What is it worth today, and what did it sell for when new? Any clues? The long-neck No. When C.F. 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`. 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. Im now forced to sell several beloved instruments but have no idea how to price this gem. SOLD Vega Earl Scruggs Banjo and Original hard case Price: $695.00 USD a 1969 Earl Scruggs on rim inside :TRB 13746 . post . I would love some photos of your V-45 to upload with this post. Kudos to Greg Deering who rescued the Vega brand name from extinction in 1989 and restored it to greatness. C.F. Replyfrom our Vega Vox scholar Dr. RonHi Ernie. All the best, Barry. 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. Im assuming this is the serial number, which would put me right next to Mark, who owned #888 in previous comment 6. I tried to find your email address at your Banjo homepage without any success. Martin manufactured 561 VW-5 banjos but only 124 FW-5 instruments. 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. My VIP-5 is SN 1364 and was made about one year after your 5-stringer, and it has a nice mid range tone. Give it a try and good luck. It was manufactured in Nazareth, PA, in mid 1973 per shop order # 2154. What A great and informative site .. Have a restful weekend and be well, Barry. Age differences in the instruments might alsoalter the wood tones. Thank you very much for your quick answer. 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! I also did replace all of the cheapish plastic knobs with ivoroid ones of much better quality. I have 2 Martin Vegas. Bob. 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. Dear Per- In May of 1970, C.F. Martin initiated its own serial number system in early 1972 which ran sequentially from #2 through #1945. 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. Is 887 also a Pro5? Just found you today . 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). 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. 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 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. 0 bids $10.96 shipping Ending Oct 14 at 5:44AM PDT5d 4hFrom GermanyBrand: VEGA In the 1970 VM catalogue, the VIP-T banjo retailed for $556, and the hard shell case was $68 extra. 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. Martin built only 20 F-VIP 5 stringers, and to my count 11 were made in Pennsylvania per the shop log book. 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. I think Ill go look up a local banjo instructor and take a few lessons. The smaller one has 2 small set screws installed on either side of the rod to adjust the neck heel . Data zakoczenia 2022-09-02 - cena 20,90 z Barry. 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. Fairbanks & Vega banjos, Dating & Identifying - Mugwumps It retailed for $775 and was probably assembled from parts left over from Nazareth, PA. Thank you so very much for this information! Rochester NY 14610. Excellent condition. Please take detailed photos of your banjo inside and outside. 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. Jack. Can you identify this rare Vega Martin banjo just by the peghead markings? By that time, parts were being shipped to Canada and Japan for assembly, and record keeping soon deteriorated and serial numbers were inconsistent. I recently had a luthier friend do setup on it and he found the pot metal rim flange to be broken and wont allow me to have the head at proper tension. The Vega line was then marketed in the USA by TMC Company (Targ & Dinner 20 Century Music Company). The number will be 6-12 digits long depending on what year it was made. The peg head engraving and paint motif matched the resonator. The banjo is featuring an interesting mix of particulars: The connecting rods are of the (much earlier?) thanks for your help and keep up the good work. Maybe, the R-D prefix stands for Research and Development. In addition to the unusual R-D-136 serial number, the C.F. Barry, Samantha Thanks for the extensive and helpful photos of your above banjo. Your banjo is an off shoot of the classic No. What can you tell me about my instrument? Here's a bit of description on the various models: This was also the case for their mandolin banjo lines. The metal parts were chrome-plated. The `Martin Guitars: A Technical Reference` confirms that the BJF-5 banjo was a thinly disguised Pro-5 not unlike yours . 403.80. Inside your device. Hello. Been used in the studio and loaned to a friend about 30 years ago while he his banjo was being repaired. Virtually immaculate. In your e-mail, you mention being told when acquiring the instrument that it was a prototype design. How much Galaxy (or Martin) produce new parts vs. assemble old stock bought from Vega? From the BRC, Barry. Thank you for all the information. There are 13 stars on the banjo fretboard, and there should be a plaque on the back of the headstock. Because so few Pro-5`s were manufactured in Nazareth, it is difficult to gauge the worth of your banjo these days. Vega Banjos for Sale, New and Used - banjobarn.com The 10-1/8" diameter rim has a calf skin head and most of it's original . It is indeed a sweet banjo with plenty of talk in it. The two legendary musicians in the camp photo are banjo godfather Tony Trischka and Grammy award winner Eric Weissberg. The inside of the rim has a R-D-136 in white. Thank You 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. By my count, Martin made 16 V-45 banjos that were 5-stringers, 3 plectrums (V45-P), and one (V45-T) tenor model. 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 All the best from the BRC, Barry. Vega Tu-ba-phone Banjo | National Museum of American History 6. 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). 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. Have a great weekend as well. 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. Serial number 115831 on a yellow strip built in Boston Mass.Wondering when it might have been built? C.F. 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. 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. Your Wonder-5 string banjo #(Martin)130097 was made in Boston in early 1971 after C.F. Thank you. Like my dad, I am a musician and physician and treasure his professional and avocational memorabilia. The circular connecting rod is left over from the Vega inventory and shipped from Boston to Nazareth after C. F. Martin acquired the brand in May of 1970. The flanges, tension hoop, tailpiece and extended armrest are deeply and elaborately engraved, and were originally finished in a special hardened 24K gold electroplate. Your VW-5 model Vega Wonder banjo SN 721 was manufactured in Nazareth, PA, in late 1973 per Shop Order 2181. 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). 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. The VIP banjo last appeared in the 1976 VM catalog as an open back instrument but still featuring the V.I.P. 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). 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. In PACTware software. Tom- Thank you for the prompt and detailed photos of your instrument. The earliest reported is F&C #1000. I have recently acquired from Florida another VEGA Martin VIP model #845, which sounds totally different than the other 2, almost a rich full old timey sound yet with a resonator. All the best pickin`, and thanks for your kind words about my website. Thanks again. Some C.F. For Sale - Vega Earl Scruggs Banjo and Original hard case According to the C.F. 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. MUSCELL Banjo Strings, Handmade Phosphor Bronze 5-String Banjo Strings Ball End - 3 Packs Medium. The Vega Regent is one of the classic 5-string banjos of the Vega line. Martin purchased the Vega brand and briefly marketed the so-called Bobby Joe Fenster banjo which was a thinly disguised Pro-5 endorsed by a fictitious banjoist as a somewhat mirthful marketing ploy. Bill's Banjos Hello, I just stumbled onto this site today 4/16/20. Mike- Thanks for your post and kind remarks about the BRC website. This is a super site for banjo players and owners. In the final VM 1976 catalogue, the F-VIP is displayed in full advertising detail. Eddie- Thanks for your query and kind comments about the website. This email will be copied to my Vega Vox scholar Dr. Ron for his insights and comments.From the BRC, Barry. Vega Banjo Identification - azgardcn They differed from ukulele banjos in that the uke banjos typically had smaller rims. Martin Museum collection. 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. Jim, Jim -Thanks for your query. Bob- Thanks for your query and kind words about my website. How much would it be worth? Despite showing its age as a workhorse performance instrument with extensive wear-and-tear, a friend of mine in San Diego purchased this one-of-a-kind banjo in Vega and Martin history in 2007 and had it beautifully restored to its current condition by the American Banjo Hall-of-Fame member, Renee Karnes. With the original Hardshell case and the rare Earl Scruggs Tuners or de- tuners if you will. My estimate is that the banjo might be worth $500-$700 depending on condition. All the very best from the BRC, Barry, Thank you, Barry. C.F. It did not have a tone ring or simply a steel ring like the Wonder, to keep the cost down. The five number labels were found in banjos made from 1962 through February 1964, involving serial numbers A10300 through A12400. Martin built only 22 such instruments which featured a brass tone ring, gold-plating, an engraved tail piece, an ebony fretboard, and a mahogany neck. Your 5-stringer serial #993 is one of six Pro-5`s manufactured per Shop Order # 2211 in mid 1974 by C.F. 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. I then discovered my Vega VIP Martin 1972 model #1766, a beautiful banjo which I have played for the past 12 years. vega banjo identification - Aviator Land vega banjo identification. Hope this helps and best wishes from the BRC, Barry. The C.F. The PS-5 is not seen in the 1976 Vega Martin catalog but is replaced by the No. I have 5 different stringed instruments that just keep finding me, and I was nervous to take it apart so I could look at the serial number. There are 13 stars on the banjo fretboard, and there should be a plaque on the back of the headstock. 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. Gold and ivory hard wear with a butterfly mop inlay on the back of the body. Martin in Nazareth, PA. 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). 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. As your banjo bears no C.F. Only 101 model PS-5 banjos were made by C.F. Published by at 16 de junio de 2022. It is not to be confused with the metal pie plate or hubcap resonator manufactured by Elton in the 1930`s. If you could give me your thought about what its worth, I would appreciate it. This is an early and very nice example of the classic Vega . Despite its puzzling serial number, your instrument is a Tu-Ba-Phone Deluxe 5-string. rocket and teresa administrative leave; A fabulous example of one of the finest banjos ever made, the Vega 5-string Pete Seeger long-necked folk banjo, produced as a result of the folk craze of the late 1950s and early 1960s. Comparison of Best Banjo Strings Top Picks 2023 Reviews The Folk Wonder model does not appear in the 1972 or 1976 Vega Martin catalogues, but its resonator version the `Wonder` model does. In my files, the PS-5 is seen in a Vega (Boston) flyer in 1961 where it lists for $309. 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. In the 1972 Martin catalogue, the Professional appears identical to yours, but it is absent from the 1976 catalogue. Neck and rim look a lot like made by Martin craftsmen, and it arrived set up perfectly. The tonering, bracket band, and notched tension hoop were all made of vibrant bell brass (Not die cast metal). Vega Pete Seeger 5-string Folk Banjo - 1958-1970 - The Canada Site Identification: "A" Style mandolins were symmetrical and shaped like a teardrop. From the BRC, Barry. Item # 9126. C.F. Buy VEGA Banjos and get the best deals at the lowest prices on eBay! Martin logbook, banjo SN 1450 was an entry level Wonder model 4 string plectrum banjo made in 1975. 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. what I know about banjos right now I learned from you!! 1929 Vega Tubaphone Longneck Conversion Banjo This banjo started its life in 1929 as a Vega Vegaphone tenor banjo. The larger connecting rod inside the pot is a spare part inherited from the Boston days of the Vega company. Rob- Thank you for the below photos. Learning how to play the banjo is no different. 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. Martin Company acquired the Vega rights from the Bostonian Nelson Family in May of 1970 and sold the franchise overseas in March of 1979. C.F. Vega banjos were then marketed in the USA by TMC (Targ & Dinner Music Company). Vega Martin manufactured twenty-eight V-41 5 stringers, two V-41 tenors, and only one V-41 plectrum banjo. Vega banjo identification - Discussion Forums - Banjo Hangout Resale prices for this type of banjo vary widely from a couple of hundred to several thousand dollars depending on unique features. Martin Vega Banjo Strings Features: Tin-plated steel core is responsive, lively, and resilient Nickel alloy wrap wire is consistently smooth and tonally flexible for a variety of playing styles 4-string tenor gauge is mellow and warm and accents low to midrange frequencies Tech Specs Number of Strings: 4 String Material: Tin-plated Steel Depending upon condition, it is probably worth somewhere around $750 these days. Im not very knowledgable about banjos so please forgive my terminology. In recent years, Deeringrecreated andmarkets its ownVega Professional 4-stringer model with a classic wooden pie sectioned resonator. Do you know anything of the type of banjo, year of manufacturing and value today? In the 1971 price list, it retailed at $545 without case. vega banjo identification 1969, probably initially at the 40 Leon Street factory the Needham Heights (just before the sale to Martin). Knowing the history of an instrument adds so much to the enjoyment of owning and playing it. Reply from our BRC consultant and Vega Vox scholarDr. Ron: The Vega Vox IV was the top of the line banjo in the Vox (deep resonator) line for Vega Co. of Boston in the 1950sthe serial number is consistent with a 1951 model. If anybody can shed some light on what I have. Ive had several accomplished pickers really make it talk.wish I could!! I bought a Vega Martin 5 string some time in 2000. ), Wim- Congratulations on procuring such a lovely vintage instrument. Thanks again for your post. Then by ink its written Folk Ranger. Thanks again. 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 neck has crown-and-football inlays and the Martin logo is on the back of the pegboard. It is a beauty. 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 Martin Co. sold the Vega franchise to the Asian conglomerate `Galaxy Trading Company` in 1979, and thereafter Vega banjos were manufactured in South Korea. Vega Banjos by Deering | Huge Selection | Lowest Prices Guaranteed 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. C.F. The rare T-2 and T-2XL had serial numbers in the #1607-1945 range. 96.90 postage.
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