Barry. Like my dad, I am a musician and physician and treasure his professional and avocational memorabilia. Shop today! Again, thanks for your query and photos. Your 5-stringer serial #993 is one of six Pro-5`s manufactured per Shop Order # 2211 in mid 1974 by C.F. According to the C.F. It is a Vega Martin model VW-5 called a Vega Wonder and sometimes referred to as the Wonder-5. 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. 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. I have recently acquired from Florida another VEGA Martin VIP model #845, which sounds totally different than the other 2, almost a rich full old timey sound yet with a resonator. Wow! From the BRC, Barry. The story he told was that it was a distress sale for a friend, and that the banjo was one of 1000 limited editions and had a solid silver tone ring, and was worth at least twice the price. In my files, the PS-5 is seen in a Vega (Boston) flyer in 1961 where it lists for $309. One thing that I have noticed is that Massachusetts-made resonator banjos generally had a yellow/orange stain. Do you know how many Scruggs or Scruggs Soloists, and Sonny Osborne models were made under the Martin ownership and where made? Posts. They are 230, 243, 353, LVII (57?) 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. Vega - Elderly Instruments This model appears in the 1972 and 1976 catalogues. The number will be 6-12 digits long depending on what year it was made. I dont know much about banjos because Im a guitar man myself. Here's a bit of description on the various models: This was also the case for their mandolin banjo lines. I would appreciate it very much. Can you tell me what year it was made and by whom? Roger- Thanks much for your query. It is a somewhat rare bird, as C.F. I would send pictures but was not sure just where to post them. Where is the serial number on a Vega banjo? Serial number assignment and record keeping fell into disarray from 1977 to 1979. Your Pete Seeger (PS-5) was one of eleven PS-5 long neck banjos made in early 1972 per Shop Order 2098. 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). Hope this helps, and thanks again for your post. The last one was produced in early 1975 despite being their very first banjo made that year. 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. Again, thank youmuchfor your post. Just found you today . Both are in wonderful condition. Barry. Very interesting to get to know all this details. 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. Thanks for your post. VEGA Vintage Banjos for sale | eBay Thanks for your post and happy pickin`, Barry. Device Search - VEGA Just bought a martin-vega banjo from an old man in North Carolina. Your banjo with SN 1046 was one of five PS-5 instruments manufactured in Nazareth, PA, in 1974 per Shop Order 2218, and after that C.F. Thanks from the BRC, Barry, Hi Barry! The fascinatingwooden pie (sectioned) resonator is probably inherited from the Boston era Vega inventory. Martin V730 Vega Steel/Nickel Banjo Strings - .010-.023 - Sweetwater Nowadays, the Pro-5 would fetch around $1000-$1500 depending on condition. As C.F. Virtually immaculate. In the final VM 1976 catalogue, the F-VIP is displayed in full advertising detail. Your VM-5 Wonder banjo SN 720 was manufactured in 1973 per Shop Order 2181. Martin- Thank you for your query and very useful photos. I have 2 Martin Vegas. Barry, I have purchased a Martin Vega V-45 described as 1971 production and a serial number of #327. I have a Vega Martin five string that my father special ordered around 76-77 Supposedly it was #10 of 10. 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. Barry, I have an open back Vega long neck with C F Martin Co logo on the back of the machine head and inside the rim. 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. Plectrum means a 4-string model with 22 frets, which is longer scale (27) than the 19 fret 4-string tenor (23). vega banjo identificationvega banjo identification January 31, 2022 . 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. what I know about banjos right now I learned from you!! Really sounds and pays great. 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. The Folk Wonder model does not appear in the 1972 or 1976 Vega Martin catalogues, but its resonator version the `Wonder` model does. The Seeger endorsed 5-stringer had the famous Vega Tube-a phone tone ring, a three piece ebony fingerboard, pearl dots, a neck-tension rod, a 10 ply maple rim, and a brass bracket band and notched tension hoop. I think it is a Pro-5. The top-of-the-line model that Martin-Vega offered during the 1970s was the special order Ultra Vox V. At the end of the production run in 1979, the MSRP list price in the catalog was $3600 (exactly the same as the Martin D-45 guitar). I think Ill go look up a local banjo instructor and take a few lessons. Martin Vega Banjo 5-Strings, Medium Gauge (V740) Check Price at Amazon. 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. 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. Martin purchased Vega in May of 1970, and production transitioned from Boston to Nazareth, PA. Having read the posts above I see that this is most likely not the case! Informacje o Martin V730 StringsVega struny banjo 5str 10-23,10 - 11109713090 w archiwum Allegro. Your tenor 4-stringer was built in early 1972 per Shop Order 2051. Hope this helps and all the best in 2019, Barry. 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. Jon- Thanks much for your kind comments about the website. 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. 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). Only 101 model PS-5 banjos were made by C.F. These three top-of-the-line instruments were sent to Japan for assembly. 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). Hope this helps and thanks for your post. Eddie- Thanks for your query and kind comments about the website. Your mellowed 1963 SR-5 sold for $400 in the 1963 Vega catalogue, and it was advertised to feature a brilliant tone back then. 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 workshop log book, your V-45-5 serial number 327 banjo was manufactured in Nazareth, PA, in early 1973 per Shop Order 2138. Martin did not publish retail prices after 1971, so my guess is that this up scale model sold back then for around $600. 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. The Wonder series of instruments featured a metal tone ring, white fingerboard binding, a heavy notched tension hoop, a 10 ply rim, a 3 piece maple neck, a blackwood fingerboard, pearl dots, an armrest, and a factory-installed resonator with four section metal tone flanges. Theres barely a mark on the banjo (except for the binding where it was put on a stand) and this will probably buff out. post id: 7593773670. posted: 2023-02-27 00:34. vega banjo identification - americanuzbekistan.org Serial # 1795. VIP is printed on the truss rod cover. Identifying Vintage Guitars, Banjos & Mandolins - Acoustic Music On PLICSCOM menu under 'Information'. 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. Thank you. The `41` engraved on the tailpiece no doubt refers to the model V-41 designation. $260 USD. With hard case. New and used generic flanges can be found on eBay, but getting one to fit your pot outer diameter and bracket hook sequence is tricky. If you want a more Bluegrass sound, try a 5-Star head from Stew Mac. In the 1972 Martin catalogue, the Professional appears identical to yours, but it is absent from the 1976 catalogue. 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). Martin did not publish suggested retail prices after 1971, but I would estimate the V-76 sold for around $7-800 with case. Thanks so much! 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 the Vega Martin price list of 1971, the last publication in which VM retail prices were cited, the VM-5 was listed at $345 without case. Greg Deering acquired rights to the Vega brand name in 1989 and restored the banjo line to greatness. 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. Martin in Nazareth, PA. It is collecting dust since i dont play the banjo and I am thinking of passing it on. 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. vega banjo identification - Aviator Land thanks for your help and keep up the good work. My estimate is that the banjo might be worth $500-$700 depending on condition. I have attached photos comparing the label printing difference. Thanks! Barry. The Martin log book in Nazareth, PA, begins with #130248 later in 1971. Martin D-45 guitar. The metal parts were gold plated and engraved. Deering now owns the Vega line and offers open-back Tubaphones in their inventory. No markings saying Martin but looks identical to fancy ones I saw in an old Martin sales flyer. Its always inspiring to see someone so dedicated to their craft! The Vega Vox model was a 4 string gem that featured a brass tone ring. It has almost all the hallmarks of a stock model VIP banjo. Any ideas on contacts for such a beast? 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 Item # was VT2NRC. Replacing a broken flange on a rare and vintage instrument is a tough task. Thanks for the photo of your Vega/Martin Pro-5 banjo. Tuned 1-1/2 steps lower than a standard 5-string banjo, the Maple Mountain Series MM-150LN is set up for the best singing keys. Therefore it became dissembled. In the meantime, thanks again for your post. If your Vegaphones and Tubaphone have serial numbers, you can more closely date them by visiting Whitetreeaz banjo serial numbers online. 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. Photos are always welcome, and thanks for your post. It listed back then for $345 without to BRCcase. nike nationals track and field backpack; 0 comments. The serial number is found on a white tag on the inside of the resonator or if you have an openback banjo, it is a smaller white tag on the inside of the rim. ). Im hoping you can check both in your archives and tell me the going prices. Hope this helps and thanks again for your post. The rhinestones on the flanges, tension bolts, and peghead differ from Peabodys prototype and the later Martin production Vox V models. According to the C.F. 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. It appears to be serial number 231 (engraved). From the BRC, Barry. 1921 Vega Style L Whyte Laydie Mandolin Banjo. The number is painted on the bottom not pressed in the wood. 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. Hope this helps and thanks again for your post. The peg head engraving and paint motif matched the resonator. The 1971 Vega Martin price listed this model to retail at $556 without case. Martin built only 22 such instruments which featured a brass tone ring, gold-plating, an engraved tail piece, an ebony fretboard, and a mahogany neck. Hello and thank you so much for your hard work and dedication. Vega Regent 5 String Banjo (1925) | RetroFret To unravel most of the curious mystery of the legendary Bobby Joe Fenster, please scroll back to the Sept. 12, 2014 homepage posting devoted to this interesting figure from the annals of Vega Martin banjo history, or just enter fenster in the search engine on the home page. There are some folklore stories why the Seeger banjo was discontinued. The Galaxy serial number is not a continuum of the Martin serial number sequence. Is this original? I orderedit in 1970 through a music store in Norwich , Ct run by Cliff Tidd . Eric- Thanks for your kind comments about the website and prompt photos. ampleforth college redundancies. Over a period of several years, the Vega line morphed into a uniquely featured Vega Martin instrument. 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. best of . Vega Banjo Serial Numbers - cleverapex However, current thinking (thanks to Hank Schwartz) is that 999 numbers were assigned per year -- from the start, in 1880. In recent years, Deeringrecreated andmarkets its ownVega Professional 4-stringer model with a classic wooden pie sectioned resonator. vega banjo identification. It is in excellent condition but missing a resonator thumbscrew with the threaded washer. Is it possible to tell me what model or style and year it was built also the value?