Eddie Peabody - Later Accomplishments

Later Accomplishments

In partnership with the Vega Banjo Company of Boston, Peabody developed a new type of plectrum banjo, called the Vegavox, which featured a resonator that rose the full height of the banjo's body. (Traditional resonators are about half as high as the body.) This increased the banjo's interior resonation space, giving it a distinctively mellow tone. The Vegavox also featured a "top-tension" design that allowed the head's tension to be adjusted without removing the resonator. The Vegavox was produced primarily in four-stringed plectrum (22-fret) and tenor (19-fret) versions; however, some five-string models were made as special orders.

Peabody also developed a special electric banjo, first with Vega, later with the Fender Company and Rickenbacker, called the Banjoline. It was tuned as a plectrum banjo but with the 3rd and 4th strings doubled in octaves, similar to the tuning of a 12-string guitar. The Banjoline is now a highly prized collector's item, although it is seldom used in live performance.

Peabody performed for national leaders around the world. In 1968, Dwight D. Eisenhower awarded him a distinguished People To People Award for meritorious service in both the military and show business.