vega banjo identification

They differed from ukulele banjos in that the uke banjos typically had smaller rims. I was told by someone at C. F. Martin that they only made 11 of them ( mine is ser # 7 ) . Theres precious little information about these instruments online. Barry, Samantha Thanks for the extensive and helpful photos of your above banjo. From the BRC, Barry. This banjo was made by the Vega Company in Boston, Massachusetts, around 1922. Vega Banjos for Sale, New and Used Search Agent: Get notified when new ads meet your criteria! All of these extra upgrades were reportedly worth an additional $1000 at the time. The evolution of the Professional model dates back to the Boston 1963 Vega catalogue that featured the first Pro model banjo that looked like an inexpensive version of the Earl Scruggs model that Vega offered at that time. All the very best from the BRC, Barry, Thank you, Barry. Im not very knowledgable about banjos so please forgive my terminology. 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. An example of one of these 4-stringers from the 1920`s is still in the C.F. Hope this helps and thanks again for your post and e-mails, Barry, Lynne- Thanks for your query. Thanks for the great information on this page. Fender Standard Banjo Hardshell Case Black ,, kemenpppa.go.id 4kjzing@8x47evey1 Vega Tu-ba-phone Banjo | National Museum of American History 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. 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 . Im hoping you can check both in your archives and tell me the going prices. I dont know much about banjos because Im a guitar man myself. For a chuckle, see the latest home page entry for BJF details. 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. If in poor condition, Ive seen them sell as low as $3000-4000. vega banjo identification. Mark- Thank you for the very helpful series of photos and your kind comments about the website. 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! P.S. 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. Your 5 stringer is cited only as Item VDX75C in the 1979 TMC catalog where to retailed for $475. Again, thanks for your post. My VIP-5 is SN 1364 and was made about one year after your 5-stringer, and it has a nice mid range tone. Knowing the history of an instrument adds so much to the enjoyment of owning and playing it. The rim is 10 ply maple with a top metal tone ring, nickel-plated metal parts, and a shaded mahogany finish. Be safe, be well. Martin`s transition from traditional Spanish, Viennese, and Renaissance structural features towards innovating a modern acoustic guitar with a unique cross brace design. I just acquired a second, SN#990 with the dog-bone tone ring. The Style K was Vega's least expensive banjo-mandolin, not having a "tone ring" installed, unlike the pricier Tu-Ba-Phone and Whyte Laydie models. Its a Vega VIP with the Martin Co. logo on the back of the peg head. An Original Fairbanks 5-String Banjo with a replaced ebony fingerboard and peg-head facing, with added appropriate pearl inlays. Many thanks and keep pickin & grinning. What can you tell me about the history and value of this one. It is number E-5 in a limited edition of 16 instruments made in 1976. The long-neck No. It listed for $1310 in the 1971 VM price brochure and a carved heel was extra. The first SN#720 I know is a VW-5 because it has the original hang tag. The back of the headstock is blank. After 20 years, the wear and tear on a refinished instrument may reduce the value further. Nam liber tempor cum soluta nobis eleifend option congue nihil imperdiet doming id quod mazim placerat facer possim assum. 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. 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. - ORDERS OVER $199 SHIPPED TO THE CONTINENTAL U.S. Add to cart SKU: 2959 Categories: 5-String Openback Banjos, Banjos, Vega Description Additional information Reviews (1) Shipping, Returns & Exchanges About this Banjo So cool to have this historical data. Photos , BRC Replies To Samantha (November 23, 2019), Reply From Dr. Ron (the BRC Vega Vox/EddiePeabody consultant). 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. I own Martin Vega Wonder serial no. The model was discontinued after Martin Guitar bought Vega in 1970. Heres a link to a .zip file you can download. 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. The back of the peghead of these rare banjos is imprinted with a C.F. Unbeknownstto most 5 string aficionados, the Martin Guitar Company manufactured Vega banjos from 1970 through 1979. VINTAGE VEGA TENOR BANJO, 1930, RESONATOR, 19 FRET, CLEAN. Identifying Unmarked Banjos - Bill's Banjos In 1979, Martin sold the Vega brand to the Asian conglomerate Galaxy. Vega Martin models (1970-1979) are less of a collector`s item and fetch about half that price range. In my files, the PS-5 is seen in a Vega (Boston) flyer in 1961 where it lists for $309. Because so few Pro-5`s were manufactured in Nazareth, it is difficult to gauge the worth of your banjo these days. Martin purchased Vega in May of 1970, and production transitioned from Boston to Nazareth, PA. cscl star vessel flag autism and narcissism differences. Vega Regent Model 5 String Banjo (1925), made in Boston, Mass., natural varnish finish, laminated maple rim and neck, ebony fingerboard, black hard shell case. Have a great weekend as well. Micky- Thanks for your narrative on your Pete Seeger long neck. The Vega Vox IV of that era featured burnished gold-plated parts, engraved flanges, an all white pyralin deep resonator with elaborately engraved back and sides, a fretboard with fancy pearl inlays, and an engraved and colored scroll shaped peg head. Hello, I have enjoyed reading your posts on Vega-Martin banjos. Martin in the 1970s (I have sent you the title page illustrating your instrument). I have an ornate 5 string Martin Vega banjo with pie-plate style resonator. So there are gaps at the high end of each thousand series -- since Fairbanks 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. What is it worth today, and what did it sell for when new? 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. vega banjo identification. 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. CL. 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 . 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 vega banjo identification. Thanks for your post. Any info including your estimate of current value would be very much appreciated. Is this original? If anybody can shed some light on what I have. There are no other identification markings on the instrument and it definitely does not say Martin anywhere. In regards to the endorsed banjo models cited in your final paragraph, my files show that the Sonny Osborne model appears only in the 1968 Vega/Boston catalogue. VIP is printed on the truss rod cover. Just found you today . Save on our most popular Goodtime banjos - the Goodtime openback and the Goodtime Two - at your favorite Deering dealer today! The metal parts were chrome-plated. I was told by someone at C. F. Martin that they only made 11 of them ( mine is ser # 7 ) . The other 9 were likely shipped to Canada or Japan for assembly after 1977. Can you tell me what year this banjo was made and what my aunt could legitimately ask for it? 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). Save This Search Your search returned 20 results View Sold and Expired Ads Matching Your Search On PLICSCOM menu under 'Information'. Thanks Again! I play it weekly (weakly) on Monday nights at restaurant in Anaheim, California and love its sound. Hope this helps, and I am sending you the circa 1978 C. F. Martin Tubaphone model promotional flyer . Well, this is a hybrid banjo, and doubtful that is a Galaxy banjo. what I know about banjos right now I learned from you!! vega banjo identification - Aviator Land It looks to have some pretty fancy inlays along the fretboard and some nice detail & trim around the wooden drum. I recently took my Dads 4 string banjo out of storage after approximately 25 years since his passing. Ive owned one for 30 yrs though I dont play it very well. 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 listed back then for $345 without to BRCcase. My aunt gave me a Martin Vega banjo serial number 892 to see what it was worth since she is not internet savy and looking to sell it. From the BRC, Barry. The VIP-5 is known for its mellow sound, and the tone of my VIP-5 (SN 1364 circa 1974) was admired by a faculty member at a northeastern banjo camp a few years ago. 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 the Martin log book, the last six digit (Vega) serial number was 130392 in 1972 after which began the Martin digits. Thank You for your time and web site. Rob- Thank you for the below photos. My Dad & I went to our music lessons back to back on Thursday evenings during my teen years some 40 years ago. 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 mellowed 1963 SR-5 sold for $400 in the 1963 Vega catalogue, and it was advertised to feature a brilliant tone back then. The Folk Wonder model does not appear in the 1972 or 1976 Vega Martin catalogues, but its resonator version the `Wonder` model does. In my files, the PS-5 is seen in a Vega (Boston) flyer in 1961 where it lists for $309. It is mentioned again on a back page of the 1972 catalogue. I also did replace all of the cheapish plastic knobs with ivoroid ones of much better quality. Vega Martin Banjo Info | Banjo Rehab Center, Banjo Restoration The Voxes have endured a bit more that others in the market place, however. Thanks for your query, Barry. In that same period, twenty-one VV IV plectrums were manufactured. 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. 1833 decal is absent from the inner rim. Please take detailed photos of your banjo inside and outside. Subscribe to get free banjos tips, hear about new products, special offers, and more! For reference, the name of the original owner with serial number should be in the Martin Archives. 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). Vega #2 | Genuine Brass Tubaphone Tone Ring | Banjo.com 7. What Does My Banjo's Serial Number Tell Me? - Deering Banjo Company Your description of your FR-5 sounds like you have a genuine Boston-made Folk Ranger. sir- need some help. Guess I stated it wrong, not really carvings, just in lays. According to the factory logbook, banjo # 481 was one of eleven PS-5 banjos made per Shop Order # 2155 by C.F. Martin manufactured 561 VW-5 banjos but only 124 FW-5 instruments. The fascinatingwooden pie (sectioned) resonator is probably inherited from the Boston era Vega inventory. 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 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. 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 Vintage Banjos for sale | eBay Recently purchased a Vega Vox iv plectrum banjo. Thanks for sharing your fascinating banjo with the BRC, Barry. Ending Thursday at 9:33PM GMT 2d 23h. They are on the second and 3rd strings and allow that Buck Trent kind of thing. Each of the men is posed in front of a Vega model 131 amplifier, identical to the unit which remains with the banjo today. Martin purchased the Vega company on May 5, 197O. It sounds like your banjo is maybe a hybrid made overseas after 1976-1977 when Vega Martin parts were shipped to Japan and later Canada for assembly. 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: By that time, parts were being shipped to Canada and Japan for assembly, and record keeping soon deteriorated and serial numbers were inconsistent. They all had yellow serial number stickers. Martin upgraded the maple rim to 10 ply after purchasing the Vega/Boston franchise in May of 1970. Linda- Thanks much for your query and hearing about your three vintage banjos. 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. post . 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. Maybe, the R-D prefix stands for Research and Development. Thank you. Answer: Tu-Ba-Phone 5-String made 1978-1979. On the back side of your device. Thanks again for your query. The banjo is featuring an interesting mix of particulars: The connecting rods are of the (much earlier?) Again, thanks for your post. Plectrum means a 4-string model with 22 frets, which is longer scale (27) than the 19 fret 4-string tenor (23). I have a seperate label thats still in the case showing the serial # 1199. C.F. Martin also made 1976 model D-76 guitars to partner the banjo. ANTIQUE S.S. STEWART UNIVERSAL FAVORITE BANJO with INTERESTING HISTORY C $146.35 The serial number is stamped in the wooden rim below the Martin decal. The C.F. 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. Cobra hooks first appear circa 1881 on Fairbanks & Cole banjos. Again, thanks for your query and photos. It has the famous Vega `Tu-Ba-Phone` tone ring and notched tension hoop both made of bell brass, an ebony fingerboard, and a 10 ply maple rim. 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 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. Thanks you for this great site. Close study of the flange can sometimes reveal, however, that it is left-over Vega hardware from the Needham Heights factory. My estimate is that your VIP-T would likely fetch in the $700-1100 range these days, and maybe a little more, depending on condition and special appointments. I cannot find any pictures remotely close online. Can you tell me what year it was made and by whom? The smaller one has 2 small set screws installed on either side of the rod to adjust the neck heel . Great Savings & Free Delivery / Collection on many items. The banjo had a 3 piece maple neck and a signature tubaphone tone ring clearly shown in the pictures that you provided. Martin, but I do not detect such an identifying decal near the serial number on the interior of the rim. !Gary, Gary- Thanks for your query. 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. Further investigation related to your comments in the abovefirst paragraph might shed some light on the wood tone finish differences. The majority of the banjoists appear to be holding examples of the regular Vega electric banjos with dot-inlayed fingerboards and dark wood veneered pegheads. Vega enthusiasts Help with this mystery - Discussion Forums - Banjo Hangout The number will be 6-12 digits long depending on what year it was made. Thanks again. Thank you so much!! Gold and ivory hard wear with a butterfly mop inlay on the back of the body. Vega - Elderly Instruments The tone ring holes are grouped in sets of three rather than equally spaced as on a tubaphone ring. It was recommended by Bob Smakula that I send some photos to you and that you might have more information. About 20 years ago I had it re-fretted , re-finished , and the gold re-plated . Barry. Ive had several accomplished pickers really make it talk.wish I could!! Thank you for all the information. 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. By the mid 1960`s, it was usually manufactured with a connecting rod. For reference, the name of the original owner with serial number should be in the Martin Archives. The 1971 Vega Martin price listed this model to retail at $556 without case. Martin in Nazareth, PA. brian kim, cpa clearvalue tax net worth . Excellent condition. 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. George Gruhn might also know. Every Martin Vega I have seen has a more dark brown mahogany-colored stain. Martin Company acquired the Vega rights from the Bostonian Nelson Family in May of 1970 and sold the franchise overseas in March of 1979. They all had yellow serial number stickers. 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 They made both tenor/plectrum and five-string models. From the BRC, Barry. Bob- Thanks for the remembrance narrative about you and your Dad learning music together- your are a lucky father and son. my Martin/Vega PS5 #481 is about a month into my possession. Posts. It looks like a well-preserved and fun mid range banjo waiting to be enjoyed by an appreciative musician like yourself. 6. I think it is a Pro-5. Photos are available. In the 1960`s, the PS-5 featured a 3 piece ebony fingerboard and a Tube-a-phone tone ring of bell brass and a 5 ply maple rim. 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. If your Vegaphones and Tubaphone have serial numbers, you can more closely date them by visiting Whitetreeaz banjo serial numbers online. Martin stamp. There were forty-six Vega Martin V-45 banjos made of similar design, but the hardware was gold-plated. In the final Martin price listed published in 1971, it listed for $345 without case. It retailed for $345 in the 1971 Vega Martin price list. Martin purchased the Vega brand in May in 1970 and just before the factory was transferred to Pennsylvania. The Vega brand was subsequently sold overseas in 1979. thanks for your help and keep up the good work. Im trying to decide wether to keep it as a memento, keep it and take some lessons, or possibly sell it because its a shame to have it sit in storage. vega banjo identification. (#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. Vega Banjo Serial Numbers - cleverapex vega banjo identification 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.

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