Neck is straight, no twists or bows, frets show no wear, no finish wear on back of the neck. No truss rod, approx 23' scale. The serial number suggests 1950s, but the number is outside the range of known serial numbers (pre 1953).All of these Vega 'standard' flat tops were discontinued in October 1941 some returned after the war but many including this style were not revived. The Jumbo J was introduce in late and discontinued in Like the SJ of the same year the J had.Vegas guitar serial numbers have not been accurately documented but this guitar appears to date to around 1938. Although Vega is better known for its banjos and its archtop guitars, I think there is much to admire in their pre-war flat tops.Eventually they produced electrified versions of these guitars. I'd like to hear from others who have these lovely guitars. Dowel is stamped with typical Vega Company.Martin made some banjos, and marketed import instruments, under the Vega brand name until March, 1979.Certain guitar models built in the late 1970s can be used to demonstrate the old-style, six-digit serial numbers. Very similar designs were produced in figured maple, too.Martin, a respected guitar manufacturer, in Nazareth, PA. All available in Hawaiian models. A mid 1920s catalogue page shows styles 33, 34, 35, and 36 - Standard, Concert, Grand Concert and Extra Large Concert Sizes, all in rosewood.This one is ladder braced, with a rich bottom end, a complex and very nice tone, strung with light ph/bronze strings. But some instruments before that time.Here is a Style 35 in extraordinarily fine condition, that I acquired from Lark Street Music.Among its striking features are its relatively simple ornamentation, particularly pleasing proportions (to my eye), and very fine natural varnish finish. Hfner instruments had no serial number until the early 1970s. So double check the serial numbers on those 1970s L-5s, Super 400s, and Super 5 BJBsDATING HFNER GUITARS BY REFERENCE OF SERIAL NUMBERS.
Vega Guitar S Serial Number Suggests 1950SI ended up worrying even more about damaging the top, So I installed a small maple bridgeplate. It's ladder braced, but doesn't sound it, so I was worried about changing the tone. An interesting thing, when I bought it a year or so ago it had no bridge plate at all. Will give specs too.It's not as gorgeous and pristine as yours by a long shot Brad, but it's in nice shape. Kaspersky free for macEven with me playing.I don't want to violate any UMGF standards, but since these instruments don't come up so often, I'd like to post Mr. I tune it CGDA, the original tenor tuning, and it sings. Might also be that it's on the cusp of needing a neck reset.I replaced the Grover planetary tuners with the Waverly copies - they were a perfect swap, so I can go back if need be. It's very banjo-like in the neck. With a flat fretboard, a little shorter scale (less than 23" I think), string spacing feels a smidge wider. Combined with the 25" scale length this yields a big strong sound. A shade under 14 3/4" at the lower bout and a maximum body depth of 4 1/2 inches. 1937 Vega Flat Top Guitar EXC + It is unusual to find a Vega flat top in this large size. Banana, obviously another friend to instruments slightly off the well beaten path blazed by CFM and Gibson.From the Player's Vintage description: VF - 00011 ca. Someday someone will figure out how Vega serial numbers relate to the date of manufacture and we will thank them profusely. The serial number is 38969. The nut width is 1 21/32" (just shy of 1 11/16") typical of the Vegas of the thirties and forties. Everything is original here from the end pin to the 'jazz era' raised pickguard to the tuning pegs to the stenciled star logo on the headstock. This is a simple relatively unadorned model but the quality of woods and craftsmanship in these old Vegas is right up there with the Martins of the same era. Mahogany neck and ebony bridge and fingerboard. Adirondack spruce top shows some long checking lines in the original finish as does the mahogany back and sides.
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