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 have a seperate label thats still in the case showing the serial # 1199. vega banjo identification 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. The tiny screws adjacent to it are an adaptation by the Vega franchise to afford fine-tuning of the side-to-side alignment of the neck. S.C.- Thank you for your query to the BRC. (#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. It appears to be serial number 231 (engraved). For reference, the name of the original owner with serial number should be in the Martin Archives. 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! George Gruhn might also know. What is it worth today, and what did it sell for when new? Photos are available. 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. Flanked by interactive faculty at a northeastern banjo camp, the BRC founderproudly shows-off his Vega VIP banjo built in Nazareth, Pennsylvania, in 1975. Prices subject to change without notice. Ending Thursday at 9:33PM GMT 2d 23h. 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. Ive taken a number of hi-res photostoo many to attach to email. Theres precious little information about these instruments online. For example: 0534599-7362 would be a banjo from May of 1999. From the BRC, Barry. Would appreciate any information you can provide to verify the model and any original cost/current value. TH, Tom- Thanks for your query. The Vega Vox model was a 4 string gem that featured a brass tone ring. In 1979, Martin sold the Vega brand to the Asian conglomerate Galaxy. It looked like it belonged on a Gibson. From the BRC, Barry, Barry, i have an extended neck (25 fretts) Vega/Martin banjo with a serial number of 80. Let me know if you might have any questionsI really appreciate the work youre doing here. It originally came with an arm rest, rotomatic tuning pegs, and a plastic head. 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. 96.90 postage. Mark- Thank you for the very helpful series of photos and your kind comments about the website. Give it a try and good luck. After its Martin Guitar era, the Vega brand name ownership was sold overseas, and the banjo line fellinto obscurity. I appreciate having some of the history around my banjo and will cherish it even more knowing it is somewhat rare. I would love some photos of your V-45 to upload with this post. Identifying Unmarked Banjos - Bill's Banjos model serial number 1990. I live near Portland, Oregon. Ive attached a photo of that Coat of Arms resonator next to my Vox Vit was a spare they had made for Eddie Peabody. It was manufactured in Nazareth, PA, in mid 1973 per shop order # 2154. In May of 1970, C.F. SOLD Vega Earl Scruggs Banjo and Original hard case Price: $695.00 USD a 1969 Earl Scruggs on rim inside :TRB 13746 . The PS-5 is not seen in the 1976 Vega Martin catalog but is replaced by the No. 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. No M130097 Model: Wonder 5 St. The Vega serial number files still available do not specify the specific models of banjo manufactured in Massachusetts. 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`. Thank-you for your kind words about my website, and all blessings to you and yours this coming holiday season. 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 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. Hope this helps and thanks again for your post. After Martin purchased Vega in 1970, the factory transitioned from Needham Heights to Nazareth, PA. The tone ring is stamped 24, and the tail piece is stamped 41. Martin purchased the Vega brand in May of 1970, the Martin factory in Nazareth, PA, began to re-tool for banjo production. This uniquestyle resonator was verypopular for many years, and it still hasvalue as a vintage part. Galaxy marketed its 4 and 5 stringers in the USA via a remarkably unimaginative TMC catalog in which each banjo was identified only with an Item number but no model moniker to give it personality like the Pro-5 or Wonder banjos named by the earlier corporate owners. I just acquired a second, SN#990 with the dog-bone tone ring. It is in excellent condition but missing a resonator thumbscrew with the threaded washer. The last Vega Martin banjo manufactured in Nazareth, PA, was SN 1969 as reportedly documented by a letter of authentication signed by C.F. The Vega Company reportedlyintroduced the first wooden sectioned pie resonator in mid 1923 for their Vega Professional 4-stringer. In a 1971 price list, the FW-5 sold for $345. From the BRC, Barry. Deering rescued the Vega line by purchasing the brand name in 1989. 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 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. Can you tell me what year it was made and by whom? Martin upgraded the maple rim to 10 ply after purchasing the Vega/Boston franchise in May of 1970. 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. Per the 1971 price list, the V-45-5 sold for $1650 with case included, and it was available by special order only. 2 Vega banjo from the early Boston era. Like the Tubaphone listed above, this banjo needs a neck reset to be a playable banjo mandolin. Identifying Vintage Guitars, Banjos & Mandolins - Acoustic Music The back of the headstock is blank. Although mostly a collector`s item these days, the current price range of the V-76 is $2.3-5K. Thanks for sharing your fascinating banjo with the BRC, Barry. He on his banjo and me with my guitar. Posts. I bought a Vega Martin 5 string some time in 2000. There are different types of banjos and plenty of new terminology for parts of banjos and playing styles. fender american professional ii vs ultra. If in poor condition, Ive seen them sell as low as $3000-4000. I dont play any instrument right now. Id love to learn more about it, etc. Hope this helps and all the best in 2019, Barry. The VIP-T is a nice mid range banjo model, and I have a VIP-5 which has a pleasant mid range tonal response. The Vega 1961 flyer and 1963 catalogue describe that the Earl Scruggs model had a sunburst finish on the resonator. 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. About 20 years ago I had it re-fretted , re-finished , and the gold re-plated . sir- need some help. 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. Wow, I glad to find your website! Im hoping you can check both in your archives and tell me the going prices. Family owned since 1972, Elderly Instruments is a music store specializing in new, used & vintage guitars, banjos, mandolins, ukuleles and more. 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. 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. Hope this helps, and I am sending you the circa 1978 C. F. Martin Tubaphone model promotional flyer . Do you have any additional information you could share regarding this instrument? In good condition, the range today is $4000-6000 ($4500-5000 is more reasonable); rare that a tenor would sell at high end, as that market is very soft now and more vintage IV tenors from 1930-50s are pursued and better value (those with dowel sticks tend to be more highly sought after today in the tenor crowd). After 20 years, the wear and tear on a refinished instrument may reduce the value further. Although mostly a collector`s item these days, the current price range of the V-76 is $2.3-5K. 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. Fender Standard Banjo Hardshell Case Black chuya Item # 9126. Do you know anything of the type of banjo, year of manufacturing and value today? There is no evidence that Vega actually made banjos prior to buying out Fairbanks. The Vega banjos in the TMC catalogue were identified by serial numbers only with no model titles or nicknames. Any info including your estimate of current value would be very much appreciated. Fairbanks and Vega banjo numbers are consecutive, and have no DIRECT relationship to the model, or production date. Martin manufactured only 33 VW-plectrum banjos. This classic and ornate Vega series dates back to the 1920s but did not appear in the 1970 and 1972 Vega Martin catalogues. So happy to find this site. vega banjo identification. 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. Not quite as universally imitated as, say, Stradivari's violins or Martin's dreadnought guitars, but close. set of identifying characteristics can be found at http://www.mugwumps.com. vega banjo identification. I do not know anything about banjos but the label inside the rim says VEGA of Boston. Check Price at Amazon. The Vega name on the head is not with the usual letters and there is no star there either. ), though, as said earlier, neck and rim look a lot like Martin quality. Any and all information you may have on my little banjo will be greatly appreciated! All the very best from the BRC, Barry, Thank you, Barry. Typically, the number would be preceded with an A (indicating an adjustable truss rod) followed by a six-digit number. The rhinestones on the flanges, tension bolts, and peghead differ from Peabodys prototype and the later Martin production Vox V models. My estimate is that your VV IV-T can fetch about $1000-4500 these days depending on the online vendor or estate auction. These days, the banjo would probably fetch around $1000 if marketed online. The five number labels were found in banjos made from 1962 through February 1964, involving serial numbers A10300 through A12400. The openbacks are made entirely of white oak and feature a midnight maple fingerboard and peghead overlay. Unless refinished, the decal on the back alsomakes it post-1972. Your 5-stringer serial #993 is one of six Pro-5`s manufactured per Shop Order # 2211 in mid 1974 by C.F. Replacing a broken flange on a rare and vintage instrument is a tough task. Look for decals and a serial number on the interior of the rim to help document its story. vega serial numbers - Discussion Forums - Banjo Hangout Martin in Nazareth, PA. They are on the second and 3rd strings and allow that Buck Trent kind of thing. Still as wonderful as the day I got it. Wow! It was recommended by Bob Smakula that I send some photos to you and that you might have more information. 7. Is this generally true, can one instantly recognize a Nazareth vs. Massachusetts by the stain color? Any clues? On the back side of your device. Thanks for the great information on this page. The six digit Boston serial numbers were replaced by the Martin SN`s beginning with #2 in 1972. It look and plays great. As such, it is also unique in that is the only Ultra Vox V to be modified and finished by Peabodys other ex-Marine buddy and master luthier, Larry Kellens (widely known as the Vega Doctor during the 1950-70s). The distinct disadvantage to having a rare banjo is finding replacement parts. Be safe, be well, keep on picking. 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. He could always check the stamp on the bottomthe tone ring to see if its a match to the rim (it should say V916). thanks for the very informative web site He is credited with being one of the first banjo-builders to install side brackets with hooks to adjust the tension of the head. vega banjo identification - nutrir.cl Save This Search Your search returned 20 results View Sold and Expired Ads Matching Your Search This email will be copied to my Vega Vox scholar Dr. Ron for his insights and comments.From the BRC, Barry. Fred- Thank you for the detailed photos of your instrument. Each of the men is posed in front of a Vega model 131 amplifier, identical to the unit which remains with the banjo today. Vintage Banjos for sale | eBay Although the Martin Company did not manufacture Vega banjos till a century later, a solitary banjo from the mid 19th century is appended to the exhibit to display parallel innovation in the instrument because of its increasing popularity during that era. Note below the C.F. The Wonder-5 retailed for $345 without case per the CFM 1971 price list. 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. I would like to know a little more about it. The original prototype was designed and built by the Vega Company in 1969, for the legendary King of the Banjo Eddie Peabody to commemorate his 50th year in show business. 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. Martin made 76 commemorative V-76 banjos in 1976 to celebrated the bicentennial of the USA. Although the genesis of your SN and date of manufacture are a puzzlement, it is no mystery that you own a lovely vintage Martin banjo. The Folk Ranger was a no-frills entry level banjo that Vega made in response to the folk music revival era. Barry, Samantha Thanks for the extensive and helpful photos of your above banjo. Dick- Thank you for being a frequent reader of the BRC website. In the Martin log book, the last six digit (Vega) serial number was 130392 in 1972 after which began the Martin digits. Martin Vega Banjo 5-Strings, Medium Gauge (V740) Check Price at Amazon. It has only a tape serial number inside the pot of 1124. Fender Standard Banjo Hardshell Case Black ,, kemenpppa.go.id 4kjzing@8x47evey1 Bob- Thanks for the remembrance narrative about you and your Dad learning music together- your are a lucky father and son. Joshua- Send me some detailed photos of your banjo inside and out. Martin did not publish suggested retail prices after 1971, but I would estimate the V-76 sold for around $7-800 with case. What A great and informative site .. They made both tenor/plectrum and five-string models. Maybe, another observant reader will offer a discerning observation for us sometime. 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. Its always inspiring to see someone so dedicated to their craft! Martin decal photographed on the back of the VIP Vega peg head. My estimate would be that this rare and exotic bird might fetch around $1800 or more these days. Fantastic site with wonderful information. vega banjo identification. . Martin was winding-down its banjo production, the metal engraving was subcontracted to Liberty Banjos. The Vega Vox model was a 4 string gem that featured a brass tone ring. 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). It appears in the transitional Vega/Martin product list of 1970 and lastly in the 1972 Vega Banjo Catalog (The CF Martin Organization). (BTW, foradditional postings select Vega Martin Stories on the homepage menu or enter Vega Martin in the search engine. According to the C.F. Having read the posts above I see that this is most likely not the case! C.F. Bob. My estimate is that the banjo might be worth $500-$700 depending on condition. Per my files, the Pete Seeger long neck first appears in a Vega flyer in 1961 for $309. In the Boston era, Pete Seeger was listed as an exclusive Vega product banjoist in a 1961 flyer from their Columbus Avenue business headquarters, and his endorsed PS-5 was featured prominently in the 1963 and 1966 Vega catalogs.