Allen screws at the neck/pot junction and a tube connecting rod (not shown) are design features from the 1960`s in Boston . Thank-you for your kind words about my website, and all blessings to you and yours this coming holiday season. Learning how to play the banjo is no different. The majority of the banjoists appear to be holding examples of the regular Vega electric banjos with dot-inlayed fingerboards and dark wood veneered pegheads. For example: 0534599-7362 would be a banjo from May of 1999. ! - Vintage Vega #2 Gp Im happy to find Banjorehab as it is the first site Ive seen to have useful information on Vega-Martin banjos. Barry, I want to thank you very much for the research on my Vega. From the BRC, Barry. They all had yellow serial number stickers. The banjo is featuring an interesting mix of particulars: The connecting rods are of the (much earlier?) In recent years, Deeringrecreated andmarkets its ownVega Professional 4-stringer model with a classic wooden pie sectioned resonator. According to the C.F. These days, the banjo would probably fetch around $1000 if marketed online. It was advertised to feature a rosewood veneered rim and resonator trimmed in abalone pearl like the C.F. Your tenor 4-stringer was built in early 1972 per Shop Order 2051. Services; vega banjo identification i replaced the head but it still sounds the same. On the back side of your device. From the BRC, Barry, Sir: What kind of info can you give me on a V-76E banjo, Ser. Do you have any additional information you could share regarding this instrument? ), Wim- Congratulations on procuring such a lovely vintage instrument. The model was discontinued after Martin Guitar bought Vega in 1970. Serial # 1795. Great Savings & Free Delivery / Collection on many items. Note below the C.F. What can you tell me about my instrument? My estimate is that your VV IV-T can fetch about $1000-4500 these days depending on the online vendor or estate auction. Nowadays, it might fetch around $750 in the online marketplace. Deering now owns the Vega brand, and it is rumored that they may revive the deep resonator design. Thanks again for your query. Buy VEGA Banjos and get the best deals at the lowest prices on eBay! Unbeknownstto most 5 string aficionados, the Martin Guitar Company manufactured Vega banjos from 1970 through 1979. Hope this helps and thanks again for your post. This is a super site for banjo players and owners. Thanks for your query, Barry. Like the Tubaphone listed above, this banjo needs a neck reset to be a playable banjo mandolin. The Item # was VT2NRC. Your Wonder-5 string banjo #(Martin)130097 was made in Boston in early 1971 after C.F. FREE SHIPPING! Your mellowed 1963 SR-5 sold for $400 in the 1963 Vega catalogue, and it was advertised to feature a brilliant tone back then. Bill's Banjos Martins acquisition of Vega of Bostonand, the only other one completed in the old Needham Heights factory before banjo production finally moved to Nazareth. The Vega Company manufactured of this era were assembled at the 40 Leon Street factory in Boston from 1961-1966, and subsequently at the 155 Reservoir Street facility outside Boston in suburban Needham Heights from 1966-1971(C. F. Martin acquired the company in May 1970 and continued some manufacturing/assembly there until moving fully to Martins factory in Nazareth, PA). Tom- Thank you for the prompt and detailed photos of your instrument. Again, thank youmuchfor your post. 403.80. Martin did not publish retail prices after 1971, so my guess is that this up scale model sold back then for around $600. It look and plays great. Hope this helps and au revoir, Barry. Rob- Thank you for your kind comments about the BRC website, You are a lucky guy to have two Vega Martin 5-stringers, both made in Nazareth, PA. Retail price was $1300.00 ; I paid $900.00 . I have 5 different stringed instruments that just keep finding me, and I was nervous to take it apart so I could look at the serial number. He on his banjo and me with my guitar. Do you know anything of the type of banjo, year of manufacturing and value today? Vega Banjo Serial Number Lookup Known Problems with Gretsch's Serial Number System: Due to the various renumbering schemes, there are Gretsch-built Bacons and B&D's with 3 digit, 4 digit and 5 digit serial numbers, which confuses identification of instruments made between 1910 and 1940. Vega banjo identification - Discussion Forums - Banjo Hangout Thanks for your post and happy pickin`, Barry. In the 1971 price list, it retailed at $545 without case. Do you know how many tenor V41 banjos were made? Id love to learn more about it, etc. If there is any other interesting information about the instrument you care to share from the Martin log book, I would be most appreciative. Martin manufactured 100 Pro-5 banjos including the temporary Bobby Joe Fenster variation. Vega Banjos for Sale, New and Used - banjobarn.com Hit a few licks on the tenor- you might find that you like it. Further investigation related to your comments in the abovefirst paragraph might shed some light on the wood tone finish differences. 1921 Vega Style L Whyte Laydie Mandolin Banjo. I tried to find your email address at your Banjo homepage without any success. Can`t find anything about it on line. Jim _Thanks for your query. I will trade for a good Octave Mandolin or Bouzouki So, the rim and rods appear be from a Vox I, and dogbone Tubaphone tonering would be typical of the 1970s period under Martin (some the later Voxesmade by Vega in Needham Heights before moving to Nazareth used these, aswell as slotted Tubaphones). Most likely, your banjo has a paddle peghead still with Kluson tuners, block MOP engraved fingerboard inlays, and an updated resonator design with black bindings and a fleur-de-lis added under the engraved star De-Luxe Vegavox on the back (brand new on the 1963-model). The open back Folk Wonder 5-stringer does not appear in the 1976 Vega/Martin catalogue where the Vega Wonder resonator series is still advertised featuring a brass tone ring and ebony fingerboard. The highly ornate Vega Vox IV banjo with serial number #1969 was the final officially documented banjo manufactured by C. F. Martin in Nazareth, PA. , circa 1978-79. Many thanks for your efforts. From the BRC, Barry, Barry, i have an extended neck (25 fretts) Vega/Martin banjo with a serial number of 80. Thank you. C.F. After its Martin Guitar era, the Vega brand name ownership was sold overseas, and the banjo line fellinto obscurity. 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). Photos are available. Unless refinished, the decal on the back alsomakes it post-1972. If your Vegaphones and Tubaphone have serial numbers, you can more closely date them by visiting Whitetreeaz banjo serial numbers online. vega banjo identification. Really sounds and pays great. I was lucky enough to buy one but, as my music and and the type of music I had to play to get work changed, I hardly played this, near mint condition, banjo. The Wonder-5 retailed for $345 without case per the CFM 1971 price list. The inside of the banjo is also blank except for the painted serial number 2207. Linda- Thanks much for your query and hearing about your three vintage banjos. Your VW-5 model Vega Wonder banjo SN 721 was manufactured in Nazareth, PA, in late 1973 per Shop Order 2181. Im mostly a guitar player. Vega De Luxe Electric Plectrum Banjo - Gruhn Guitars I am assuming someone may have penciled in an extra 1 on yours, but my best guess is that it was made sometime in the last half of 1963 (A12130 was the first banjo produced in Jan 64). C.F. The fascinatingwooden pie (sectioned) resonator is probably inherited from the Boston era Vega inventory. The VIP-5 is known for its mellow sound, and the tone of my VIP-5 (SN 1364 circa 1974) was admired by a faculty member at a northeastern banjo camp a few years ago. One of the 2 rods inside rim is a larger diameter then the other one. Hope this helps and all the best in 2019, Barry. Thanks from all of us! Hi! You may, however, start a new topic and refer to this topic with a link: http://www.banjohangout.org/archive/307507 vinman - Posted - 08/09/2015: 18:02:24 Vega Pete Seeger 5-string Folk Banjo - 1958-1970 - The Canada Site Martin in Nazareth, PA, in 1973. Can you tell me about it? The highly ornate Vega Vox IV banjo with serial number #1969 was the final officially documented banjo manufactured by C. F. Martin in Nazareth, PA. , circa 1978-79. Joshua- Send me some detailed photos of your banjo inside and out. Some C.F. 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. Also, the banjo has some ornate details carved in it. Martin decal photographed on the back of the VIP Vega peg head. Good luck and thanks again for your post. 2 Tu-Ba-Phone XL long neck. Guess I stated it wrong, not really carvings, just in lays. Martin built 55 VIP-T instruments between 1972-79. The 1971 Vega Martin price listed this model to retail at $556 without case. Barry. Have a restful weekend and be well, Barry. I think it is a Pro-5. The V-41 was available by special order only, and it listed back then for $850. Hello, post . I actually picked up a banjo that had a resonator that was sitting on the shelf in that 1970-72 period as Martin was transitioning and shutting down the factory there. P.S. The C.F. 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. Family owned since 1972, Elderly Instruments is a music store specializing in new, used & vintage guitars, banjos, mandolins, ukuleles and more. I have original case. Jon- Thanks much for your kind comments about the website. vega banjo identification. I remember seeing a brand new tenor Vox I in a musicstore in late 1973/early 1974 that already had the rosewood cap (memorablefor me as a kid and thought it odd, when compared to the 1972 catalog; aWonder or Ranger were also in the store from Needham Heights and were stillblackened). For a chuckle, see the latest home page entry for BJF details. This item has been sold. Is it possible to tell me what model or style and year it was built also the value? The 1971-72 VM log books show 22 VIP banjos (most 5-stringers with a few tenor and plectrums) bearing the 6 digit Boston serial numbers, and thereafter the SN`s convert to digits #1 through #1969. It has the original hardshell case also with no markings. Your 5-stringer was one of seven V-76E instruments manufactured per Shop Order 2310, and the `E` designation indicates that these seven banjos were made for employees. Martin made only about a dozen more PS-5 banjos. Your instrument SN 999 was one of five VIP-5 (Very Important Player) banjos was made in Nazareth, PA, in mid 1974 per Shop Order # 2212. Home; Meet Darlene; ISI Mission; What is Coaching? I purchased the instrument from a private dealer (Kingsport, TN) for $800. They differed from ukulele banjos in that the uke banjos typically had smaller rims. Your instrument SN 448 is one of 11 Pete Seeger extra long neck (PS-5) models manufactured in Nazareth, PA, in 1973 per Shop Order 2153. Replacing a broken flange on a rare and vintage instrument is a tough task. The PS-5 is not seen in the 1976 Vega Martin catalog but is replaced by the No. Roger- Thanks much for your query. Galaxy marketed its 4 and 5 stringers in the USA via a remarkably unimaginative TMC catalog in which each banjo was identified only with an Item number but no model moniker to give it personality like the Pro-5 or Wonder banjos named by the earlier corporate owners. Note the unique cluster of 3 sound apertures spaced around the tone ring of the below VIP-5 model owned by the BRC founder (SN 1364). Both the VW-5 and FW-5 appear in the 1961 Vega ((155 Columbus Ave., Boston, MA) catalogue but featuring a 5 ply rim in the early design. I really appreciate your orientation. 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). John, just an old Missouri banjo picker transplanted in Arizona. FAIRBANKS BANJO MANDOLINE. No M130097 Model: Wonder 5 St. Posts. Martin made 101 of the PS-5 instruments which listed for $488 without case in the final V/M price list in 1971. Over a period of several years, the Vega line morphed into a uniquely featured Vega Martin instrument. Idoubt it matches the rim, unless they changed from a plectrum to tenor atlast minute. As your banjo bears no C.F. Martin & Co. Organisation, NEEDHAM, MASS. Just wondering if you have any interesting data on this ax. 2 classic model. Ending Thursday at 9:33PM GMT 2d 23h. Martin was winding-down its banjo production, the metal engraving was subcontracted to Liberty Banjos. The last SN from Boston was probably #130049, and the Vega Martin logbook in Nazareth starts with SN 130248. Im hoping I can find a V41 pot. Bob- Thank you for your kind words about my website, and I reply with compliments to your luthier shop with which I am familiar. Thereafter, C. F. Martin installed a serial number decal on the inner rim beginning with #2 and on through #1945. What is it worth today, and what did it sell for when new? Your 5 stringer is cited only as Item VDX75C in the 1979 TMC catalog where to retailed for $475. Data from these logbooks are available per e-mail request from the BRC founder. In the Martin SN files, banjo #1302252 manufactured in 1971 is designated as a BJF-5 (Pro) style instrument. To generally confirm that your banjo is a Nazareth built instrument, check for a C.F. 96.90 postage. The Vega era PS-5 banjos sell for up to $3-4K these days. 2 Tu-Ba-Phone model which is part of an historic production series started in the 1920`s in Boston, continued in Nazareth, PA, and sustained today by Deering in Spring Valley, CA. Martin built only 20 F-VIP 5 stringers, and to my count 11 were made in Pennsylvania per the shop log book. In regards to the endorsed banjo models cited in your final paragraph, my files show that the Sonny Osborne model appears only in the 1968 Vega/Boston catalogue. The inside of the rim has a R-D-136 in white. In your e-mail, you mention being told when acquiring the instrument that it was a prototype design. C.F. Cited in the Vega price list of 1971, the last one VM published, the retail price tag was $488 without case. P.S. Nowadays, the Pro-5 would fetch around $1000-$1500 depending on condition. A part of the C.F. The serial numbers for the overseas-produced instruments were in the 2000+ range in sequence with the last official VM banjo manufactured in Nazareth, PA, which bore #1969. vega banjo identification The openbacks are made entirely of white oak and feature a midnight maple fingerboard and peghead overlay. The Folk Ranger was a no-frills entry level banjo that Vega made in response to the folk music revival era. I have attached photos comparing the label printing difference. Published by at 16 de junio de 2022. I gave alot of money for this, just hoping a made a decent deal. Martin manufactured only 33 VW-plectrum banjos. The rim is 10 ply maple with a top metal tone ring, nickel-plated metal parts, and a shaded mahogany finish. Vega Banjo Identification Professional Had Black. SOLD Vega Earl Scruggs Banjo and Original hard case Price: $695.00 USD a 1969 Earl Scruggs on rim inside :TRB 13746 . Martin purchased the Vega brand in May in 1970 and just before the factory was transferred to Pennsylvania. Again, thanks for your post. Thanks for your reply. 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). 219203099161mmDA107 , . Martin students believe that it was a market ploy to attract owners of the legendary Martin D-45 guitar to purchase a partner banjo, but the strategy did not succeed. Your VM-5 Wonder banjo SN 720 was manufactured in 1973 per Shop Order 2181. Thank you for all the information. Martin made 76 commemorative V-76 banjos in 1976 to celebrated the bicentennial of the USA. The Vega 1961 flyer and 1963 catalogue describe that the Earl Scruggs model had a sunburst finish on the resonator. It listed back then for $345 without to BRCcase. C.F. Ive also got some remaining parts from the renovation process Id happily like to donate, including the original chrome-plated brass tailpiece, and a couple of almost unused heads. Martin manufactured 561 VW-5 banjos but only 124 FW-5 instruments. In the 1960`s, the PS-5 featured a 3 piece ebony fingerboard and a Tube-a-phone tone ring of bell brass and a 5 ply maple rim. Still as wonderful as the day I got it. My estimate is that your VIP-T would likely fetch in the $700-1100 range these days, and maybe a little more, depending on condition and special appointments. vega banjo identification - pamelahudson.net Is has a hard case with blue interior. Martin built only 31 of the V-41 instruments: 28 of the V-41-5 model like yours, 1 plectrum and 2 tenor 4-stringers. I orderedit in 1970 through a music store in Norwich , Ct run by Cliff Tidd . The resonator was hand-painted, and fancy engraved pearl inlays adorned the ebony fingerboard. $5000 would be a reasonable number if in good conditionit could have brought $7500 a few years ago. I have photos.Serial No. The `41` engraved on the tailpiece no doubt refers to the model V-41 designation. Martin, but I do not detect such an identifying decal near the serial number on the interior of the rim. I think Ill go look up a local banjo instructor and take a few lessons. Jack. vega banjo identification. 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. Dear Per- In May of 1970, C.F. A total of 98 model D-76E guitars were also made for employees. Is 887 also a Pro5? The Eddie Peabody Model was actually made by Vega of Boston from 1966-ca. Give it a try and good luck. How much Galaxy (or Martin) produce new parts vs. assemble old stock bought from Vega? I would like to know a little more about it. There is a star on the 5th fret. From the BRC site this banjo was made circa 1975-1976 in and around Nazareth PA. Do I have the have the provenance correct? For reference, the name of the original owner with serial number should be in the Martin Archives. C.F. Answer: Tu-Ba-Phone 5-String made 1978-1979. I have sent an e-mail to my Vega Vox consultant Dr. Ron and await his comments and appraisal. The problem is that the serial number labels at this time had printing errors, where the first numeric digit was omitted. Hopes this helps and thanks again for the detailed pictures. It is a somewhat rare bird, as C.F. I also did replace all of the cheapish plastic knobs with ivoroid ones of much better quality. Any ideas on contacts for such a beast? Would appreciate any information you can provide to verify the model and any original cost/current value. The PS-5 is advertised in the 1970 and 1972 Vega/Martin catalogues but is absent from the 1976 catalogue where the No.2 Tu-Ba-Phone XL long neck premieres instead. It has no rod in the drum. Where is the serial number on a Vega banjo? It retailed for $345 in the 1971 Vega Martin price list. I bought a Vega Martin 5 string some time in 2000. . From the BRC, Barry. I was told by someone at C. F. Martin that they only made 11 of them ( mine is ser # 7 ) . 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. used speakers for sale craigslist; pioneer woman carne guisada; vega banjo identification; By . It is number E-5 in a limited edition of 16 instruments made in 1976. In the 1972 Martin catalogue, the Professional appears identical to yours, but it is absent from the 1976 catalogue. The resonator was hand-painted, and fancy engraved pearl inlays adorned the ebony fingerboard. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Thank you for your query to the BRC and the abovephoto link. They made both tenor/plectrum and five-string models. Categories . The long-neck No. I have a Vega V.I.P. On the neck, there usually should be a pencil written serial number at theheel where it meets the rim (at least all my Martins have one there). I actually have a customized 75 Martin D28 to go with my 75 Vega. Id like to echo previous comments and thank you for a great, great website, chock full of useful information.

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