Custom Vega Senator 19-Fret Tenor Banjo with Fiberskin head, Vintage Star Hardware and Marbled Fretboard

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At Banjo Studio, we love instruments that don’t just sound incredible but have a distinct personality. This Custom Vega Senator 19-Fret Tenor Banjo is a true one-of-a-kind masterpiece custom-built by Deering. If you are looking for an upscale, visually stunning tenor banjo that delivers a rich, vintage pop and exceptional playability for traditional jazz, your search ends right here.

Configured specifically for the driving rhythm, sharp projection, and sophisticated chord melodies of classic jazz and Dixieland, this banjo comes completely set up and ready to play.

What is the Vega Senator 19-Fret Tenor?

The Vega Senator is legendary for its elegant simplicity and elite playability. Built on a foundation of a 3-ply violin-grade maple rim and a quartersawn maple neck, this 19-fret tenor features a 23-inch scale length. The 19-fret configuration is a favorite among traditional jazz players, offering the perfect string tension and fret spacing for quick, clean chord transitions and effortless single-note solos across the fingerboard.

The Secret to the Sound: The Spun Brass Tone Ring

What truly sets the Senator apart is the Vega Senator Spun Brass Tone Ring. Unlike heavy bell-bronze tone rings that can sound overly bright or piercing in a 4-string setting, the spun brass ring strikes the perfect acoustic balance. It gives you incredible note separation, crisp articulation, and a bright "pop" that cuts right through a brass section, all while maintaining a deep, woody warmth. It delivers all the projection you need for the stage without the back-breaking weight—this banjo sits comfortably at a manageable 11 lbs.

The Custom Upgrades: What Makes It Unique?

We didn’t want just a standard out-of-the-box instrument, so we upgraded this custom build with premium features you won’t find anywhere else:

• Marbled Ebony Fretboard: Instead of standard uniform black, this fingerboard features beautiful, natural lighter grain variation running through the premium ebony. No two are alike, making this banjo a visual work of art.

• 11" Fiberskin Head: This head choice reins in harsh, unwanted overtones and emphasizes a plump, warm, and slightly "plunky" vintage tone. It perfectly complements the brass tone ring, giving the banjo an authentic, old-world 1920s soul.

• Vintage Star / Frosted Bronze Hardware: Outfitted with striking frosted bronze hypoallergenic hardware and the iconic Vega Star inlay, this banjo exudes a gorgeous, understated vintage aesthetic that looks like an immediate heirloom.

Why We Love This Banjo

Whether you are holding down the rhythm in a hot jazz ensemble or recording sophisticated solo chord melodies in the studio, this Custom Vega Senator is built to perform. It bridges the gap between modern Deering precision engineering and vintage open-back charm.

We have this beauty set up in standard Tenor Tuning (C, G, D, A), providing the classic intervals and resonance that jazz tenor players demand.

This is a rare custom build with a striking look, a top-tier tone ring, and the unparalleled playability that Vega is famous for. Don't wait on this one—once it's gone, it's gone!