Continuing the Vega tradition of banjos that some players refer to as "playable sculpture" and created to meet the demands of today's vintage Vega fans, the peghead of the new Deering Vega Dragon Star is exquisitely inlayed in mother-of-pearl and abalone shell with a many scaled, fire-breathing dragon whose tail and claws are entwined around a bold Vega star. At the base of the scooped ebony fingerboard is a delicate princess colorfully inlayed with hand-engraved detailing, featured on not only this lovely Vega Lady but also the accented stars that are used as position markers. There are bright sterling silver beams of light at the end of her hand-held staff that is pointed in the direction of the dragon on the peghead. Built around the classic Tub-ba-phone tone-ring by Deering, the tone is clean across the entire range giving the professional player a clean bass with a clear treble and everything in between. Though bearing the traditional frailing scoop favored by clawhammer players you can use this banjo for anything. It is richly dynamic, accurate all the way up the neck, with the full, complete range oftone that is chosen by discerning professionals and collectors of fine instruments. The no-knot tailpiece and fiberskyn head are standard features on this latest Deering Vega model and are in keeping with the tonal elements most desired by the traditional old time players.