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. There is no #1 Martin banjo listed, but banjos #6-8 were Vega Vox-4-T tenors built per Shop Order 2087. 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. 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. Martin also made 1976 model D-76 guitars to partner the banjo. The `Martin Guitars: A Technical Reference` confirms that the BJF-5 banjo was a thinly disguised Pro-5 not unlike yours . Barry. In the 1970 VM catalogue, the VIP-T banjo retailed for $556, and the hard shell case was $68 extra. 2 Tu-Ba-Phone XL is seen in the 1976 catalogue. The Eddie Peabody Model was actually made by Vega of Boston from 1966-ca. Deering now owns the Vega line and offers open-back Tubaphones in their inventory. Is this original? Your mellowed 1963 SR-5 sold for $400 in the 1963 Vega catalogue, and it was advertised to feature a brilliant tone back then. Barry. Remo Frosted Top Banjo Head, 11 Inch Diameter, High Crown (1/2 Inch) $19 USD. Martin era. 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. Martin decal on the back of your peghead and on the inner rim. It has the original hardshell case also with no markings. vega banjo identification. However, current thinking (thanks to Hank Schwartz) is that 999 numbers were assigned per year -- from the start, in 1880. 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. P.S. Can you tell me what year it was made and by whom? MUSCELL Banjo Strings, Handmade Phosphor Bronze 5-String Banjo Strings Ball End - 3 Packs Medium. It was advertised to feature a rosewood veneered rim and resonator trimmed in abalone pearl like the C.F. Martin sold the Vega brand to the Asian conglomerate Galaxy Trading Company in March of 1979. The serial number is stamped in the wooden rim below the Martin decal. The Vega Ultra Vox V is among the rarest of the limited, special order edition banjos made by either Vega of Boston or Martin. Retail price was $1300.00 ; I paid $900.00 . Bob- Thanks for the remembrance narrative about you and your Dad learning music together- your are a lucky father and son. 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. Martin began shipping parts overseas for assembly. 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). Barry, Samantha Thanks for the extensive and helpful photos of your above banjo. Im hoping I can find a V41 pot. If you had a picture archive, Id be happy to post some pictures. 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. Ernie Ball 5-String Medium Stainless Steel Banjo Strings, 10-10 Gauge (P02309) Check Price at Amazon. Device Search - VEGA what I know about banjos right now I learned from you!! Ive owned one for 30 yrs though I dont play it very well. Answer: Tu-Ba-Phone 5-String made 1978-1979. . Kay Musical Instrument Company - Wikipedia model serial number 1990. 721 which I have had a number of years. Theres precious little information about these instruments online. Martin Vega banjo #892 should be a long neck open back Folklore Model manufactured in the latter half of 1973 per shop order 2198. 1921 Vega Style L Whyte Laydie Mandolin Banjo. From the BRC, Barry. $260 USD. In my files, the PS-5 is seen in a Vega (Boston) flyer in 1961 where it lists for $309. 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. Nam liber tempor cum soluta nobis eleifend option congue nihil imperdiet doming id quod mazim placerat facer possim assum. Thank you very much for your quick answer. They differed from ukulele banjos in that the uke banjos typically had smaller rims. In my files, the PS-5 is seen in a Vega (Boston) flyer in 1961 where it lists for $309. In the Martin SN files, banjo #1302252 manufactured in 1971 is designated as a BJF-5 (Pro) style instrument. A total of 101 PS-5 instruments were manufactured in Pennsylvania. After 20 years, the wear and tear on a refinished instrument may reduce the value further. Have a bunch of pics I can forward, any particular area to focus on that would help? It looks to have some pretty fancy inlays along the fretboard and some nice detail & trim around the wooden drum. About 20 years ago I had it re-fretted , re-finished , and the gold re-plated . For a chuckle, see the latest home page entry for BJF details. Fingerboard engraved pearl inlays in the ebony were going through a transition (modernization) as well, from very elaborate designs that they used since the 1920s to to simplified block styles. Serial # 1795. My Dad & I went to our music lessons back to back on Thursday evenings during my teen years some 40 years ago. Barry. The problem is that the serial number labels at this time had printing errors, where the first numeric digit was omitted. Just wondering if you have any interesting data on this ax. I purchased the instrument from a private dealer (Kingsport, TN) for $800. 1969, probably initially at the 40 Leon Street factory the Needham Heights (just before the sale to Martin). It has only a tape serial number inside the pot of 1124. Im assuming this is the serial number, which would put me right next to Mark, who owned #888 in previous comment 6. 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. 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. The only serial number is 1120. Age differences in the instruments might alsoalter the wood tones. Vega Martin Banjo Info | Banjo Rehab Center, Banjo Restoration Can you tell me more like age and value? Vega Banjos by Deering | Huge Selection | Lowest Prices Guaranteed ampleforth college redundancies. They all had yellow serial number stickers. Serial number assignment and record keeping fell into disarray from 1977 to 1979. Buy VEGA Banjos and get the best deals at the lowest prices on eBay! The neck has crown-and-football inlays and the Martin logo is on the back of the pegboard. The Martin Co. sold the Vega franchise to the Asian conglomerate `Galaxy Trading Company` in 1979, and thereafter Vega banjos were manufactured in South Korea. 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 smaller one has 2 small set screws installed on either side of the rod to adjust the neck heel . Although a Bluegrass resonator banjo musician, my daily practice exercises are conducted sans picks on one of two long neck Ode 5-stringers that are wife-friendly in tone. 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. Your banjo was manufactured in Pennsylvania in 1976 per Shop Order #2299 just before Martin began to ship parts to Japan for assembly (after which serial numbers became goofy). 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. No markings saying Martin but looks identical to fancy ones I saw in an old Martin sales flyer. The tone ring holes are grouped in sets of three rather than equally spaced as on a tubaphone ring. 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 Subject: Help with ID of Vega Banjo please. Isgho Votre ducation notre priorit . Also, I can send pictures, if this would help, or just be fun! 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. I would like to know a little more about it. The use of a brass band on the wood rim also appeared on some models at this time, to improve sound.What would be more telling is the peghead (where strings are attached) design at the time as they were in the process of changing from a scrolled shape to paddle peg head. Galaxy went bankrupt around 1984 and vanished. He on his banjo and me with my guitar. Vega Banjo Identification Professional Had Black. Martin purchased the Vega brand line. vega banjo identification Your 5 stringer is cited only as Item VDX75C in the 1979 TMC catalog where to retailed for $475. 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). In 1970, C.F. 1972 Vega Banjo. In the final VM 1976 catalogue, the F-VIP is displayed in full advertising detail. Fred- Thank you for the detailed photos of your instrument. It is not seen in the 1970 transitional Vega/Martin catalogue. So happy to find this site. The label indicates the banjo was made in Needham, MA, but the Vega company was owned by the CF Martin guitar company. Per the 1971 price list, the V-45-5 sold for $1650 with case included, and it was available by special order only. Martin V730 StringsVega struny banjo 5str 10-23,10 - 11109713090 The Vega Vox model was a 4 string gem that featured a brass tone ring. It did not have a tone ring or simply a steel ring like the Wonder, to keep the cost down. Your banjo was built circa 1964, and the A pre-fix to the serial number means `adjustable truss rod`. The back of the headstock is blank. SOLD Vega Earl Scruggs Banjo and Original hard case Price: $695.00 USD a 1969 Earl Scruggs on rim inside :TRB 13746 . Linda- Thanks much for your query and hearing about your three vintage banjos. The peg head engraving and paint motif matched the resonator. Martin in the 1970s (I have sent you the title page illustrating your instrument). Informacje o Martin V730 StringsVega struny banjo 5str 10-23,10 - 11109713090 w archiwum Allegro. 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. The VM price list in 1971 quoted a sales tag of $545 for the Pro-5 without case. The local music store said they would give her 120$ for it. In those years there was not a college student who didn't dream of owning a Vega Pete . From the BRC, Barry, Only a handful of Martin/Vega banjos made it down to Australia. Hopes this helps and thanks again for the detailed pictures. From the BRC site this banjo was made circa 1975-1976 in and around Nazareth PA. Do I have the have the provenance correct? Barry. Best wishes for happy pickin`, Barry, I have an Vega 5-string banjo, open back, bought around 1965. Idoubt it matches the rim, unless they changed from a plectrum to tenor atlast minute. If someone could help her post it on eBay, it would probably get a decent price and a good home. Martin and Co., Est. Vintage Vega Banjo - musical instruments - by owner - sale Martin was winding-down its banjo production, the metal engraving was subcontracted to Liberty Banjos. Martin also made 1976 model D-76 guitars to partner the banjo. 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. from BRC: Wim- Thanks for the great photo of your busy workshop. Rob- Thank you for the below photos. Jim, Jim -Thanks for your query. It listed back then for $345 without to BRCcase. vega banjo identification. $42 USD. nike nationals track and field backpack; 0 comments. Like Mark whom you cite from Comment #6 above, your banjo is one of 14 Pro-5 instruments manufactured per Shop Order #2197 in 1974 in Nazareth, PA. Martin built 100 Pro-5 banjos from 1971-79, including the whimsical Bobby Joe Fenster 5 stringer which was a thinly disguised Pro-5. Again, thanks for your query and photos. The five number labels were found in banjos made from 1962 through February 1964, involving serial numbers A10300 through A12400. 96.90 postage. 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. I actually have a customized 75 Martin D28 to go with my 75 Vega. Some C.F. VIP is printed on the truss rod cover. Wim, (Ed.- Note the classic Tubaphone tone ring. How much would it be worth? ejemplos de hombres perezosos en la biblia; social juventus porto; china eastern trip report; Hello world! It appears in the transitional Vega/Martin product list of 1970 and lastly in the 1972 Vega Banjo Catalog (The CF Martin Organization). In the 1972 Martin catalogue, the Professional appears identical to yours, but it is absent from the 1976 catalogue. Best wishes with your VIP and thanks again for your post, Barry. Barry. 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. ). Would appreciate any information you can provide to verify the model and any original cost/current value. It is the first martin-vega I have ever seen in person, or had in my hands! Ive taken a number of hi-res photostoo many to attach to email. Nowadays, the Pro-5 would fetch around $1000-$1500 depending on condition. Have a great weekend as well. 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). Shortly thereafter, the Martin craftsmen went on strike, and banjo parts were shipped overseas for assembly. The PS-5 appears in the transitional 1970 Vega Martin catalog, and again in the 1972 product brochure; but it is absent from the 1976 catalog. Home; Meet Darlene; ISI Mission; What is Coaching? 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. For reference, the name of the original owner with serial number should be in the Martin Archives. Vega Banjos - The Mandolin Pages 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. set of identifying characteristics can be found at http://www.mugwumps.com. Martin manufactured 100 Pro-5 banjos including the temporary Bobby Joe Fenster variation. Martin manufactured only 33 VW-plectrum banjos. Replacing a broken flange on a rare and vintage instrument is a tough task. I was told by someone at C. F. Martin that they only made 11 of them ( mine is ser # 7 ) . In the 1970 transitional Vega/Martin banjo catalogue, their Pro model line is conspicuosly absent; and instead, is seen a nearly identical twin Bobby Joe Fenster style banjo named after a fictitious nerdy folk musician invented by Martin in 1967 as an insider marketing joke. I gave alot of money for this, just hoping a made a decent deal. Hope this helps and thanks for your post. Is it possible to tell me what model or style and year it was built also the value? gamefowl breeders in texas; 0 comments. Maybe, another observant reader will offer a discerning observation for us sometime. It is indeed a sweet banjo with plenty of talk in it. Thank You for your time and web site. vega banjo identification - nutrir.cl 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). rocket and teresa administrative leave; Data zakoczenia 2022-09-02 - cena 20,90 z Specs are equal to the popular Gold Tone MM-150 with the addition of three extra frets allowing the banjo to tune to EBEG#B. Today I purchase Vega PS-5, serial number M-130259. Can you tell me about it? Dear Per- In May of 1970, C.F. The two legendary musicians in the camp photo are banjo godfather Tony Trischka and Grammy award winner Eric Weissberg. I think it is a Pro-5. Any insight would be greatly appreciated. Im happy to find Banjorehab as it is the first site Ive seen to have useful information on Vega-Martin banjos. The hardware on the V-41 is chrome-plated, so maybe a nearby metal shop could patch it for you or at least identify the alloy. They all had yellow serial number stickers. Vega Short Scale 4 string banjo neck model? - Mandolin Cafe In your e-mail, you mention being told when acquiring the instrument that it was a prototype design. (#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. Martin`s beloved historian). Still as wonderful as the day I got it. Used 5-String Open-Back Banjos | Intermountain Guitar & Banjo The number is painted on the bottom not pressed in the wood. 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. Your VW-5 model Vega Wonder banjo SN 721 was manufactured in Nazareth, PA, in late 1973 per Shop Order 2181. 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). Vega Banjos for Sale, New and Used - banjobarn.com I has Vega and a single star on the front of the headstock. post id: 7593773670. posted: 2023-02-27 00:34. In general, the Boston made Pete Seeger long neck banjos seem to command a greater collectors` interest than the ones manufactured in Pennsylvania. I was disappointed because I badly wanted to see Scruggs models! senior living sun prairie, wi; blueberry sweet rolls joanna gaines; miguel cardona family; shooting in newport beach last night; st albans swim club drowning; where was the 3 godfathers filmed; southwest chicken bake; William- Thanks for your post. Micky- Thanks for your narrative on your Pete Seeger long neck. Do you know how many tenor V41 banjos were made? thanks for the very informative web site aluminum variety, one slim one large, with the larger one closer to the head. The Martin log book in Nazareth, PA, begins with #130248 later in 1971. The Folk Wonder model does not appear in the 1972 or 1976 Vega Martin catalogues, but its resonator version the `Wonder` model does. I bought a Vega Martin 5 string some time in 2000. 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. 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. Ernie- It would be helpful if you could send a photo of your yellow sticker, as I suspect that your Vega Vox IV was manufactured in Boston in 1964 after Vega reconverted to a six digit serial number during the pre- C.F. Again, thank youmuchfor your post. 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. In the meantime, keep on pickin` that Pro-5. Cobra hooks first appear circa 1881 on Fairbanks & Cole banjos. With hard case. The serial # is 448. Fairbanks Vega Banjos Specifications - Mugwumps Thanks for the photo of your Vega/Martin Pro-5 banjo. Thank you so much!! Vega Banjo Serial Numbers - cleverapex John, just an old Missouri banjo picker transplanted in Arizona. In recent years, Deeringrecreated andmarkets its ownVega Professional 4-stringer model with a classic wooden pie sectioned resonator. 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. Martin made 76 commemorative V-76 banjos in 1976 to celebrated the bicentennial of the USA. 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. vega banjo identification The six digit Boston serial numbers were replaced by the Martin SN`s beginning with #2 in 1972. 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. 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. According to the C.F. Martin logbook, banjo SN 1450 was an entry level Wonder model 4 string plectrum banjo made in 1975. Thanks so much Ill get back to you if any further questions. Thanks again for your time & consideration. The tone ring really had me confused! Like the Tubaphone listed above, this banjo needs a neck reset to be a playable banjo mandolin. The melody banjo was the equivalent of a 4 string mandolin banjo. Thanks from all of us! Dick- Thank you for being a frequent reader of the BRC website. Bob- Thanks for your query and kind words about my website. I have original case. The Vega Company reportedlyintroduced the first wooden sectioned pie resonator in mid 1923 for their Vega Professional 4-stringer. it in 1970 through a music store in Norwich , Ct run by Cliff Tidd . Aside a changed bridge it remained un-modified and rarely played until about two years ago, as by the time I had bought it, I more and more began concentrating on the guitar. The other 9 were likely shipped to Canada or Japan for assembly after 1977. Well, this is a hybrid banjo, and doubtful that is a Galaxy banjo.