JC $260 USD. It retailed for $775 and was probably assembled from parts left over from Nazareth, PA. C.F. $5000 would be a reasonable number if in good conditionit could have brought $7500 a few years ago. Martin Museum collection. The resonator was hand-painted, and fancy engraved pearl inlays adorned the ebony fingerboard. Over a period of several years, the Vega line morphed into a uniquely featured Vega Martin instrument. 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. 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. In a 1971 price list, the FW-5 sold for $345. Your PS-5 Pete Seeger long neck # M-130259 was assembled in Nazareth in early 1971 per Shop Order 2012. Hit a few licks on the tenor- you might find that you like it. 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. Shop today! I have two theories about your instrument. Serial number assignment and record keeping fell into disarray from 1977 to 1979. bouffant scrub cap pattern. 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 . If you had a picture archive, Id be happy to post some pictures. It is in excellent condition but missing a resonator thumbscrew with the threaded washer. Martin also made 1976 model D-76 guitars to partner the banjo. The smaller one has 2 small set screws installed on either side of the rod to adjust the neck heel . 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. I was told by someone at C. F. Martin that they only made 11 of them ( mine is ser # 7 ) . Could you tell me where it was built and what its value is today ? Your VW-5 with SN 1519 was manufactured in Nazareth, PA, in 1976 per Shop Order 2285. These days, the Wonder would sell for $700-$1000 depending on condition. 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. Any info including your estimate of current value would be very much appreciated. Answer: Tu-Ba-Phone 5-String made 1978-1979. Any insight would be greatly appreciated. Hello, Martin manufactured 100 Pro-5 banjos including the temporary Bobby Joe Fenster variation. 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 first two digits tell you the month the banjo was built, the last two digits before the dash or space will tell you the year, and the numbers in between are considered the number of that model we have made since we started the formal serial number system in 1987. Barry. 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. What can you tell me about my instrument? From the BRC, Barry. It is the first martin-vega I have ever seen in person, or had in my hands! I would like to know a little more about it. Martin- Thank you for your query and very useful photos. Virtually immaculate. 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. From the BRC, Barry. Barry. I have a vegavox 4 tenor banjo by Martin . What a wealth of information! 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. It is number E-5 in a limited edition of 16 instruments made in 1976. Ending Thursday at 9:33PM GMT 2d 23h. The tiny screws adjacent to it are an adaptation by the Vega franchise to afford fine-tuning of the side-to-side alignment of the neck. Martin purchased the Vega brand line. Your VW-5 would fetch $700-$1000 these days. vega banjo identification. The PS-5 is not seen in the 1976 Vega Martin catalog but is replaced by the No. 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. 10" Rim. 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. The Eddie Peabody Model was actually made by Vega of Boston from 1966-ca. From the BRC, Barry. Is 887 also a Pro5? 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). Vega banjos were marketed in the US thereafter by TMC (Targ & Dinner 20 Century Music Company) via a catalogue published in May of 1979. This is a super site for banjo players and owners. Thanks so much Ill get back to you if any further questions. The Vega Regent is one of the classic 5-string banjos of the Vega line. Vega/Fairbanks open-back banjo designs are exemplary classics. Data from these logbooks are available per e-mail request from the BRC founder. In those years there was not a college student who didn't dream of owning a Vega Pete . First let me thank you for this amazing well of information! He is credited with being one of the first banjo-builders to install side brackets with hooks to adjust the tension of the head. I have two 1930 Vegaphones and an earlier Tubaphone conversion, and this VIP is certainly able to hold up its weight tone wise. FAIRBANKS BANJO MANDOLINE. Your Pete Seeger (PS-5) was one of eleven PS-5 long neck banjos made in early 1972 per Shop Order 2098. It is mentioned again on a back page of the 1972 catalogue. Thanks for sharing your fascinating banjo with the BRC, Barry. The only serial number is 1120. 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. The build quality is quite immaculate, both wood and hardware. The story of how Greg Deering came to own the 130 year old Vega trademark is one of childhood dreams and an unmissable opportunity. Remo Frosted Top Banjo Head, 11 Inch Diameter, High Crown (1/2 Inch) $19 USD. The peg head engraving and paint motif matched the resonator. They differed from ukulele banjos in that the uke banjos typically had smaller rims. Fairbanks & Cole 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. Data zakoczenia 2022-09-02 - cena 20,90 z Congratulationsand, welcome to the VegaVox family! 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). Item # 9126. 5. C.F. The back of the peghead of these rare banjos is imprinted with a 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. 2 for $4149. The V-41 was available by special order only, and it listed back then for $850. "F" Style mandolins have a carved nautilus shaped curl on the upper left-hand bout. 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. I was told by someone at C. F. Martin that they only made 11 of them ( mine is ser # 7 ) . 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. 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). Your VM-5 Wonder banjo SN 720 was manufactured in 1973 per Shop Order 2181. The number is painted on the bottom not pressed in the wood. Serial # 1795. vega banjo identification. GREAT FORUM. Thanks you for this great site. It was recommended by Bob Smakula that I send some photos to you and that you might have more information. Barry, I have purchased a Martin Vega V-45 described as 1971 production and a serial number of #327. Andreas- Thank you for the historical narrative on your banjo and the detailed photographs. Thank-you for your kind words about my website, and all blessings to you and yours this coming holiday season. Isgho Votre ducation notre priorit . Ironically, C.F. For example: 0534599-7362 would be a banjo from May of 1999. The Martin log book in Nazareth, PA, begins with #130248 later in 1971. 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. (BTW, foradditional postings select Vega Martin Stories on the homepage menu or enter Vega Martin in the search engine. 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). Services; vega banjo identification Good luck and thanks again for your post. Id like to echo previous comments and thank you for a great, great website, chock full of useful information. The banjo had a 3 piece maple neck and a signature tubaphone tone ring clearly shown in the pictures that you provided. 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 . cscl star vessel flag autism and narcissism differences. Deering (California) now owns the Vega brand name and produces a `Little Wonder` and `Old Tyme Wonder` 5-stringer not unlike your instrument. Martin in Nazareth, Pennsylvania, in mid 1974 per Shop Order #2217. One of the 2 rods inside rim is a larger diameter then the other one. Jon- Thanks much for your kind comments about the website. If you could give me your thought about what its worth, I would appreciate it. 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. For reference, the name of the original owner with serial number should be in the Martin Archives. Martin`s beloved historian). Fred- Thank you for the detailed photos of your instrument. Rettberg & Lange(1898-1920) banjos were initially similar to Buckbee-made 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. I have a Martin Vega Banjo, #324. Thank you, Barry, for the information that allow me to buy this banjo with serenity.VIVE le BANJO and the banjo players! Being unable to find anything on the internet, I began to think I had been scammed. Thanks again for your post. 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. Hope this helps, and all the best picking, Barry. Hope this helps and best wishes from the BRC, Barry. George Gruhn might also know. Although a mystery to me, this top of the line resonator banjo was introduced by C.F. Best wishes for happy pickin`, Barry, I have an Vega 5-string banjo, open back, bought around 1965. 2 Tu-Ba-Phone XL long neck. In PACTware software. The five number labels were found in banjos made from 1962 through February 1964, involving serial numbers A10300 through A12400. In general, the Boston made Pete Seeger long neck banjos seem to command a greater collectors` interest than the ones manufactured in Pennsylvania. Barry, I want to thank you very much for the research on my Vega. As your banjo bears no C.F. Save on our most popular Goodtime banjos - the Goodtime openback and the Goodtime Two - at your favorite Deering dealer today! 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. Ive taken a number of hi-res photostoo many to attach to email. Photos are always welcome, and thanks for your post. ), Wim- Congratulations on procuring such a lovely vintage instrument. Martin purchased the Vega brand in May of 1970, the Martin factory in Nazareth, PA, began to re-tool for banjo production. 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. Your 5 string model was featured in the subsequent 1979 TMC Vega catalogue as an instrument similar to old style Vega Tu- Ba-Phone No.9.. banjo, and it listed then for $1250. Im the happy owner of a Vega-Martin VW-5 Wonder 5 string, serial #1516. 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. According to the C.F. When C. F. Martin took over Vega in 1970, they dropped the A-xxxxxx serial numbers and replaced it with M-xxxxxx series, until starting a new four digit numbering system in 1972 at the Nazareth factory. Is has a hard case with blue interior. 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 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. 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. This workshop numbering system continued uninterrupted to #2355 in 1977 when the banjos went overseas for assembly. In that same period, twenty-one VV IV plectrums were manufactured. Close study of the flange can sometimes reveal, however, that it is left-over Vega hardware from the Needham Heights factory. Accordingly, 1970-1971 was a year of manufacturing transition from Boston to Nazareth. 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. 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. Thats a lot of information! aluminum variety, one slim one large, with the larger one closer to the head. Vega serial #s between 99369 and 99686, when the switch from the Vega stamp to printed yellow labels seems to have occured. Hi there Folks.A few weeks ago i bought a Vega martin 5 string banjo, tubaphone tonering, the screws to attach the shoes to the bracket band go through the bracketband but also through the rim.The banjo is almost in unplayed condition, sounds wonderfull, the original case is also there.serial numer is 1707. My estimate would in the neighborhood of $1.5K depending on condition. C.F. Do you know how many Scruggs or Scruggs Soloists, and Sonny Osborne models were made under the Martin ownership and where made? C.F. Guess I stated it wrong, not really carvings, just in lays. Prices subject to change without notice. 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! The retail price for this banjo in the 1970 catalogue was $488 without case, and Martin did not published price lists after 1971. In my files, the PS-5 is seen in a Vega (Boston) flyer in 1961 where it lists for $309. Can you tell me what year it was made and by whom? Martin purchased the Vega brand and briefly marketed the so-called Bobby Joe Fenster banjo which was a thinly disguised Pro-5 endorsed by a fictitious banjoist as a somewhat mirthful marketing ploy. Martin Vega Banjo Strings Features: Tin-plated steel core is responsive, lively, and resilient Nickel alloy wrap wire is consistently smooth and tonally flexible for a variety of playing styles 4-string tenor gauge is mellow and warm and accents low to midrange frequencies Tech Specs Number of Strings: 4 String Material: Tin-plated Steel Banjoman- C.F. Im mostly a guitar player. My personal suggestion, however, is to preserve it as a tangible keepsake of the priceless moments spent with your father years ago. The Ranger sold for $125 in 1961 and $158 in 1966. Data zakoczenia 2022-09-02 - cena 20,90 z Let me know if you might have any questionsI really appreciate the work youre doing here. Hi guys, great website. P.S. Cited in the Vega price list of 1971, the last one VM published, the retail price tag was $488 without case. Where is the serial number on a Vega banjo? 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. Maybe, another observant reader will offer a discerning observation for us sometime. Again, thanks for your post. Kudos to Greg Deering who rescued the Vega brand name from extinction in 1989 and restored it to greatness. Your T-2 instrument SN 1603 was one of five Tu-Ba-Phone 5 string banjos manufactured in Nazareth, PA, in 1976 shortly before the big luthier strike that compelled C. F. Martin to ship parts overseas for assembly. 219203099161mmDA107 , . Do you know how many tenor V41 banjos were made? In your e-mail, you mention being told when acquiring the instrument that it was a prototype design. In general, the Boston made Pete Seeger long neck banjos seem to command a greater collectors` interest than the ones manufactured in Pennsylvania. What is it worth today, and what did it sell for when new? 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). Family owned since 1972, Elderly Instruments is a music store specializing in new, used & vintage guitars, banjos, mandolins, ukuleles and more. The circa 1978 brochure that I sent you confirms that your instrument is a Tu-Ba-Phone Deluxe 5 stringer. Martin workshop log book, your V-45-5 serial number 327 banjo was manufactured in Nazareth, PA, in early 1973 per Shop Order 2138. I really appreciate your orientation. I think Ill go look up a local banjo instructor and take a few 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. 403.80. Knowing the history of an instrument adds so much to the enjoyment of owning and playing it. P.S. Barry, Marc- Thanks much for the prompt and telling photos. I have attached photos comparing the label printing difference. Please try again. 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. The neck has crown-and-football inlays and the Martin logo is on the back of the pegboard. 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. 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. Retail price was $1300.00 ; I paid $900.00 . Serial number 115831 on a yellow strip built in Boston Mass.Wondering when it might have been built? Your description of your FR-5 sounds like you have a genuine Boston-made Folk Ranger. 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. It is great to hear from someone who actually visited the Vega factory in Needham Heights, Massachusetts. Fairbanks and Vega banjo numbers are consecutive, and have no DIRECT relationship to the model, or production date. P.S. After Martin sold the Vega line to Galaxy in 1979, this generic mother of pearl pattern remained the same in the VIP model but had double-stripe engraving on it. The Life & Times of the Pete Seeger 5-string Folk Banjo - 1958 - 1970. 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. I was fortunate enough to visit the Needham factory (actually a cement-block garage-like building) in the mid-late 1960s and saw some early VIPs under construction. So happy to find this site. 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. It listed for $1310 in the 1971 VM price brochure and a carved heel was extra. Banjos were simply stamped 'The Vega Company' From 1913, the firm started using style designations instead of names: * The banjorine (or banjeaurine) was a 5 string banjo, but with a shorter neck like a banjolin It would have been around this time that Tenor Banjos first appeared, as the Tango craze hit America between 1910 and 1914. very carefully, I did and its four digits # 1450. it looks very good to me as far as the condition, its just old and kind of dirty.
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