Have a restful weekend and be well, Barry. It is collecting dust since i dont play the banjo and I am thinking of passing it on. Thanks for your query, Barry. it has five strings and if you would be so kind let me know something about it and if someone you know wants to play it, I guess it would be better off with them; or I will go take lessons I suppose. 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). I have 2 Martin Vegas. Thanks for your reply. Your banjo is an off shoot of the classic No. I know this is a Vega Martin site, however maybe you can help me or know of someone who can provide me with more information about my dads Vega banjo.It is a 1951 Vega vox iv plectrum with with s/n 98786.What does the iv mean? C.F. Martin workshop log book, your V-45-5 serial number 327 banjo was manufactured in Nazareth, PA, in early 1973 per Shop Order 2138. Thanks for your post. JC One of the best known Kay electric guitars during the 1950s was the K-161 "Thin Twin", most visibly used by blues artist Jimmy Reed. tone ring that you have. C.F. I have two 1930 Vegaphones and an earlier Tubaphone conversion, and this VIP is certainly able to hold up its weight tone wise. It looks identical to the one posted with photos on last July 8only difference is that mine does not have the Martin decal on the back of the peg head. Below are more Letters from the BRC Archives. Bill Keith Stainless Steel D-Tuners, for 2nd & 3rd strings. There were several old tenor and plectrum Martin neck blanksfor sale a few years ago, but it looks to be factory made condition anddoubt that would be likely a source. SF bay area > east bay > for sale > musical instruments - by owner. It has dual rods running through the pot and it has the tubaphone tone ring. Again, thanks for your query and photos. Informacje o Martin V740 StringsVega strun banjo RETRO 10-23,10 - 11109692503 w archiwum Allegro. 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. 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. 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. An Original Fairbanks 5-String Banjo with a replaced ebony fingerboard and peg-head facing, with added appropriate pearl inlays. 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 SN 1199 is one of five VIP-T (tenor) banjos made per shop order # 2233 in late 1974 in Nazareth, PA. C.F. 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. The Style K was Vega's least expensive banjo-mandolin, not having a "tone ring" installed, unlike the pricier Tu-Ba-Phone and Whyte Laydie models. Thanks for your very kind words about the BRC website. 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. Hope this helps and au revoir, Barry. 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. Martin manufactured only 33 VW-plectrum banjos. 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). Again, thanks for your post. From the BRC, Barry. How do you date a banjo? . He on his banjo and me with my guitar. After Martin sold the Vega line to Galaxy in 1979, this generic mother of pearl pattern remained the same in the VIP model but had double-stripe engraving on it. 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. Ive got a couple of pictures in case of interest, but Id need a mail-address for sending, me supposing. In the the 1971 Vega Martin price list, the VW-Plec retailed at $345. 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). Thank you so very much for this information! Vega Martin banjo SN 324 was manufactured in Nazareth, PA, in early 1973. My estimate is that the banjo might be worth $500-$700 depending on condition. It has almost all the hallmarks of a stock model VIP banjo. Hello, ANTIQUE S.S. STEWART UNIVERSAL FAVORITE BANJO with INTERESTING HISTORY C $146.35 Theres barely a mark on the banjo (except for the binding where it was put on a stand) and this will probably buff out. P.S. Check Price at Amazon. From the BRC, Barry. Barry. 22 frets. My aunt gave me a Martin Vega banjo serial number 892 to see what it was worth since she is not internet savy and looking to sell it. It was recommended by Bob Smakula that I send some photos to you and that you might have more information. If it has a wooden pot resonator, remove it and check the inner rim for identifiers. 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. set of identifying characteristics can be found at http://www.mugwumps.com. Vega Banjo Identification Vega Tenor Banjo Serial Numbers Chart Vega Tenor Banjo Serial Numbers Vintage Mandolin Banjo Fairbanks Vega Company Boston USA 1920 6 Saiten Einige der Spanner samt Schrauben und sowie die Saiten sind nicht vorhanden. I have original case. Rochester NY 14610. According to the C.F. Banjo SN 1648 is a `Folk Wonder` model (FW-5) which first appears in the Vega (Boston) catalogue in 1961 per my files. Your VW-5 model Vega Wonder banjo SN 721 was manufactured in Nazareth, PA, in late 1973 per Shop Order 2181. 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. From the BRC site this banjo was made circa 1975-1976 in and around Nazareth PA. Do I have the have the provenance correct? The Vega 1961 flyer and 1963 catalogue describe that the Earl Scruggs model had a sunburst finish on the resonator. Any and all information you may have on my little banjo will be greatly appreciated! For several years, the Vega Martin banjo was an amalgam of parts from Massachusetts and Nazareth, PA. Old 6 digit Vega serial numbers persisted on a yellow sticker on the inner pot until production was moved to Pennsylvania in 1972. The BRC Archives contain the serial numbers of these unique Vega-Martin banjos. The C.F. Every Martin Vega I have seen has a more dark brown mahogany-colored stain. Im happy to find Banjorehab as it is the first site Ive seen to have useful information on Vega-Martin banjos. Bob. 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. During the Vega Martin era, C.F. Martin made only about a dozen more PS-5 banjos. 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. Where to find your serial number. my Martin/Vega PS5 #481 is about a month into my possession. It is in pristine condition and is clearly a very high quality instrument. My guess is that most of the left-over parts from near your home in Massachusettes were used up over the next ensuing 7 years of production, but there is an outside chance that a few spare parts like an occasional tonering survived and were transferred to Galaxy when it purchased Vega in 1979. Martin built only 101 PS-5 long necks. 96.90 postage. 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 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. I bought a Vega Martin 5 string some time in 2000. Unfortunately, many 4-string players of a certain generation seem to think that their banjos will command higher priceseven the Gibson flat heads used for 5 string conversion have taken a tumble and are are half on what they were 5 years ago. My other theory is that the pot, which bears a C.F. The flanges, tension hoop, tailpiece and extended armrest are deeply and elaborately engraved, and were originally finished in a special hardened 24K gold electroplate. 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 . This model appears in the 1972 and 1976 catalogues. 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. Bob- Thanks for your query and kind words about my website. Greg Deering acquired rights to the Vega brand name in 1989 and restored the banjo line to greatness. I have photos.Serial No. There are some folklore stories why the Seeger banjo was discontinued. Just found you today . Lastly, the banjo could be cleaned-up and refitted at a local music shop, or referred by the shop to a nearby luthier for repairs; and you would have a workable starter banjo for taking some exploratory music lessons. 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. Thank you very much for your quick answer. 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 . The number will be 6-12 digits long depending on what year it was made. Steve in Oz, April 24, 2016 at 1:23 pmSteve- Thanks for your post and glad to hear that a `Wonder` banjo made it `Down Under` during the Vega Martin era. 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. Cobra hooks first appear circa 1881 on Fairbanks & Cole banjos. Been used in the studio and loaned to a friend about 30 years ago while he his banjo was being repaired. Although a mystery to me, this top of the line resonator banjo was introduced by C.F. Further investigation related to your comments in the abovefirst paragraph might shed some light on the wood tone finish differences. Note below the C.F. 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. My estimate would be that this rare and exotic bird might fetch around $1800 or more these days. aluminum variety, one slim one large, with the larger one closer to the head. They all had yellow serial number stickers. The story he told was that it was a distress sale for a friend, and that the banjo was one of 1000 limited editions and had a solid silver tone ring, and was worth at least twice the price. Any help with identifying it (I cant find a serial number anywhere) or locating buyers would be so gratefully welcomed! Aside a changed bridge it remained un-modified and rarely played until about two years ago, as by the time I had bought it, I more and more began concentrating on the guitar. 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. Thanks from the BRC, Barry, Hi Barry! and CXXVI (126?). Thanks again for your time & consideration. Is this an old genuine Vega in the lower price class, Sten- Thanks for your query about the FR-5 banjo. Do you have a total of these models made under the Massachusetts Vega name? Thanks for letting us see this fascinating and unique instrument. The Vega name on the head is not with the usual letters and there is no star there either. Thanks for your post and happy pickin`, Barry. Can`t find anything about it on line. My guess is that the lugs in your resonator have American (inch fraction) thread features, and it is doubtful that an original VIP thumb screw 4 decades old will appear on eBay- but who knows. 2 classic model. Vega Martin models (1970-1979) are less of a collector`s item and fetch about half that price range. I appreciate having some of the history around my banjo and will cherish it even more knowing it is somewhat rare. The Vega serial number files still available do not specify the specific models of banjo manufactured in Massachusetts. Hope this helps and thanks for your post. Martin purchased the Vega company on May 5, 197O. 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. from BRC: Wim- Thanks for the great photo of your busy workshop. I bought it in Stockholm, Sweden as a student, so it was not so expensive, as i remembered. Can you tell me what year this banjo was made and what my aunt could legitimately ask for it? Many thanks and keep pickin & grinning. C.F. A total of 98 model D-76E guitars were also made for employees. The hardware on the V-41 is chrome-plated, so maybe a nearby metal shop could patch it for you or at least identify the alloy. It took me six months to finally commit to purchasing the Vega-Martin VIP that I brought home today from a local music shop. best of . Barry. In my files, the PS-5 is seen in a Vega (Boston) flyer in 1961 where it lists for $309. Prices subject to change without notice. This email will be copied to my Vega Vox scholar Dr. Ron for his insights and comments.From the BRC, Barry. . 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. It was manufactured in Nazareth, PA, in mid 1973 per shop order # 2154. In the final VM 1976 catalogue, the F-VIP is displayed in full advertising detail. I have a Martin Vega Banjo, #324. Hello, I have enjoyed reading your posts on Vega-Martin banjos. Deering now owns the Vega line and offers open-back Tubaphones in their inventory. Fairbanks Banjos - Serial Numbers and Features by year Fairbanks Banjos SERIAL NUMBERS A.C. Fairbanks - Maker ~1875 - 1880 Sporadic numbers have been found written in the wooden hoops of 5 of these earliest Fairbanks banjos. This is an early and very nice example of the classic Vega . Can you tell me about it? After the difficult 1977 luthier strike at the C.F. 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. bouffant scrub cap pattern. The Voxes have endured a bit more that others in the market place, however. 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). By early 1971, Martin began to assemble banjos from Boston-made parts in Nazareth using the Vega six digit serial number system prefixed with the letter M for Martin and beginning with Shop Order 2001. Retail price was $1300.00 ; I paid $900.00 . A: There are a very few Fairbanks made banjos (several of them Regents) with pre-fire serial numbers circa 22900, stamped simply "Vega" in an oval border. Vega Kingston Trio Tom Dooley Long Neck Banjo, Vega Kingston Trio - Bob Shane Plectrum Banjo, Reutschi | Kruger Bell Bronze Tone Ring(Unplated). The Vega banjos in the TMC catalogue were identified by serial numbers only with no model titles or nicknames. The inside of the rim has a R-D-136 in white. I have a Vega Martin five string that my father special ordered around 76-77 Supposedly it was #10 of 10. 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 1971 Vega Martin price listed this model to retail at $556 without case. The handsome Professional-5 model with an upgraded tone ring and rim re-appeared in the 1972 Vega/Martin banjo catalogue- but no sign ever again of the short lived BJF-5 stringer. The first SN#720 I know is a VW-5 because it has the original hang tag. It is in excellent condition but missing a resonator thumbscrew with the threaded washer. The banjo shown here (serial number M130316) was the second Ultra Vox V built in 1971, shortly after C.F. All the best pickin`, and thanks for your kind words about my website. 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. Of note, when the Professional 5-stringer was made in Boston in the early 1960`s, it had square MOP inlays with dots on the neck compared to the nicely designed inlays on your fretboard and seen in the 1966 catalogue. Martin made 101 of the PS-5 instruments which listed for $488 without case in the final V/M price list in 1971. 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. Here's a bit of description on the various models: This was also the case for their mandolin banjo lines. I would like to know a little more about it. Can you tell me what year it was made and by whom? Serial # 1795. 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: 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. Jack. I have found it helpful over the years. With the original Hardshell case and the rare Earl Scruggs Tuners or de- tuners if you will. The number is painted on the bottom not pressed in the wood. 1969, probably initially at the 40 Leon Street factory the Needham Heights (just before the sale to Martin). 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 stamp to yellow stick-on labels between 99369 and 99686. switchover is between #23721 and #23800. It is mentioned again on a back page of the 1972 catalogue. Andreas- Thank you for the historical narrative on your banjo and the detailed photographs. It is veryinteresting that it has the non-ebonized finish on the peghead cap, whichcoincided with the move production to Nazareth (adopting stained rosewood asthey used on the guitars). I call him Rory, although much louder he has a beautiful rich tone, but is quite punchy.. There are 13 stars on the banjo fretboard, and there should be a plaque on the back of the headstock. I would appreciate it very much. Thereafter, C. F. Martin installed a serial number decal on the inner rim beginning with #2 and on through #1945. 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. Barry. Photos are always welcome, and thanks for your post. It retailed for $488 without case in the 1970 Vega Martin catalog, and it last appeared in the 1972 VM catalogue without a suggested price. Jim _Thanks for your query. Fantastic site with wonderful information. 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 Perhaps a bit more cutting. Fairbanks & Cole They made both tenor/plectrum and five-string models. 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 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. Data zakoczenia 2022-09-02 - cena 20,90 z Barry. This is a super site for banjo players and owners. 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. Martin purchased the Vega brand in May of 1970, the Martin factory in Nazareth, PA, began to re-tool for banjo production. 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). 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 banjo may be a hybrid from that era. Barry, My Vega VIP 5-string has S/N 2316 painted inside the rim, which I presume means it was assembled by Galaxy in Asia. There were forty-six Vega Martin V-45 banjos made of similar design, but the hardware was gold-plated. The distinct disadvantage to having a rare banjo is finding replacement parts. 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. In recent years, Deeringrecreated andmarkets its ownVega Professional 4-stringer model with a classic wooden pie sectioned resonator. Martin was winding-down its banjo production, the metal engraving was subcontracted to Liberty Banjos. Barry. If someone could help her post it on eBay, it would probably get a decent price and a good home. The Vega White Oak Banjo is ideal for achieving the classic clawhammer and folk, with bright tone and distinct note clarity and weighs less than 6 lbs! After a loooong wait I finally got it in 1971 . Vega Banjo Identification Professional Had Black. Martin built only 20 F-VIP 5 stringers, and to my count 11 were made in Pennsylvania per the shop log book. It first appeared in 1923 and was also the first Vega with the scrambled eggs inlay and the Vega name in the headstock.Although the Vegaphone is supposed to have a maple neck - and the tenors do, most Vegaphone plectrums have surplus Tubaphone Style 3 necks in mahogany with carved heels. Is it possible to tell me what model or style and year it was built also the value? Id appreciate your comments please & thanks, Linda. Congratulations on having two vintage VM banjos, and your gracious comments about the Info site are much appreciated. Martin did not publish suggested retail prices after 1971, but I would estimate the V-76 sold for around $7-800 with case. The V-45(5) featured a heavy one-piece flat head tone ring of brass so popular among Bluegrass pickers. 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. By that time, parts were being shipped to Canada and Japan for assembly, and record keeping soon deteriorated and serial numbers were inconsistent. Also, the banjo has some ornate details carved in it. Have a bunch of pics I can forward, any particular area to focus on that would help? They differed from ukulele banjos in that the uke banjos typically had smaller rims. For reference, the name of the original owner with serial number should be in the Martin Archives. Barry- Thanks for your queries and subsequent photos that promt me to revise my initial response. wyoming seminary athletic scholarship; Tags . In a 1971 price list, the FW-5 sold for $345. Is 887 also a Pro5? Both are in wonderful condition. vega banjo identification. The other 9 were likely shipped to Canada or Japan for assembly after 1977. In addition to the unusual R-D-136 serial number, the C.F. Martin historian Mike Longworth. I think it is a Pro-5. safety tips; prohibited items; product recalls; 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. C.F. 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. What is a spectrum banjo? Accordingly, 1970-1971 was a year of manufacturing transition from Boston to Nazareth. used speakers for sale craigslist; pioneer woman carne guisada; vega banjo identification; By . A sticker inside says The Vega Co. Boston 15, MASS, Patended USA The serial number is A-125394. Martin built 55 VIP-T instruments between 1972-79. The label indicates the banjo was made in Needham, MA, but the Vega company was owned by the CF Martin guitar company. Your VW-5 model Vega Wonder banjo SN 721 was manufactured in Nazareth, PA, in late 1973 per Shop Order 2181.