vega banjo identification

Evidently, there was a marketing strategy to partner the 5-string V-41 instrument with Martin`s popular D-41 guitar, but this ploy did not come to fruition. i replaced the head but it still sounds the same. This item has been sold. 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. Replacing a broken flange on a rare and vintage instrument is a tough task. All the very best from the BRC, Barry, Thank you, Barry. Cobra hooks first appear circa 1881 on Fairbanks & Cole banjos. Location. The Vega name on the head is not with the usual letters and there is no star there either. Fred- Thank you for the detailed photos of your instrument. It originally came with an arm rest, rotomatic tuning pegs, and a plastic head. 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. It looks identical to the one posted with photos on last July 8only difference is that mine does not have the Martin decal on the back of the peg head. Hello there, what a terrific Web page you guys have put together so interesting, i have a open back tenor banjo with the Martin logo and nos 916 it has the same pearl inlay as the 5 string pro it has 19 frets , i have no idea of its value but it has a beautiful slim neck just so easy to finger chords, cheers Rob. All the best pickin`, and thanks for your kind words about my website. I really appreciate your orientation. 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. VEGA Vegaphone 'Professional' Tenor Banjo $2,328.30 $131.44 shipping or Best Offer 19 watching Vega Style N Tenor Banjo $799.00 $83.00 shipping or Best Offer 20's Bacon/Day/Vega 4 String Banjo Groovers, Oettinger Tailpiece $3,777.77 Free shipping Vintage Vega Wonder Plectrum 4 String Banjo With Hard Shell Case $1,161.96 Was: $1,399.95 Really sounds and pays great. Martin purchased the Vega brand in May in 1970 and just before the factory was transferred to Pennsylvania. This fascinating collection of vintage stringed instruments chronicles luthier C.F. Any insights appreciated along with your understanding of when it was manufactured, components, what it originally sold for and current market value. Subject: Help with ID of Vega Banjo please. Many thanks for your efforts. "F" Style mandolins have a carved nautilus shaped curl on the upper left-hand bout. The story of how Greg Deering came to own the 130 year old Vega trademark is one of childhood dreams and an unmissable opportunity. I think im in heaven. These were used on the Wonder, VIP,Folklore, etc (non-Pro II, V-45, V-41 styles). A nice banjo- enjoy. ejemplos de hombres perezosos en la biblia; social juventus porto; china eastern trip report; Hello world! Thank you so much!! Published by at 16 de junio de 2022. Per the 1971 price list, the V-45-5 sold for $1650 with case included, and it was available by special order only. Vega/Fairbanks open-back banjo designs are exemplary classics. Martin upgraded the maple rim to 10 ply after purchasing the Vega/Boston franchise in May of 1970. Vega Martin models (1970-1979) are less of a collector`s item and fetch about half that price range. From the BRC site this banjo was made circa 1975-1976 in and around Nazareth PA. Do I have the have the provenance correct? The number is painted on the bottom not pressed in the wood. VT2NRC in its 1979 catalogue, and Galaxy went bankrupt in a few years. The resonator back and sidewall colored engravings are probably the key feature that might bring more value than lessthere were two likely designs at this time a tiffany-style web pattern with a floral vine on the side (first used in 1930) or the late 1940s Indian blanket Art Deco design.I have an original 1948 model that has the older style neck, with the new resonator designso , its a mixed bag during this time as Vega was experimenting with parts off the shelf when banjo sales were extremely low (maybe 20 per year) and their focus was on guitar and ukulule production instead.Pricing for 4 strings (and 5 strings) have dropped considerably over last 2-3 years for vintage banjosVoxes have held more than others. Eric- Thanks for your kind comments about the website and prompt photos. The build quality is quite immaculate, both wood and hardware. brian kim, cpa clearvalue tax net worth . Then by ink its written Folk Ranger. Can you tell me about it? It was one of the last batch of fourteen Wonder 5-stringers made in the USA before C.F. 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. The other 9 were likely shipped to Canada or Japan for assembly after 1977. If someone could help her post it on eBay, it would probably get a decent price and a good home. They all had yellow serial number stickers. nike nationals track and field backpack; 0 comments. But with original Whyte Laydie banjo rims being in demand for converting to 5-string instruments, this one is an ideal candidate. 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. The resonator was hand-painted, and fancy engraved pearl inlays adorned the ebony fingerboard. Martin, but I do not detect such an identifying decal near the serial number on the interior of the rim. 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. $42 USD. The six digit Boston serial numbers were replaced by the Martin SN`s beginning with #2 in 1972. 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. It is in excellent condition but missing a resonator thumbscrew with the threaded washer. They are on the second and 3rd strings and allow that Buck Trent kind of thing. The finish was shaded mahogany, and the metal rim parts were nickel plated. Galaxy marketed its 4 and 5 stringers in the USA via a remarkably unimaginative TMC catalog in which each banjo was identified only with an Item number but no model moniker to give it personality like the Pro-5 or Wonder banjos named by the earlier corporate owners. I have sent an e-mail to my Vega Vox consultant Dr. Ron and await his comments and appraisal. Please try again. Thanks for your post and happy pickin`, Barry. In excellent condition and ready to play. Your banjo is an off shoot of the classic No. The Eddie Peabody Model was actually made by Vega of Boston from 1966-ca. The Banjo Rehabilitation Center archives contain the serial numbers and dates of manufacture of the Vega-Martin banjos made in Nazareth, PA, during the 1970`s. Greg Deering acquired rights to the Vega brand name in 1989 and restored the banjo line to greatness. vega banjo identification. Tony Trsichka wants Greg to make a 5-string model, much like Vega did on very rare occasions in the late 1950s/early 1960s. Martin`s beloved historian). It is not clear why Martin initiated this product line. 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. Ive attached a photo of that Coat of Arms resonator next to my Vox Vit was a spare they had made for Eddie Peabody. vega banjo identification. On the back side of your device. The story he told was that it was a distress sale for a friend, and that the banjo was one of 1000 limited editions and had a solid silver tone ring, and was worth at least twice the price. Martin files indicate that only one Scruggs Mark II banjo and only one Scruggs Soloist banjo were manufactured at the Martin factory in Nazareth, Pennsylvania, in the 1970`s. It retailed for $345 in the 1971 Vega Martin price list. Is has a hard case with blue interior. Being a low end instrument, the early FR-5 model had no connecting rod. Martin decal photographed on the back of the VIP Vega peg head. The 1968 Vega catalogue described the Pro II appointments as including a bell brass tone ring with exclusively designed audio apertures, a ten ply wood rim, a three-piece maple neck, a resonator of curly maple, a notched brass tension hoop, nickel-plated hardware, and a shaded mahogany finish. vega banjo identification. From the BRC, Barry. Good luck and thanks again for your post. Many thanks to you and your friend Ron for putting me straight. Some C.F. . 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. ), Wim- Congratulations on procuring such a lovely vintage instrument. Go online to `Images for Vega Folk Ranger banjo and enjoy (but don`t confuse your FR-5 with its cousin the Folk Wonder model FW-5). set of identifying characteristics can be found at http://www.mugwumps.com. The VIP banjo last appeared in the 1976 VM catalog as an open back instrument but still featuring the V.I.P. Give it a try and good luck. 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 Your VW-5 with SN 1519 was manufactured in Nazareth, PA, in 1976 per Shop Order 2285. Nowadays, it might fetch around $750 in the online marketplace. Hope this helps and au revoir, Barry. On PLICSCOM menu under 'Information'. These days, the banjo would probably fetch around $1000 if marketed online. Barry. For several years, the Vega Martin banjo was an amalgam of parts from Massachusetts and Nazareth, PA. Old 6 digit Vega serial numbers persisted on a yellow sticker on the inner pot until production was moved to Pennsylvania in 1972. An Original Fairbanks 5-String Banjo with a replaced ebony fingerboard and peg-head facing, with added appropriate pearl inlays. 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. About 20 years ago I had it re-fretted , re-finished , and the gold re-plated . According to the factory logbook, banjo # 481 was one of eleven PS-5 banjos made per Shop Order # 2155 by C.F. Retail price was $1300.00 ; I paid $900.00 . Shop today! It looks to have some pretty fancy inlays along the fretboard and some nice detail & trim around the wooden drum. The Wonder model had a metal tone ring, white fingerboard binding, a heavy notched tension hoop, a 10 ply rim, geared tuners, a 3 piece maple neck, a blackwood fretboard, pearl dots, a resonator with 4 section metal tone flanges, nickel-plated parts, a plastic head, an armrest and shaded mahogany finish. Im sure theres a story behind this banjo and why it was made. I knew nothing about it until I found this site. Maybe, another observant reader will offer a discerning observation for us sometime. But, the neck had the upgraded crown inlay pattern like their mid range banjos, and originally a paddle peghead design (the new scroll design appeared in 1968). This instrument was a special order for banjoist, Jack Mistretta, from Grand Rapids, Michiganwho happened to be a friend of Eddie Peabody. After 20 years, the wear and tear on a refinished instrument may reduce the value further. Only 101 model PS-5 banjos were made by C.F. It appears to be serial number 231 (engraved). Plectrum means a 4-string model with 22 frets, which is longer scale (27) than the 19 fret 4-string tenor (23). It also features the four digit SN imprinted into the outside of the holes in groups of three tone ring, clearly done before the plating, and visible only when dissembled. 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. The back of the headstock is blank. I cant remember exactly when I bought it but I think it was around the early 70s. 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. Jim, Jim -Thanks for your query. According to the C.F. 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 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. sir- need some help. Your PS-5 Pete Seeger long neck # M-130259 was assembled in Nazareth in early 1971 per Shop Order 2012. . 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). MUSCELL Banjo Strings, Handmade Phosphor Bronze 5-String Banjo Strings Ball End - 3 Packs Medium. The neck has crown-and-football inlays and the Martin logo is on the back of the pegboard. One thing that I have noticed is that Massachusetts-made resonator banjos generally had a yellow/orange stain. 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. After its Martin Guitar era, the Vega brand name ownership was sold overseas, and the banjo line fellinto obscurity. The melody banjo was the equivalent of a 4 string mandolin banjo. The BRC Archives contain the serial numbers of these unique Vega-Martin banjos. Vega Kingston Trio Tom Dooley Long Neck Banjo, Vega Kingston Trio - Bob Shane Plectrum Banjo, Reutschi | Kruger Bell Bronze Tone Ring(Unplated). 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. If you had a picture archive, Id be happy to post some pictures. Great information and even better advice. 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. 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. Hope this helps. The Item # was VT2NRC. Id appreciate your comments please & thanks, Linda. It has the original hardshell case also with no markings. vega banjo identification. Good luck, thanks much for your post, and great to hear from you again, Barry. 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 . I have two theories about your instrument. Just wondering if you have any interesting data on this ax. Informacje o Martin V740 StringsVega strun banjo RETRO 10-23,10 - 11109692503 w archiwum Allegro. The last one was produced in early 1975 despite being their very first banjo made that year. Not quite as universally imitated as, say, Stradivari's violins or Martin's dreadnought guitars, but close. It has almost all the hallmarks of a stock model VIP banjo. How much would it be worth? I would send pictures but was not sure just where to post them. Well, this is a hybrid banjo, and doubtful that is a Galaxy banjo. It is indeed a sweet banjo with plenty of talk in it. I cannot find any pictures remotely close online. There were several old tenor and plectrum Martin neck blanksfor sale a few years ago, but it looks to be factory made condition anddoubt that would be likely a source. Your VW-5 model Vega Wonder banjo SN 721 was manufactured in Nazareth, PA, in late 1973 per Shop Order 2181. Your mellowed 1963 SR-5 sold for $400 in the 1963 Vega catalogue, and it was advertised to feature a brilliant tone back then. Do you know how many Scruggs or Scruggs Soloists, and Sonny Osborne models were made under the Martin ownership and where made? I think Ill go look up a local banjo instructor and take a few lessons. 403.80. The Martin Co. dropped the 6 digit serial number system in mid 1971 and then began again with #2- #1945, although a few special banjos up to #1969 were produced. I have recently acquired from Florida another VEGA Martin VIP model #845, which sounds totally different than the other 2, almost a rich full old timey sound yet with a resonator. 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 Wonder was an entry level resonator instrument that featured a metal tone ring, white fingerboard binding, a notched tension hoop, a 10 ply rim, 3 piece maple neck, blackwood fretboard, pearl dots, nickel-pate parts and a shaded mahogany finish. He could always check the stamp on the bottomthe tone ring to see if its a match to the rim (it should say V916). Id like to echo previous comments and thank you for a great, great website, chock full of useful information. If you need photos I can take a few and send them to you on a subsequent time. 1972 Vega Banjo. Depending upon condition, it is probably worth somewhere around $750 these days. As C.F. The Galaxy serial number is not a continuum of the Martin serial number sequence. Also, I can send pictures, if this would help, or just be fun! Bill- Thanks for your query. Any clues? 1969, probably initially at the 40 Leon Street factory the Needham Heights (just before the sale to Martin). Despite its puzzling serial number, your instrument is a Tu-Ba-Phone Deluxe 5-string. Could you tell me where it was built and what its value is today ? TMC marketed this standard neck Tu-Ba-Phone banjoas item No. When C.F. 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). it has five strings and if you would be so kind let me know something about it and if someone you know wants to play it, I guess it would be better off with them; or I will go take lessons I suppose. From the BRC, Barry, Sir: What kind of info can you give me on a V-76E banjo, Ser. It is not seen in the 1970 transitional Vega/Martin catalogue. On the inner rim of the back cover is another Martin logo and the (embossed in white) number 887. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. This banjo was made by the Vega Company in Boston, Massachusetts, around 1922. Unfortunately, many 4-string players of a certain generation seem to think that their banjos will command higher priceseven the Gibson flat heads used for 5 string conversion have taken a tumble and are are half on what they were 5 years ago. 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. Barry, I want to thank you very much for the research on my Vega. Barry. Your instrument is a tenor arch top 4-stringer made in the early 1980`s. It looks like the banjo is in ok/decent condition. Many thanks and keep pickin & grinning. The circa 1978 brochure that I sent you confirms that your instrument is a Tu-Ba-Phone Deluxe 5 stringer. Heres a link to a .zip file you can download. Best wishes for happy pickin`, Barry, I have an Vega 5-string banjo, open back, bought around 1965. best of . Dick- Thank you for being a frequent reader of the BRC website. 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

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