Replyfrom our Vega Vox scholar Dr. RonHi Ernie. A sticker inside says The Vega Co. Boston 15, MASS, Patended USA The serial number is A-125394. Good luck, thanks much for your post, and great to hear from you again, Barry. vega banjo identification Is this generally true, can one instantly recognize a Nazareth vs. Massachusetts by the stain color? However, current thinking (thanks to Hank Schwartz) is that 999 numbers were assigned per year -- from the start, in 1880. 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). What can you tell me about the history and value of this one. Can you tell me what year this banjo was made and what my aunt could legitimately ask for it? 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. Any clues? Many thanks and keep pickin & grinning. The problem is that the serial number labels at this time had printing errors, where the first numeric digit was omitted. Aspiring players also wonder what makes one banjo better than another. Hope this helps and best wishes from the BRC, Barry, Gary- Thanks for your query. Any insights appreciated along with your understanding of when it was manufactured, components, what it originally sold for and current market value. 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. It is a VEGA MARTIN tenor 4 string on which is written a number: 1040 .On the handle, it is engraved VIP and the back of the handle, there is the CF Martin logo.I want to know the date of construction , its positioning in the range of tenor banjos and possibly the price it may be worth now .Thank you in advance and best wishes !Bernard, BRC Banjo Replies:June 1, 2016 at 2:33 pm, Bonjour Bernard- Your VIP (Very Important Player) tenor banjo serial number 1040 was one of three VIP-T banjos manufactured by C.F. I admire the amount of effort youve put into helping the community of banjo enthusiasts I ve got serial # 129 , a 22 fret ,27 scale plectrum in for a set up..any info.about date of manufacture,potential value, and other pertinent details would be appreciatedthanks.. BRC Banjo Replies:July 14, 2016 at 1:13 pm, Darryl- Thank you for your kind comments about the BRC website. 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. from BRC: Wim- Thanks for the great photo of your busy workshop. very carefully, I did and its four digits # 1450. it looks very good to me as far as the condition, its just old and kind of dirty. 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. Wim, (Ed.- Note the classic Tubaphone tone ring. 1929 Vega Tubaphone Longneck Conversion Banjo This banjo started its life in 1929 as a Vega Vegaphone tenor banjo. Martin D-45 guitar. The metal parts were gold plated and engraved. Just found you today . I lived in Needham MA for 20+ years, and Im wondering if that tone ring possibly came from Vegas final days in Needham. Retail price was $1300.00 ; I paid $900.00 . A total of 101 PS-5 instruments were manufactured in Pennsylvania. Barry, Eddie- Thanks for your query and kind comments about the website. Just came across your site, I was wondering if you would be able to help identify what model Martin Vega banjo that I have, I believe it is from the 70s. Per the 1971 price list, the V-45-5 sold for $1650 with case included, and it was available by special order only. Again, thank youmuchfor your post. If in poor condition, Ive seen them sell as low as $3000-4000. Evidently, there was a marketing strategy to partner the 5-string V-41 instrument with Martin`s popular D-41 guitar, but this ploy did not come to fruition. Martin upgraded the maple rim to 10 ply after purchasing the Vega/Boston franchise in May of 1970. This is an early and very nice example of the classic Vega . Buy VEGA Banjos and get the best deals at the lowest prices on eBay! First let me thank you for this amazing well of information! Banjo Parts & Accessories - Elderly Instruments The Folk Wonder model does not appear in the 1972 or 1976 Vega Martin catalogues, but its resonator version the `Wonder` model does. It is important to note that there are exceptions to every rule and the following is only a general guide for identifying Gibson "A" Style mandolins. 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. Hopes this helps. It turned out the owner had another banjo that also resembled a Vega but had the same lack of Vega ID, turns our the name "W Fawly" was on the wooden center dowel . Micky- Thanks for your narrative on your Pete Seeger long neck. The retail price for this banjo in the 1970 catalogue was $488 without case, and Martin did not published price lists after 1971. So there are gaps at the high end of each thousand series -- since Fairbanks Bill Keith Stainless Steel D-Tuners, for 2nd & 3rd strings. I love the story. built in 1971, my long neck looks like it was built yesterday and all I added was a geared 5th string pegstuck it in an American Vintage case and screwed a CF Martin brass medallion to the side. 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. Your Vega Wonder (VW) plectrum banjo SN 129 was one of six `VW-Plec` 4 string banjos made in Nazareth, PA, by C. F. Martin per Shop Order #2105 in mid 1972. In the final Martin price listed published in 1971, it listed for $345 without case. Wow, I glad to find your website! Your 5-stringer serial #993 is one of six Pro-5`s manufactured per Shop Order # 2211 in mid 1974 by C.F. The Wonder model had a metal tone ring, white fingerboard binding, a heavy notched tension hoop, a 10 ply rim, geared tuners, a 3 piece maple neck, a blackwood fretboard, pearl dots, a resonator with 4 section metal tone flanges, nickel-plated parts, a plastic head, an armrest and shaded mahogany finish. Subject: Help with ID of Vega Banjo please. Thereafter, C. F. Martin installed a serial number decal on the inner rim beginning with #2 and on through #1945. . tone ring that you have. vega banjo identification. Vega style k mandolin banjo It looks to have some pretty fancy inlays along the fretboard and some nice detail & trim around the wooden drum. Specs are equal to the popular Gold Tone MM-150 with the addition of three extra frets allowing the banjo to tune to EBEG#B. The Folk Wonder is an open-back banjo that features a maple neck, a white bound ebony fretboard with pearl dots, and geared pegs in the headstock. The rhinestones on the flanges, tension bolts, and peghead differ from Peabodys prototype and the later Martin production Vox V models. Please try again. 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. On the back side of your device. Fantastic site with wonderful information. Tuned 1-1/2 steps lower than a standard 5-string banjo, the Maple Mountain Series MM-150LN is set up for the best singing keys. All original except the tailpiece cracked at the bend not long after I got it, and I replaced it with the Stew-Mac version. Prices subject to change without notice. The C.F. Is this original? Data zakoczenia 2022-09-02 - cena 20,90 z 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. Used 5-String Open-Back Banjos | Intermountain Guitar & Banjo Martin made 101 of the PS-5 instruments which listed for $488 without case in the final V/M price list in 1971. Vega serial #s between 99369 and 99686, when the switch from the Vega stamp to printed yellow labels seems to have occured. The Martin Co. sold the Vega franchise to the Asian conglomerate `Galaxy Trading Company` in 1979, and thereafter Vega banjos were manufactured in South Korea. Remo Frosted Top Banjo Head, 11 Inch Diameter, Medium Crown (7/16 Inch) $19 USD. This did include the instalment of a Fiberskyn head to mellow down the tone somewhat, of a geared 5th string tuner, and of a (very nice) tailpiece to replace the chrome plated Waverly (everything else nickel). June 7, 2022; homes for sale by owner in berwick, pa . Also, the banjo has some ornate details carved in it. I have a Martin Vega Banjo, #324. PA. Deering (California) now owns the Vega brand name and produces a `Little Wonder` and `Old Tyme Wonder` 5-stringer not unlike your instrument. Thanks you for this great site. My personal suggestion, however, is to preserve it as a tangible keepsake of the priceless moments spent with your father years ago. The Item # was VT2NRC. vega banjo identification 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 The C.F. Serial # 1795. Flanked by interactive faculty at a northeastern banjo camp, the BRC founderproudly shows-off his Vega VIP banjo built in Nazareth, Pennsylvania, in 1975. In the final VM 1976 catalogue, the F-VIP is displayed in full advertising detail. During the Vega Martin era, C.F. C.F. Close study of the flange can sometimes reveal, however, that it is left-over Vega hardware from the Needham Heights factory. It was recommended by Bob Smakula that I send some photos to you and that you might have more information. Landis- Thanks for your post. 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. Photos would be necessary to give an accurate price range, as design styles were still changing in the post war period and overall condition (all original parts) would bring a higher price. The Vega era PS-5 banjos sell for up to $3-4K these days. thanks for your help and keep up the good work. Do you have any information on it? 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). This workshop numbering system continued uninterrupted to #2355 in 1977 when the banjos went overseas for assembly. Only 101 model PS-5 banjos were made by C.F. 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 . Best wishes with your VIP and thanks again for your post, Barry. Good luck with your vintage Seeger long neck and photos of this prize would be most welcome for posting here if you are so inclined. vega banjo identification. The story of how Greg Deering came to own the 130 year old Vega trademark is one of childhood dreams and an unmissable opportunity. This Vox uses brass (rather than the late model Vega/Martin aluminum) hex nut shoes for the tension bolts, and thinner dual brass coordinator rods (again, instead of aluminum). ampleforth college redundancies. This uniquestyle resonator was verypopular for many years, and it still hasvalue as a vintage part. In 1970, C.F. Could you tell me where it was built and what its value is today ? In general, the Boston made Pete Seeger long neck banjos seem to command a greater collectors` interest than the ones manufactured in Pennsylvania. Tom- Thank you for the prompt and detailed photos of your instrument. 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. Your Pete Seeger (PS-5) was one of eleven PS-5 long neck banjos made in early 1972 per Shop Order 2098. . Martin initiated its own serial number system in early 1972 which ran sequentially from #2 through #1945. Your T-2 instrument SN 1603 was one of five Tu-Ba-Phone 5 string banjos manufactured in Nazareth, PA, in 1976 shortly before the big luthier strike that compelled C. F. Martin to ship parts overseas for assembly. In your e-mail, you mention being told when acquiring the instrument that it was a prototype design. Thanks for your post and happy pickin`, Barry. vega banjo identification - nutrir.cl S.C.- Thank you for your query to the BRC. Your VW-5 with SN 1519 was manufactured in Nazareth, PA, in 1976 per Shop Order 2285. Martin V730 Vega Steel/Nickel Banjo Strings - .010-.023 - Sweetwater I have found it helpful over the years. Vega enthusiasts Help with this mystery - Discussion Forums - Banjo Hangout Hope this helps and thanks again for your post and e-mails, Barry, Lynne- Thanks for your query. 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. The original prototype was designed and built by the Vega Company in 1969, for the legendary King of the Banjo Eddie Peabody to commemorate his 50th year in show business. 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. Look for decals and a serial number on the interior of the rim to help document its story. 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. Your description of your FR-5 sounds like you have a genuine Boston-made Folk Ranger. vega banjo identification. Martin markings, my impression is that it was put together overseas from left-over Martin parts after the Asian conglomerate Galaxy Trading purchased the Vega brand in 1979. The banjo featured a bell brass audio-sonic tone ring, different from the tubaphone tone ring, and a ten ply maple rim. Your VW-5 resonator banjo is not to be confused with its cousin the open back FW-5 model Folk Wonder which retailed for $280. I think it is a Pro-5. Thank you, Barry, for the information that allow me to buy this banjo with serenity.VIVE le BANJO and the banjo players! The VM price list in 1971 quoted a sales tag of $545 for the Pro-5 without case. The resonator was hand-painted, and fancy engraved pearl inlays adorned the ebony fingerboard. 2 Tu-Ba-Phone XL is seen in the 1976 catalogue. Best of luck and thanks for your query, Barry. Martin purchased the Vega brand line. As Barry indicates, a photo of the yellow sticker will be helpful here. Your 5 stringer is cited only as Item VDX75C in the 1979 TMC catalog where to retailed for $475. Vega Kingston Trio Tom Dooley Long Neck Banjo, Vega Kingston Trio - Bob Shane Plectrum Banjo, Reutschi | Kruger Bell Bronze Tone Ring(Unplated). It is number E-5 in a limited edition of 16 instruments made in 1976. It was advertised to feature a rosewood veneered rim and resonator trimmed in abalone pearl like the C.F. It`s a sweet long neck, and I wish I had one. Id appreciate your comments please & thanks, Linda. Shortly thereafter, the Martin craftsmen went on strike, and banjo parts were shipped overseas for assembly. Inside your device. From the BRC, Barry. Thanks for your query, Barry. Where is the serial number on a Vega banjo? There are 13 stars on the banjo fretboard, and there should be a plaque on the back of the headstock. The `Martin Guitars: A Technical Reference` confirms that the BJF-5 banjo was a thinly disguised Pro-5 not unlike yours . By that time, parts were being shipped to Canada and Japan for assembly, and record keeping soon deteriorated and serial numbers were inconsistent. Thanks for your post. Bill- Thanks for your query. The seller advertised it (in 2016) as verified by BRC made in 1976 in Nazareth. 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). Your VW-5 resonator banjo is not to be confused with its cousin the open back FW-5 model Folk Wonder which retailed for $280. I have original case. 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). what I know about banjos right now I learned from you!! It look and plays great. Barry. Is has a hard case with blue interior. 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. I cant remember exactly when I bought it but I think it was around the early 70s. An example of one of these 4-stringers from the 1920`s is still in the C.F. vega serial numbers - Discussion Forums - Banjo Hangout George Gruhn might also know. aluminum variety, one slim one large, with the larger one closer to the head. Your comments about the color tone differences of Vega/Boston vs. Martin/Nazareth resonator banjos are curious, and I do not have an accurate answer for it. Your tenor 4-stringer was built in early 1972 per Shop Order 2051. Vega Banjos - The Mandolin Pages Martin manufactured only 33 VW-plectrum banjos. ), Wim- Congratulations on procuring such a lovely vintage instrument. Hence, my theory is that this ornate banjo was assembled overseas after Martin began shipping parts to Japan and Canada for assembly in 1976, and this would explain the mysterious serial number. I bought it in Stockholm, Sweden as a student, so it was not so expensive, as i remembered. What Does My Banjo's Serial Number Tell Me? - Deering Banjo Company 1519. All the very best from the BRC, Barry, Thank you, Barry. Martin upgraded the maple rim to 10 ply after purchasing the Vega/Boston franchise in May of 1970. The rich heritage of Vega was derelict for 5 years until Deering rescued it by acquiring rights to the brand name in 1989. The smaller one has 2 small set screws installed on either side of the rod to adjust the neck heel . The two legendary musicians in the camp photo are banjo godfather Tony Trischka and Grammy award winner Eric Weissberg. Answer: Tu-Ba-Phone 5-String made 1978-1979. Plectrum means a 4-string model with 22 frets, which is longer scale (27) than the 19 fret 4-string tenor (23). Eric- Thanks for your kind comments about the website and prompt photos. The local music store said they would give her 120$ for it. Could you tell me where it was built and what its value is today ? best of . The long-neck No. My estimate is that your VV IV-T can fetch about $1000-4500 these days depending on the online vendor or estate auction. 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. Data zakoczenia 2022-09-02 - cena 20,90 z Martin built only 29 model T-2 instruments which were a reproduction of the classic Tu-Ba-Phone No. 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. 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). 1969, probably initially at the 40 Leon Street factory the Needham Heights (just before the sale to Martin). Joshua- Send me some detailed photos of your banjo inside and out. ), though, as said earlier, neck and rim look a lot like Martin quality. The flanges, tension hoop, tailpiece and extended armrest are deeply and elaborately engraved, and were originally finished in a special hardened 24K gold electroplate. The C.F. The tailpiece does not look original, but the dual connecting rods are typical of the Martin design. 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). 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. brian kim, cpa clearvalue tax net worth . VIP is printed on the truss rod cover. Barry. SF bay area > east bay > for sale > musical instruments - by owner. 1972 Vega Banjo. Maybe, the R-D prefix stands for Research and Development. Hope this helps, and I am sending you the circa 1978 C. F. Martin Tubaphone model promotional flyer . Hi there Folks.A few weeks ago i bought a Vega martin 5 string banjo, tubaphone tonering, the screws to attach the shoes to the bracket band go through the bracketband but also through the rim.The banjo is almost in unplayed condition, sounds wonderfull, the original case is also there.serial numer is 1707. I have two 1930 Vegaphones and an earlier Tubaphone conversion, and this VIP is certainly able to hold up its weight tone wise. Services; vega banjo identification 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. Galaxy went bankrupt around 1984 and vanished. C.F. The Galaxy serial number is not a continuum of the Martin serial number sequence. Thanks from all of us! rocket and teresa administrative leave; and CXXVI (126?). I then discovered my Vega VIP Martin 1972 model #1766, a beautiful banjo which I have played for the past 12 years. Hope this helps and thanks for your post. JC Martin in Nazareth, Pennsylvania, in mid 1974 per Shop Order #2217. Martin stamp. Vega Pete Seeger 5-string Folk Banjo - 1958-1970 - The Canada Site Further investigation related to your comments in the abovefirst paragraph might shed some light on the wood tone finish differences. Barry. My estimate is that your vintage instrument is worth $1500-1700. 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 is a Vega Martin model VW-5 called a Vega Wonder and sometimes referred to as the Wonder-5. The melody banjo was the equivalent of a 4 string mandolin banjo. I own a Vega VIP fivestring banjo, with serial number 130056. The rim is 10 ply maple with a top metal tone ring, nickel-plated metal parts, and a shaded mahogany finish. Its mostly been in storage since I purchased it in the late 1970s. Martin Museum collection. vega banjo identification. Fairbanks & Cole Published by at 30, 2022. After the difficult 1977 luthier strike at the C.F. I just acquired a second, SN#990 with the dog-bone tone ring. Hello and thank you so much for your hard work and dedication. Your aunt`s banjo sounds like a stock model, so I would estimate that it would fetch $400-$700 on the open market. There is a star on the 5th fret.