Vega Whyte Laydie No. 7 5 String Banjo Original Case Fairbanks 1906-7
Description
No sales tax for customers outside California.
This Vega Whyte Laydie No. 7 5-String Banjo, built during the Fairbanks era in 1906–1907, represents one of the finest open-back banjos ever crafted. Featuring intricate engraved inlays, ornate carved heel, delicate marquetry, and the iconic Whyte Laydie tone ring, this instrument delivers the warm yet articulate tone prized by old-time, clawhammer, and traditional folk players for more than a century.
The banjo includes its original case, a rare survival that enhances its historical and collector value. Its maple rim and neck, ebony fingerboard, and spun-over tone ring system reflect the exceptional craftsmanship of early 20th-century Vega/Fairbanks production. Despite its age, this instrument has been preserved remarkably well and remains structurally sound, playable, and full of the rich, chiming resonance the Whyte Laydie design is known for.
For musicians, collectors, and historians, this is a stunning example of early American banjo craftsmanship—authentic, investment-grade, and increasingly difficult to find in original condition.
Weight: 7lbs 8.5oz
Top: 11-3/4" calfskin head
Body: Maple rim, Whyte Laydie tone ring
Neck: Intricate Carved Maple
Fretboard: Ebony
Inlays: Mother of Pearl intricate individual inlay
Frets: Original
Fret Count: 20
Nut Material: Original Bone
Nut Width: 1-1/4"
Scale: 28"
Overall Length: 37-3/4"
Body Depth @ Edge: 2-5/8"
Neck Thickness At 1st Fret: 1.35"
Neck Thickness At 5th Fret: 1.4"
Action 1st String @ 12th Fret: 4/32"
Action 5th String @ 12th Fret: 4/32"
String Gauge: DiAddario 5 string lites
Hardware: 30 Hooks / Lugs, Whyte Laydie tone ring
Bridge: Non Original birch 5 string
Tuners: Original friction tuners with pearl buttons
Case: OHSC
Shipping policy:
There are multiple shipping cost options for purchases made on our site. Select Ground, 3 Day, 2 Day, or Next Day Air Saver. For Reverb purchases, there is one cost option for these Eastern states and shipment will be made by UPS three-day-air. Shipments will require signature on delivery, no exceptions. If there is damage, the buyer must retain all packing materials intact and picture them immediately and send them to . Less than 1% of our shipments are damaged in transit, and we are committed to making sure your item arrives safely, but we are taking these additional measures to make sure you are happy with your purchase.
This Vega Whyte Laydie No. 7 5-String Banjo, built during the Fairbanks era in 1906–1907, represents one of the finest open-back banjos ever crafted. Featuring intricate engraved inlays, ornate carved heel, delicate marquetry, and the iconic Whyte Laydie tone ring, this instrument delivers the warm yet articulate tone prized by old-time, clawhammer, and traditional folk players for more than a century.
The banjo includes its original case, a rare survival that enhances its historical and collector value. Its maple rim and neck, ebony fingerboard, and spun-over tone ring system reflect the exceptional craftsmanship of early 20th-century Vega/Fairbanks production. Despite its age, this instrument has been preserved remarkably well and remains structurally sound, playable, and full of the rich, chiming resonance the Whyte Laydie design is known for.
For musicians, collectors, and historians, this is a stunning example of early American banjo craftsmanship—authentic, investment-grade, and increasingly difficult to find in original condition.
Weight: 7lbs 8.5oz
Top: 11-3/4" calfskin head
Body: Maple rim, Whyte Laydie tone ring
Neck: Intricate Carved Maple
Fretboard: Ebony
Inlays: Mother of Pearl intricate individual inlay
Frets: Original
Fret Count: 20
Nut Material: Original Bone
Nut Width: 1-1/4"
Scale: 28"
Overall Length: 37-3/4"
Body Depth @ Edge: 2-5/8"
Neck Thickness At 1st Fret: 1.35"
Neck Thickness At 5th Fret: 1.4"
Action 1st String @ 12th Fret: 4/32"
Action 5th String @ 12th Fret: 4/32"
String Gauge: DiAddario 5 string lites
Hardware: 30 Hooks / Lugs, Whyte Laydie tone ring
Bridge: Non Original birch 5 string
Tuners: Original friction tuners with pearl buttons
Case: OHSC
Shipping policy:
There are multiple shipping cost options for purchases made on our site. Select Ground, 3 Day, 2 Day, or Next Day Air Saver. For Reverb purchases, there is one cost option for these Eastern states and shipment will be made by UPS three-day-air. Shipments will require signature on delivery, no exceptions. If there is damage, the buyer must retain all packing materials intact and picture them immediately and send them to . Less than 1% of our shipments are damaged in transit, and we are committed to making sure your item arrives safely, but we are taking these additional measures to make sure you are happy with your purchase.