(#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. From the BRC, Barry. The retail price for this banjo in the 1970 catalogue was $488 without case, and Martin did not published price lists after 1971. 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. Although C.F. 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. Anders- Thanks for your query. I was told by someone at C. F. Martin that they only made 11 of them ( mine is ser # 7 ) . Ed Britt, Jim Bollman, or Bob Smakula would be the most likely people to be able to give you the most exact identification of the model possible. On PLICSCOM menu under 'Information'. FREE SHIPPING! The long-neck No. Martin did not publish suggested retail prices after 1971, but I would estimate the V-76 sold for around $7-800 with case. George Gruhn might also know. C.F. A nice banjo- enjoy. It has dual rods running through the pot and it has the tubaphone tone ring. The two legendary musicians in the camp photo are banjo godfather Tony Trischka and Grammy award winner Eric Weissberg. FAIRBANKS BANJO MANDOLINE. Deering purchased the Vega franchise in1989 restoring the line to greatness. By my count, twelve VV IV-tenor banjos were built in Nazareth with the last one, #1678, in 1976. Hello. Theres barely a mark on the banjo (except for the binding where it was put on a stand) and this will probably buff out. Of note, my Vega Martin VIP-5 banjo built in 1975 also came with a `Care of Your Banjo` memo dated 8/26/71 and a warranty that instructed the owner to call 215-759-2837 and ask for Mike (probably Mike Longworth who was C.F. I was disappointed because I badly wanted to see Scruggs models! vega banjo identification. Thanks again for your post and pictures and kind comments about the website. I has Vega and a single star on the front of the headstock. It is a somewhat rare bird, as C.F. 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. Martin files indicate that only one Scruggs Mark II banjo and only one Scruggs Soloist banjo were manufactured at the Martin factory in Nazareth, Pennsylvania, in the 1970`s. It is not to be confused with the metal pie plate or hubcap resonator manufactured by Elton in the 1930`s. This is an early and very nice example of the classic Vega . It is a Four-String Banjo, Tu-ba-phone Model No. Ive taken a number of hi-res photostoo many to attach to email. Great Savings & Free Delivery / Collection on many items. Your 5 stringer is cited only as Item VDX75C in the 1979 TMC catalog where to retailed for $475. Your banjo with SN 1046 was one of five PS-5 instruments manufactured in Nazareth, PA, in 1974 per Shop Order 2218, and after that C.F. Ive owned one for 30 yrs though I dont play it very well. The Vega name on the head is not with the usual letters and there is no star there either. Is this generally true, can one instantly recognize a Nazareth vs. Massachusetts by the stain color? This design of banjo retailed for $285 back then, and it was popularized by Erik Darling and Pete Seegar (who had his own Vega endorsed model for awhile). 2 Vega banjo from the early Boston era. 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 The resonator was hand-painted, and fancy engraved pearl inlays adorned the ebony fingerboard. Cited in the Vega price list of 1971, the last one VM published, the retail price tag was $488 without case. When C. F. Martin Co. bought the Vega banjo line in May of 1970, hundreds of parts were inherited from the Needham Heights factory near Boston. The 1968 Vega catalogue described the Pro II appointments as including a bell brass tone ring with exclusively designed audio apertures, a ten ply wood rim, a three-piece maple neck, a resonator of curly maple, a notched brass tension hoop, nickel-plated hardware, and a shaded mahogany finish. The Vega/Martin PS-5 would probably fetch in the $1000- 2500 range these days depending on appointments and condition, whereas the Vega/Boston Seeger banjo seems to be valued more by collectors and would command a higher price. The model was discontinued after Martin Guitar bought Vega in 1970. The rim and shoe screws/washer are likely homemade/cut down and tone ring is not Galaxy stock, but more of a Gibson knockoff. The C.F. Your VW-5 with SN 1519 was manufactured in Nazareth, PA, in 1976 per Shop Order 2285. Any info including your estimate of current value would be very much appreciated. 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. The Metropolitan Museum of Art in NYC recently showcased an exhibit of pre-1900 Martin guitars. The last Vega Martin banjo manufactured in Nazareth, PA, was SN 1969 as reportedly documented by a letter of authentication signed by C.F. I have sent an e-mail to my Vega Vox consultant Dr. Ron and await his comments and appraisal. I dont play any instrument right now. 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 Wonder was an entry level resonator instrument that featured a metal tone ring, white fingerboard binding, a notched tension hoop, a 10 ply rim, 3 piece maple neck, blackwood fretboard, pearl dots, nickel-pate parts and a shaded mahogany finish. The tonering, bracket band, and notched tension hoop were all made of vibrant bell brass (Not die cast metal). rocket and teresa administrative leave; With appreciation, Barry. Hope this helps, and all the best picking, Barry. Thanks you for this great site. Vega Long Neck Banjo $5,399.00 Vega White Oak Long Neck Banjo 11" from $2,599.00 Vega Kingston Trio Tom Dooley Long Neck Banjo $15,599.00 Vega Woodsongs Campfire Long Neck Banjo $2,399.00 Sold Out Vega Professional 19-Fret Tenor Banjo $7,499.00 Vega Kingston Trio Long Neck Banjo $6,299.00 Vega Kingston Trio - Bob Shane Plectrum Banjo 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). ). my Martin/Vega PS5 #481 is about a month into my possession. Serial # 1795. In my files, the PS-5 is seen in a Vega (Boston) flyer in 1961 where it lists for $309. Your VW-5 model Vega Wonder banjo SN 721 was manufactured in Nazareth, PA, in late 1973 per Shop Order 2181. Bob- Thank you for your kind words about my website, and I reply with compliments to your luthier shop with which I am familiar. It originally came with an arm rest, rotomatic tuning pegs, and a plastic head. Perhaps a bit more cutting. VIP is printed on the truss rod cover. He uses the one piece neck design typical of the other Deering models with the SN stamped on the back of the peghead. Martin did not publish retail prices after 1971, so my guess is that this up scale model sold back then for around $600. Q: At what point did Vega go from ball end to open end bracket nuts? Jim, Jim -Thanks for your query. With appreciation, Barry, S.C.-Thank you for the prompt and detailed photos of your banjo. 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. Martin also made 1976 model D-76 guitars to partner the banjo. I inherited a Vega 5-string resonator banjo and have been trying to find out additional information about it. 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. 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. I love the story. It is a Vega Martin model VW-5 called a Vega Wonder and sometimes referred to as the Wonder-5. Therefore it became dissembled. Reply from our BRC consultant and Vega Vox scholar Dr. Ron: Looks like something that might have put together from parts, either insideor outside the factoryI suspect the latter as there have been lots of Voxchop shop conversions going back in time (even to the 1920s). Joshua- Send me some detailed photos of your banjo inside and out. 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. !Gary, Gary- Thanks for your query. 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). Banjo SN 1648 is a `Folk Wonder` model (FW-5) which first appears in the Vega (Boston) catalogue in 1961 per my files. Remo Frosted Top Banjo Head, 11 Inch Diameter, Medium Crown (7/16 Inch) $19 USD. From the BRC, Barry, Barry, i have an extended neck (25 fretts) Vega/Martin banjo with a serial number of 80. 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. This 5-stringer was manufactured circa 1845 in Baltimore, MD, by luthier William Boucher, Jr.. port melbourne players; fair lawn high school graduation; vega banjo identification; By . I cannot find any pictures remotely close online. The evolution of the Professional model dates back to the Boston 1963 Vega catalogue that featured the first Pro model banjo that looked like an inexpensive version of the Earl Scruggs model that Vega offered at that time. Your banjo may be a hybrid from that era. Barry. These three top-of-the-line instruments were sent to Japan for assembly. Im just getting back into my love of music. This model appears in the 1972 and 1976 catalogues. A.C. Fairbanks (by Vega) "Regent" 5-string banjo, S/N 25121, Circa 1909 A.C. Fairbanks (by Vega) "Tubaphone" #9, 5-string banjo, S/N 25516, Circa 1909 . 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. The inside of the rim has a R-D-136 in white. Thanks for sharing your fascinating banjo with the BRC, Barry. In 1979, Martin sold the Vega brand to the Asian conglomerate Galaxy. Hello there, what a terrific Web page you guys have put together so interesting, i have a open back tenor banjo with the Martin logo and nos 916 it has the same pearl inlay as the 5 string pro it has 19 frets , i have no idea of its value but it has a beautiful slim neck just so easy to finger chords, cheers Rob. It also features the four digit SN imprinted into the outside of the holes in groups of three tone ring, clearly done before the plating, and visible only when dissembled. The smaller one has 2 small set screws installed on either side of the rod to adjust the neck heel . Do you have a total of these models made under the Massachusetts Vega name? Vega stamp to yellow stick-on labels between 99369 and 99686. switchover is between #23721 and #23800. Further investigation related to your comments in the abovefirst paragraph might shed some light on the wood tone finish differences. Really sounds and pays great. $42 USD. Only 101 model PS-5 banjos were made by C.F. Both are in wonderful condition. Your other VIP-5 with SN 1766 was assembled from parts sent to Japan in 1977 when the Martin company had its difficult luthier strike. The description of your banjo serial number 916 is curious, and I will offer my theory about the instrument per the information given. If you want a more Bluegrass sound, try a 5-Star head from Stew Mac. Although a mystery to me, this top of the line resonator banjo was introduced by C.F. Enjoy. 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). Do you know how many tenor V41 banjos were made? I do not know anything about banjos but the label inside the rim says VEGA of Boston. From the BRC, Barry. It is in pristine condition and is clearly a very high quality instrument. The Pro-5 model had an improved bell brass tone ring (alas, not silver) with exclusively designed audio apertures, a thick 10 ply wood rim, a double-tension neck rod, a notched brass tension hoop, nickel plated parts, a mahogany shaded finish, and white binding. The Vega serial number files still available do not specify the specific models of banjo manufactured in Massachusetts. The information looks just finethere were yet a number of the Mxxxxxx series banjos still made in the Needham Heights factory outside Boston. Barry. They are on the second and 3rd strings and allow that Buck Trent kind of thing. Location. March 13, 2017 at 3:46 pmRob- Thank you for your query and very kind comments about the BRC website. 7. Being a low end instrument, the early FR-5 model had no connecting rod. 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. 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 flanges, tension hoop, tailpiece and extended armrest are deeply and elaborately engraved, and were originally finished in a special hardened 24K gold electroplate. 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. Can you tell me more like age and value? During the Vega Martin era, C.F. Informacje o Martin V730 StringsVega struny banjo 5str 10-23,10 - 11109713090 w archiwum Allegro. 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. vega banjo identification. ), Wim- Congratulations on procuring such a lovely vintage instrument. 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. Martin made 101 of the PS-5 instruments which listed for $488 without case in the final V/M price list in 1971. The Vega No.2 is a banjo made of top grade curly maple stained light amber and buffed to a high gloss. 2 Tu-Ba-Phone XL long neck premieres instead. Martin upgraded the maple rim to 10 ply after purchasing the Vega/Boston franchise in May of 1970. vega banjo identification. Ernie- It would be helpful if you could send a photo of your yellow sticker, as I suspect that your Vega Vox IV was manufactured in Boston in 1964 after Vega reconverted to a six digit serial number during the pre- C.F. Jon- Thanks much for your kind comments about the website. John- Thank-you for the detailed photos. The VIP model featured a unique `audio-sonic` bell brass tone ring, a scrolled peg head with ultra filagree pearl work, engraved pearl inlay in the ebony fretboard, a 10 ply maple rim with a heavy notched tension hoop, geared tuners, a walnut finish, and marquetry around the resonator. Martin made 76 commemorative V-76 banjos in 1976 to celebrated the bicentennial of the USA. Serial number 115831 on a yellow strip built in Boston Mass.Wondering when it might have been built? Although a Bluegrass resonator banjo musician, my daily practice exercises are conducted sans picks on one of two long neck Ode 5-stringers that are wife-friendly in tone. I have two Ode long neck banjos, and one of them is my daily practice instrument because of its wife-friendly tone. He could always check the stamp on the bottomthe tone ring to see if its a match to the rim (it should say V916). They are 230, 243, 353, LVII (57?) There are 13 stars on the banjo fretboard, and there should be a plaque on the back of the headstock. The local music store said they would give her 120$ for it. Ending Thursday at 9:33PM GMT 2d 23h. Elite Fiberskyn Banjo Head, 11", High. 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). Excellent condition. I would be grateful if you could inform me when it was made. The other 9 were likely shipped to Canada or Japan for assembly after 1977. 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. If you need photos I can take a few and send them to you on a subsequent time. Vega Regent Model 5 String Banjo (1925), made in Boston, Mass., natural varnish finish, laminated maple rim and neck, ebony fingerboard, black hard shell case. Deering now offers the Tubaphone No. Thanks again for your query, Barry. Note below 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. After a loooong wait I finally got it in 1971 . In the final Martin price listed published in 1971, it listed for $345 without case. Is 887 also a Pro5? Rettberg & Lange(1898-1920) banjos were initially similar to Buckbee-made 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. Thanks for the great information on this page. Informacje o Martin V740 StringsVega strun banjo RETRO 10-23,10 - 11109692503 w archiwum Allegro. Hope this helps and au revoir, Barry. All the best pickin`, and thanks for your kind words about my website. I got an old Vega banjo from my father. From the BRC, 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 have two 1930 Vegaphones and an earlier Tubaphone conversion, and this VIP is certainly able to hold up its weight tone wise. Martin initiated its own serial number system in early 1972 which ran sequentially from #2 through #1945. Your 5-stringer serial #993 is one of six Pro-5`s manufactured per Shop Order # 2211 in mid 1974 by C.F. Thanks for the photo of your Vega/Martin Pro-5 banjo. The V-45(5) featured a heavy one-piece flat head tone ring of brass so popular among Bluegrass pickers. There are no other identification markings on the instrument and it definitely does not say Martin anywhere. 1929 Vega Tubaphone Longneck Conversion Banjo This banjo started its life in 1929 as a Vega Vegaphone tenor banjo. 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. Again, thanks for your query and photos. Thanks again. Could you tell me where it was built and what its value is today ? Your tenor 4-stringer was built in early 1972 per Shop Order 2051. 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. I would appreciate it very much. Where to find your serial number. The build quality is quite immaculate, both wood and hardware. Published by at 30, 2022. 1969, probably initially at the 40 Leon Street factory the Needham Heights (just before the sale to Martin). 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). Every Martin Vega I have seen has a more dark brown mahogany-colored stain. There is no #1 Martin banjo listed, but banjos #6-8 were Vega Vox-4-T tenors built per Shop Order 2087. From the BRC, Barry. Of note, banjo SN 136 manufactured in 1972 was a Vega Vox I plectrum and not a 5-stringer like yours. The C.F. Is it possible to tell me what model or style and year it was built also the value? It`s a sweet long neck, and I wish I had one. The banjo listed for $556 in the 1971 price list without case. Per my files, the Pete Seeger long neck first appears in a Vega flyer in 1961 for $309. If it has a wooden pot resonator, remove it and check the inner rim for identifiers. The inside of the banjo is also blank except for the painted serial number 2207. 28 de mayo de 2018. Its paper label says it was made by Vega of Boston, part of the CF Martin Co. but it does not have the CF Martin decal on the back of the peg-head. The neck has crown-and-football inlays and the Martin logo is on the back of the pegboard. Original MRSP $1310 without case (carved neck was also extra). best of . I am wondering what you can tell me about a Vega long neck banjo with Martin stamp on the back of the headstock and inside, serial number 82? The only serial number is 1120. model serial number 1990. Your banjo is item # VB120C which sold for $360 back then. Banjoman- C.F. Thanks for your very kind words about the BRC website. In 1970, C.F. An Original Fairbanks 5-String Banjo with a replaced ebony fingerboard and peg-head facing, with added appropriate pearl inlays. Im sure theres a story behind this banjo and why it was made. 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. It is in excellent condition but missing a resonator thumbscrew with the threaded washer. 22 frets. Martin stamp. Thought you might enjoy an article in All Frets from my good friend and American Banjo Museum curator, Johnny Baier, An Ode to the Vega VoxId like to think my bad influences have moved him over to the dark side as he is now a happy owner of his own deep resonator tenor with a calfskin head (it sounds fantastic). Galaxy went bankrupt in a few years, and the Vega brand was purchased in 1989 by Deering in California who restored the instrument line to greatness. In PACTware software. 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. With the original Hardshell case and the rare Earl Scruggs Tuners or de- tuners if you will. Would appreciate any information you can provide to verify the model and any original cost/current value. I would love some photos of your V-45 to upload with this post. 26" Scale Length Serial: #21601 Condition: Excellent Case: gig bag Price: $Reduced Price $1395.00 Read More Gatcomb | Lansing Model #325 Index: 10566 Maker: Gatcomb Year: 1890's Notes: Answer: Tu-Ba-Phone 5-String made 1978-1979. Not a fancy top-line model, but still built with the typical extremely high quality components and a simple but . Roger- Thanks for your challenging follow-up query. Martin and Co., Est. Isgho Votre ducation notre priorit . Kudos to Greg Deering who rescued the Vega brand name from extinction in 1989 and restored it to greatness. In the 1972 Martin catalogue, the Professional appears identical to yours, but it is absent from the 1976 catalogue. Bob- Thanks for the remembrance narrative about you and your Dad learning music together- your are a lucky father and son. My personal suggestion, however, is to preserve it as a tangible keepsake of the priceless moments spent with your father years ago. The Martin Co. dropped the 6 digit serial number system in mid 1971 and then began again with #2- #1945, although a few special banjos up to #1969 were produced. Thanks so much Ill get back to you if any further questions. 1921 Vega Style L Whyte Laydie Mandolin Banjo. 17,378. Wim, (Ed.- Note the classic Tubaphone tone ring.