I picked up this Saga Bella Voce, circa 1979/1980, after it failed to sell on eBay and the owner decided not to re-list it. I think the Saga BV is an underated banjo, which is why I was able to get a bargain. Based upon its fit and finish, I believe its value is at least twice what I paid. The usually savvy banjo buyers on eBay missed this one, probably because Saga's eponymous brand is viewed as entry-level. At the time I was only looking for one banjo; had I found this one before I bought the Woodsong I probably would not have looked further.
In early 2006 I sold this banjo to Paul Hawthorne. I had come across the Gold Star G12 that I eventually bought and I needed to offset some of the cost. Paul was interested in the BV; he offered me nearly twice what I paid but still well under its probable market value.
I was surprised when Paul's executrix called to tell me that Paul had willed the banjo to me. Although deeply saddened by the circumstances, I am glad to have it back.
For excellent information about the BV and other Saga models from the same era, visit Paul Hawthorne's site.
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