Well, this is a hybrid banjo, and doubtful that is a Galaxy banjo. Vega Martin manufactured twenty-eight V-41 5 stringers, two V-41 tenors, and only one V-41 plectrum banjo. vega banjo identification Thanks for your query, Barry. The tailpiece does not look original, but the dual connecting rods are typical of the Martin design. If it has a wooden pot resonator, remove it and check the inner rim for identifiers. After 20 years, the wear and tear on a refinished instrument may reduce the value further. Vega Long Neck Banjo $5,399.00 Vega White Oak Long Neck Banjo 11" from $2,599.00 Vega Kingston Trio Tom Dooley Long Neck Banjo $15,599.00 Vega Woodsongs Campfire Long Neck Banjo $2,399.00 Sold Out Vega Professional 19-Fret Tenor Banjo $7,499.00 Vega Kingston Trio Long Neck Banjo $6,299.00 Vega Kingston Trio - Bob Shane Plectrum Banjo 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. Each of the men is posed in front of a Vega model 131 amplifier, identical to the unit which remains with the banjo today. Serial number 115831 on a yellow strip built in Boston Mass.Wondering when it might have been built? The new longneck was design to match the original neck in style and looks while also using some of Vega's Pete Seeger model as influence. Rob- Thank you for your kind comments about the BRC website, You are a lucky guy to have two Vega Martin 5-stringers, both made in Nazareth, PA. I own a Vega VIP fivestring banjo, with serial number 130056. Fairbanks and Vega banjo numbers are consecutive, and have no DIRECT relationship to the model, or production date. 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. We have a bunch of new Deering merch for you whether it be socks, shirts, tote bags, mugs, and more! It has almost all the hallmarks of a stock model VIP banjo. Retail price was $1300.00 ; I paid $900.00 . 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. The metal parts were chrome-plated. Im not very knowledgable about banjos so please forgive my terminology. In the meantime, thanks again for your post. The Martin log book in Nazareth, PA, begins with #130248 later in 1971. A total of 98 model D-76E guitars were also made for employees. Your aunt`s banjo sounds like a stock model, so I would estimate that it would fetch $400-$700 on the open market. 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`. I lived in Needham MA for 20+ years, and Im wondering if that tone ring possibly came from Vegas final days in Needham. 1969, probably initially at the 40 Leon Street factory the Needham Heights (just before the sale to Martin). Unbeknownstto most 5 string aficionados, the Martin Guitar Company manufactured Vega banjos from 1970 through 1979. Despite its puzzling serial number, your instrument is a Tu-Ba-Phone Deluxe 5-string. vega banjo identification. Is 887 also a Pro5? Thanks for your post and happy pickin`, Barry. Categories . Depending upon condition, it is probably worth somewhere around $750 these days. Very interesting to get to know all this details. From the BRC, Barry, Only a handful of Martin/Vega banjos made it down to Australia. Despite showing its age as a workhorse performance instrument with extensive wear-and-tear, a friend of mine in San Diego purchased this one-of-a-kind banjo in Vega and Martin history in 2007 and had it beautifully restored to its current condition by the American Banjo Hall-of-Fame member, Renee Karnes. Just found you today . Thanks for the great information on this page. 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. It look and plays great. The highly ornate Vega Vox IV banjo with serial number #1969 was the final officially documented banjo manufactured by C. F. Martin in Nazareth, PA. , circa 1978-79. When C.F. 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). Martin V740 Strings Vega strun banjo 5-strunowego RETRO 10-23,10 Learning how to play the banjo is no different. vega banjo identification - nutrir.cl S.C.- Thank you for your query to the BRC. 1972 Vega Banjo. As Barry indicates, a photo of the yellow sticker will be helpful here. Great information and even better advice. 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). I orderedit in 1970 through a music store in Norwich , Ct run by Cliff Tidd . 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. Your 5-stringer serial #993 is one of six Pro-5`s manufactured per Shop Order # 2211 in mid 1974 by C.F. Cited in the Vega price list of 1971, the last one VM published, the retail price tag was $488 without case. The banjo had a 3 piece maple neck and a signature tubaphone tone ring clearly shown in the pictures that you provided. Hello, How do you date a banjo? GoldTone longneck Banjo - musical instruments - by owner - sale 0 bids. Every Martin Vega I have seen has a more dark brown mahogany-colored stain. I received a letter(martin memo) along with my banjo covering head adjustment, plastic Vegalon heads, string action, bridge and nut and neck rod adjustment dated 8/26/71also a warranty card with the phone number 215-759-2837ask for miketelling me to use string type V750.having wanted one all my adult life, this banjo is the pinnacle of my banjo collecting desires. Martin built only 101 PS-5 long necks. The tone ring holes are grouped in sets of three rather than equally spaced as on a tubaphone ring. Martin D-45 guitar. The metal parts were gold plated and engraved. Your tenor 4-stringer was built in early 1972 per Shop Order 2051. Vega Martin long neck PS-5 banjo SN 80 is one of eleven Pete Seeger 5-stringers manufactured in Nazareth, PA, in mid 1972 per Shop Order 2098. Martin made 76 commemorative V-76 banjos in 1976 to celebrated the bicentennial of the USA. The banjo featured a metal tone ring, white fingerboard binding, a heavy notched tension hoop, a 10 ply rim, geared tuning pegs, a 3 piece maple neck, blackwood fingerboard, pearl dots, a resonator, an arm rest, nickel plated parts, and a shaded mahogany finish. The local music store said they would give her 120$ for it. Vega Pete Seeger Model Longneck 5 String Banjo (1961) The Eddie Peabody Model was actually made by Vega of Boston from 1966-ca. Martin V730 StringsVega struny banjo 5str 10-23,10 - 11109713090 However, current thinking (thanks to Hank Schwartz) is that 999 numbers were assigned per year -- from the start, in 1880. The mahogany neck had an ebony fingerboard with distinctive inlays including the peg head. vega banjo identification I have a vegavox 4 tenor banjo by Martin . what I know about banjos right now I learned from you!! Deering now owns the Vega line and offers open-back Tubaphones in their inventory. Wow! Martin made 101 of the PS-5 instruments which listed for $488 without case in the final V/M price list in 1971. The Eddie Peabody Model was actually made by Vega of Boston from 1966-ca. There are some folklore stories why the Seeger banjo was discontinued. 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. I own Martin Vega Wonder serial no. I appreciate having some of the history around my banjo and will cherish it even more knowing it is somewhat rare. 2 Tu-Ba-Phone XL long neck premieres instead. Please try again. I live near Portland, Oregon. Published by at 16 de junio de 2022. It was recommended by Bob Smakula that I send some photos to you and that you might have more information. Posts. June 7, 2022; homes for sale by owner in berwick, pa . I knew nothing about it until I found this site. Martin & Co. Organisation, NEEDHAM, MASS. sir- need some help. Of note, the tubular connecting rod and the Allen head screws seen in your banjo pot are design features left-over from the Vega era in Boston. Martin V730 Vega Steel/Nickel Banjo Strings - .010-.023 - Sweetwater Your description of your FR-5 sounds like you have a genuine Boston-made Folk Ranger. My Dad & I went to our music lessons back to back on Thursday evenings during my teen years some 40 years ago. 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. I call him Rory, although much louder he has a beautiful rich tone, but is quite punchy.. In the 1960`s, the PS-5 featured a 3 piece ebony fingerboard and a Tube-a-phone tone ring of bell brass and a 5 ply maple rim. Also, the banjo has some ornate details carved in it. Yes, the VVI banjos have the same inlay pattern as the VM Pro (Professional) 5 string model. Hope this helps, and I am sending you the circa 1978 C. F. Martin Tubaphone model promotional flyer . Hit a few licks on the tenor- you might find that you like it. Not quite as universally imitated as, say, Stradivari's violins or Martin's dreadnought guitars, but close. C.F. With the original Hardshell case and the rare Earl Scruggs Tuners or de- tuners if you will. The hardware on the V-41 is chrome-plated, so maybe a nearby metal shop could patch it for you or at least identify the alloy. I am a fan of the 27 scale and believe it has much to contribute tone-wise. They differed from ukulele banjos in that the uke banjos typically had smaller rims. Good luck and thanks again for your post. In the Martin price list of 1971, it is listed at $488 without case. 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 . Vega Pete Seeger 5-string Folk Banjo - 1958-1970 - The Canada Site Tim, Tim- Thanks much for your query. Its always inspiring to see someone so dedicated to their craft! This classic and ornate Vega series dates back to the 1920s but did not appear in the 1970 and 1972 Vega Martin catalogues. It is collecting dust since i dont play the banjo and I am thinking of passing it on. 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. The Galaxy serial number is not a continuum of the Martin serial number sequence. It is mentioned again on a back page of the 1972 catalogue. One thing that I have noticed is that Massachusetts-made resonator banjos generally had a yellow/orange stain. Both of these models had block mother of pearl inlays, with fewer inlays appearing on the new scaled-down Pro fretboard. He uses the one piece neck design typical of the other Deering models with the SN stamped on the back of the peghead. In that same period, twenty-one VV IV plectrums were manufactured. Isgho Votre ducation notre priorit . I will trade for a good Octave Mandolin or Bouzouki bouffant scrub cap pattern. It took me six months to finally commit to purchasing the Vega-Martin VIP that I brought home today from a local music shop. The Folk Ranger was a no-frills entry level banjo that Vega made in response to the folk music revival era. I play it weekly (weakly) on Monday nights at restaurant in Anaheim, California and love its sound. Martin built only 29 model T-2 instruments which were a reproduction of the classic Tu-Ba-Phone No. Cobra hooks first appear circa 1881 on Fairbanks & Cole banjos. Save on our most popular Goodtime banjos - the Goodtime openback and the Goodtime Two - at your favorite Deering dealer today! For reference, the name of the original owner with serial number should be in the Martin Archives. VEGA Banjos for sale | eBay Fairbanks Vega Banjos Specifications - Mugwumps 1833 decal is absent from the inner rim. C.F. C.F. You are so kind to provide this great info to all of us banjo geeks. From the BRC, Barry. However, its a beautifully crafted banjo with a great sound. My estimate is that your VV IV-T can fetch about $1000-4500 these days depending on the online vendor or estate auction. 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. Jim _Thanks for your query. The parts of your VIP-5 (Very Important Player) banjo # 130056 were probably manufactured in Massachusetts and assembled in Pennsylvania with a yellow data sticker on the inside rim and maybe C.F. 2 classic model. These data were generously provided to the BRC founder in 2000 by the family owned Martin Guitar department of history. $5000 would be a reasonable number if in good conditionit could have brought $7500 a few years ago. 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). 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 story of how Greg Deering came to own the 130 year old Vega trademark is one of childhood dreams and an unmissable opportunity. It did not have a tone ring or simply a steel ring like the Wonder, to keep the cost down. The shoes (instead of Vox next nut shoes) and the round hook and nutassemblies are probably from stock, as I have some still lying around athome that I bought from Martin back then to replace on a 1929 Vegaphone(which are slightly different). vega banjo identification By that time, parts were being shipped to Canada and Japan for assembly, and record keeping soon deteriorated and serial numbers were inconsistent. As you have observed, the VIP tonering has holes grouped in threes, so maybe yours might be a lucky survivor from the early days of the VIP line when the model first appeared in the 1970 Vega Martin catalogue. The banjo featured a bell brass audio-sonic tone ring, different from the tubaphone tone ring, and a ten ply maple rim. It is the first martin-vega I have ever seen in person, or had in my hands! And recently I installed a new Elite head, which made a wonderful difference. Barry. Of course she did a beautiful job with it including turning its blond color into a brunette! In general, the Boston made Pete Seeger long neck banjos seem to command a greater collectors` interest than the ones manufactured in Pennsylvania. 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. 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. Over a period of several years, the Vega line morphed into a uniquely featured Vega Martin instrument. In my files, the PS-5 is seen in a Vega (Boston) flyer in 1961 where it lists for $309. Categories . Many thanks and keep pickin & grinning. It was a student model that Eddie convinced long time friend and Vega owner/president to make positioned as a lower cost alternative to the Vox I/Professional IIit was an upgrade over the Little Wonder/Ranger banjos. From the BRC, Barry. I has Vega and a single star on the front of the headstock. I have an ornate 5 string Martin Vega banjo with pie-plate style resonator. Thank you so much!! 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. Vega Banjos for Sale, New and Used Search Agent: Get notified when new ads meet your criteria! Data zakoczenia 2022-09-02 - cena 20,90 z I ordered. It has only a tape serial number inside the pot of 1124. Banjo Parts & Accessories - Elderly Instruments The number is painted on the bottom not pressed in the wood. Vega Banjo Serial Numbers - cleverapex Barry. My estimate would in the neighborhood of $1.5K depending on condition. Rob- Thank you for the below photos. Thought you might enjoy an article in All Frets from my good friend and American Banjo Museum curator, Johnny Baier, An Ode to the Vega VoxId like to think my bad influences have moved him over to the dark side as he is now a happy owner of his own deep resonator tenor with a calfskin head (it sounds fantastic). Thats a lot of information! The 1971 Vega Martin price listed this model to retail at $556 without case. These days, the Wonder would sell for $700-$1000 depending on condition. Im assuming this is the serial number, which would put me right next to Mark, who owned #888 in previous comment 6. Its paper label says it was made by Vega of Boston, part of the CF Martin Co. but it does not have the CF Martin decal on the back of the peg-head. 1930 Vega Tenor Banjo - Pure Banjo Deering now offers the Tubaphone No. My Vega F-VIP #1456 got chosen from the 72 catalogue in spring of 76 in a music shop in Stuttgart / Germany, and was delivered only about ten weeks later. This did include the instalment of a Fiberskyn head to mellow down the tone somewhat, of a geared 5th string tuner, and of a (very nice) tailpiece to replace the chrome plated Waverly (everything else nickel). It`s a sweet long neck, and I wish I had one. Martin Vega Banjo 5-Strings, Medium Gauge (V740) Check Price at Amazon. Martin initiated its own serial number system in early 1972 which ran sequentially from #2 through #1945. Save This Search Your search returned 20 results View Sold and Expired Ads Matching Your Search Martin historian Mike Longworth. The rim and shoe screws/washer are likely homemade/cut down and tone ring is not Galaxy stock, but more of a Gibson knockoff. 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). It has no rod in the drum. Thank you. The V-45(5) featured a heavy one-piece flat head tone ring of brass so popular among Bluegrass pickers. Resale prices for this type of banjo vary widely from a couple of hundred to several thousand dollars depending on unique features. 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. Although mostly a collector`s item these days, the current price range of the V-76 is $2.3-5K. The Vega Vox model was a 4 string gem that featured a brass tone ring. Roger- Thanks much for your query. vega banjo identification. Fred- Thank you for the detailed photos of your instrument. I know this is a Vega Martin site, however maybe you can help me or know of someone who can provide me with more information about my dads Vega banjo.It is a 1951 Vega vox iv plectrum with with s/n 98786.What does the iv mean? What is it worth today, and what did it sell for when new? Martin purchased the Vega brand in May of 1970, the Martin factory in Nazareth, PA, began to re-tool for banjo production. C.F. ). There is no evidence that Vega actually made banjos prior to buying out Fairbanks. So, the rim and rods appear be from a Vox I, and dogbone Tubaphone tonering would be typical of the 1970s period under Martin (some the later Voxesmade by Vega in Needham Heights before moving to Nazareth used these, aswell as slotted Tubaphones). TMC marketed this standard neck Tu-Ba-Phone banjoas item No. Your F-VIP (Folk-Very Important Player) banjo #1456 was manufactured in Nazareth, PA, in mid 1975 in a lot of 3 such instruments per Shop Order 2274. 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. nike nationals track and field backpack; 0 comments. From the BRC, Barry. vega banjo identification Hope this helps and thanks for your post. Deering Banjo Company now owns the Vega brand, and you might contact them regarding a custom device if you want parts within the historic Vega lineage. Martin decals on the inner rim and back of the peghead. I bought my Vega PS-5 S/N 1046 new in, I believe, late summer of 1974 through Miller Music in Lawton, OK. Dog-bone Tubaphone tone ring, Grover milk bottle guitar tuners. ), though, as said earlier, neck and rim look a lot like Martin quality. A nice banjo- enjoy. After Martin purchased Vega in 1970, the factory transitioned from Needham Heights to Nazareth, PA. Your peghead and resonator are clearly marked with C.F. 2 Vega banjo from the early Boston era. Vega Banjos - Deering Banjo Company 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 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. 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. What is a spectrum banjo? I purchased the instrument from a private dealer (Kingsport, TN) for $800. Mark- Thank you for the very helpful series of photos and your kind comments about the website. tone ring that you have. Eric- Thanks for your kind comments about the website and prompt photos. It retailed for $775 and was probably assembled from parts left over from Nazareth, PA. Your VW-5 with SN 1519 was manufactured in Nazareth, PA, in 1976 per Shop Order 2285. vega banjo identification. In my files, the PS-5 model first appears in a 1961 Vega product flyer from Boston, but it may have been manufactured there starting in 1958. vega banjo identification - Pamela Hudson All the best, Barry. William- Thanks for your post. 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). Do you know how many tenor V41 banjos were made? Like Mark whom you cite from Comment #6 above, your banjo is one of 14 Pro-5 instruments manufactured per Shop Order #2197 in 1974 in Nazareth, PA. Martin built 100 Pro-5 banjos from 1971-79, including the whimsical Bobby Joe Fenster 5 stringer which was a thinly disguised Pro-5. vega banjo identification. Hope this helps, and thanks again for your post. Although a mystery to me, this top of the line resonator banjo was introduced by C.F. Barry, Eddie- Thanks for your query and kind comments about the website. C.F. 219203099161mmDA107 , . Really sounds and pays great. The fascinatingwooden pie (sectioned) resonator is probably inherited from the Boston era Vega inventory. New and Used Vega Banjos for Sale Search Agent: Get notified when new ads meet your criteria! Martin did not publish suggested retail prices after 1971, but I would estimate the V-76 sold for around $7-800 with case. Again, thanks for your post. The Martin Co. dropped the 6 digit serial number system in mid 1971 and then began again with #2- #1945, although a few special banjos up to #1969 were produced. About 20 years ago I had it re-fretted , re-finished , and the gold re-plated . Search online for Earl Scruggs Vega Banjo Images, and you will see a photo of him with his endorsed Vega instrument bearing the signature square inlays on the neck that offered its distinctive stage appearance. Your Vega Martin VIP-5 with SN 845 was made in Nazareth, PA, in 1974 as one of four manufactured per Shop Order #2193, and it sold for $556 without case in the 1971 price list (after which VM did not publish recommended retail prices). Your comments about the color tone differences of Vega/Boston vs. Martin/Nazareth resonator banjos are curious, and I do not have an accurate answer for it. The VIP-T is a nice mid range banjo model, and I have a VIP-5 which has a pleasant mid range tonal response.
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