Thanks you for this great site. This banjo has all hand-machined bell brass parts to replace the cheaper, more commonly used aluminum alloys used by both Vega and Martin during that era (including coordinator rods, top-tension rim lugs/shoes and bolts), and Kellens other signature upgrades that includes an 1/8 brass shim between the heel of the neck and rim and lacquered, highly polished inner resonator to enhance tone depth and volume projection. The overseas conglomerate Galaxy purchased the Vega line in 1979 and offered the T2-5 for $775 before going bankrupt in the mid 1980`s. 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 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. Be safe, be well, keep on picking. I have a vegavox 4 tenor banjo by Martin . 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. Device Search - VEGA The Vega line was then marketed in the USA by TMC Company (Targ & Dinner 20 Century Music Company). The Metropolitan Museum of Art in NYC recently showcased an exhibit of pre-1900 Martin guitars. Serial numbers became unreliable during that era. It is a Vega Martin model VW-5 called a Vega Wonder and sometimes referred to as the Wonder-5. I actually picked up a banjo that had a resonator that was sitting on the shelf in that 1970-72 period as Martin was transitioning and shutting down the factory there. ampleforth college redundancies. With appreciation, Barry. Vega Banjos Serial Numbers - spheregenerous Further investigation related to your comments in the abovefirst paragraph might shed some light on the wood tone finish differences. Martin decals on the inner rim and back of the peghead. It has no rod in the drum. They are 230, 243, 353, LVII (57?) Theres barely a mark on the banjo (except for the binding where it was put on a stand) and this will probably buff out. 6. 2 for $4149. A part of the C.F. In the Martin SN files, banjo #1302252 manufactured in 1971 is designated as a BJF-5 (Pro) style instrument. I have 3 Vega banjos , 1963 Earl Scruggs model A 10921(Scruggs ST-5, handwritten in red ink under that on yellow label) which I played for 23 years, she has a very mellow sound. By history, C.F. The Vega franchise was sold overseas in 1979 but reacquired in the US by Deering in 1989. The number is painted on the bottom not pressed in the wood. Barry. Martin markings, my impression is that it was put together overseas from left-over Martin parts after the Asian conglomerate Galaxy Trading purchased the Vega brand in 1979. 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. aluminum variety, one slim one large, with the larger one closer to the head. C.F. # 1713? 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 featuring a brass tone ring and ebony fingerboard. When C. F. Martin Co. bought the Vega banjo line in May of 1970, hundreds of parts were inherited from the Needham Heights factory near Boston. Your VW-5 would fetch $700-$1000 these days. There are 13 stars on the banjo fretboard, and there should be a plaque on the back of the headstock. 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. It looks to have some pretty fancy inlays along the fretboard and some nice detail & trim around the wooden drum. After a loooong wait I finally got it in 1971 . $42 USD. (They are NOT a 'coded' format.) Im just getting back into my love of music. 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. They differed from ukulele banjos in that the uke banjos typically had smaller rims. 5. It did not have a tone ring or simply a steel ring like the Wonder, to keep the cost down. These days, the banjo would probably fetch around $1000 if marketed online. Can you tell me more like age and value? Vega Tenor Banjo Serial Numbers - evertx As Barry indicates, a photo of the yellow sticker will be helpful here. An example of one of these 4-stringers from the 1920`s is still in the C.F. Excellent condition. I apologize for using this email to reach you, but I have a banjo question I hope you can help me with. 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. Your Vega Martin instrument SN 231 is a Wonder model VW-P (plectrum ) 4 stringer made in Nazareth in late 1972 per Shop Order #2121 just after production was transferred from Boston to the re-tooled Pennsylvania factory. The V-41 was available by special order only, and it listed back then for $850. Cobra hooks first appear circa 1881 on Fairbanks & Cole banjos. Below are more Letters from the BRC Archives. Thank you for all the information. It is a beauty. Martin manufactured 561 VW-5 banjos but only 124 FW-5 instruments. According to the C.F. Im not very knowledgable about banjos so please forgive my terminology. Im assuming this is the serial number, which would put me right next to Mark, who owned #888 in previous comment 6. The last Vega Martin banjo manufactured in Nazareth, PA, was SN 1969 as reportedly documented by a letter of authentication signed by C.F. Barry. Wow, I glad to find your website! The VIP model featured a unique `audio-sonic` bell brass tone ring, a scrolled peg head with ultra filagree pearl work, engraved pearl inlay in the ebony fretboard, a 10 ply maple rim with a heavy notched tension hoop, geared tuners, a walnut finish, and marquetry around the resonator. Dr. Ron- the BRC staff and readers appreciate all the wonderful details and photos. As C.F. 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. This workshop numbering system continued uninterrupted to #2355 in 1977 when the banjos went overseas for assembly. Vega banjos were marketed in the US thereafter by TMC (Targ & Dinner 20 Century Music Company) via a catalogue published in May of 1979. The peg head engraving and paint motif matched the resonator. New and Used Vega Banjos for Sale - banjobuyer.com Thank you so very much for this information! From the BRC, Barry. vega banjo identification. 1929 Vega Tubaphone Longneck Conversion Banjo This banjo started its life in 1929 as a Vega Vegaphone tenor banjo. Very interesting to get to know all this details. 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. Id like to echo previous comments and thank you for a great, great website, chock full of useful information. Rochester NY 14610. 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. It has only a tape serial number inside the pot of 1124. Smakula Fretted Instruments; Banjos Everywhere! The earliest reported is F&C #1000. 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. Please take detailed photos of your banjo inside and outside. Your VW-5 model Vega Wonder banjo SN 721 was manufactured in Nazareth, PA, in late 1973 per Shop Order 2181. Shop today! post id: 7593773670. posted: 2023-02-27 00:34. Can you tell me what year it was made and by whom? VEGA Vintage Banjos for sale | eBay Evidently, there was a marketing strategy to partner the 5-string V-41 instrument with Martin`s popular D-41 guitar, but this ploy did not come to fruition. nike nationals track and field backpack; 0 comments. This design of banjo retailed for $285 back then, and it was popularized by Erik Darling and Pete Seegar (who had his own Vega endorsed model for awhile). You are so kind to provide this great info to all of us banjo geeks. Hope this helps, and all the best picking, Barry. First let me thank you for this amazing well of information! In the 1971 price list, it retailed at $545 without case. Thank you. Any ideas on contacts for such a beast? I have had the opportunity to do this only once for a friend who traded some vintage parts with me for an old flange that I had by serendipity on my workshop shelf. 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. gamefowl breeders in texas; 0 comments. Nam liber tempor cum soluta nobis eleifend option congue nihil imperdiet doming id quod mazim placerat facer possim assum. For a chuckle, see the latest home page entry for BJF details. 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. vega banjo identification Vega Short Scale 4 string banjo neck model? - Mandolin Cafe Yes, the VVI banjos have the same inlay pattern as the VM Pro (Professional) 5 string model. John- Thank-you for the detailed photos. Vintage Vega Style M Tubaphone Banjo 1921 Boston Mass W Case Inlay TU BA PHONE C $1,714.08 Was: C $1,904.53 or Best Offer SPONSORED Banjo made by Tokai T600R T-600R vintage 5 strings acoustic w/ hardcase C $1,021.01 Free shipping or Best Offer Only 1 left! Best wishes with your VIP and thanks again for your post, Barry. 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). 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). what I know about banjos right now I learned from you!! it in 1970 through a music store in Norwich , Ct run by Cliff Tidd . March 13, 2017 at 3:46 pmRob- Thank you for your query and very kind comments about the BRC website. Fender Standard Banjo Hardshell Case Black chuya Fender Standard Banjo Hardshell Case Black ,, kemenpppa.go.id 4kjzing@8x47evey1 Good luck with your vintage Seeger long neck and photos of this prize would be most welcome for posting here if you are so inclined. I also did replace all of the cheapish plastic knobs with ivoroid ones of much better quality. Barry- Thanks for your queries and subsequent photos that promt me to revise my initial response. What A great and informative site .. Martin did not publish suggested retail prices after 1971, but I would estimate the V-76 sold for around $7-800 with case. Galaxy went bankrupt in a few years, and the Vega brand was purchased in 1989 by Deering in California who restored the instrument line to greatness. 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). Your VW-5 model Vega Wonder banjo SN 721 was manufactured in Nazareth, PA, in late 1973 per Shop Order 2181. This is a super site for banjo players and owners. Martin Vega Banjo 5-Strings, Medium Gauge (V740) Check Price at Amazon. The back of the peghead of these rare banjos is imprinted with a C.F. After 20 years, the wear and tear on a refinished instrument may reduce the value further. Hope this helps, and I am sending you the circa 1978 C. F. Martin Tubaphone model promotional flyer . From the BRC, Barry. The Vega era PS-5 banjos sell for up to $3-4K these days. 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. Martin did not publish retail prices after 1971, so my guess is that this up scale model sold back then for around $600. When C.F. It is a somewhat rare bird, as C.F. Jim _Thanks for your query. He is credited with being one of the first banjo-builders to install side brackets with hooks to adjust the tension of the head. Fantastic site with wonderful information. Vega Tenor Banjo and Case, 1920s | Reverb Oops, Something went wrong. This instrument debuted in 1952, and featured a single cutaway body, a distinctive "fire stripe" tortoiseshell pickguard, and a pair of thin blade-style pickups . The rim is 10 ply maple with a top metal tone ring, nickel-plated metal parts, and a shaded mahogany finish. 721 which I have had a number of years. Thanks for your very kind words about the BRC website. vega banjo identification - Pamela Hudson Thanks for the great information on this page. Barry. Wim, (Ed.- Note the classic Tubaphone tone ring. Is this original? The Wonder model had a metal tone ring, white fingerboard binding, a heavy notched tension hoop, a 10 ply rim, geared tuners, a 3 piece maple neck, a blackwood fretboard, pearl dots, a resonator with 4 section metal tone flanges, nickel-plated parts, a plastic head, an armrest and shaded mahogany finish. Martin made 76 commemorative V-76 banjos in 1976 to celebrated the bicentennial of the USA. Vega Martin banjo SN 1795 was one of three special order V-45 5-string banjos manufactured in Nazareth, PA, in 1977 per Shop Order 2335. vega banjo identification - Aviator Land I have a Vega V.I.P. The Pro-5 does not appear in the 1976 Vega Martin catalogue. 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. Deering rescued the Vega line by purchasing the brand name in 1989. 1969, probably initially at the 40 Leon Street factory the Needham Heights (just before the sale to Martin). It is in excellent condition but missing a resonator thumbscrew with the threaded washer. With appreciation, Barry, S.C.-Thank you for the prompt and detailed photos of your banjo. 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 . 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). The `41` engraved on the tailpiece no doubt refers to the model V-41 designation. 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. Hello. There is a star on the 5th fret. Martin upgraded the maple rim to 10 ply after purchasing the Vega/Boston franchise in May of 1970. 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. 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. They are on the second and 3rd strings and allow that Buck Trent kind of thing. Vega/Fairbanks open-back banjo designs are exemplary classics. safety tips; prohibited items; product recalls; Vega Banjo Serial Numbers - cleverapex Martin stamp. 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. I appreciate having some of the history around my banjo and will cherish it even more knowing it is somewhat rare. (#26) Dr. Ron about " Vega Vox V: The Vega Martin Apogee of 4 String Banjos", A Lone (Pre Vega Martin ) Banjo at the Art Museum, https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/14ES67V1VHbMR-GfbQpvWWGD1RUJrtyTv?usp=sharing. Inside your device. 26" Scale Length Serial: #21601 Condition: Excellent Case: gig bag Price: $Reduced Price $1395.00 Read More Gatcomb | Lansing Model #325 Index: 10566 Maker: Gatcomb Year: 1890's Notes: After Martin purchased Vega in 1970, the factory transitioned from Needham Heights to Nazareth, PA. C.F. 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. Barry, Marc- Thanks much for the prompt and telling photos. 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. So heres my question. Dave- Thank you for your kind words about the website and the narrative about your Vega Vox IV tenor banjo. The Vega Company reportedlyintroduced the first wooden sectioned pie resonator in mid 1923 for their Vega Professional 4-stringer. It retailed for $345 in the 1971 Vega Martin price list. Hello there, what a terrific Web page you guys have put together so interesting, i have a open back tenor banjo with the Martin logo and nos 916 it has the same pearl inlay as the 5 string pro it has 19 frets , i have no idea of its value but it has a beautiful slim neck just so easy to finger chords, cheers Rob. vega banjo identification This email will be copied to my Vega Vox scholar Dr. Ron for his insights and comments.From the BRC, Barry. 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. He could always check the stamp on the bottomthe tone ring to see if its a match to the rim (it should say V916). The long-neck No. Im sure theres a story behind this banjo and why it was made. This instrument was a special order for banjoist, Jack Mistretta, from Grand Rapids, Michiganwho happened to be a friend of Eddie Peabody. Maybe, the R-D prefix stands for Research and Development. The `Martin Guitars: A Technical Reference` confirms that the BJF-5 banjo was a thinly disguised Pro-5 not unlike yours . Banjo Parts & Accessories - Elderly Instruments 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 There are no other identification markings on the instrument and it definitely does not say Martin anywhere. After its Martin Guitar era, the Vega brand name ownership was sold overseas, and the banjo line fellinto obscurity. Vega Banjos for Sale, New and Used Search Agent: Get notified when new ads meet your criteria! I was told by someone at C. F. Martin that they only made 11 of them ( mine is ser # 7 ) . 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). 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. The tailpiece does not look original, but the dual connecting rods are typical of the Martin design. Let me know if you might have any questionsI really appreciate the work youre doing here. Hope this helps and best wishes from the BRC, Barry. What a wealth of banjo information you have.I have a VV IV T tenor SN: M130298 which I purchase used about twenty-five years ago for $2,000. Martin purchased the Vega brand line. Although mostly a collector`s item these days, the current price range of the V-76 is $2.3-5K. Prices subject to change without notice. 1833 decal is absent from the inner rim. The circa 1978 brochure that I sent you confirms that your instrument is a Tu-Ba-Phone Deluxe 5 stringer. It is not seen in the 1970 transitional Vega/Martin catalogue. On PLICSCOM menu under 'Information'. The rich heritage of Vega was derelict for 5 years until Deering rescued it by acquiring rights to the brand name in 1989. Retail price was $1300.00 ; I paid $900.00 . The description of your banjo serial number 916 is curious, and I will offer my theory about the instrument per the information given. Reverb Homepage Contact Support 539673d7daac40d5a6fd870a259b9813 Shop Gear Categories Brands Shops Deals and Steals Price Drops 0% Financing New and Popular Handpicked Collections Sell on Reverb 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. It is not to be confused with the metal pie plate or hubcap resonator manufactured by Elton in the 1930`s. The label on the peg head reads Martin & Co and inside the rim reads Martin & Co and the number 993. The last SN from Boston was probably #130049, and the Vega Martin logbook in Nazareth starts with SN 130248. Recently purchased a Vega Vox iv plectrum banjo. Check Price at Amazon. It is not clear why Martin initiated this product line. Although the Martin Company did not manufacture Vega banjos till a century later, a solitary banjo from the mid 19th century is appended to the exhibit to display parallel innovation in the instrument because of its increasing popularity during that era. Ive got a couple of pictures in case of interest, but Id need a mail-address for sending, me supposing. Subscribe to get free banjos tips, hear about new products, special offers, and more! The PS-5 is not seen in the 1976 Vega Martin catalog but is replaced by the No. The back of the headstock is blank. C.F. Since that day in 1989, Deering has breathed new life into the Vega name, blending over a century of tradition with Deering's banjo building expertise, to create a range of heritage rich open back and longneck banjos that are as integral to the modern folk sounds of The Avett Brothers as they were to Pete Seegers personal revolution. The seller advertised it (in 2016) as verified by BRC made in 1976 in Nazareth. Look for decals and a serial number on the interior of the rim to help document its story. The Pro model initially featured a Tube-a-phone tone chamber rim which evolved into a tone ring with exclusively designed audio apertures machined into a dogbone/barbell configuration. Do you know how many Scruggs or Scruggs Soloists, and Sonny Osborne models were made under the Martin ownership and where made? I am assuming someone may have penciled in an extra 1 on yours, but my best guess is that it was made sometime in the last half of 1963 (A12130 was the first banjo produced in Jan 64). Your description of your FR-5 sounds like you have a genuine Boston-made Folk Ranger. Q: At what point did Vega go from ball end to open end bracket nuts? I was told by someone at C. F. Martin that they only made 11 of them ( mine is ser # 7 ) . Where is the serial number on a Vega banjo? 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. brian kim, cpa clearvalue tax net worth . Your VM-5 Wonder banjo SN 720 was manufactured in 1973 per Shop Order 2181. vega banjo identification - moongraphicdesigning.com 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. rocket and teresa administrative leave; Being a low end instrument, the early FR-5 model had no connecting rod. vega banjo identification. I purchased the instrument from a private dealer (Kingsport, TN) for $800. Every Martin Vega I have seen has a more dark brown mahogany-colored stain. It retailed for $775 and was probably assembled from parts left over from Nazareth, PA.