For Sale: 1923 Vega Whyte Laydie No. 7

Stunning Custom Banjo Featuring Original Whyte Laydie Pot & Wyatt Fawley Carved Neck – Serial #57393
This exquisite banjo blends historic craftsmanship with exceptional artistry, making it a standout collector’s piece and a joy to play. Featuring an original pot assembly with a classic Whyte Laydie tone ring, this instrument captures the brilliance and tonal clarity that has made the Whyte Laydie a favorite among old-time and clawhammer players for over a century.
Tis banjo features a hand-carved maple neck by Wyatt Fawley, one of the most respected banjo neck builders in the modern era. This neck is a work of art, with elaborate foliate carving at the heel and a beautifully shaped headstock layered in ebonized wood. The craftsmanship is nothing short of masterful.
Specifications:
Serial Number: 57393
Pot: Original Vega-style rim, maple construction with tortoiseshell-patterned plastic binding and herringbone wooden purfling
Tone Ring: Classic Whyte Laydie style, nickel silver with 31 cobra hooks and hexagonal ball-end nuts
Neck: Hand-carved flamed maple by Wyatt Fawley with foliate carving at the heel
Fingerboard: Ebony, bound in faux ivory, with engraved pearl inlays (foliate motifs and griffin head)
Headstock: Maple core with ebonized front and back veneers, pearl inlays on both faces
Nut: Ivory
Frets: 22 frets, nickel silver
Bridge: Later replacement, maple
Armrest: Original adjustable wire style, stamped VEGA
Case: Includes period-correct hardshell case

This instrument is a true collector's masterpiece—historically significant, visually stunning, and tonally rich. The Wyatt Fawley neck alone makes it a top-tier piece, but paired with the original pot and Whyte Laydie tone ring, it becomes a rare find.