Vega initially labeled these instruments A. Fairbanks banjos after it acquired that company.
The Vega Company is best known today for its banjos, such as the Vegavox model they co-developed with famous plectrum player Eddie Peabody. The emphasis remained true to Vega's origins, however, with about 60% of business centered on stringed instruments and 40% on brass. Vega also acquired the plectrum instrument division of Boston's Thompson & Odell Company, which made bowl-back mandolins, guitars, and several types of banjos. In 1904, Vega acquired the instrument manufacturing firm (primarily building banjos) previously operated by A. Subsequently, Julius and Carl Nelson bought out the other founding associates and established the Vega company. Nelson had served as foreman of guitar and mandolin manufacturing at Anderberg's shop. Haynes, another Boston musical instrument company. The founders had previously worked for a guitar shop run by Pehr Anderberg that made instruments for John C. The company began under Swedish-born Julius Nelson, his brother Carl, and a group of associates that included John Pahn and John Swenson. The Vega Company was a musical instrument manufacturer that started operations in Boston, Massachusetts in 1881. Advertisement for Vega Co., Columbus Avenue, Boston, 1919
