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. Photos are always welcome, and thanks for your post. Martin decal, is the original pot for the plectrum 4 stringer SN 1450, but the neck was replaced after production with a 5 string neck by a previous owner. C.F. So, your banjo is likely either a late 1963/early 1964 model (Vega model years ran from Oct 1st-Sept 30th at the time, much like automobiles). 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 serial number is found on a white tag on the inside of the resonator or if you have an openback banjo, it is a smaller white tag on the inside of the rim. I inherited a Vega 5-string resonator banjo and have been trying to find out additional information about it. Your peghead and resonator are clearly marked with C.F. The year 1970-1971 was a time of transition of tools and parts from Boston to Nazareth, PA. Thats when I decided to modify this rather bluegrassy bright (and plenty of loud) sounding Folk banjo a bit. There are some folklore stories why the Seeger banjo was discontinued. The Eddie Peabody Model was actually made by Vega of Boston from 1966-ca. Have a great weekend as well. It has no rod in the drum. Vega banjos were marketed in the US thereafter by TMC (Targ & Dinner 20 Century Music Company) via a catalogue published in May of 1979. Vega Martin models (1970-1979) are less of a collector`s item and fetch about half that price range. Thanks for your post. FAIRBANKS BANJO MANDOLINE. The two legendary musicians in the camp photo are banjo godfather Tony Trischka and Grammy award winner Eric Weissberg. In the final VM 1976 catalogue, the F-VIP is displayed in full advertising detail. During this transitional period, Boston parts were shipped to Nazareth for assembly, and Martin pre-fixed the traditional six digit Vega serial number with the letter `M`. 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). Any model F-V or Vega banjo with serial #s between 52669 and 52684 (a 15 number range), when the switch from "Fairbanks Banjo, Made by Vega" stamp to the "Made by Vega" stamp seems to have occurred. Although mostly a collector`s item these days, the current price range of the V-76 is $2.3-5K. From the BRC, Barry. thanks for the very informative web site It retailed for $775 and was probably assembled from parts left over from Nazareth, PA. I have photos.Serial No. Retail price was $1300.00 ; I paid $900.00 . From the BRC, Barry. I have attached photos comparing the label printing difference. vega banjo identification In my files, the PS-5 is seen in a Vega (Boston) flyer in 1961 where it lists for $309. The melody banjo was the equivalent of a 4 string mandolin banjo. vega banjo identification. Jim _Thanks for your query. Over a period of several years, the Vega line morphed into a uniquely featured Vega Martin instrument. 2 Tu-Ba-Phone XL is seen in the 1976 catalogue. 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). I just acquired a second, SN#990 with the dog-bone tone ring. It was a student model that Eddie convinced long time friend and Vega owner/president to make positioned as a lower cost alternative to the Vox I/Professional IIit was an upgrade over the Little Wonder/Ranger banjos. Reverb Homepage Contact Support 539673d7daac40d5a6fd870a259b9813 Shop Gear Categories Brands Shops Deals and Steals Price Drops 0% Financing New and Popular Handpicked Collections Sell on Reverb Typically, the number would be preceded with an A (indicating an adjustable truss rod) followed by a six-digit number. The Vega brand was subsequently sold overseas in 1979. 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. SOLD Vega Earl Scruggs Banjo and Original hard case Price: $695.00 USD a 1969 Earl Scruggs on rim inside :TRB 13746 . Not a fancy top-line model, but still built with the typical extremely high quality components and a simple but . Still as wonderful as the day I got it. Also, the banjo has some ornate details carved in it. The construction features were changing on the Vox IV (most different from catalog images), but at this point Vega was still using dowel stick (rather than metal coordinator rods) to attach and adjust the neck, and adjustable truss rods in the neck were not added until 1955the early prewar type-construction was desired by many collectors. Vega Martin Banjo Info | Banjo Rehab Center, Banjo Restoration Galaxy apparently went bankrupt around 1984 and vanished from the financial scene. Photos are available. Serial # 1795. Jon- Thanks much for your kind comments about the website. Depending upon condition, it is probably worth somewhere around $750 these days. Vega Tu-ba-phone Banjo | National Museum of American History Nowadays, the Pro-5 would fetch around $1000-$1500 depending on condition. Rettberg & Lange(1898-1920) banjos were initially similar to Buckbee-made Very interesting to get to know all this details. This is a super site for banjo players and owners. In the 1972 Martin catalogue, the Professional appears identical to yours, but it is absent from the 1976 catalogue. Anders- Thanks for your query. It has the original hardshell case also with no markings. I have 2 Martin Vegas. There are 13 stars on the banjo fretboard, and there should be a plaque on the back of the headstock. 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. 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. What a wealth of information! 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. set of identifying characteristics can be found at http://www.mugwumps.com. After its Martin Guitar era, the Vega brand name ownership was sold overseas, and the banjo line fellinto obscurity. The last two Vox Vs (serial numbers 1964-1965) were built in 1979, and still exist to this day. On the inner rim of the back cover is another Martin logo and the (embossed in white) number 887. The Vega era PS-5 banjos sell for up to $3-4K these days. Any help with identifying it (I cant find a serial number anywhere) or locating buyers would be so gratefully welcomed! They made both tenor/plectrum and five-string models. Save This Search Vega Vox short neck tenor banjo IiMPOSSIBLE TO FIND/ one of the best sounding Banjo's in the world> Used - Mint Condition Posted 11/15/2021 8:46:13 AM by Ronkisok - Country: United States - State: CT - ZIP: 06790 My estimate is that it would fetch up to $900 these days depending on condition Hope this helps and thanks from the BRC, Barry, Hello , I am writing from France where I found a banjo that I want to buy, but which I have no information. Im curious to know if it is possible to learn whether this banjo came from the factory with a resonator or was originally sold as an open back. 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). Martin era. As your banjo bears no C.F. 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. Deering now owns the Vega line and offers open-back Tubaphones in their inventory. Then by ink its written Folk Ranger. According to the factory logbook, banjo # 481 was one of eleven PS-5 banjos made per Shop Order # 2155 by C.F. According to the C.F. 7. best of . Mike- Thanks for your post and kind remarks about the BRC website. Martin also made 1976 model D-76 guitars to partner the banjo. Joshua- Send me some detailed photos of your banjo inside and out. Martin decal photographed on the back of the VIP Vega peg head. There were forty-six Vega Martin V-45 banjos made of similar design, but the hardware was gold-plated. The fascinatingwooden pie (sectioned) resonator is probably inherited from the Boston era Vega inventory. 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. The rim and shoe screws/washer are likely homemade/cut down and tone ring is not Galaxy stock, but more of a Gibson knockoff. 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). 1833 decal is absent from the inner rim. Thanks for the photo of your Vega/Martin Pro-5 banjo. 2 for $4149. In addition to the unusual R-D-136 serial number, the C.F. Buckbee(1861-1897) banjos can frequently be identified by their Banjos with pegheads like that shown in the first picture below are usually made by Buckbee. In excellent condition and ready to play. TH, Tom- Thanks for your query. gamefowl breeders in texas; 0 comments. cscl star vessel flag autism and narcissism differences. Ive got a couple of pictures in case of interest, but Id need a mail-address for sending, me supposing. In a 1971 price list, the FW-5 sold for $345. It did not have a tone ring or simply a steel ring like the Wonder, to keep the cost down. VEGA Vintage Banjos for sale | eBay The tonering, bracket band, and notched tension hoop were all made of vibrant bell brass (Not die cast metal). Hope this helps and thanks for your post. This fascinating collection of vintage stringed instruments chronicles luthier C.F. If anybody can shed some light on what I have. My estimate would be that this rare and exotic bird might fetch around $1800 or more these days. A couple of years ago I started to develop increased interest in clawhammer style, and with all the lessons available online nowadays, finally Im finding myself back on the tracks. I bought it in Stockholm, Sweden as a student, so it was not so expensive, as i remembered. Location. So cool to have this historical data. The Vega Vox model was a 4 string gem that featured a brass tone ring. 403.80. 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). Another side note, Greg Deering has made two prototype Voxes alreadyI have played one of them, which is basically an identical design to the 1967 Vox I with a paddle peghead and crown inlays. The use of a brass band on the wood rim also appeared on some models at this time, to improve sound.What would be more telling is the peghead (where strings are attached) design at the time as they were in the process of changing from a scrolled shape to paddle peg head. 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. Really sounds and pays great. 1972 Vega Banjo. Your banjo is item # VB120C which sold for $360 back then. Accordingly, 1970-1971 was a year of manufacturing transition from Boston to Nazareth. The differentiating feature is the deeper resonator than the VIP/Pro II/Osborne/Scruggs Mk II/Bobby Joe Fenster standard resonator modelsnot quite as deep as the Vox and not top tension (standard hook and nut with Pro II flanges). A previous owner had deeply scratched a Social Security number into its heel. Per the 1971 price list, the V-45-5 sold for $1650 with case included, and it was available by special order only. Just found you today . The information looks just finethere were yet a number of the Mxxxxxx series banjos still made in the Needham Heights factory outside Boston. 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. I have a seperate label thats still in the case showing the serial # 1199. This model appears in the 1972 and 1976 catalogues. For a chuckle, see the latest home page entry for BJF details. Your banjo was manufactured in Pennsylvania in 1976 per Shop Order #2299 just before Martin began to ship parts to Japan for assembly (after which serial numbers became goofy). Vega Martin banjo SN 1795 was one of three special order V-45 5-string banjos manufactured in Nazareth, PA, in 1977 per Shop Order 2335. So there are gaps at the high end of each thousand series -- since Fairbanks 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. Martin and Co., Est. The F-VIP is first mentioned briefly on a front page of the 1970 Vega Martin catalogue, and it retailed for $490 in the VM price list of 1971. The PS-5 appears in the transitional 1970 Vega Martin catalog, and again in the 1972 product brochure; but it is absent from the 1976 catalog. The banjo shown here (serial number M130316) was the second Ultra Vox V built in 1971, shortly after C.F. Aspiring players also wonder what makes one banjo better than another. Vintage Vega Style M Tubaphone Banjo 1921 Boston Mass W Case Inlay TU BA PHONE C $1,714.08 Was: C $1,904.53 or Best Offer SPONSORED Banjo made by Tokai T600R T-600R vintage 5 strings acoustic w/ hardcase C $1,021.01 Free shipping or Best Offer Only 1 left! It was advertised to feature a rosewood veneered rim and resonator trimmed in abalone pearl like the C.F. aluminum variety, one slim one large, with the larger one closer to the head. During the Vega Martin era, C.F. It looks like a well-preserved and fun mid range banjo waiting to be enjoyed by an appreciative musician like yourself. Both of these models had block mother of pearl inlays, with fewer inlays appearing on the new scaled-down Pro fretboard. Family owned since 1972, Elderly Instruments is a music store specializing in new, used & vintage guitars, banjos, mandolins, ukuleles and more. Please try again. If you could give me your thought about what its worth, I would appreciate it. The VM price list in 1971 quoted a sales tag of $545 for the Pro-5 without case. Martin V720 Vega Steel/Nickel Banjo Strings - .009-.030 - Sweetwater 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 attached a photo of that Coat of Arms resonator next to my Vox Vit was a spare they had made for Eddie Peabody. The smaller one has 2 small set screws installed on either side of the rod to adjust the neck heel . Can you tell me about it? Martin workshop log book, your V-45-5 serial number 327 banjo was manufactured in Nazareth, PA, in early 1973 per Shop Order 2138. All the best, Barry. vega banjo identification. Hello, 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. The serial number is stamped in the wooden rim below the Martin decal. 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. When C. F. Martin took over Vega in 1970, they dropped the A-xxxxxx serial numbers and replaced it with M-xxxxxx series, until starting a new four digit numbering system in 1972 at the Nazareth factory. The number will be 6-12 digits long depending on what year it was made. pine valley golf auction; what happened to thelma from amen; roles and responsibilities of stakeholders in education; what happens when you meet your twin flame 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. I was fortunate enough to visit the Needham factory (actually a cement-block garage-like building) in the mid-late 1960s and saw some early VIPs under construction. Fairbanks Vega Banjos Specifications - Mugwumps Here's a bit of description on the various models: This was also the case for their mandolin banjo lines. Identifying Unmarked Banjos - Bill's Banjos From the BRC, Barry. It is a Vega Martin model VW-5 called a Vega Wonder and sometimes referred to as the Wonder-5. It has dual rods running through the pot and it has the tubaphone tone ring. It is indeed a sweet banjo with plenty of talk in it. VIP is printed on the truss rod cover. Barry. 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. I also did replace all of the cheapish plastic knobs with ivoroid ones of much better quality. The metal parts were chrome-plated. vega banjo identification - Aviator Land This is a stock neck off a Martin-made tenor from that erathe fingerboardblock inlay is what would be found on only the Vox I or Pro. The banjo features a rim and resonator rosewood veneered with white binding, The tone ring was brass, and there was abalone pearl around the back edge of the resonator. Your mellowed 1963 SR-5 sold for $400 in the 1963 Vega catalogue, and it was advertised to feature a brilliant tone back then. Smakula Fretted Instruments; Banjos Everywhere! vega serial numbers - Discussion Forums - Banjo Hangout Thanks again for your time & consideration. I was disappointed because I badly wanted to see Scruggs models! The banjo featured a metal tone ring, white fingerboard binding, a heavy notched tension hoop, a 10 ply rim, geared tuning pegs, a 3 piece maple neck, blackwood fingerboard, pearl dots, a resonator, an arm rest, nickel plated parts, and a shaded mahogany finish. 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. Vega #2 | Genuine Brass Tubaphone Tone Ring | Banjo.com Nam liber tempor cum soluta nobis eleifend option congue nihil imperdiet doming id quod mazim placerat facer possim assum. In your e-mail, you mention being told when acquiring the instrument that it was a prototype design. Vega style k mandolin banjo I have had the opportunity to do this only once for a friend who traded some vintage parts with me for an old flange that I had by serendipity on my workshop shelf. Categories . He was told that it was made by Martin, but I do not find any Martin labels. Vega Martin long neck PS-5 banjo SN 80 is one of eleven Pete Seeger 5-stringers manufactured in Nazareth, PA, in mid 1972 per Shop Order 2098. Hello, I have enjoyed reading your posts on Vega-Martin banjos. Can`t find anything about it on line. I have found it helpful over the years. Dave- Thank you for your kind words about the website and the narrative about your Vega Vox IV tenor banjo. Martin logbook, banjo SN 1450 was an entry level Wonder model 4 string plectrum banjo made in 1975. Hope this helps, and thanks again for your post. Bob- Thanks for the remembrance narrative about you and your Dad learning music together- your are a lucky father and son. Many thanks for your efforts. 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. In those years there was not a college student who didn't dream of owning a Vega Pete . They all had yellow serial number stickers. So happy to find this site. One thing that I have noticed is that Massachusetts-made resonator banjos generally had a yellow/orange stain. I have a vegavox 4 tenor banjo by Martin . I would send pictures but was not sure just where to post them. The Wonder-5 retailed for $345 without case per the CFM 1971 price list. Deering rescued the Vega line by purchasing the brand name in 1989. Martins acquisition of Vega of Bostonand, the only other one completed in the old Needham Heights factory before banjo production finally moved to Nazareth. Hope this helps and thanks again for your post and e-mails, Barry, Lynne- Thanks for your query. Tony Trsichka wants Greg to make a 5-string model, much like Vega did on very rare occasions in the late 1950s/early 1960s. The VIP model featured a unique `audio-sonic` bell brass tone ring, a scrolled peg head with ultra filagree pearl work, engraved pearl inlay in the ebony fretboard, a 10 ply maple rim with a heavy notched tension hoop, geared tuners, a walnut finish, and marquetry around the resonator. It is in pristine condition and is clearly a very high quality instrument. SF bay area > east bay > for sale > musical instruments - by owner. 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). Your banjo SN 990 is indeed a Pro-5, and it was one of the last five Professional banjos built by VM in 1974 per Shop Order 2211. They are on the second and 3rd strings and allow that Buck Trent kind of thing. Vega - Elderly Instruments 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. Martin in Nazareth, Pennsylvania, in mid 1974 per Shop Order #2217. What a wealth of banjo information you have.I have a VV IV T tenor SN: M130298 which I purchase used about twenty-five years ago for $2,000. The Pro II model was advertised in the 1966 Vega catalogue with an up-graded and fancy mother of pearl inlay pattern as seen on your banjo. There are no other identification markings on the instrument and it definitely does not say Martin anywhere. !Gary, Gary- Thanks for your query. Thanks for letting us see this fascinating and unique instrument. The BRC Archives contain the serial numbers of these unique Vega-Martin banjos. Great information and even better advice. The five number labels were found in banjos made from 1962 through February 1964, involving serial numbers A10300 through A12400. 3, Serial #50232, with a patented brass top hoop and bracket band over a seven-lap sectional maple hoop, 28 brackets, mahogany neck with an ebony fingerboard with22 frets and inlaid pearloid dots and star position marks, carved heel, peghead with flowerpot inlay . In 1970, C.F. Could you tell me where it was built and what its value is today ? Martin purchased the Vega company on May 5, 197O. Your 5 stringer is cited only as Item VDX75C in the 1979 TMC catalog where to retailed for $475. Greg Deering acquired rights to the Vega brand name in 1989 and restored the banjo line to greatness. Martin in the 1970s (I have sent you the title page illustrating your instrument). Vintage Banjos for sale | eBay For example: 0534599-7362 would be a banjo from May of 1999. Your banjo may be a hybrid from that era. The resonator was hand-painted, and fancy engraved pearl inlays adorned the ebony fingerboard. Deering (California) now owns the Vega brand name and produces a `Little Wonder` and `Old Tyme Wonder` 5-stringer not unlike your instrument. They differed from ukulele banjos in that the uke banjos typically had smaller rims. For those interested in the genealogy of banjo manufacturers, I have included a page summarizing some important relationships between manufacturers, . The description of your banjo serial number 916 is curious, and I will offer my theory about the instrument per the information given.
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