Vega bowlback — Need images of these inlays to replicate!
Just trying to track down good images of the inlays of this style Vega bowlback so I can replicate the faded and damaged ones on mine. (It’s in rough shape, got it on eBay. Whoever scored the one in great condition on shopgoodwill a few months back—I congratulate and rue you.)
It’s this same style:
https://reverb.com/item/2216220-vega-bowl-back-mandolin
Any additional info on what style this is by the way? I’m having a hard time identifying it. Can provide serial numbers and pictures of my actual mandolin if needed.
Any help much appreciated in advance! Thank you.
Re: Vega bowlback — Need images of these inlays to replicate!
See the posts in the recently updated thread "Vega roundback mandolins." There are several pictures in the thread of more or less similar inlays.
Re: Vega bowlback — Need images of these inlays to replicate!
Most likely your inlays are not faded, and I would leave the originals. The pearl, depending on how it is cut from the shell, is sometimes dull looking and was most likely that way when it was built. If there is engraving it can be redone.
Re: Vega bowlback — Need images of these inlays to replicate!
https://imgur.com/gallery/tRr7Uf6
Here are some pictures of my actual mandolin. It looks like some of the engraving is salvageable, but I do think I might have to re-engrave some. I need to replace the soundhole and pickguard abalone anyhow, might as well go all in. (This poor thing...)
I found a couple usable pictures on that other thread but more would still be helpful! Thanks.
Re: Vega bowlback — Need images of these inlays to replicate!
I would replace missing inlay and clean the rest and call it a day. The pick guard inlay looks fine to me, nothing missing. I can't get the picture to blow up enough, but is the inlay missing on the sound hole or covered with something?
4 Attachment(s)
Re: Vega bowlback — Need images of these inlays to replicate!
CFielder, if your Vega has as many ribs as the Reverb Vega you linked, then you probably have Style 2 ½ .:
Attachment 196437
My Vega is a style 2-- fewer ribs but same fingerboard inlays:
Attachment 196438 Attachment 196439 Attachment 196440
You can enlarge these photos on your computer to get a clearer image of the inlays.
Good luck!
Re: Vega bowlback — Need images of these inlays to replicate!
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Joe Bartl
Joe, thank you so much!!! Exactly what I was looking for. I hope I can do it some justice. It’s some really gorgeous work, I’m amazed with all the furor of Vega / Consalvi banjo engraving, that the iterations of Vega mandolins aren’t more iconic. I’d still love a variety of examples, because I’m not detecting a formula as of yet and that makes it all the more of an art. (I could be very wrong, but I’m curious!)
