I really appreciate your orientation. 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? Fairbanks & Cole Its always inspiring to see someone so dedicated to their craft! The Vega 1961 flyer and 1963 catalogue describe that the Earl Scruggs model had a sunburst finish on the resonator. 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. (They are NOT a 'coded' format.) Hopes this helps and thanks again for the detailed pictures. Vega banjos were then marketed in the USA by TMC (Targ & Dinner Music Company). 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. Im curious to know if it is possible to learn whether this banjo came from the factory with a resonator or was originally sold as an open back. rocket and teresa administrative leave; The larger connecting rod inside the pot is a spare part inherited from the Boston days of the Vega company. I have attached photos comparing the label printing difference. Linda- Thanks much for your query and hearing about your three vintage banjos. FAIRBANKS BANJO MANDOLINE. I dont know much about banjos because Im a guitar man myself. The Item # was VT2NRC. Vega Martin models (1970-1979) are less of a collector`s item and fetch about half that price range. Martin also made 1976 model D-76 guitars to partner the banjo. In May of 1970, C.F. These were used on the Wonder, VIP,Folklore, etc (non-Pro II, V-45, V-41 styles). Ernie- It would be helpful if you could send a photo of your yellow sticker, as I suspect that your Vega Vox IV was manufactured in Boston in 1964 after Vega reconverted to a six digit serial number during the pre- C.F. Of note, when the Professional 5-stringer was made in Boston in the early 1960`s, it had square MOP inlays with dots on the neck compared to the nicely designed inlays on your fretboard and seen in the 1966 catalogue. I appreciate having some of the history around my banjo and will cherish it even more knowing it is somewhat rare. It retailed for $345 in the 1971 Vega Martin price list. 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. Barry. The Wonder-5 retailed for $345 without case per the CFM 1971 price list. safety tips; prohibited items; product recalls; Your PS-5 Pete Seeger long neck # M-130259 was assembled in Nazareth in early 1971 per Shop Order 2012. What a wealth of information! In excellent condition and ready to play. Thank you. About 20 years ago I had it re-fretted , re-finished , and the gold re-plated . $5000 would be a reasonable number if in good conditionit could have brought $7500 a few years ago. $260 USD. Martin was winding-down its banjo production, the metal engraving was subcontracted to Liberty Banjos. Thank you for all the information. Excellent condition. The flanges, tension hoop, tailpiece and extended armrest are deeply and elaborately engraved, and were originally finished in a special hardened 24K gold electroplate. I purchased the instrument from a private dealer (Kingsport, TN) for $800. Some C.F. My estimate is that it might fetch $1800-2000 these days. 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 open back Folk Wonder 5-stringer does not appear in the 1976 Vega/Martin catalogue where the Vega Wonder resonator series is still advertised. and CXXVI (126?). I have 5 different stringed instruments that just keep finding me, and I was nervous to take it apart so I could look at the serial number. What is a spectrum banjo? $42 USD. Vega Tenor Banjo and Case, 1920s | Reverb Oops, Something went wrong. Rettberg & Lange(1898-1920) banjos were initially similar to Buckbee-made Maybe, the R-D prefix stands for Research and Development. The well preserved CFM decals on the rim and back of the peg head clearly document that the parts were made in Nazareth, PA, circa 1974. These days, the banjo would probably fetch around $1000 if marketed online. Let me know if you might have any questionsI really appreciate the work youre doing here. New and Used Vega Banjos for Sale - banjobuyer.com I would send pictures but was not sure just where to post them. The Metropolitan Museum of Art in NYC recently showcased an exhibit of pre-1900 Martin guitars. Martin began shipping parts overseas for assembly. C.F. 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! 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. I am a fan of the 27 scale and believe it has much to contribute tone-wise. Perhaps a bit more cutting. thanks for your help and keep up the good work. I cant find that picture, but Ill see if I can locate it, as someone else may have sent it to me playing the banjo out at afestival in Arizona. In that same period, twenty-one VV IV plectrums were manufactured. What is it worth today, and what did it sell for when new? Then by ink its written Folk Ranger. From the BRC, Barry. My other theory is that the pot, which bears a C.F. The PS-5 is not seen in the 1976 Vega Martin catalog but is replaced by the No. Having read the posts above I see that this is most likely not the case! For Sale - Vega Earl Scruggs Banjo and Original hard case Published by at 16 de junio de 2022. 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. Vega Pete Seeger 5-string Folk Banjo - 1958-1970 - The Canada Site Galaxy went bankrupt around 1984 and vanished. Your VW-5 model Vega Wonder banjo SN 721 was manufactured in Nazareth, PA, in late 1973 per Shop Order 2181. 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. Ed Britt, Jim Bollman, or Bob Smakula would be the most likely people to be able to give you the most exact identification of the model possible. 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. vega banjo identification. 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. These days, the Wonder would sell for $700-$1000 depending on condition. Fender Standard Banjo Hardshell Case Black ,, kemenpppa.go.id 4kjzing@8x47evey1 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. Wow! The Eddie Peabody Model was actually made by Vega of Boston from 1966-ca. Im mostly a guitar player. They differed from ukulele banjos in that the uke banjos typically had smaller rims. Barry, My Vega VIP 5-string has S/N 2316 painted inside the rim, which I presume means it was assembled by Galaxy in Asia. By history, C.F. The resonator was hand-painted, and fancy engraved pearl inlays adorned the ebony fingerboard. Steve in Oz, April 24, 2016 at 1:23 pmSteve- Thanks for your post and glad to hear that a `Wonder` banjo made it `Down Under` during the Vega Martin era. From the BRC, Barry. Vega Banjos for Sale, New and Used Search Agent: Get notified when new ads meet your criteria! Martin V720 Vega Steel/Nickel Banjo Strings - .009-.030 - Sweetwater # 1713? Vega Martin SN 1199 is one of five VIP-T (tenor) banjos made per shop order # 2233 in late 1974 in Nazareth, PA. Martin era. For those interested in the genealogy of banjo manufacturers, I have included a page summarizing some important relationships between manufacturers, . Greg Deering acquired rights to the Vega brand name in 1989 and restored the banjo line to greatness. Martin historian Mike Longworth. My estimate would be that this rare and exotic bird might fetch around $1800 or more these days. With appreciation, Barry, S.C.-Thank you for the prompt and detailed photos of your banjo. Ive got a couple of pictures in case of interest, but Id need a mail-address for sending, me supposing. Ive taken a number of hi-res photostoo many to attach to email. Whenever parts are sent overseas, it is unpredictable if instruments are constructed fastidiously with matching parts, and this may explain the difference in tone between your two VIP instruments. I bought it in Stockholm, Sweden as a student, so it was not so expensive, as i remembered. 5. The openbacks are made entirely of white oak and feature a midnight maple fingerboard and peghead overlay. C.F. The Galaxy serial number is not a continuum of the Martin serial number sequence. 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. Can you tell me what year it was made and by whom? Vega Banjo Identification - azgardcn If you had a picture archive, Id be happy to post some pictures. Data zakoczenia 2022-09-02 - cena 20,90 z Dick- Thank you for being a frequent reader of the BRC website. However, its a beautifully crafted banjo with a great sound. Home; Meet Darlene; ISI Mission; What is Coaching? The Folk Wonder model does not appear in the 1972 or 1976 Vega Martin catalogues, but its resonator version the `Wonder` model does. Tom- Thank you for the prompt and detailed photos of your instrument. Jon- Thanks much for your kind comments about the website. These were followed by banjos #9-14 which were Vega Vox-4-P plectrums per Shop Order 2088. Thanks for your reply. Age differences in the instruments might alsoalter the wood tones. Jack. Your banjo neck is from a Martin Tu-Ba-Phone 5-string banjoas advertised in a Martin flyer circa 1978, and the potalso looks like a left-over rim inherited from theNazareth, PA, company. By early 1971, Martin began to assemble banjos from Boston-made parts in Nazareth using the Vega six digit serial number system prefixed with the letter M for Martin and beginning with Shop Order 2001. Categories . Despite its puzzling serial number, your instrument is a Tu-Ba-Phone Deluxe 5-string. Barry. The last Vega Martin banjo manufactured in Nazareth, PA, was SN 1969 as reportedly documented by a letter of authentication signed by C.F. From the BRC, Barry. It appears in the transitional Vega/Martin product list of 1970 and lastly in the 1972 Vega Banjo Catalog (The CF Martin Organization). Best of luck and thanks for your query, Barry. Buy VEGA Banjos and get the best deals at the lowest prices on eBay! Fairbanks Vega Banjos Specifications - Mugwumps It is the first martin-vega I have ever seen in person, or had in my hands! Deering now offers the Tubaphone No. 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. The five number labels were found in banjos made from 1962 through February 1964, involving serial numbers A10300 through A12400. Thanks again for your post. Elite Fiberskyn Banjo Head, 11", High. I just acquired a second, SN#990 with the dog-bone tone ring. Other Banjo-Related Topics Collector's Corner ARCHIVED TOPIC: Vega banjo identification Please note this is an archived topic, so it is locked and unable to be replied to. Nowadays, the Pro-5 would fetch around $1000-$1500 depending on condition. Martin initiated its own serial number system in early 1972 which ran sequentially from #2 through #1945. Barry- Thanks for your queries and subsequent photos that promt me to revise my initial response. Bob- Thanks for your query and kind words about my website. It retailed for $345 in the 1971 Vega Martin price list. This email will be copied to my Vega Vox scholar Dr. Ron for his insights and comments.From the BRC, Barry. From the BRC, Barry. 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. Any insight would be greatly appreciated. Deering rescued the Vega line by purchasing the brand name in 1989. 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. My guess is that the lugs in your resonator have American (inch fraction) thread features, and it is doubtful that an original VIP thumb screw 4 decades old will appear on eBay- but who knows. Just found you today . Also, Deering uses a 3-ply 1/2 rock maple rim, compared to the 5/8 10-ply rim typically found in most Martin Nazareth produced Voxes in the 1970s. Its a Vega VIP with the Martin Co. logo on the back of the peg head. 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). Rochester NY 14610. vega banjo identification Dot inlay fret board. In a 1971 price list, the FW-5 sold for $345. The last one was produced in early 1975 despite being their very first banjo made that year. Unbeknownstto most 5 string aficionados, the Martin Guitar Company manufactured Vega banjos from 1970 through 1979. vega banjo identification. The metal parts were chrome-plated. 1519. Ive had several accomplished pickers really make it talk.wish I could!! Is this an old genuine Vega in the lower price class, Sten- Thanks for your query about the FR-5 banjo. Martin built only 101 PS-5 long necks. From the BRC, Barry, Barry, i have an extended neck (25 fretts) Vega/Martin banjo with a serial number of 80. Of historical interest, when Martin initiated its own four digit serial number system in 1972 to replace the Vega six digit system, banjos SN 2-5 were the V-45(5) model. In the 1970 transitional Vega/Martin banjo catalogue, their Pro model line is conspicuosly absent; and instead, is seen a nearly identical twin Bobby Joe Fenster style banjo named after a fictitious nerdy folk musician invented by Martin in 1967 as an insider marketing joke. Inside your device. vega banjo identification. The mother of pearl inlay fretboard pattern in your Pro-5 is similar to that found in the popular VIP-5 banjo, but the latter has single-stripe engraving in the mother of pearl. 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. Thanks so much! The Eddie Peabody Model was actually made by Vega of Boston from 1966-ca. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Thank you for your query to the BRC and the abovephoto link. 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. 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. what I know about banjos right now I learned from you!! These data were generously provided to the BRC founder in 2000 by the family owned Martin Guitar department of history. Lastly, the banjo could be cleaned-up and refitted at a local music shop, or referred by the shop to a nearby luthier for repairs; and you would have a workable starter banjo for taking some exploratory music lessons. It is a VEGA MARTIN tenor 4 string on which is written a number: 1040 .On the handle, it is engraved VIP and the back of the handle, there is the CF Martin logo.I want to know the date of construction , its positioning in the range of tenor banjos and possibly the price it may be worth now .Thank you in advance and best wishes !Bernard, BRC Banjo Replies:June 1, 2016 at 2:33 pm, Bonjour Bernard- Your VIP (Very Important Player) tenor banjo serial number 1040 was one of three VIP-T banjos manufactured by C.F. 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. Where to find your serial number. In the meantime, thanks again for your post. In the the 1971 Vega Martin price list, the VW-Plec retailed at $345. It is in excellent condition but missing a resonator thumbscrew with the threaded washer. Martin made only about a dozen more PS-5 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. With the original Hardshell case and the rare Earl Scruggs Tuners or de- tuners if you will. George Gruhn might also know. vega banjo Archives - Seeders Instruments Device Search - VEGA It retailed for $488 without case in the 1970 Vega Martin catalog, and it last appeared in the 1972 VM catalogue without a suggested price. 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. According to the C.F. I have two theories about your instrument. Can you identify this rare Vega Martin banjo just by the peghead markings? Q: At what point did Vega go from ball end to open end bracket nuts? Deering (California) now owns the Vega brand name and produces a `Little Wonder` and `Old Tyme Wonder` 5-stringer not unlike your instrument. They are on the second and 3rd strings and allow that Buck Trent kind of thing. Martin upgraded the maple rim to 10 ply after purchasing the Vega/Boston franchise in May of 1970. The earliest reported is F&C #1000. Answer: Tu-Ba-Phone 5-String made 1978-1979. Give it a try and good luck. Ironically, C.F. Photos are available. 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. Shop today! From the BRC, Barry, Only a handful of Martin/Vega banjos made it down to Australia. Of course she did a beautiful job with it including turning its blond color into a brunette! Theres precious little information about these instruments online. The banjo had a 3 piece maple neck and a signature tubaphone tone ring clearly shown in the pictures that you provided. 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. 2 Tu-Ba-Phone XL long neck premieres instead. 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). I think it is a Pro-5. Do you know how many tenor V41 banjos were made? C.F. Wooden pot resonator. ). The Pro-5 does not appear in the 1976 Vega Martin catalogue. It retailed for $775 and was probably assembled from parts left over from Nazareth, PA. Id love to learn more about it, etc. I have sent an e-mail to my Vega Vox consultant Dr. Ron and await his comments and appraisal. Being unable to find anything on the internet, I began to think I had been scammed. Subject: Help with ID of Vega Banjo please. Hope this helps and thanks again for your post. 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. In the final Martin price listed published in 1971, it listed for $345 without case. Thanks again for your time & consideration. From the BRC site this banjo was made circa 1975-1976 in and around Nazareth PA. Do I have the have the provenance correct? One thing that I have noticed is that Massachusetts-made resonator banjos generally had a yellow/orange stain. The PS-5 is advertised in the 1970 and 1972 Vega/Martin catalogues but is absent from the 1976 catalogue where the No. Again, thanks for your post. There is no evidence that Vega actually made banjos prior to buying out Fairbanks. Martin decal photographed on the back of the VIP Vega peg head. My Dad left me a Martin VegaIm thinking I want to pass it on to someone wholl play it and care for it more than I can. The Martin log book in Nazareth, PA, begins with #130248 later in 1971. Although mostly a collector`s item these days, the current price range of the V-76 is $2.3-5K. All the best from the BRC, 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. A part of the C.F. vega banjo identification The story of how Greg Deering came to own the 130 year old Vega trademark is one of childhood dreams and an unmissable opportunity. New and Used Vega Banjos for Sale Search Agent: Get notified when new ads meet your criteria! C.F. vega banjo identification. 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 - Elderly Instruments Vega Tenor Banjo and Case, 1920s | Reverb Mike- Thanks for your post and kind remarks about the BRC website. 6. I remember seeing a brand new tenor Vox I in a musicstore in late 1973/early 1974 that already had the rosewood cap (memorablefor me as a kid and thought it odd, when compared to the 1972 catalog; aWonder or Ranger were also in the store from Needham Heights and were stillblackened). The inside of the banjo is also blank except for the painted serial number 2207. I was lucky enough to buy one but, as my music and and the type of music I had to play to get work changed, I hardly played this, near mint condition, banjo. vega banjo identification. Each of the men is posed in front of a Vega model 131 amplifier, identical to the unit which remains with the banjo today. Hope this helps and thanks for your post. Im sure theres a story behind this banjo and why it was made. 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. 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 was told that it was made by Martin, but I do not find any Martin labels. 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. 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. Barry. Martin V740 Strings Vega strun banjo 5-strunowego RETRO 10-23,10 Vega banjo identification - Discussion Forums - Banjo Hangout Its in excellent condition other than needing some cleaning and a little metal polish on the metal parts. 1972 Vega Banjo. Barry, Samantha Thanks for the extensive and helpful photos of your above banjo. vega banjo identification - nutrir.cl