(exc-) The Vega company was purchased in the early 70s by C.F. Martin & Co., the famous guitar makers. Basically, Martin took over the venerable Vega company and assembled banjos from the inventory that Vega had on hand to fill the need created by the Folk Boom that started in the '60s. This model has the Martin/Vega label inside and is part Little Wonder and part Folk Ranger with a resonator and flange thrown in to appeal to the Bluegrass crowd. (Remember... this was the era when Earl Scruggs was a Vega endorsee.) The banjo has a significantly bright tone and the neck is very playable as well. A good choice for a student who wants an affordable better-than-entry-level banjo, or a festival instrument for more advanced players.

With hard case.

The epitome of Deering's open back banjo art. The first feature you will notice is the mother of pearl & abalone fire breathing dragon peghead inlay with hand engraving. Real clawhammer players will appreciate the Scooped ebony fingerboard with Vega Lady inlay, and everyone will enjoy the tone of

Deering’s hand-crafted tubaphone tone-ring on their 3 ply rock Maple rim. A superbly crafted instrument for player or collector. Maintained in pristine condition by its former owner, you will save a lot of dough off the MSRP of $7199