John, John- Thank you much for your kind words about my website and letting my readers share in your joy of procuring a VM Pete Seeger long neck 5-stringer (PS-5). 1969, probably initially at the 40 Leon Street factory the Needham Heights (just before the sale to Martin). Bob- Thanks for the remembrance narrative about you and your Dad learning music together- your are a lucky father and son. While published accounts indicate that only 18 plectrums and 3 tenors were made in this series, Martin company officials have shared information from current records that one-third were simply shop orders that were never actually completed in the post-strike period. GoldTone longneck Banjo - musical instruments - by owner - sale Prices subject to change without notice. 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. 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. I would love to be able to date this banjo: SN 999 as a decal under the Martin logo inside the rim with the Martin logo decal on the back side of the peghead as well. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit, sed diam nonummy nibh euismod tincidunt ut laoreet dolore magna aliquam erat volutpat. Rob- Thank you for the below photos. The Vega Ultra Vox V is among the rarest of the limited, special order edition banjos made by either Vega of Boston or Martin. 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. Heres a link to a .zip file you can download. In the Vega Martin shop files, banjo SN 916 is a VVI-P (Vega Vox Style 1 plectrum) resonator banjo made in 1974 in Nazareth, PA. Plectrum 4 stringers have 22 frets compared to the tenors that have 17 to 19 frets. In 1979, Martin sold the Vega brand to the Asian conglomerate Galaxy. Because so few Pro-5`s were manufactured in Nazareth, it is difficult to gauge the worth of your banjo these days. It was recommended by Bob Smakula that I send some photos to you and that you might have more information. Further investigation related to your comments in the abovefirst paragraph might shed some light on the wood tone finish differences. Dick- Thank you for being a frequent reader of the BRC website. It did not have a tone ring or simply a steel ring like the Wonder, to keep the cost down. The Folk Ranger was a no-frills entry level banjo that Vega made in response to the folk music revival era. Martin did not publish suggested retail prices after 1971, but I would estimate the V-76 sold for around $7-800 with case. 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. Your mellowed 1963 SR-5 sold for $400 in the 1963 Vega catalogue, and it was advertised to feature a brilliant tone back then. The banjo had a 3 piece maple neck and a signature tubaphone tone ring clearly shown in the pictures that you provided. Be safe, be well, keep on picking. 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. Im hoping I can find a V41 pot. An example of one of these 4-stringers from the 1920`s is still in the C.F. In general, the Boston made Pete Seeger long neck banjos seem to command a greater collectors` interest than the ones manufactured in Pennsylvania. Both are in wonderful condition. 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. About 20 years ago I had it re-fretted , re-finished , and the gold re-plated . 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. 96.90 postage. Vega Banjos for Sale, New and Used - banjobarn.com How much would it be worth? Serial numbers became unreliable during that era. The metal parts were chrome-plated. my Martin/Vega PS5 #481 is about a month into my possession. Subscribe to get free banjos tips, hear about new products, special offers, and more! 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. Martin historian Mike Longworth. From the BRC, Barry. vega banjo identification Ernie Ball 5-String Medium Stainless Steel Banjo Strings, 10-10 Gauge (P02309) Check Price at Amazon. He was told that it was made by Martin, but I do not find any Martin labels. The Wonder-5 retailed for $345 without case per the CFM 1971 price list. Remo Frosted Top Banjo Head, 11 Inch Diameter, Medium Crown (7/16 Inch) $19 USD. Martin sold the Vega brand to the Asian conglomerate Galaxy Trading Company in March of 1979. Martin purchased the Vega brand in May of 1970, the Martin factory in Nazareth, PA, began to re-tool for banjo production. If in poor condition, Ive seen them sell as low as $3000-4000. Vega Tenor Banjo Serial Numbers - evertx Vega Banjos for Sale, New and Used Search Agent: Get notified when new ads meet your criteria! Hello and thank you so much for your hard work and dedication. The C.F. 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. 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. Vega serial #s between 99369 and 99686, when the switch from the Vega stamp to printed yellow labels seems to have occured. Dot inlay fret board. The `41` engraved on the tailpiece no doubt refers to the model V-41 designation. Note the unique cluster of 3 sound apertures spaced around the tone ring of the below VIP-5 model owned by the BRC founder (SN 1364). I remember seeing a brand new tenor Vox I in a musicstore in late 1973/early 1974 that already had the rosewood cap (memorablefor me as a kid and thought it odd, when compared to the 1972 catalog; aWonder or Ranger were also in the store from Needham Heights and were stillblackened). You are so kind to provide this great info to all of us banjo geeks. In my files, the PS-5 is seen in a Vega (Boston) flyer in 1961 where it lists for $309. Any ideas on contacts for such a beast? Subject: Help with ID of Vega Banjo please. Is 887 also a Pro5? The well preserved CFM decals on the rim and back of the peg head clearly document that the parts were made in Nazareth, PA, circa 1974. C.F. Im the happy owner of a Vega-Martin VW-5 Wonder 5 string, serial #1516. Thanks for posting the information on Martin mage Vega banjos. 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. Categories . There are 13 stars on the banjo fretboard, and there should be a plaque on the back of the headstock. 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. When C.F. After 20 years, the wear and tear on a refinished instrument may reduce the value further. I really appreciate your orientation. Deering now offers the Tubaphone No. 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). Fairbanks Vega Banjos Specifications - Mugwumps The beautiful Tu-Ba-Phone Deluxe and its plectrum and open back permutations appear only in a 3 page marketing pamphlet issued by C.F. Martin did not develop or cultivate such a banjo line, a dozen such BJF-5 entries are recorded in their shop files from 1971-1972. vega banjo identification. The five number labels were found in banjos made from 1962 through February 1964, involving serial numbers A10300 through A12400. 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. 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. ANTIQUE S.S. STEWART UNIVERSAL FAVORITE BANJO with INTERESTING HISTORY C $146.35 Do you know how many Scruggs or Scruggs Soloists, and Sonny Osborne models were made under the Martin ownership and where made? . Your slightly blurry photo of the interior of the pot(not included here)show two tubular connecting rods which are left -over parts from the Vega factory in Boston. Shortly thereafter, the Martin craftsmen went on strike, and banjo parts were shipped overseas for assembly. The VIP banjo last appeared in the 1976 VM catalog as an open back instrument but still featuring the V.I.P. Vega Short Scale 4 string banjo neck model? - Mandolin Cafe 10" Rim. All original except the tailpiece cracked at the bend not long after I got it, and I replaced it with the Stew-Mac version. 2 Tu-Ba-Phone XL is seen in the 1976 catalogue. ), though, as said earlier, neck and rim look a lot like Martin quality. 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. From its early Boston beginnings, the Vega Banjo Company made splendidand now vintage instruments, including the Earl Scruggs signature model heendorsed in the 1960s. Comparison of Best Banjo Strings Top Picks 2023 Reviews If anybody can shed some light on what I have. 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. Original MRSP $1310 without case (carved neck was also extra). The V-45(5) featured a heavy one-piece flat head tone ring of brass so popular among Bluegrass pickers. This is an early and very nice example of the classic Vega . My other theory is that the pot, which bears a C.F. Your PS-5 Pete Seeger long neck # M-130259 was assembled in Nazareth in early 1971 per Shop Order 2012. Micky- Thanks for your narrative on your Pete Seeger long neck. vega banjo identification - americanuzbekistan.org Deering purchased the Vega franchise in1989 restoring the line to greatness. Many thanks to you and your friend Ron for putting me straight. 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. The build quality is quite immaculate, both wood and hardware. Fingerboard engraved pearl inlays in the ebony were going through a transition (modernization) as well, from very elaborate designs that they used since the 1920s to to simplified block styles. gamefowl breeders in texas; 0 comments. cscl star vessel flag autism and narcissism differences. vega banjo identificationvega banjo identification January 31, 2022 . TH, Tom- Thanks for your query. Martin briefly built a lightweight tenor banjo between 1923-26 to compete with Vega and other manufacturers whose heavier and more popular banjos had greater tone, volume, and sales. VEGA Vegaphone 'Professional' Tenor Banjo $2,328.30 $131.44 shipping or Best Offer 19 watching Vega Style N Tenor Banjo $799.00 $83.00 shipping or Best Offer 20's Bacon/Day/Vega 4 String Banjo Groovers, Oettinger Tailpiece $3,777.77 Free shipping Vintage Vega Wonder Plectrum 4 String Banjo With Hard Shell Case $1,161.96 Was: $1,399.95 Your Wonder-5 string banjo #(Martin)130097 was made in Boston in early 1971 after C.F. 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 . For Sale - Vega Earl Scruggs Banjo and Original hard case The Life & Times of the Pete Seeger 5-string Folk Banjo - 1958 - 1970. Nowadays, the Pro-5 would fetch around $1000-$1500 depending on condition. Location. First let me thank you for this amazing well of information! Thanks again for your post and pictures and kind comments about the website. Thanks for letting us see this fascinating and unique instrument. In the final VM 1976 catalogue, the F-VIP is displayed in full advertising detail. Your Vega Martin instrument SN 231 is a Wonder model VW-P (plectrum ) 4 stringer made in Nazareth in late 1972 per Shop Order #2121 just after production was transferred from Boston to the re-tooled Pennsylvania factory. The distinct disadvantage to having a rare banjo is finding replacement parts. The SN 1456 on the outside of your tone ring is a fascinating and new discovery to me, and we VM banjo owners should inspect our tone rings for this hidden marking the next time a head gets exchanged. In excellent condition and ready to play. I would appreciate it very much. There are different types of banjos and plenty of new terminology for parts of banjos and playing styles. Just found this wonderful site. Hello. Barry. I have 2 Martin Vegas. 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. Barry. vega banjo identification. 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. If it has a wooden pot resonator, remove it and check the inner rim for identifiers. vega banjo identification - Pamela Hudson Bill Keith Stainless Steel D-Tuners, for 2nd & 3rd strings. Vega stamp to yellow stick-on labels between 99369 and 99686. switchover is between #23721 and #23800. Ive got a couple of pictures in case of interest, but Id need a mail-address for sending, me supposing. The Martin log book in Nazareth, PA, begins with #130248 later in 1971. 1969, probably initially at the 40 Leon Street factory the Needham Heights (just before the sale to Martin). With appreciation, Barry, S.C.-Thank you for the prompt and detailed photos of your banjo. and CXXVI (126?). Retail price was $1300.00 ; I paid $900.00 . Ive attached a photo of that Coat of Arms resonator next to my Vox Vit was a spare they had made for Eddie Peabody. There were forty-six Vega Martin V-45 banjos made of similar design, but the hardware was gold-plated. Although mostly a collector`s item these days, the current price range of the V-76 is $2.3-5K. In the Martin price list of 1971, it is listed at $488 without case. Ending Thursday at 9:33PM GMT 2d 23h. Well, this is a hybrid banjo, and doubtful that is a Galaxy banjo. The back of the headstock is blank. If you want a more Bluegrass sound, try a 5-Star head from Stew Mac. 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). We have a bunch of new Deering merch for you whether it be socks, shirts, tote bags, mugs, and more! 2 for $4149. Your instrument is a tenor arch top 4-stringer made in the early 1980`s. Joshua- Send me some detailed photos of your banjo inside and out. Id appreciate your comments please & thanks, Linda. Fender Standard Banjo Hardshell Case Black chuya 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). Thank You Vega Martin Banjo Info | Banjo Rehab Center, Banjo Restoration vega banjo identification Have a great weekend as well. Today I purchase Vega PS-5, serial number M-130259. I inherited a Vega 5-string resonator banjo and have been trying to find out additional information about it. 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. On PLICSCOM menu under 'Information'. If this banjo has some more of the early prewar design features, add $1000-1500.Hope this helps, Dr. Ron. Congratulations on having two vintage VM banjos, and your gracious comments about the Info site are much appreciated. Martin built 561 VW-5 banjos in the 1970`s.You can learn more about this VM instrument by browsing my
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