For example: 0534599-7362 would be a banjo from May of 1999. According to the factory logbook, banjo # 481 was one of eleven PS-5 banjos made per Shop Order # 2155 by C.F. My personal suggestion, however, is to preserve it as a tangible keepsake of the priceless moments spent with your father years ago. But, the neck had the upgraded crown inlay pattern like their mid range banjos, and originally a paddle peghead design (the new scroll design appeared in 1968). I have an ornate 5 string Martin Vega banjo with pie-plate style resonator. (#26) Dr. Ron about " Vega Vox V: The Vega Martin Apogee of 4 String Banjos", A Lone (Pre Vega Martin ) Banjo at the Art Museum, https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/14ES67V1VHbMR-GfbQpvWWGD1RUJrtyTv?usp=sharing. Im sure theres a story behind this banjo and why it was made. Wim, (Ed.- Note the classic Tubaphone tone ring. 5. The Wonder-5 was an entry level instrument with a metal tone ring, white fingerboard binding, a notched tension hoop, a 10 ply rim, a 3 piece maple neck, a blackwood fingerboard, 4 section flanges, nickel plated metal parts, and shaded mahogany finish. Again, thanks for your query and photos. The number is painted on the bottom not pressed in the wood. Vega Martin SN 1199 is one of five VIP-T (tenor) banjos made per shop order # 2233 in late 1974 in Nazareth, PA. This is a super site for banjo players and owners. The top-of-the-line model that Martin-Vega offered during the 1970s was the special order Ultra Vox V. At the end of the production run in 1979, the MSRP list price in the catalog was $3600 (exactly the same as the Martin D-45 guitar). One of the best known Kay electric guitars during the 1950s was the K-161 "Thin Twin", most visibly used by blues artist Jimmy Reed. It retailed for $775 and was probably assembled from parts left over from Nazareth, PA. Again, thanks for your post. 22 frets. I had Renee Karnes carve the heel with a VV flower and leaf design to get rid of the SS #. These days, the Wonder would sell for $700-$1000 depending on condition. I have 2 Martin Vegas. Im now forced to sell several beloved instruments but have no idea how to price this gem. By my count, twelve VV IV-tenor banjos were built in Nazareth with the last one, #1678, in 1976. The only serial number is 1120. They all had yellow serial number stickers. Your VW-5 with SN 1519 was manufactured in Nazareth, PA, in 1976 per Shop Order 2285. Thanks for your reply. Thanks to BRC Consultant and Vega Vox scholar Dr. Ron from everyone at the BRC for providing representative images typical of this historic crowning jewel (see below correspondences #24). Hey, Ive got a Martin Vega Tubaphone 5 string banjo sn# 1603 that I acquired in the mid-1980s. Id appreciate your comments please & thanks, Linda. I have a Vega V.I.P. Thank you so much!! The Vega No.2 is a banjo made of top grade curly maple stained light amber and buffed to a high gloss. best of . Also, I can send pictures, if this would help, or just be fun! The tonering, bracket band, and notched tension hoop were all made of vibrant bell brass (Not die cast metal). New and used generic flanges can be found on eBay, but getting one to fit your pot outer diameter and bracket hook sequence is tricky. Barry. After the original owner, Jack Mistretta, passed away in 1998, this banjo found its way to Japan, where noted jazz-banjoist, Ken Aoki, featured it for many years in his touring act. The mother of pearl inlay fretboard pattern in your Pro-5 is similar to that found in the popular VIP-5 banjo, but the latter has single-stripe engraving in the mother of pearl. Banjo SN 1648 is a `Folk Wonder` model (FW-5) which first appears in the Vega (Boston) catalogue in 1961 per my files. Martin purchased the Vega brand line. The first two digits tell you the month the banjo was built, the last two digits before the dash or space will tell you the year, and the numbers in between are considered the number of that model we have made since we started the formal serial number system in 1987. The resonator back and sidewall colored engravings are probably the key feature that might bring more value than lessthere were two likely designs at this time a tiffany-style web pattern with a floral vine on the side (first used in 1930) or the late 1940s Indian blanket Art Deco design.I have an original 1948 model that has the older style neck, with the new resonator designso , its a mixed bag during this time as Vega was experimenting with parts off the shelf when banjo sales were extremely low (maybe 20 per year) and their focus was on guitar and ukulule production instead.Pricing for 4 strings (and 5 strings) have dropped considerably over last 2-3 years for vintage banjosVoxes have held more than others. The rim is 10 ply maple with a top metal tone ring, nickel-plated metal parts, and a shaded mahogany finish. Per the 1971 Martin price list, the recommended retail price back then was $545 with out case which cost another $68 for the hard shell version. Barry. The #24 on the tone ring is probably an assembly feature to separate the V-41 parts from its upscale gold-plated cousin the V-45 top of the line banjo. and CXXVI (126?). Hope this helps and au revoir, Barry. Age differences in the instruments might alsoalter the wood tones. From the BRC, Barry. A few months later, the old six digit number system was replaced with new sequence starting with #2 and progressing sequentially to a four digit number over the ensuing years. In the the 1971 Vega Martin price list, the VW-Plec retailed at $345. I love the story. Although a Bluegrass resonator banjo musician, my daily practice exercises are conducted sans picks on one of two long neck Ode 5-stringers that are wife-friendly in tone. From the BRC, Barry. The banjo is featuring an interesting mix of particulars: The connecting rods are of the (much earlier?) Any help with identifying it (I cant find a serial number anywhere) or locating buyers would be so gratefully welcomed! Barry, Marc- Thanks much for the prompt and telling photos. Im hoping you can check both in your archives and tell me the going prices. Also, the banjo has some ornate details carved in it. ejemplos de hombres perezosos en la biblia; social juventus porto; china eastern trip report; Hello world! I would appreciate it very much. Greg also originally hand made the round hole Tubaphone tone rings, but now they have a fairly well honed machine manufacturing process. The Pro model initially featured a Tube-a-phone tone chamber rim which evolved into a tone ring with exclusively designed audio apertures machined into a dogbone/barbell configuration. The Vega Vox IV of that era featured burnished gold-plated parts, engraved flanges, an all white pyralin deep resonator with elaborately engraved back and sides, a fretboard with fancy pearl inlays, and an engraved and colored scroll shaped peg head. Neck and rim look a lot like made by Martin craftsmen, and it arrived set up perfectly. The VM price list in 1971 quoted a sales tag of $545 for the Pro-5 without case. This email will be copied to my Vega Vox scholar Dr. Ron for his insights and comments.From the BRC, Barry. Hope this helps and all the best in 2019, Barry. VEGA Vegaphone 'Professional' Tenor Banjo $2,328.30 $131.44 shipping or Best Offer 19 watching Vega Style N Tenor Banjo $799.00 $83.00 shipping or Best Offer 20's Bacon/Day/Vega 4 String Banjo Groovers, Oettinger Tailpiece $3,777.77 Free shipping Vintage Vega Wonder Plectrum 4 String Banjo With Hard Shell Case $1,161.96 Was: $1,399.95 From the BRC, Barry. vega banjo identification. The Seeger endorsed 5-stringer had the famous Vega Tube-a phone tone ring, a three piece ebony fingerboard, pearl dots, a neck-tension rod, a 10 ply maple rim, and a brass bracket band and notched tension hoop. Great Savings & Free Delivery / Collection on many items. The banjos advertised in the brochure had generic names and Item #`s. Your instrument was listed as Vega 5-string Banjo featuring a Tu-Ba-Phone tone ring with round holes thus representing A reproduction of the early Tu-Ba-Phone No. Its mostly been in storage since I purchased it in the late 1970s. It did not have a tone ring or simply a steel ring like the Wonder, to keep the cost down. Barry, I have purchased a Martin Vega V-45 described as 1971 production and a serial number of #327. Aspiring players also wonder what makes one banjo better than another. Photos of the banjo might possibly shed some light on the mystery, if you are so inclined. Ive owned one for 30 yrs though I dont play it very well. My suggestion would be to take you banjo down to the local hardware store and cobble together a workable thumb screw (some have collars) and washer combination. As such, it is also unique in that is the only Ultra Vox V to be modified and finished by Peabodys other ex-Marine buddy and master luthier, Larry Kellens (widely known as the Vega Doctor during the 1950-70s). Let me know if you might have any questionsI really appreciate the work youre doing here. Thank-you for your kind words about my website, and all blessings to you and yours this coming holiday season. Mark- Thank you for the very helpful series of photos and your kind comments about the website. Again, thanks for your post. The inside of the rim has a R-D-136 in white. While the Martin factory in Nazareth, PA, retooled to build banjos, interim yellow stickers were affixed to the inner rims of Boston banjos citing the merger and identifying the model of the instrument (which was inscribed by pen). It is a Four-String Banjo, Tu-ba-phone Model No. I bought my Vega PS-5 S/N 1046 new in, I believe, late summer of 1974 through Miller Music in Lawton, OK. Dog-bone Tubaphone tone ring, Grover milk bottle guitar tuners. Martin did not develop or cultivate such a banjo line, a dozen such BJF-5 entries are recorded in their shop files from 1971-1972. Hope this helps and thanks for your post. After the difficult 1977 luthier strike at the C.F. There are 13 stars on the banjo fretboard, and there should be a plaque on the back of the headstock. 2 Tu-Ba-Phone XL is seen in the 1976 catalogue. It listed for $1310 in the 1971 VM price brochure and a carved heel was extra. model serial number 1990. From the BRC, Barry. Great sound and in excellent condition. Barry, I have an open back Vega long neck with C F Martin Co logo on the back of the machine head and inside the rim. The circular connecting rod is left over from the Vega inventory and shipped from Boston to Nazareth after C. F. Martin acquired the brand in May of 1970. Hello, I just stumbled onto this site today 4/16/20. Dot inlay fret board. A previous owner had deeply scratched a Social Security number into its heel. The neck has crown-and-football inlays and the Martin logo is on the back of the pegboard. Photos , BRC Replies To Samantha (November 23, 2019), Reply From Dr. Ron (the BRC Vega Vox/EddiePeabody consultant). These days, the banjo would probably fetch around $1000 if marketed online. 403.80. Great information and even better advice. Have a restful weekend and be well, Barry. Theres barely a mark on the banjo (except for the binding where it was put on a stand) and this will probably buff out. After Martin purchased Vega in 1970, the factory transitioned from Needham Heights to Nazareth, PA. The year 1970-1971 was a time of transition of tools and parts from Boston to Nazareth, PA. Hello, Theres precious little information about these instruments online. Piecing the clues together of this mysterious banjo, I suspect that is was a special order item because of the unusually disparate combination of CFM parts. I was disappointed because I badly wanted to see Scruggs models! Serial # 1795. However, current thinking (thanks to Hank Schwartz) is that 999 numbers were assigned per year -- from the start, in 1880. Martin manufactured only 33 VW-plectrum banjos. In the Boston era, Pete Seeger was listed as an exclusive Vega product banjoist in a 1961 flyer from their Columbus Avenue business headquarters, and his endorsed PS-5 was featured prominently in the 1963 and 1966 Vega catalogs. It appears to be serial number 231 (engraved). Go online to `Images for Vega Folk Ranger banjo and enjoy (but don`t confuse your FR-5 with its cousin the Folk Wonder model FW-5). A total of 101 PS-5 instruments were manufactured in Pennsylvania. Maybe, another observant reader will offer a discerning observation for us sometime. C.F. Its a Vega VIP with the Martin Co. logo on the back of the peg head. The information looks just finethere were yet a number of the Mxxxxxx series banjos still made in the Needham Heights factory outside Boston. My Dad left me a Martin VegaIm thinking I want to pass it on to someone wholl play it and care for it more than I can. In excellent condition and ready to play. The Banjo Rehabilitation Center archives contain the serial numbers and dates of manufacture of the Vega-Martin banjos made in Nazareth, PA, during the 1970`s. The BRC Archives contain the serial numbers of these unique Vega-Martin banjos. Martin made 101 of the PS-5 instruments which listed for $488 without case in the final V/M price list in 1971. In a 1971 price list, the FW-5 sold for $345. Barry. From the BRC, Barry. Martin built only 29 T2-5 banjos, but no price list is available after 1971 preceding resurrection of the classic Vega T2-5 model for production. My Vega VIP has the Martin decal on the back of the headstock. Original MRSP $1310 without case (carved neck was also extra). Congratulations on having two vintage VM banjos, and your gracious comments about the Info site are much appreciated. Yes, the VVI banjos have the same inlay pattern as the VM Pro (Professional) 5 string model. Ernie- It would be helpful if you could send a photo of your yellow sticker, as I suspect that your Vega Vox IV was manufactured in Boston in 1964 after Vega reconverted to a six digit serial number during the pre- C.F. It retailed for $345 in the 1971 Vega Martin price list. I have 3 Vega banjos , 1963 Earl Scruggs model A 10921(Scruggs ST-5, handwritten in red ink under that on yellow label) which I played for 23 years, she has a very mellow sound. I gave alot of money for this, just hoping a made a decent deal. Resale prices for this type of banjo vary widely from a couple of hundred to several thousand dollars depending on unique features. My estimate would be that this rare and exotic bird might fetch around $1800 or more these days. There are some folklore stories why the Seeger banjo was discontinued. The Vega 1961 flyer and 1963 catalogue describe that the Earl Scruggs model had a sunburst finish on the resonator. This instrument debuted in 1952, and featured a single cutaway body, a distinctive "fire stripe" tortoiseshell pickguard, and a pair of thin blade-style pickups . Ive got a couple of pictures in case of interest, but Id need a mail-address for sending, me supposing. Vega Tenor Banjo and Case, 1920s | Reverb Oops, Something went wrong. These three top-of-the-line instruments were sent to Japan for assembly. Im hoping I can find a V41 pot. About 20 years ago I had it re-fretted , re-finished , and the gold re-plated . A: There are a very few Fairbanks made banjos (several of them Regents) with pre-fire serial numbers circa 22900, stamped simply "Vega" in an oval border. I have two theories about your instrument. For those interested in the genealogy of banjo manufacturers, I have included a page summarizing some important relationships between manufacturers, . The story he told was that it was a distress sale for a friend, and that the banjo was one of 1000 limited editions and had a solid silver tone ring, and was worth at least twice the price. Deering rescued the Vega line by purchasing the brand name in 1989. I own a Vega VIP fivestring banjo, with serial number 130056. Im trying to decide wether to keep it as a memento, keep it and take some lessons, or possibly sell it because its a shame to have it sit in storage. Data zakoczenia 2022-09-02 - cena 20,90 z Your 5 string model was featured in the subsequent 1979 TMC Vega catalogue as an instrument similar to old style Vega Tu- Ba-Phone No.9.. banjo, and it listed then for $1250. You banjo parts were probably shipped in 1977 to Japan for assembly where all serial number assignments were in disarray. Any clues? Linda- Thanks much for your query and hearing about your three vintage banjos. In 1979, Martin sold the Vega brand to the Asian conglomerate Galaxy. Services; vega banjo identification Your banjo may be a hybrid from that era. C.F. It has the famous Vega `Tu-Ba-Phone` tone ring and notched tension hoop both made of bell brass, an ebony fingerboard, and a 10 ply maple rim. It sounds like your banjo is maybe a hybrid made overseas after 1976-1977 when Vega Martin parts were shipped to Japan and later Canada for assembly. The fascinatingwooden pie (sectioned) resonator is probably inherited from the Boston era Vega inventory. The story of how Greg Deering came to own the 130 year old Vega trademark is one of childhood dreams and an unmissable opportunity. The C.F. No markings saying Martin but looks identical to fancy ones I saw in an old Martin sales flyer. Barry. Do you have any information on it? The Vega era PS-5 banjos sell for up to $3-4K these days. I really appreciate your orientation. Thanks so much! post id: 7593773670. posted: 2023-02-27 00:34. Jim, Jim -Thanks for your query. Martin workshop logbook, open back Tu-Ba-Phone 5-string banjo SN 1707 was manufactured in Nazareth, PA, in mid 1976. - ORDERS OVER $199 SHIPPED TO THE CONTINENTAL U.S. Add to cart SKU: 2959 Categories: 5-String Openback Banjos, Banjos, Vega Description Additional information Reviews (1) Shipping, Returns & Exchanges About this Banjo If in poor condition, Ive seen them sell as low as $3000-4000. In your e-mail, you mention being told when acquiring the instrument that it was a prototype design. What is it worth today, and what did it sell for when new? My Vega F-VIP #1456 got chosen from the 72 catalogue in spring of 76 in a music shop in Stuttgart / Germany, and was delivered only about ten weeks later. Data zakoczenia 2022-09-02 - cena 20,90 z nike nationals track and field backpack; 0 comments. A sticker inside says The Vega Co. Boston 15, MASS, Patended USA The serial number is A-125394. Ernie Ball 5-String Medium Stainless Steel Banjo Strings, 10-10 Gauge (P02309) Check Price at Amazon. If you had a picture archive, Id be happy to post some pictures. I cant find that picture, but Ill see if I can locate it, as someone else may have sent it to me playing the banjo out at afestival in Arizona. The Wonder series of instruments featured a metal tone ring, white fingerboard binding, a heavy notched tension hoop, a 10 ply rim, a 3 piece maple neck, a blackwood fingerboard, pearl dots, an armrest, and a factory-installed resonator with four section metal tone flanges. Give it a try and good luck. The openbacks are made entirely of white oak and feature a midnight maple fingerboard and peghead overlay. Just found you today . Be safe, be well, keep on picking. Martin workshop log book, your V-45-5 serial number 327 banjo was manufactured in Nazareth, PA, in early 1973 per Shop Order 2138. Serial number 115831 on a yellow strip built in Boston Mass.Wondering when it might have been built? My aunt gave me a Martin Vega banjo serial number 892 to see what it was worth since she is not internet savy and looking to sell it. The serial # is 448. Martin and Co., Est. It looks to have some pretty fancy inlays along the fretboard and some nice detail & trim around the wooden drum. The distinct disadvantage to having a rare banjo is finding replacement parts. C.F. Here's a bit of description on the various models: This was also the case for their mandolin banjo lines. The Vega brand was subsequently sold overseas in 1979. Vega Pete Seeger Model Longneck Model 5 String Banjo (1961), made in Boston, Mass., serial # 100971, shaded maple finish, laminated maple neck and rim, ebony fingerboard, original black hard shell case. Save on our most popular Goodtime banjos - the Goodtime openback and the Goodtime Two - at your favorite Deering dealer today! The new longneck was design to match the original neck in style and looks while also using some of Vega's Pete Seeger model as influence. Hopes this helps. 0 bids $10.96 shipping Ending Oct 14 at 5:44AM PDT5d 4hFrom GermanyBrand: VEGA