Vega Company

Subsequently, Julius and Carl Nelson bought out the other founding associates and established the Vega company.

In 1904, Vega acquired the instrument manufacturing firm (primarily building banjos) previously operated by A. C. Fairbanks.

Vega also acquired the plectrum instrument division of Boston's Thompson & Odell Company, which made bowl-back mandolins, guitars, and several types of banjos.

The emphasis remained true to Vega's origins, however, with about 60% of business centered on stringed instruments and 40% on brass.

The Vega Company is best known today for its banjos, such as the Vegavox model they co-developed with famous plectrum player Eddie Peabody.

[1] In 1909, Vega purchased the Standard Band Instrument Company of Boston incorporating their line of horns.

The top bulge is reminiscent of the design used on Howe-Orme instruments—from another Boston firm, the Elias Howe Company.

As the 1940s and 1950s unfolded, the quality of Vega instruments declined and it became clear that the company's most innovative and productive years had passed.