I tried to find your email address at your Banjo homepage without any success. Just found you today . 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. Replacing a broken flange on a rare and vintage instrument is a tough task. The two legendary musicians in the camp photo are banjo godfather Tony Trischka and Grammy award winner Eric Weissberg. The ebony fingerboard was on a mahogany neck, and a butterfly adorns the back of the resonator. Martin stamp. Barry. Close study of the flange can sometimes reveal, however, that it is left-over Vega hardware from the Needham Heights factory. Home; Meet Darlene; ISI Mission; What is Coaching? An example of one of these 4-stringers from the 1920`s is still in the C.F. 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. Martin decal photographed on the back of the VIP Vega peg head. I would send pictures but was not sure just where to post them. ). From its early Boston beginnings, the Vega Banjo Company made splendidand now vintage instruments, including the Earl Scruggs signature model heendorsed in the 1960s. Martin did not publish suggested retail prices after 1971, but I would estimate the V-76 sold for around $7-800 with case. It is great to hear from someone who actually visited the Vega factory in Needham Heights, Massachusetts. Maybe, the R-D prefix stands for Research and Development. Thanks Again! After 20 years, the wear and tear on a refinished instrument may reduce the value further. All the best pickin`, and thanks for your kind words about my website. Informacje o Martin V740 StringsVega strun banjo RETRO 10-23,10 - 11109692503 w archiwum Allegro. It has no rod in the drum. Fender Standard Banjo Hardshell Case Black ,, kemenpppa.go.id 4kjzing@8x47evey1 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). I got an old Vega banjo from my father. 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. 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 Your VW-5 model Vega Wonder banjo SN 721 was manufactured in Nazareth, PA, in late 1973 per Shop Order 2181. The long neck banjo is less popular nowadays with the surge in Bluegrass music, but I have two of them and value their mellow wife-friendly tone. I do not know anything about banjos but the label inside the rim says VEGA of Boston. The description of your banjo serial number 916 is curious, and I will offer my theory about the instrument per the information given. 96.90 postage. Good luck and thanks again for your post. Have a restful weekend and be well, Barry. Ive got a couple of pictures in case of interest, but Id need a mail-address for sending, me supposing. Both are in wonderful condition. Deering now owns the Vega line and offers open-back Tubaphones in their inventory. C.F. Thanks again for your post and pictures and kind comments about the website. My suggestion would be to take you banjo down to the local hardware store and cobble together a workable thumb screw (some have collars) and washer combination. In the the 1971 Vega Martin price list, the VW-Plec retailed at $345. Could you tell me where it was built and what its value is today ? I inherited a Vega 5-string resonator banjo and have been trying to find out additional information about it. The build quality is quite immaculate, both wood and hardware. Vega Banjo Identification Vega Tenor Banjo Serial Numbers Chart Vega Tenor Banjo Serial Numbers Vintage Mandolin Banjo Fairbanks Vega Company Boston USA 1920 6 Saiten Einige der Spanner samt Schrauben und sowie die Saiten sind nicht vorhanden. However, current thinking (thanks to Hank Schwartz) is that 999 numbers were assigned per year -- from the start, in 1880. Aside a changed bridge it remained un-modified and rarely played until about two years ago, as by the time I had bought it, I more and more began concentrating on the guitar. If anybody can shed some light on what I have. Any info including your estimate of current value would be very much appreciated. $5000 would be a reasonable number if in good conditionit could have brought $7500 a few years ago. Resale prices for this type of banjo vary widely from a couple of hundred to several thousand dollars depending on unique features. In the Martin SN files, banjo #1302252 manufactured in 1971 is designated as a BJF-5 (Pro) style instrument. Per my files, the Pete Seeger long neck first appears in a Vega flyer in 1961 for $309. 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. With the original Hardshell case and the rare Earl Scruggs Tuners or de- tuners if you will. I ordered. The Folk Wonder model does not appear in the 1972 or 1976 Vega Martin catalogues, but its resonator version the `Wonder` model does. Hope this helps and all the best in 2019, Barry. Although C.F. Martin built only 20 F-VIP 5 stringers, and to my count 11 were made in Pennsylvania per the shop log book. Bob- Thank you for your kind words about my website, and I reply with compliments to your luthier shop with which I am familiar. Your description of your FR-5 sounds like you have a genuine Boston-made Folk Ranger. Im happy to find Banjorehab as it is the first site Ive seen to have useful information on Vega-Martin banjos. Im trying to decide wether to keep it as a memento, keep it and take some lessons, or possibly sell it because its a shame to have it sit in storage. Martin and Co., Est. Accordingly, 1970-1971 was a year of manufacturing transition from Boston to Nazareth. For a chuckle, see the latest home page entry for BJF details. He on his banjo and me with my guitar. After a loooong wait I finally got it in 1971 . I would appreciate it very much. I think im in heaven. VINTAGE VEGA TENOR BANJO, 1930, RESONATOR, 19 FRET, CLEAN. From the BRC, Barry, Barry, i have an extended neck (25 fretts) Vega/Martin banjo with a serial number of 80. thanks for your help and keep up the good work. 10" Rim. By my count, Martin made 16 V-45 banjos that were 5-stringers, 3 plectrums (V45-P), and one (V45-T) tenor model. It retailed for $775 and was probably assembled from parts left over from Nazareth, PA. 2 Tu-Ba-Phone XL is seen in the 1976 catalogue. Thank you very much for your quick answer. The last SN from Boston was probably #130049, and the Vega Martin logbook in Nazareth starts with SN 130248. I orderedit in 1970 through a music store in Norwich , Ct run by Cliff Tidd . Note below the C.F. The majority of the banjoists appear to be holding examples of the regular Vega electric banjos with dot-inlayed fingerboards and dark wood veneered pegheads. There are 13 stars on the banjo fretboard, and there should be a plaque on the back of the headstock. 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 . Vega banjos were then marketed in the USA by TMC (Targ & Dinner Music Company). Martin made 76 commemorative V-76 banjos in 1976 to celebrated the bicentennial of the USA. Shortly thereafter, the Martin craftsmen went on strike, and banjo parts were shipped overseas for assembly. Your banjo is an off shoot of the classic No. After its Martin Guitar era, the Vega brand name ownership was sold overseas, and the banjo line fellinto obscurity. 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 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. It appears in the transitional Vega/Martin product list of 1970 and lastly in the 1972 Vega Banjo Catalog (The CF Martin Organization). A total of 98 model D-76E guitars were also made for employees. 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. The banjos advertised in the brochure had generic names and Item #`s. Your instrument was listed as Vega 5-string Banjo featuring a Tu-Ba-Phone tone ring with round holes thus representing A reproduction of the early Tu-Ba-Phone No. On the inner rim of the back cover is another Martin logo and the (embossed in white) number 887. The last one was produced in early 1975 despite being their very first banjo made that year. The differentiating feature is the deeper resonator than the VIP/Pro II/Osborne/Scruggs Mk II/Bobby Joe Fenster standard resonator modelsnot quite as deep as the Vox and not top tension (standard hook and nut with Pro II flanges). 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). 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. Martin D-45 guitar. The metal parts were gold plated and engraved. best of . It did not have a tone ring or simply a steel ring like the Wonder, to keep the cost down. vega banjo identification. By my count, twelve VV IV-tenor banjos were built in Nazareth with the last one, #1678, in 1976. So, your banjo is likely either a late 1963/early 1964 model (Vega model years ran from Oct 1st-Sept 30th at the time, much like automobiles). Nowadays, it might fetch around $750 in the online marketplace. In the meantime, keep on pickin` that Pro-5. My estimate is that it might fetch $1800-2000 these days. No M130097 Model: Wonder 5 St. Sold out. John- Thank-you for the detailed photos. The 1971-72 VM log books show 22 VIP banjos (most 5-stringers with a few tenor and plectrums) bearing the 6 digit Boston serial numbers, and thereafter the SN`s convert to digits #1 through #1969. Landis- Thanks for your post. The rim is 10 ply maple with a top metal tone ring, nickel-plated metal parts, and a shaded mahogany finish. The Wonder-5 retailed for $345 without case per the CFM 1971 price list. What can you tell me about the history and value of this one. Still as wonderful as the day I got it. 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). C.F. Is this an old genuine Vega in the lower price class, Sten- Thanks for your query about the FR-5 banjo. The mahogany neck had an ebony fingerboard with distinctive inlays including the peg head. post . Vega Banjo Serial Number Lookup Known Problems with Gretsch's Serial Number System: Due to the various renumbering schemes, there are Gretsch-built Bacons and B&D's with 3 digit, 4 digit and 5 digit serial numbers, which confuses identification of instruments made between 1910 and 1940. Tony Trsichka wants Greg to make a 5-string model, much like Vega did on very rare occasions in the late 1950s/early 1960s. . 2 for $4149. All the very best from the BRC, Barry, Thank you, Barry. There were several old tenor and plectrum Martin neck blanksfor sale a few years ago, but it looks to be factory made condition anddoubt that would be likely a source. Then by ink its written Folk Ranger. I have original case. I was told by someone at C. F. Martin that they only made 11 of them ( mine is ser # 7 ) . I am a fan of the 27 scale and believe it has much to contribute tone-wise. Theres barely a mark on the banjo (except for the binding where it was put on a stand) and this will probably buff out. Deering now owns the Vega brand, and it is rumored that they may revive the deep resonator design. A sticker inside says The Vega Co. Boston 15, MASS, Patended USA The serial number is A-125394. In the meantime, thanks again for your post. 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. The other 9 were likely shipped to Canada or Japan for assembly after 1977. cscl star vessel flag autism and narcissism differences. Im assuming this is the serial number, which would put me right next to Mark, who owned #888 in previous comment 6. 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. Martin began shipping parts overseas for assembly. Thanks for sharing your fascinating banjo with the BRC, Barry. The Wonder was an entry level resonator instrument that featured a metal tone ring, white fingerboard binding, a notched tension hoop, a 10 ply rim, 3 piece maple neck, blackwood fretboard, pearl dots, nickel-pate parts and a shaded mahogany finish. It is the first martin-vega I have ever seen in person, or had in my hands! Recently purchased a Vega Vox iv plectrum banjo. Just found this wonderful site. 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. Your Pete Seeger (PS-5) was one of eleven PS-5 long neck banjos made in early 1972 per Shop Order 2098. 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 . Of note, the PS-5 had the `famous Vega Tube-a-phone tone ring rim`, a 3 piece ebony fingerboard, pearl dots, a neck-tension rod, nickel-plated rim parts, a shaded mahogany neck, and a 10 ply maple rim. 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. It is not to be confused with the metal pie plate or hubcap resonator manufactured by Elton in the 1930`s. From the BRC, Barry. 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. # 1713? From the BRC, Barry. The back of the headstock is blank. June 7, 2022; homes for sale by owner in berwick, pa . used speakers for sale craigslist; pioneer woman carne guisada; vega banjo identification; By . 1972 Vega Banjo. Family owned since 1972, Elderly Instruments is a music store specializing in new, used & vintage guitars, banjos, mandolins, ukuleles and more. 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. Guess I stated it wrong, not really carvings, just in lays. There is no #1 Martin banjo listed, but banjos #6-8 were Vega Vox-4-T tenors built per Shop Order 2087. Unbeknownstto most 5 string aficionados, the Martin Guitar Company manufactured Vega banjos from 1970 through 1979. These three top-of-the-line instruments were sent to Japan for assembly. Hence, my theory is that this ornate banjo was assembled overseas after Martin began shipping parts to Japan and Canada for assembly in 1976, and this would explain the mysterious serial number. They are 230, 243, 353, LVII (57?) The Vega franchise was sold overseas in 1979 but reacquired in the US by Deering in 1989. vega banjo identification. Martin purchased the Vega brand in May in 1970 and just before the factory was transferred to Pennsylvania. 22 frets. From the BRC, 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. tone ring that you have. 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. The fascinatingwooden pie (sectioned) resonator is probably inherited from the Boston era Vega inventory. The tone ring holes are grouped in sets of three rather than equally spaced as on a tubaphone ring. 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. Your banjo was built circa 1964, and the A pre-fix to the serial number means `adjustable truss rod`. Martin made 76 commemorative V-76 banjos in 1976 to celebrated the bicentennial of the USA. The five number labels were found in banjos made from 1962 through February 1964, involving serial numbers A10300 through A12400. The Folk Ranger was a no-frills entry level banjo that Vega made in response to the folk music revival era. I will trade for a good Octave Mandolin or Bouzouki The Eddie Peabody Model was actually made by Vega of Boston from 1966-ca. it in 1970 through a music store in Norwich , Ct run by Cliff Tidd . It is indeed a sweet banjo with plenty of talk in it. He could always check the stamp on the bottomthe tone ring to see if its a match to the rim (it should say V916). Have a bunch of pics I can forward, any particular area to focus on that would help? Thanks so much Ill get back to you if any further questions. I actually have a customized 75 Martin D28 to go with my 75 Vega. The rhinestones on the flanges, tension bolts, and peghead differ from Peabodys prototype and the later Martin production Vox V models. Thanks you for this great site. Piecing the clues together of this mysterious banjo, I suspect that is was a special order item because of the unusually disparate combination of CFM parts. Save This Search Your search returned 20 results View Sold and Expired Ads Matching Your Search 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. Unfortunately, many 4-string players of a certain generation seem to think that their banjos will command higher priceseven the Gibson flat heads used for 5 string conversion have taken a tumble and are are half on what they were 5 years ago. Zero fret wear. The model was discontinued after Martin Guitar bought Vega in 1970. From the BRC, Barry. 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. Martin Vega Banjo 5-Strings, Medium Gauge (V740) Check Price at Amazon. I have 2 Martin Vegas. gamefowl breeders in texas; 0 comments. The Vega No.2 is a banjo made of top grade curly maple stained light amber and buffed to a high gloss. I have found it helpful over the years. Gold and ivory hard wear with a butterfly mop inlay on the back of the body. Martin`s beloved historian). In the 1972 Martin catalogue, the Professional appears identical to yours, but it is absent from the 1976 catalogue. 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. 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. Neck and rim look a lot like made by Martin craftsmen, and it arrived set up perfectly. Dave- Thank you for your kind words about the website and the narrative about your Vega Vox IV tenor banjo. Best wishes for happy pickin`, Barry, I have an Vega 5-string banjo, open back, bought around 1965. Martin built only 29 model T-2 instruments which were a reproduction of the classic Tu-Ba-Phone No. Per the 1971 price list, the V-45-5 sold for $1650 with case included, and it was available by special order only. Eddie- Thanks for your query and kind comments about the website. Because so few Pro-5`s were manufactured in Nazareth, it is difficult to gauge the worth of your banjo these days. Your aunt`s banjo sounds like a stock model, so I would estimate that it would fetch $400-$700 on the open market. (BTW, foradditional postings select Vega Martin Stories on the homepage menu or enter Vega Martin in the search engine. Do you have a total of these models made under the Massachusetts Vega name? SOLD Vega Earl Scruggs Banjo and Original hard case Price: $695.00 USD a 1969 Earl Scruggs on rim inside :TRB 13746 . 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. S.C.- Thank you for your query to the BRC. C.F. Martin decal, is the original pot for the plectrum 4 stringer SN 1450, but the neck was replaced after production with a 5 string neck by a previous owner. The label indicates the banjo was made in Needham, MA, but the Vega company was owned by the CF Martin guitar company. In general, the Boston made Pete Seeger long neck banjos seem to command a greater collectors` interest than the ones manufactured in Pennsylvania. If you need photos I can take a few and send them to you on a subsequent time. Be safe, be well, keep on picking. Knowing the history of an instrument adds so much to the enjoyment of owning and playing it. I have two theories about your instrument. With hard case. Any insights appreciated along with your understanding of when it was manufactured, components, what it originally sold for and current market value. It was advertised to feature a rosewood veneered rim and resonator trimmed in abalone pearl like the C.F. In excellent condition and ready to play. 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. Any help with identifying it (I cant find a serial number anywhere) or locating buyers would be so gratefully welcomed! 0 bids $10.96 shipping Ending Oct 14 at 5:44AM PDT5d 4hFrom GermanyBrand: VEGA Fantastic site with wonderful information. Thank-you for your kind words about my website, and all blessings to you and yours this coming holiday season. brian kim, cpa clearvalue tax net worth . Martin era. Isgho Votre ducation notre priorit . Barry. Ive had several accomplished pickers really make it talk.wish I could!! Remo Frosted Top Banjo Head, 11 Inch Diameter, High Crown (1/2 Inch) $19 USD. The differentiating feature is the deeper resonator than the VIP/Pro II/Osborne/Scruggs Mk II/Bobby Joe Fenster standard resonator modelsnot quite as deep as the Vox and not top tension (standard hook and nut with Pro II flanges). The number will be 6-12 digits long depending on what year it was made. During the Vega Martin era, C.F. vega banjo identification. My estimate is that your vintage instrument is worth $1500-1700. If someone could help her post it on eBay, it would probably get a decent price and a good home. 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. I have a vegavox 4 tenor banjo by Martin . 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. Learning how to play the banjo is no different. Bob- Thanks for your query and kind words about my website. 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. Barry, Eddie- Thanks for your query and kind comments about the website. My estimate would in the neighborhood of $1.5K depending on condition. They all had yellow serial number stickers. Buy VEGA Banjos and get the best deals at the lowest prices on eBay! I has Vega and a single star on the front of the headstock. Id appreciate your comments please & thanks, Linda. Excellent condition. Elite Fiberskyn Banjo Head, 11", High. 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. Thanks from all of us! Hope this helps and thanks again for your post and e-mails, Barry, Lynne- Thanks for your query. Martin built only 101 PS-5 long necks. 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). Vega Martin banjo SN 324 was manufactured in Nazareth, PA, in early 1973. Of note, my Vega Martin VIP-5 banjo built in 1975 also came with a `Care of Your Banjo` memo dated 8/26/71 and a warranty that instructed the owner to call 215-759-2837 and ask for Mike (probably Mike Longworth who was C.F. Replyfrom our Vega Vox scholar Dr. RonHi Ernie. 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. C.F. Rob- Thank you for the below photos. The earliest reported is F&C #1000. Barry, I have purchased a Martin Vega V-45 described as 1971 production and a serial number of #327. 0 bids. Just found you today . 721 which I have had a number of years.
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