. Vega offered a less expensive "Folklore" version without the Tu-Ba-Phone tone ring and other makers soon copied the instrument, but the genuine Seeger model remains the finest and most desired of all long necks. While not often seen today, this is an interesting and versatile instrument just waiting for revival!
Overall length is 43 1/2 in. (110.5 cm.), 11 in. (27.9 cm.) diameter head, and 2 3/4 in. (7 cm.) deep. Scale length is 32 in. (813 mm.). Width of nut is 1 1/8 in. (29 mm.).
This banjo remains in excellent original condition with just some light very wear. There is some checking and a few small dings on the edges of the headstock, but really the neck finish appears very little used. The plating on the rim and hooks is relatively clean as well, with some clouding on the rim surfaces but no major corrosion or loss. The head is a later Remo but the bridge appears an original maple piece with an ebony cap.
The hardware is original and complete and the banjo plays perfectly with a big ringing sound, just as it did in the 1960s. There is a single railroad spike installed to facilitate a quick re-set for the 5th string to G tuning when a capo is used on the other four strings. The original green-lined alligator grain Lifton hardshell case has some external wear but is nicely preserved as well. This is one of those instruments that does not turn up that much anymore, and we are always glad to find a nice one! Overall Excellent Condition.
This is an all original and very nice example of the classic Vega longneck "folk" banjo from the 1960s, originally designed as a custom instrument for Pete Seeger then put into production late in 1958. The iconic Peter Seeger PS-5 model went through a number of evolutionary changes; this is a later 1960s version from with metal coordinating rods instead of a wooden dowel and Grover Rotomatic guitar tuners. The yellow Vega label inside the rim has the A-series serial number ink stamped with "Pete Seeger" handwritten, and dates to late 1967 or the beginning of '68.
A link to earlier Vega banjo styles is the "Tubaphone" tone ring, which still has round ports instead of rectangular cut-outs found on some later PS-5 and VegaVox models. The shoes are mounted through the rim from the inside (instead of just through the bracket band), but otherwise it is built to the same high standard as Vega's older prewar instruments with typically excellent workmanship. The neck is laminated maple, finished in sunburst with a dot-inlaid bound ebony fingerboard and an adjustable truss rod. The headstock face has a pearl inlaid Vega logo and star emblem.
These long-neck banjos were designed to be tuned to a lower "E" pitch using standard 5-string "G" tuning intervals. The development was the result of Pete Seeger's need for a banjo that could comfortably accommodate different vocal keys, especially the typical blues guitarist's penchant for playing in E! He also sometimes used it in a low Bb version of "C" tuning. Most players kept a capo handy to easily switch to G or other keys...the position dots are actually designed to be in the familiar layout when the banjo is capo'd in the 3rd fret "G" position, and look odd when it is not.
This style banjo was an essential piece of equipment for late 1950s and early '60s folk groups, starting with the Kingston Trio. This actual Seeger signature model longneck was very sought after at the time and considered rather expensive; they are actually rather rare today. Vega offered a less expensive "Folklore" version without the Tu-Ba-Phone tone ring and other makers soon copied the instrument, but the genuine Seeger model remains the finest and most desired of all long necks. While not often seen today, this is an interesting and versatile instrument just waiting for revival!
Overall length is 43 1/2 in. (110.5 cm.), 11 in. (27.9 cm.) diameter head, and 2 3/4 in. (7 cm.) deep. Scale length is 32 in. (813 mm.). Width of nut is 1 1/8 in. (29 mm.).
This banjo remains in excellent original condition with just some light very wear. There is some checking and a few small dings on the edges of the headstock, but really the neck finish appears very little used. The plating on the rim and hooks is relatively clean as well, with some clouding on the rim surfaces but no major corrosion or loss. The head is a later Remo but the bridge appears an original maple piece with an ebony cap.
The hardware is original and complete and the banjo plays perfectly with a big ringing sound, just as it did in the 1960s. There is a single railroad spike installed to facilitate a quick re-set for the 5th string to G tuning when a capo is used on the other four strings. The original green-lined alligator grain Lifton hardshell case has some external wear but is nicely preserved as well. This is one of those instruments that does not turn up that much anymore, and we are always glad to find a nice one! Overall Excellent Condition.