The number will be 6-12 digits long depending on what year it was made. 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. I cannot find any pictures remotely close online. The Vega Regent is one of the classic 5-string banjos of the Vega line. Your mellowed 1963 SR-5 sold for $400 in the 1963 Vega catalogue, and it was advertised to feature a brilliant tone back then. 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. Martin decal photographed on the back of the VIP Vega peg head. Cobra hooks first appear circa 1881 on Fairbanks & Cole banjos. Maybe, the R-D prefix stands for Research and Development. 2 classic model. My Dad & I went to our music lessons back to back on Thursday evenings during my teen years some 40 years ago. It is the first martin-vega I have ever seen in person, or had in my hands! Its a Vega VIP with the Martin Co. logo on the back of the peg head. How do you date a banjo? Martins acquisition of Vega of Bostonand, the only other one completed in the old Needham Heights factory before banjo production finally moved to Nazareth. The build quality is quite immaculate, both wood and hardware. It did not have a tone ring or simply a steel ring like the Wonder, to keep the cost down. These days, the Wonder would sell for $700-$1000 depending on condition. Categories . The larger connecting rod inside the pot is a spare part inherited from the Boston days of the Vega company. It originally came with an arm rest, rotomatic tuning pegs, and a plastic head. Here's a bit of description on the various models: This was also the case for their mandolin banjo lines. Your banjo may be a hybrid from that era. Aspiring players also wonder what makes one banjo better than another. C.F. Been used in the studio and loaned to a friend about 30 years ago while he his banjo was being repaired. I love the story. Do you have any additional information you could share regarding this instrument? 6. In the 1972 Martin catalogue, the Professional appears identical to yours, but it is absent from the 1976 catalogue. Mark- Thank you for the very helpful series of photos and your kind comments about the website. Im happy to find Banjorehab as it is the first site Ive seen to have useful information on Vega-Martin banjos. For a chuckle, see the latest home page entry for BJF details. He uses the one piece neck design typical of the other Deering models with the SN stamped on the back of the peghead. Your other VIP-5 with SN 1766 was assembled from parts sent to Japan in 1977 when the Martin company had its difficult luthier strike. Martin in Nazareth, PA, in 1973. Data zakoczenia 2022-09-02 - cena 20,90 z 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). Hi! I received a letter(martin memo) along with my banjo covering head adjustment, plastic Vegalon heads, string action, bridge and nut and neck rod adjustment dated 8/26/71also a warranty card with the phone number 215-759-2837ask for miketelling me to use string type V750.having wanted one all my adult life, this banjo is the pinnacle of my banjo collecting desires. 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. vega banjo identification. It has no rod in the drum. 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? 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. A total of 98 model D-76E guitars were also made for employees. 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. Remo Frosted Top Banjo Head, 11 Inch Diameter, High Crown (1/2 Inch) $19 USD. 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 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. 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. The rare T-2 and T-2XL had serial numbers in the #1607-1945 range. Barry. The rim and shoe screws/washer are likely homemade/cut down and tone ring is not Galaxy stock, but more of a Gibson knockoff. From the BRC, Barry. The Metropolitan Museum of Art in NYC recently showcased an exhibit of pre-1900 Martin guitars. I do not know anything about banjos but the label inside the rim says VEGA of Boston. Martin purchased the Vega brand in May of 1970, the Martin factory in Nazareth, PA, began to re-tool for banjo production. The openbacks are made entirely of white oak and feature a midnight maple fingerboard and peghead overlay. 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 banjo shown here (serial number M130316) was the second Ultra Vox V built in 1971, shortly after C.F. Home; Meet Darlene; ISI Mission; What is Coaching? safety tips; prohibited items; product recalls; Virtually immaculate. C.F. Subject: Help with ID of Vega Banjo please. Rettberg & Lange(1898-1920) banjos were initially similar to Buckbee-made Hope this helps and best wishes from the BRC, Barry. Any insight would be greatly appreciated. Maybe, another observant reader will offer a discerning observation for us sometime. 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 number is painted on the bottom not pressed in the wood. According to the C.F. Martin & Co. Organisation, NEEDHAM, MASS. Martin decals on the inner rim and back of the peghead. 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. 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. Ernie Ball 5-String Medium Stainless Steel Banjo Strings, 10-10 Gauge (P02309) Check Price at Amazon. Martin also made 1976 model D-76 guitars to partner the banjo. If this banjo has some more of the early prewar design features, add $1000-1500.Hope this helps, Dr. Ron. It has only a tape serial number inside the pot of 1124. model serial number 1990. The more affordable V-41-5 banjo was partnered with the D-41 guitar, but this marketing ploy did not work as anticipated for either of the aforementioned guitar/banjo combinations. It appears in the transitional Vega/Martin product list of 1970 and lastly in the 1972 Vega Banjo Catalog (The CF Martin Organization). what I know about banjos right now I learned from you!! Family owned since 1972, Elderly Instruments is a music store specializing in new, used & vintage guitars, banjos, mandolins, ukuleles and more. It is not to be confused with the metal pie plate or hubcap resonator manufactured by Elton in the 1930`s. In the Martin log book, the last six digit (Vega) serial number was 130392 in 1972 after which began the Martin digits. What A great and informative site .. I call him Rory, although much louder he has a beautiful rich tone, but is quite punchy.. Is this an old genuine Vega in the lower price class, Sten- Thanks for your query about the FR-5 banjo. The Vega Company reportedlyintroduced the first wooden sectioned pie resonator in mid 1923 for their Vega Professional 4-stringer. Hi there Folks.A few weeks ago i bought a Vega martin 5 string banjo, tubaphone tonering, the screws to attach the shoes to the bracket band go through the bracketband but also through the rim.The banjo is almost in unplayed condition, sounds wonderfull, the original case is also there.serial numer is 1707. Dr. Ron- the BRC staff and readers appreciate all the wonderful details and photos. Again, thanks for your query and photos. Dear Per- In May of 1970, C.F. Perhaps a bit more cutting. Its in excellent condition other than needing some cleaning and a little metal polish on the metal parts. Unless refinished, the decal on the back alsomakes it post-1972. It was recommended by Bob Smakula that I send some photos to you and that you might have more information. Thanks from the BRC, Barry, Hi Barry! 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. Fairbanks and Vega banjo numbers are consecutive, and have no DIRECT relationship to the model, or production date. 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. It may have been removed some time before I got it. Is this generally true, can one instantly recognize a Nazareth vs. Massachusetts by the stain color? It retailed for $345 in the 1971 Vega Martin price list. Martin built 561 VW-5 banjos in the 1970`s.You can learn more about this VM instrument by browsing my website for the postings on 6-19-21 and 1-16-21, or just enter the word `wonder` in the search engine. Wim, (Ed.- Note the classic Tubaphone tone ring. The V-41 was available by special order only, and it listed back then for $850. 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. Services; vega banjo identification Martin in the 1970s (I have sent you the title page illustrating your instrument). First let me thank you for this amazing well of information! It is in excellent condition but missing a resonator thumbscrew with the threaded washer. In a 1971 price list, the FW-5 sold for $345. Shop today! 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. aluminum variety, one slim one large, with the larger one closer to the head. 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. I have a vegavox 4 tenor banjo by Martin . Any clues? One thing that I have noticed is that Massachusetts-made resonator banjos generally had a yellow/orange stain. 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. post . This email will be copied to my Vega Vox scholar Dr. Ron for his insights and comments.From the BRC, Barry. Martin built only 20 F-VIP 5 stringers, and to my count 11 were made in Pennsylvania per the shop log book. used speakers for sale craigslist; pioneer woman carne guisada; vega banjo identification; By . 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). 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 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. I dont know much about banjos because Im a guitar man myself. My estimate would be that this rare and exotic bird might fetch around $1800 or more these days. Mike- Thanks for your post and kind remarks about the BRC website. All the best pickin`, and thanks for your kind words about my website. Vega Tenor Banjo and Case, 1920s | Reverb Oops, Something went wrong. It is a Four-String Banjo, Tu-ba-phone Model No. Hello, I have enjoyed reading your posts on Vega-Martin banjos. It also features the four digit SN imprinted into the outside of the holes in groups of three tone ring, clearly done before the plating, and visible only when dissembled. Categories . But with original Whyte Laydie banjo rims being in demand for converting to 5-string instruments, this one is an ideal candidate. P.S. Any help with identifying it (I cant find a serial number anywhere) or locating buyers would be so gratefully welcomed! From the BRC, Barry. Do you know how many Scruggs or Scruggs Soloists, and Sonny Osborne models were made under the Martin ownership and where made? Below are more Letters from the BRC Archives. The Wonder-5 retailed for $345 without case per the CFM 1971 price list. It has the original hardshell case also with no markings. 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. Like the Tubaphone listed above, this banjo needs a neck reset to be a playable banjo mandolin. Deering purchased the Vega franchise in1989 restoring the line to greatness. I dont play any instrument right now. Martin workshop logbook, open back Tu-Ba-Phone 5-string banjo SN 1707 was manufactured in Nazareth, PA, in mid 1976. So heres my question. Is this original? port melbourne players; fair lawn high school graduation; vega banjo identification; By . Dot inlay fret board. Identification: "A" Style mandolins were symmetrical and shaped like a teardrop. 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. Hit a few licks on the tenor- you might find that you like it. The distinct disadvantage to having a rare banjo is finding replacement parts. Again, thanks for your post. The Galaxy serial number is not a continuum of the Martin serial number sequence. 1972 Vega Banjo. You are so kind to provide this great info to all of us banjo geeks. From the BRC, Barry. from BRC: Wim- Thanks for the great photo of your busy workshop. Vega Pete Seeger Model Longneck Model 5 String Banjo (1961), made in Boston, Mass., serial # 100971, shaded maple finish, laminated maple neck and rim, ebony fingerboard, original black hard shell case. Just came across your site, I was wondering if you would be able to help identify what model Martin Vega banjo that I have, I believe it is from the 70s. I cant remember exactly when I bought it but I think it was around the early 70s. Being unable to find anything on the internet, I began to think I had been scammed. 1969, probably initially at the 40 Leon Street factory the Needham Heights (just before the sale to Martin). 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. Per the 1971 Martin price list, the recommended retail price back then was $545 with out case which cost another $68 for the hard shell version. There are different types of banjos and plenty of new terminology for parts of banjos and playing styles. If in poor condition, Ive seen them sell as low as $3000-4000. 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. Nowadays, it might fetch around $750 in the online marketplace. Remo Frosted Top Banjo Head, 11 Inch Diameter, Medium Crown (7/16 Inch) $19 USD. A total of 98 model D-76E guitars were also made for employees. 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). Enjoy. I purchased the instrument from a private dealer (Kingsport, TN) for $800. C.F. The circa 1978 brochure that I sent you confirms that your instrument is a Tu-Ba-Phone Deluxe 5 stringer. A.C. Fairbanks (by Vega) "Regent" 5-string banjo, S/N 25121, Circa 1909 A.C. Fairbanks (by Vega) "Tubaphone" #9, 5-string banjo, S/N 25516, Circa 1909 . 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! The Vega franchise was sold overseas in 1979 but reacquired in the US by Deering in 1989. 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. Thank you so very much for this information! Photos are always welcome, and thanks for your post. Do you have a total of these models made under the Massachusetts Vega name? 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 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. In general, the Boston made Pete Seeger long neck banjos seem to command a greater collectors` interest than the ones manufactured in Pennsylvania. Is it possible to tell me what model or style and year it was built also the value? For example: 0534599-7362 would be a banjo from May of 1999. With appreciation, Barry, S.C.-Thank you for the prompt and detailed photos of your banjo. If anybody can shed some light on what I have. - 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 problem is that the serial number labels at this time had printing errors, where the first numeric digit was omitted. Vega Martin SN 1199 is one of five VIP-T (tenor) banjos made per shop order # 2233 in late 1974 in Nazareth, PA. It was manufactured in Nazareth, PA, in mid 1973 per shop order # 2154. 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. Martin era. Save This Search Vega Vox short neck tenor banjo IiMPOSSIBLE TO FIND/ one of the best sounding Banjo's in the world> Used - Mint Condition Posted 11/15/2021 8:46:13 AM by Ronkisok - Country: United States - State: CT - ZIP: 06790 Thank you so much!! Thanks for your very kind words about the BRC website. 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. He could always check the stamp on the bottomthe tone ring to see if its a match to the rim (it should say V916). Can you tell me what year it was made and by whom? The VIP-T is a nice mid range banjo model, and I have a VIP-5 which has a pleasant mid range tonal response. He was told that it was made by Martin, but I do not find any Martin labels. Informacje o Martin V730 StringsVega struny banjo 5str 10-23,10 - 11109713090 w archiwum Allegro. Subscribe to get free banjos tips, hear about new products, special offers, and more! I got an old Vega banjo from my father. Martin- Thank you for your query and very useful photos. Retail price was $1300.00 ; I paid $900.00 . Like my dad, I am a musician and physician and treasure his professional and avocational memorabilia. 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. Neck and rim look a lot like made by Martin craftsmen, and it arrived set up perfectly. In those years there was not a college student who didn't dream of owning a Vega Pete . Barry, Samantha Thanks for the extensive and helpful photos of your above banjo. The banjo featured a bell brass audio-sonic tone ring, different from the tubaphone tone ring, and a ten ply maple rim. The Vega serial number files still available do not specify the specific models of banjo manufactured in Massachusetts. My estimate is that it might fetch $1800-2000 these days. The VIP-5 is known for its mellow sound, and the tone of my VIP-5 (SN 1364 circa 1974) was admired by a faculty member at a northeastern banjo camp a few years ago. 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 . 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. Serial number assignment and record keeping fell into disarray from 1977 to 1979. Theres precious little information about these instruments online. Your banjo is item # VB120C which sold for $360 back then. My estimate is that the banjo might be worth $500-$700 depending on condition. This is a beautiful banjo! These were used on the Wonder, VIP,Folklore, etc (non-Pro II, V-45, V-41 styles). The VIP banjo last appeared in the 1976 VM catalog as an open back instrument but still featuring the V.I.P. From the BRC, Barry. The top-of-the-line model that Martin-Vega offered during the 1970s was the special order Ultra Vox V. At the end of the production run in 1979, the MSRP list price in the catalog was $3600 (exactly the same as the Martin D-45 guitar). Congratulations on having two vintage VM banjos, and your gracious comments about the Info site are much appreciated. I have sent an e-mail to my Vega Vox consultant Dr. Ron and await his comments and appraisal. TMC marketed this standard neck Tu-Ba-Phone banjoas item No. Plectrum means a 4-string model with 22 frets, which is longer scale (27) than the 19 fret 4-string tenor (23). The 1971 Vega Martin price listed this model to retail at $556 without case. The Vega line was then marketed in the USA by TMC Company (Targ & Dinner 20 Century Music Company). 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). Best wishes for happy pickin`, Barry, I have an Vega 5-string banjo, open back, bought around 1965. New and used generic flanges can be found on eBay, but getting one to fit your pot outer diameter and bracket hook sequence is tricky. Martin manufactured 100 Pro-5 banjos including the temporary Bobby Joe Fenster variation. I am a fan of the 27 scale and believe it has much to contribute tone-wise. The back of the headstock is blank. The first SN#720 I know is a VW-5 because it has the original hang tag. and CXXVI (126?). Good luck, thanks much for your post, and great to hear from you again, Barry. Just wondering if you have any interesting data on this ax. Martin in Nazareth, Pennsylvania, in mid 1974 per Shop Order #2217. Deering owns the Vega brand name nowadays, and its T-2 lists for $4149. C.F. And recently I installed a new Elite head, which made a wonderful difference. Check Price at Amazon. Martin purchased the Vega brand line. The Vega Vox model was a 4 string gem that featured a brass tone ring. 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. Photos would be necessary to give an accurate price range, as design styles were still changing in the post war period and overall condition (all original parts) would bring a higher price. MUSCELL Banjo Strings, Handmade Phosphor Bronze 5-String Banjo Strings Ball End - 3 Packs Medium. So cool to have this historical data. Thanks for your query, Barry. 5. 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. Thanks from all of us! P.S. Hello and thank you so much for your hard work and dedication. 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. Therefore it became dissembled. From the BRC, Barry, I inquired on Banjo Hangout about information on a Vega banjo acquired from a friend. 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. Your Pete Seeger (PS-5) was one of eleven PS-5 long neck banjos made in early 1972 per Shop Order 2098. Theres barely a mark on the banjo (except for the binding where it was put on a stand) and this will probably buff out. vega banjo identification. The neck has crown-and-football inlays and the Martin logo is on the back of the pegboard. In regards to the endorsed banjo models cited in your final paragraph, my files show that the Sonny Osborne model appears only in the 1968 Vega/Boston catalogue. $42 USD. It is collecting dust since i dont play the banjo and I am thinking of passing it on.