Bought the Vega. Thanks to all who walked me through. (pics)

**Markob** · Dec-12-2015, 1:30pm

Made the long drive to Salinas. Met the seller and made the purchase. The mandolin is in great shape considering it had been hanging on a wall for the last 25 years. Slight seam separation on the spruce top but between the two braces so it shouldn't go anywhere soon. A hairline crack on the mahogany back. The rest clean. Decided to pull off the 101 in Palo Alto and drop by Gryphon. The great staff checked it out. James oiled the tuning machines and replaced a couple of strings as they popped after a couple of turns. He then asked If I'd like to talk to Richard about the Vega. One of the two founding fathers and a regular appraiser of vintage instruments on the Antique Roadshow. He spent about 45 min with me and the Vega. Checking it out thoroughly, going in the back and finding out info. Fun facts: All original. Born date of 1918, most likely made in the Odell Thompson factory that Vega had purchased in 1914 but very much a Vega made instrument. He thought I did very well in getting it for 200. He said folks restoring an old Gibson 0A(?) might pay that for the tuners alone. So happy and content I got back in the car for the LONG haul home.

The tone is wonderful to my ears. Not a barker but not dainty. Very bell-like. Plays beautifully. A huge improvement over my budget Rover.

Thanks again to those here who shared the opinions and knowledge.