2 Tu-Ba-Phone model which is part of an historic production series started in the 1920`s in Boston, continued in Nazareth, PA, and sustained today by Deering in Spring Valley, CA. 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). 219203099161mmDA107 , . John- Thank-you for the detailed photos. 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). In May of 1970, C.F. March 13, 2017 at 3:46 pmRob- Thank you for your query and very kind comments about the BRC website. Martin Company acquired the Vega rights from the Bostonian Nelson Family in May of 1970 and sold the franchise overseas in March of 1979. I have a Vega V.I.P. Your tenor 4-stringer was built in early 1972 per Shop Order 2051. Barry, Marc- Thanks much for the prompt and telling photos. With the original Hardshell case and the rare Earl Scruggs Tuners or de- tuners if you will. This is a super site for banjo players and owners. From the BRC, Barry. Vega Tu-ba-phone Banjo | National Museum of American History I have a vegavox 4 tenor banjo by Martin . vega banjo identification Martin made 101 of the PS-5 instruments which listed for $488 without case in the final V/M price list in 1971. Identifying Unmarked Banjos - Bill's Banjos The rim and shoe screws/washer are likely homemade/cut down and tone ring is not Galaxy stock, but more of a Gibson knockoff. Thanks you for this great site. The Vega Company reportedlyintroduced the first wooden sectioned pie resonator in mid 1923 for their Vega Professional 4-stringer. Martin factory in Nazareth, PA, parts were shipped overseas to Japan and Canada for assembly. Martin era. Martin Museum collection. Subscribe to get free banjos tips, hear about new products, special offers, and more! 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. Thats when I decided to modify this rather bluegrassy bright (and plenty of loud) sounding Folk banjo a bit. bouffant scrub cap pattern. Plectrum means a 4-string model with 22 frets, which is longer scale (27) than the 19 fret 4-string tenor (23). Barry. Id love to learn more about it, etc. Martin manufactured 561 VW-5 banjos but only 124 FW-5 instruments. Vega Tenor Banjo Serial Numbers - evertx Could you tell me where it was built and what its value is today ? The last Vega Martin banjo manufactured in Nazareth, PA, was SN 1969 as reportedly documented by a letter of authentication signed by C.F. Fairbanks Vega Banjos Specifications - Mugwumps One of the 2 rods inside rim is a larger diameter then the other one. Serial number 115831 on a yellow strip built in Boston Mass.Wondering when it might have been built? The tailpiece does not look original, but the dual connecting rods are typical of the Martin design. Vega Pete Seeger Model Longneck 5 String Banjo (1961) Again, thank youmuchfor your post. 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. Then by ink its written Folk Ranger. 2 classic model. These were used on the Wonder, VIP,Folklore, etc (non-Pro II, V-45, V-41 styles). Only 101 model PS-5 banjos were made by C.F. Congratulationsand, welcome to the VegaVox family! Per my files, the Pete Seeger long neck first appears in a Vega flyer in 1961 for $309. 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 . Can you tell me more like age and value? Many thanks for your efforts. The melody banjo was the equivalent of a 4 string mandolin banjo. No markings saying Martin but looks identical to fancy ones I saw in an old Martin sales flyer. 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. 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. Depending upon condition, it is probably worth somewhere around $750 these days. 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. As Barry indicates, a photo of the yellow sticker will be helpful here. Remo Frosted Top Banjo Head, 11 Inch Diameter, Medium Crown (7/16 Inch) $19 USD. It is collecting dust since i dont play the banjo and I am thinking of passing it on. Of course she did a beautiful job with it including turning its blond color into a brunette! It look and plays great. Photos are available. MUSCELL Banjo Strings, Handmade Phosphor Bronze 5-String Banjo Strings Ball End - 3 Packs Medium. In a 1971 price list, the FW-5 sold for $345. According to the C.F. Banjoman- C.F. By that time, parts were being shipped to Canada and Japan for assembly, and record keeping soon deteriorated and serial numbers were inconsistent. As C.F. 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. It originally came with an arm rest, rotomatic tuning pegs, and a plastic head. 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. Hi! It appears in the transitional Vega/Martin product list of 1970 and lastly in the 1972 Vega Banjo Catalog (The CF Martin Organization). Im sure theres a story behind this banjo and why it was made. CL. Dear Per- In May of 1970, C.F. I have a Martin Vega Banjo, #324. 1519. Vega Short Scale 4 string banjo neck model? - Mandolin Cafe By my count, twelve VV IV-tenor banjos were built in Nazareth with the last one, #1678, in 1976. Most likely, your banjo has a paddle peghead still with Kluson tuners, block MOP engraved fingerboard inlays, and an updated resonator design with black bindings and a fleur-de-lis added under the engraved star De-Luxe Vegavox on the back (brand new on the 1963-model). Serial numbers became unreliable during that era. The tonering, bracket band, and notched tension hoop were all made of vibrant bell brass (Not die cast metal). Home; Meet Darlene; ISI Mission; What is Coaching? Any idea where I might find one? 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. Of note, banjo SN 136 manufactured in 1972 was a Vega Vox I plectrum and not a 5-stringer like yours. The number is painted on the bottom not pressed in the wood. 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. 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). Unbeknownstto most 5 string aficionados, the Martin Guitar Company manufactured Vega banjos from 1970 through 1979. In my files, the PS-5 is seen in a Vega (Boston) flyer in 1961 where it lists for $309. The V-45 appears on the cover of the 1972 catalogue, and it was billed as our finest Bluegrass banjo in the 1976 catalogue. It was advertised to feature a rosewood veneered rim and resonator trimmed in abalone pearl like the C.F. The only serial number is 1120. From the BRC, Barry. Your mellowed 1963 SR-5 sold for $400 in the 1963 Vega catalogue, and it was advertised to feature a brilliant tone back then. post . 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 Medium gauge for full-bodied tone and strong midrange response Tech Specs Number of Strings: 5 String Material: Steel Winding Material: Nickel Alloy Barry- Thanks for your queries and subsequent photos that promt me to revise my initial response. I tried to find your email address at your Banjo homepage without any success. I own a Vega VIP fivestring banjo, with serial number 130056. What can you tell me about my instrument? Please take detailed photos of your banjo inside and outside. While the Martin factory in Nazareth, PA, retooled to build banjos, interim yellow stickers were affixed to the inner rims of Boston banjos citing the merger and identifying the model of the instrument (which was inscribed by pen). Also, the banjo has some ornate details carved in it. Vega Regent 5 String Banjo (1925) | RetroFret Do you know how many tenor V41 banjos were made? Just found you today . In those years there was not a college student who didn't dream of owning a Vega Pete . 7. I have 2 Martin Vegas. Save This Search Vega Vox short neck tenor banjo IiMPOSSIBLE TO FIND/ one of the best sounding Banjo's in the world> Used - Mint Condition Posted 11/15/2021 8:46:13 AM by Ronkisok - Country: United States - State: CT - ZIP: 06790 I would love to be able to date this banjo: SN 999 as a decal under the Martin logo inside the rim with the Martin logo decal on the back side of the peghead as well. A total of 98 model D-76E guitars were also made for employees. 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 !Gary, Gary- Thanks for your query. Best wishes for happy pickin`, Barry, I have an Vega 5-string banjo, open back, bought around 1965. Barry. This email will be copied to my Vega Vox scholar Dr. Ron for his insights and comments.From the BRC, Barry. Martin D-45 guitar. The metal parts were gold plated and engraved. Vega Kingston Trio Tom Dooley Long Neck Banjo, Vega Kingston Trio - Bob Shane Plectrum Banjo, Reutschi | Kruger Bell Bronze Tone Ring(Unplated). Martin decal on the back of your peghead and on the inner rim. In PACTware software. 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. It appears to be serial number 231 (engraved). It was recommended by Bob Smakula that I send some photos to you and that you might have more information. 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. Thanks for your post and happy pickin`, Barry. 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. The inside of the rim has a R-D-136 in white. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Martin did not publish suggested retail prices after 1971, but I would estimate the V-76 sold for around $7-800 with case. Vega Martin banjo SN 324 was manufactured in Nazareth, PA, in early 1973. Martin Vega banjo #892 should be a long neck open back Folklore Model manufactured in the latter half of 1973 per shop order 2198. One of the best known Kay electric guitars during the 1950s was the K-161 "Thin Twin", most visibly used by blues artist Jimmy Reed. There were forty-six Vega Martin V-45 banjos made of similar design, but the hardware was gold-plated. Bob. There is no #1 Martin banjo listed, but banjos #6-8 were Vega Vox-4-T tenors built per Shop Order 2087. 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. Your aunt`s banjo sounds like a stock model, so I would estimate that it would fetch $400-$700 on the open market. vega banjo identification. They all had yellow serial number stickers. I dont play any instrument right now. 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. # 1713? Greg also originally hand made the round hole Tubaphone tone rings, but now they have a fairly well honed machine manufacturing process. Thank you so much!! Vintage Vega Banjo - musical instruments - by owner - sale In general, the Boston made Pete Seeger long neck banjos seem to command a greater collectors` interest than the ones manufactured in Pennsylvania. Family owned since 1972, Elderly Instruments is a music store specializing in new, used & vintage guitars, banjos, mandolins, ukuleles and more. Martin did not publish suggested retail prices after 1971, but I would estimate the V-76 sold for around $7-800 with case. vega banjo identification - Aviator Land In addition to the unusual R-D-136 serial number, the C.F. (They are NOT a 'coded' format.) Your banjo is an off shoot of the classic No. Fender Standard Banjo Hardshell Case Black ,, kemenpppa.go.id 4kjzing@8x47evey1 from BRC: Wim- Thanks for the great photo of your busy workshop. I think Ill go look up a local banjo instructor and take a few lessons. Thanks again for your post. It retailed for $345 in the 1971 Vega Martin price list. 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. 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? Hope this helps and best wishes from the BRC, Barry. Retail price was $1300.00 ; I paid $900.00 . Device Search - VEGA About 20 years ago I had it re-fretted , re-finished , and the gold re-plated . Martin purchased the Vega company on May 5, 197O. Your instrument SN 448 is one of 11 Pete Seeger extra long neck (PS-5) models manufactured in Nazareth, PA, in 1973 per Shop Order 2153. 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. I have an ornate 5 string Martin Vega banjo with pie-plate style resonator. Dr. Ron- the BRC staff and readers appreciate all the wonderful details and photos. From the BRC, Barry. The Vega franchise was sold overseas in 1979 but reacquired in the US by Deering in 1989. Your instrument is a tenor arch top 4-stringer made in the early 1980`s. A few months later, the old six digit number system was replaced with new sequence starting with #2 and progressing sequentially to a four digit number over the ensuing years. 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). The last SN from Boston was probably #130049, and the Vega Martin logbook in Nazareth starts with SN 130248. 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. Learning how to play the banjo is no different. 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 . Again, thanks for your post. Fairbanks & Vega banjos, Dating & Identifying - Mugwumps If this banjo has some more of the early prewar design features, add $1000-1500.Hope this helps, Dr. Ron. 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. vega banjo identification Thanks again for your post and pictures and kind comments about the website. This uniquestyle resonator was verypopular for many years, and it still hasvalue as a vintage part. Barry. Hello, I just stumbled onto this site today 4/16/20. Do you have any additional information you could share regarding this instrument? I lived in Needham MA for 20+ years, and Im wondering if that tone ring possibly came from Vegas final days in Needham. 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? Hope this helps and all the best in 2019, Barry. Reply from our BRC Vega Vox consultant and scholar Dr. Ron: The timeline, serial number and pricing in 1970-71 seem rightit was probably in final assembly at Nazareth with a #7 new series serial number; the last of the M139400 yellow labels came out of the old Needham Heights Vega factory sometime in November 1971. C.F. Jack. Id like to echo previous comments and thank you for a great, great website, chock full of useful information. Below are more Letters from the BRC Archives. brian kim, cpa clearvalue tax net worth . 1972 Vega Banjo. Martin purchased the Vega brand line. Have a bunch of pics I can forward, any particular area to focus on that would help? Identification: "A" Style mandolins were symmetrical and shaped like a teardrop. Vega #2 | Genuine Brass Tubaphone Tone Ring | Banjo.com I have attached photos comparing the label printing difference. What Does My Banjo's Serial Number Tell Me? - Deering Banjo Company After the original owner, Jack Mistretta, passed away in 1998, this banjo found its way to Japan, where noted jazz-banjoist, Ken Aoki, featured it for many years in his touring act. It listed back then for $345 without to BRCcase. Thanks, I have really enjoyed reading the material on this site.RowdyArizona, Rowdy- Thanks for your kind words about the website. Hope this helps, and all the best picking, Barry. P.S. Your VW-5 would fetch $700-$1000 these days. Over a period of several years, the Vega line morphed into a uniquely featured Vega Martin instrument. Hit a few licks on the tenor- you might find that you like it. If you had a picture archive, Id be happy to post some pictures. Bill Keith Stainless Steel D-Tuners, for 2nd & 3rd strings. vega banjo identification - moongraphicdesigning.com The PS-5 is not seen in the 1976 Vega Martin catalog but is replaced by the No. Published by at 16 de junio de 2022. Hope this helps and thanks for your post. 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. I do not know anything about banjos but the label inside the rim says VEGA of Boston. 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. Vintage Banjos for sale | eBay Andreas- Thank you for the historical narrative on your banjo and the detailed photographs. 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. Vega enthusiasts Help with this mystery - Discussion Forums - Banjo Hangout The Item # was VT2NRC. Look for decals and a serial number on the interior of the rim to help document its story. 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. 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. 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. Vega Banjos - Deering Banjo Company Barry. Martin stamp. 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. 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 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. thanks for the very informative web site Be safe, be well. 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. GoldTone longneck Banjo - musical instruments - by owner - sale 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). Tim, Tim- Thanks much for your query. Data from these logbooks are available per e-mail request from the BRC founder. Do you have a total of these models made under the Massachusetts Vega name? 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. Hello, I have enjoyed reading your posts on Vega-Martin banjos. From the BRC, Barry. Thanks again for your query, Barry. 1969, probably initially at the 40 Leon Street factory the Needham Heights (just before the sale to Martin). In the Boston era, Pete Seeger was listed as an exclusive Vega product banjoist in a 1961 flyer from their Columbus Avenue business headquarters, and his endorsed PS-5 was featured prominently in the 1963 and 1966 Vega catalogs. I own Martin Vega Wonder serial no. So there are gaps at the high end of each thousand series -- since Fairbanks I will trade for a good Octave Mandolin or Bouzouki Im happy to find Banjorehab as it is the first site Ive seen to have useful information on Vega-Martin banjos. Martin V730 Vega Steel/Nickel Banjo Strings - .010-.023 - Sweetwater Although a mystery to me, this top of the line resonator banjo was introduced by C.F.