The inside of the rim has a R-D-136 in white. Being unable to find anything on the internet, I began to think I had been scammed. Hope this helps. The Vega Vox model was a 4 string gem that featured a brass tone ring. FAIRBANKS BANJO MANDOLINE. Wim, (Ed.- Note the classic Tubaphone tone ring. 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. Banjos were simply stamped 'The Vega Company' From 1913, the firm started using style designations instead of names: * The banjorine (or banjeaurine) was a 5 string banjo, but with a shorter neck like a banjolin It would have been around this time that Tenor Banjos first appeared, as the Tango craze hit America between 1910 and 1914. Martin made 101 of the PS-5 instruments which listed for $488 without case in the final V/M price list in 1971. Location. Again, thanks for your query and photos. Hope this helps and thanks again for your post and e-mails, Barry, Lynne- Thanks for your query. 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. Nowadays, it might fetch around $750 in the online marketplace. Published by at 30, 2022. Subject: Help with ID of Vega Banjo please. Some C.F. Many thanks and keep pickin & grinning. Nowadays, the Pro-5 would fetch around $1000-$1500 depending on condition. Save This Search Your search returned 20 results View Sold and Expired Ads Matching Your Search thanks for your help and keep up the good work. Vega Kingston Trio Tom Dooley Long Neck Banjo, Vega Kingston Trio - Bob Shane Plectrum Banjo, Reutschi | Kruger Bell Bronze Tone Ring(Unplated). 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. The VW tenor 4 stringer was available in the 1963 and 1966 Vega catalogue, but the plectrum model did not appear in the Boston catalogue until 1968 when it listed for $325. Martin acquired Vega. All the best, Barry. Replyfrom our Vega Vox scholar Dr. RonHi Ernie. 96.90 postage. I have 2 Martin Vegas. March 13, 2017 at 3:46 pmRob- Thank you for your query and very kind comments about the BRC website. 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). I have two 1930 Vegaphones and an earlier Tubaphone conversion, and this VIP is certainly able to hold up its weight tone wise. In the the 1971 Vega Martin price list, the VW-Plec retailed at $345. Mike- Thanks for your post and kind remarks about the BRC website. It did not have a tone ring or simply a steel ring like the Wonder, to keep the cost down. The back of the headstock is blank. Martin manufactured 100 Pro-5 banjos including the temporary Bobby Joe Fenster variation. Again, thanks for your post. Martin- Thank you for your query and very useful photos. Id like to echo previous comments and thank you for a great, great website, chock full of useful information. In the 1971 price list, it retailed at $545 without case. Micky- Thanks for your narrative on your Pete Seeger long neck. From its early Boston beginnings, the Vega Banjo Company made splendidand now vintage instruments, including the Earl Scruggs signature model heendorsed in the 1960s. !Gary, Gary- Thanks for your query. Do you know how many tenor V41 banjos were made? They made both tenor/plectrum and five-string models. Ive attached a photo of that Coat of Arms resonator next to my Vox Vit was a spare they had made for Eddie Peabody. In that same period, twenty-one VV IV plectrums were manufactured. Its in excellent condition other than needing some cleaning and a little metal polish on the metal parts. it in 1970 through a music store in Norwich , Ct run by Cliff Tidd . Its also featuring the two small hexagon bolts inside the rim (Quite handy for fine-centering the neck! Your VW-5 model Vega Wonder banjo SN 721 was manufactured in Nazareth, PA, in late 1973 per Shop Order 2181. The Wonder series of instruments featured a metal tone ring, white fingerboard binding, a heavy notched tension hoop, a 10 ply rim, a 3 piece maple neck, a blackwood fingerboard, pearl dots, an armrest, and a factory-installed resonator with four section metal tone flanges. VIP is printed on the truss rod cover. Perhaps a bit more cutting. It is a beauty. Very interesting to get to know all this details. These days, my guess is that this 5 stringer is worth about $1500 or more depending on condition. The last SN from Boston was probably #130049, and the Vega Martin logbook in Nazareth starts with SN 130248. 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. Martin decal photographed on the back of the VIP Vega peg head. vega banjo identification. For reference, the name of the original owner with serial number should be in the Martin Archives. 2 Tu-Ba-Phone XL long neck premieres instead. P.S. By my count, Martin made 16 V-45 banjos that were 5-stringers, 3 plectrums (V45-P), and one (V45-T) tenor model. So cool to have this historical data. According to the C.F. There is no #1 Martin banjo listed, but banjos #6-8 were Vega Vox-4-T tenors built per Shop Order 2087. A total of 98 model D-76E guitars were also made for employees. To unravel most of the curious mystery of the legendary Bobby Joe Fenster, please scroll back to the Sept. 12, 2014 homepage posting devoted to this interesting figure from the annals of Vega Martin banjo history, or just enter fenster in the search engine on the home page. 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. Jon- Thanks much for your kind comments about the website. From the BRC, Barry. 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. The banjo shown here (serial number M130316) was the second Ultra Vox V built in 1971, shortly after C.F. The fascinatingwooden pie (sectioned) resonator is probably inherited from the Boston era Vega inventory. The first SN#720 I know is a VW-5 because it has the original hang tag. Thanks again for your query. Allen screws at the neck/pot junction and a tube connecting rod (not shown) are design features from the 1960`s in Boston . - ORDERS OVER $199 SHIPPED TO THE CONTINENTAL U.S. Add to cart SKU: 2959 Categories: 5-String Openback Banjos, Banjos, Vega Description Additional information Reviews (1) Shipping, Returns & Exchanges About this Banjo The story of how Greg Deering came to own the 130 year old Vega trademark is one of childhood dreams and an unmissable opportunity. The BRC Archives contain the serial numbers of these unique Vega-Martin banjos. ), Wim- Congratulations on procuring such a lovely vintage instrument. Martin 1970 catalogue described ashaded mahogany finish on the Wonder model, and the 1976 Martin catalogue reported thatthe Wonder banjo bore a mahogany color finish. post . Having read the posts above I see that this is most likely not the case! Below are more Letters from the BRC Archives. The back of the peghead of these rare banjos is imprinted with a C.F. ANTIQUE S.S. STEWART UNIVERSAL FAVORITE BANJO with INTERESTING HISTORY C $146.35 The seller advertised it (in 2016) as verified by BRC made in 1976 in Nazareth. Jim _Thanks for your query. These days, the Wonder would sell for $700-$1000 depending on condition. So happy to find this site. With appreciation, Barry. If you could give me your thought about what its worth, I would appreciate it. What A great and informative site .. Hope this helps, and thanks again for your post. 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. 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. Hope this helps, and I am sending you the circa 1978 C. F. Martin Tubaphone model promotional flyer . It appears in the transitional Vega/Martin product list of 1970 and lastly in the 1972 Vega Banjo Catalog (The CF Martin Organization). As Barry indicates, a photo of the yellow sticker will be helpful here. post id: 7593773670. posted: 2023-02-27 00:34. The 10-1/8" diameter rim has a calf skin head and most of it's original . Of course she did a beautiful job with it including turning its blond color into a brunette! 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. Here's a bit of description on the various models: This was also the case for their mandolin banjo lines. 721 which I have had a number of years. There is no evidence that Vega actually made banjos prior to buying out Fairbanks. Your 5 stringer is cited only as Item VDX75C in the 1979 TMC catalog where to retailed for $475. Would appreciate any information you can provide to verify the model and any original cost/current value. The rim and shoe screws/washer are likely homemade/cut down and tone ring is not Galaxy stock, but more of a Gibson knockoff. senior living sun prairie, wi; blueberry sweet rolls joanna gaines; miguel cardona family; shooting in newport beach last night; st albans swim club drowning; where was the 3 godfathers filmed; southwest chicken bake; The banjo is featuring an interesting mix of particulars: The connecting rods are of the (much earlier?) The distinct disadvantage to having a rare banjo is finding replacement parts. Your tenor 4-stringer was built in early 1972 per Shop Order 2051. 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. To generally confirm that your banjo is a Nazareth built instrument, check for a C.F. Theres barely a mark on the banjo (except for the binding where it was put on a stand) and this will probably buff out. Barry, I want to thank you very much for the research on my Vega. Is this an old genuine Vega in the lower price class, Sten- Thanks for your query about the FR-5 banjo. 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. Services; vega banjo identification Although mostly a collector`s item these days, the current price range of the V-76 is $2.3-5K. Also, Deering uses a 3-ply 1/2 rock maple rim, compared to the 5/8 10-ply rim typically found in most Martin Nazareth produced Voxes in the 1970s. If there is any other interesting information about the instrument you care to share from the Martin log book, I would be most appreciative. Martin manufactured 561 VW-5 banjos but only 124 FW-5 instruments. Tony Trsichka wants Greg to make a 5-string model, much like Vega did on very rare occasions in the late 1950s/early 1960s. (#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. This classic and ornate Vega series dates back to the 1920s but did not appear in the 1970 and 1972 Vega Martin catalogues. The tone ring is stamped 24, and the tail piece is stamped 41. The Eddie Peabody Model was actually made by Vega of Boston from 1966-ca. Again, thank youmuchfor your post. Martin built 55 VIP-T instruments between 1972-79. In a 1971 price list, the FW-5 sold for $345. Hope this helps and au revoir, Barry. Your 5-stringer was one of seven V-76E instruments manufactured per Shop Order 2310, and the `E` designation indicates that these seven banjos were made for employees. The V-45(5) featured a heavy one-piece flat head tone ring of brass so popular among Bluegrass pickers. Thank-you for your kind words about my website, and all blessings to you and yours this coming holiday season. 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. The banjo listed for $556 in the 1971 price list without case. 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 clear why Martin initiated this product line. Many thanks for your efforts. By the mid 1960`s, it was usually manufactured with a connecting rod. Barry. 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. Im now forced to sell several beloved instruments but have no idea how to price this gem. Banjo SN 1648 is a `Folk Wonder` model (FW-5) which first appears in the Vega (Boston) catalogue in 1961 per my files. Your aunt`s banjo sounds like a stock model, so I would estimate that it would fetch $400-$700 on the open market. 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. Categories . A previous owner had deeply scratched a Social Security number into its heel. The F-VIP is first mentioned briefly on a front page of the 1970 Vega Martin catalogue, and it retailed for $490 in the VM price list of 1971. This workshop numbering system continued uninterrupted to #2355 in 1977 when the banjos went overseas for assembly. 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. My Vega VIP has the Martin decal on the back of the headstock. Martin decal on the back of your peghead and on the inner rim. The last one was produced in early 1975 despite being their very first banjo made that year. PA. This 5-stringer was manufactured circa 1845 in Baltimore, MD, by luthier William Boucher, Jr.. The Vega Vox model was a 4 string gem that featured a brass tone ring. 1969, probably initially at the 40 Leon Street factory the Needham Heights (just before the sale to Martin). For those interested in the genealogy of banjo manufacturers, I have included a page summarizing some important relationships between manufacturers, . "F" Style mandolins have a carved nautilus shaped curl on the upper left-hand bout. Shop today! Be safe, be well, keep on picking. For example: 0534599-7362 would be a banjo from May of 1999. It is a Four-String Banjo, Tu-ba-phone Model No. nike nationals track and field backpack; 0 comments. 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. It has the original hardshell case also with no markings. The metal parts were chrome-plated. Can you tell me what year this banjo was made and what my aunt could legitimately ask for it? Could you tell me where it was built and what its value is today ? The Galaxy serial number is not a continuum of the Martin serial number sequence. Greg Deering acquired rights to the Vega brand name in 1989 and restored the banjo line to greatness. 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. Great information and even better advice. Other Banjo-Related Topics Collector's Corner ARCHIVED TOPIC: Vega banjo identification Please note this is an archived topic, so it is locked and unable to be replied to. Have a restful weekend and be well, Barry. I have found it helpful over the years. Unbeknownstto most 5 string aficionados, the Martin Guitar Company manufactured Vega banjos from 1970 through 1979. Id love to learn more about it, etc. rocket and teresa administrative leave; 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). In those years there was not a college student who didn't dream of owning a Vega Pete . Martin shortly after its bitter 1977 luthier strike following which their banjo production dwindled to almost nothing in Nazareth, PA. Those few Tubaphones which were made in Pennsylvania bore SN`s in the 1600-1945 range per the shop log book. The tonering, bracket band, and notched tension hoop were all made of vibrant bell brass (Not die cast metal). You are so kind to provide this great info to all of us banjo geeks. Your Wonder-5 string banjo #(Martin)130097 was made in Boston in early 1971 after C.F. A few months later, the old six digit number system was replaced with new sequence starting with #2 and progressing sequentially to a four digit number over the ensuing years. 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. It listed back then for $345 without to BRCcase. Ive taken a number of hi-res photostoo many to attach to email. From the BRC, Barry. 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. Your banjo appears to be a hybrid assembled sometime in the 1980`s after C. F. Martin sold the Vega franchise overseas to the Galaxy conglomerate in 1979. It is great to hear from someone who actually visited the Vega factory in Needham Heights, Massachusetts. 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 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. Elite Fiberskyn Banjo Head, 11", High. 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. Any info including your estimate of current value would be very much appreciated. It is in pristine condition and is clearly a very high quality instrument. 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 label on the peg head reads Martin & Co and inside the rim reads Martin & Co and the number 993. Hi guys, great website. 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.