vega banjo identification

Martin shortly after its bitter 1977 luthier strike following which their banjo production dwindled to almost nothing in Nazareth, PA. Those few Tubaphones which were made in Pennsylvania bore SN`s in the 1600-1945 range per the shop log book. aluminum variety, one slim one large, with the larger one closer to the head. The last Vega Martin banjo manufactured in Nazareth, PA, was SN 1969 as reportedly documented by a letter of authentication signed by C.F. 2 for $4149. Thanks from all of us! 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. Vega Pete Seeger Model Longneck Model 5 String Banjo (1961), made in Boston, Mass., serial # 100971, shaded maple finish, laminated maple neck and rim, ebony fingerboard, original black hard shell case. In those years there was not a college student who didn't dream of owning a Vega Pete . So happy to find this site. 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. Vega stamp to yellow stick-on labels between 99369 and 99686. switchover is between #23721 and #23800. 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. The description of your banjo serial number 916 is curious, and I will offer my theory about the instrument per the information given. Your Wonder-5 string banjo #(Martin)130097 was made in Boston in early 1971 after C.F. I have a seperate label thats still in the case showing the serial # 1199. Maybe, another observant reader will offer a discerning observation for us sometime. pine valley golf auction; what happened to thelma from amen; roles and responsibilities of stakeholders in education; what happens when you meet your twin flame The peg head engraving and paint motif matched the resonator. Vega - Elderly Instruments Vega Martin Banjo Info | Banjo Rehab Center, Banjo Restoration I have a Vega V.I.P. 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. $260 USD. The V-41 was available by special order only, and it listed back then for $850. Subscribe to get free banjos tips, hear about new products, special offers, and more! It appears to be serial number 231 (engraved). Martin purchased the Vega brand in May in 1970 and just before the factory was transferred to Pennsylvania. Id love to learn more about it, etc. Zero fret wear. Vega De Luxe Electric Plectrum Banjo - Gruhn Guitars Yes, the VVI banjos have the same inlay pattern as the VM Pro (Professional) 5 string model. It is in excellent condition but missing a resonator thumbscrew with the threaded washer. !Gary, Gary- Thanks for your query. 1929 Vega Tubaphone Longneck Conversion Banjo This banjo started its life in 1929 as a Vega Vegaphone tenor banjo. The 1971 Vega Martin price listed this model to retail at $556 without case. Any insight would be greatly appreciated. Tony Trsichka wants Greg to make a 5-string model, much like Vega did on very rare occasions in the late 1950s/early 1960s. vega banjo identification. What can you tell me about the history and value of this one. Your banjo may be a hybrid from that era. Unbeknownstto most 5 string aficionados, the Martin Guitar Company manufactured Vega banjos from 1970 through 1979. vega banjo identification. Im hoping you can check both in your archives and tell me the going prices. Further investigation related to your comments in the abovefirst paragraph might shed some light on the wood tone finish differences. No M130097 Model: Wonder 5 St. vega banjo identification - moongraphicdesigning.com Its mostly been in storage since I purchased it in the late 1970s. For reference, the name of the original owner with serial number should be in the Martin Archives. Eric- Thanks for your kind comments about the website and prompt photos. 2 classic model. Vega Banjo Serial Number Lookup Known Problems with Gretsch's Serial Number System: Due to the various renumbering schemes, there are Gretsch-built Bacons and B&D's with 3 digit, 4 digit and 5 digit serial numbers, which confuses identification of instruments made between 1910 and 1940. It retailed for $488 without case in the 1970 Vega Martin catalog, and it last appeared in the 1972 VM catalogue without a suggested price. P.S. 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). safety tips; prohibited items; product recalls; No markings saying Martin but looks identical to fancy ones I saw in an old Martin sales flyer. Identification: "A" Style mandolins were symmetrical and shaped like a teardrop. Is it possible to tell me what model or style and year it was built also the value? Bob- Thanks for the remembrance narrative about you and your Dad learning music together- your are a lucky father and son. Although mostly a collector`s item these days, the current price range of the V-76 is $2.3-5K. From the BRC, Barry. 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. I have sent an e-mail to my Vega Vox consultant Dr. Ron and await his comments and appraisal. C.F. Vega Banjos by Deering | Huge Selection | Lowest Prices Guaranteed The Eddie Peabody Model was actually made by Vega of Boston from 1966-ca. I have 2 Martin Vegas. Hit a few licks on the tenor- you might find that you like it. Roger- Thanks much for your query. Your banjo is an off shoot of the classic No. Fred- Thank you for the detailed photos of your instrument. The seller advertised it (in 2016) as verified by BRC made in 1976 in Nazareth. 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. Thanks for posting the information on Martin mage Vega banjos. My other theory is that the pot, which bears a C.F. Martin began shipping parts overseas for assembly. The last one was produced in early 1975 despite being their very first banjo made that year. Martin manufactured 100 Pro-5 banjos including the temporary Bobby Joe Fenster variation. According to the C.F. From the BRC, Barry. I live near Portland, Oregon. Can you tell me what year it was made and by whom? My Vega F-VIP #1456 got chosen from the 72 catalogue in spring of 76 in a music shop in Stuttgart / Germany, and was delivered only about ten weeks later. All the very best from the BRC, Barry, Thank you, Barry. Informacje o Martin V730 StringsVega struny banjo 5str 10-23,10 - 11109713090 w archiwum Allegro. Hope this helps and au revoir, Barry. vega banjo identification It looked like it belonged on a Gibson. I would appreciate it very much. vega serial numbers - Discussion Forums - Banjo Hangout ), though, as said earlier, neck and rim look a lot like Martin quality. The melody banjo was the equivalent of a 4 string mandolin banjo. It appears in the transitional Vega/Martin product list of 1970 and lastly in the 1972 Vega Banjo Catalog (The CF Martin Organization). This instrument was a special order for banjoist, Jack Mistretta, from Grand Rapids, Michiganwho happened to be a friend of Eddie Peabody. ), Wim- Congratulations on procuring such a lovely vintage instrument. vega banjo Archives - Seeders Instruments The tone ring is stamped 24, and the tail piece is stamped 41. Thanks so much! He is credited with being one of the first banjo-builders to install side brackets with hooks to adjust the tension of the head. The rim and shoe screws/washer are likely homemade/cut down and tone ring is not Galaxy stock, but more of a Gibson knockoff. The finish was shaded mahogany, and the metal rim parts were nickel plated. 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. Thanks again for your query. The problem is that the serial number labels at this time had printing errors, where the first numeric digit was omitted. Could you tell me where it was built and what its value is today ? Martin V720 Vega Steel/Nickel Banjo Strings - .009-.030 - Sweetwater Theres precious little information about these instruments online. Martin`s transition from traditional Spanish, Viennese, and Renaissance structural features towards innovating a modern acoustic guitar with a unique cross brace design. My estimate is that it might fetch $1800-2000 these days. Have a restful weekend and be well, Barry. Bill- Thanks for your query. Typically, the number would be preceded with an A (indicating an adjustable truss rod) followed by a six-digit number. I would be grateful if you could inform me when it was made. vega banjo identification. Data zakoczenia 2022-09-02 - cena 20,90 z Wim, (Ed.- Note the classic Tubaphone tone ring. The rim is 10 ply maple with a top metal tone ring, nickel-plated metal parts, and a shaded mahogany finish. Having read the posts above I see that this is most likely not the case! Vega Regent 5 String Banjo (1925) | RetroFret The inside of the banjo is also blank except for the painted serial number 2207. Jack. 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. There are no other identification markings on the instrument and it definitely does not say Martin anywhere. The handsome Professional-5 model with an upgraded tone ring and rim re-appeared in the 1972 Vega/Martin banjo catalogue- but no sign ever again of the short lived BJF-5 stringer. Many thanks to you and your friend Ron for putting me straight. Is this generally true, can one instantly recognize a Nazareth vs. Massachusetts by the stain color? vega banjo identification - Pamela Hudson gamefowl breeders in texas; 0 comments. The Martin log book in Nazareth, PA, begins with #130248 later in 1971. It is the first martin-vega I have ever seen in person, or had in my hands! 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. 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. I would send pictures but was not sure just where to post them. In my files, the PS-5 is seen in a Vega (Boston) flyer in 1961 where it lists for $309. VEGA Vintage Banjos for sale | eBay C.F. There is no evidence that Vega actually made banjos prior to buying out Fairbanks. Check Price at Amazon. vega banjo identification. Family owned since 1972, Elderly Instruments is a music store specializing in new, used & vintage guitars, banjos, mandolins, ukuleles and more. Martin acquired Vega. Your Pete Seeger (PS-5) was one of eleven PS-5 long neck banjos made in early 1972 per Shop Order 2098. 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 cant remember exactly when I bought it but I think it was around the early 70s. Just found you today . It was a student model that Eddie convinced long time friend and Vega owner/president to make positioned as a lower cost alternative to the Vox I/Professional IIit was an upgrade over the Little Wonder/Ranger banjos. Martin stamp. 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. Thereafter, C. F. Martin installed a serial number decal on the inner rim beginning with #2 and on through #1945. 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. Barry. In the Martin price list of 1971, it is listed at $488 without case. Services; vega banjo identification Photos , BRC Replies To Samantha (November 23, 2019), Reply From Dr. Ron (the BRC Vega Vox/EddiePeabody consultant). 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. The V-45(5) featured a heavy one-piece flat head tone ring of brass so popular among Bluegrass pickers. Ive got a couple of pictures in case of interest, but Id need a mail-address for sending, me supposing. I gave alot of money for this, just hoping a made a decent deal. 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. Look for decals and a serial number on the interior of the rim to help document its story. One thing that I have noticed is that Massachusetts-made resonator banjos generally had a yellow/orange stain. Im just getting back into my love of music. A part of the C.F. I recently took my Dads 4 string banjo out of storage after approximately 25 years since his passing. Cited in the Vega price list of 1971, the last one VM published, the retail price tag was $488 without case. John, John- Thank you much for your kind words about my website and letting my readers share in your joy of procuring a VM Pete Seeger long neck 5-stringer (PS-5). The back of the peghead of these rare banjos is imprinted with a C.F. 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. He on his banjo and me with my guitar. Vega Martin banjo SN 324 was manufactured in Nazareth, PA, in early 1973. best of . The label indicates the banjo was made in Needham, MA, but the Vega company was owned by the CF Martin guitar company. Deering now owns the Vega line and offers open-back Tubaphones in their inventory. 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. Used 5-String Open-Back Banjos | Intermountain Guitar & Banjo Martin in Nazareth, Pennsylvania, in mid 1974 per Shop Order #2217. He wanted to buy it! Vega Tenor Banjo and Case, 1920s | Reverb document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Thank you for your query to the BRC and the abovephoto link. Dot inlay fret board. He could always check the stamp on the bottomthe tone ring to see if its a match to the rim (it should say V916). In recent years, Deeringrecreated andmarkets its ownVega Professional 4-stringer model with a classic wooden pie sectioned resonator. sir- need some help. Can`t find anything about it on line. The metal parts were chrome-plated. Great Savings & Free Delivery / Collection on many items. Fairbanks & Cole Of note, when the Professional 5-stringer was made in Boston in the early 1960`s, it had square MOP inlays with dots on the neck compared to the nicely designed inlays on your fretboard and seen in the 1966 catalogue. The Item # was VT2NRC. Neck and rim look a lot like made by Martin craftsmen, and it arrived set up perfectly. The banjo shown here (serial number M130316) was the second Ultra Vox V built in 1971, shortly after C.F. The Pro-5 does not appear in the 1976 Vega Martin catalogue. Thank You for your time and web site. He uses the one piece neck design typical of the other Deering models with the SN stamped on the back of the peghead. It looks to have some pretty fancy inlays along the fretboard and some nice detail & trim around the wooden drum. vega banjo identification - nutrir.cl I ordered. It`s a sweet long neck, and I wish I had one. C.F. Save on our most popular Goodtime banjos - the Goodtime openback and the Goodtime Two - at your favorite Deering dealer today! The rich heritage of Vega was derelict for 5 years until Deering rescued it by acquiring rights to the brand name in 1989. As your banjo bears no C.F. Thanks again. The serial # is 448. Let me know if you might have any questionsI really appreciate the work youre doing here. However, its a beautifully crafted banjo with a great sound. Can you tell me what year this banjo was made and what my aunt could legitimately ask for it? I actually have a customized 75 Martin D28 to go with my 75 Vega. Where is the serial number on a Vega banjo? 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. Plectrum means a 4-string model with 22 frets, which is longer scale (27) than the 19 fret 4-string tenor (23). It has almost all the hallmarks of a stock model VIP banjo. It is a somewhat rare bird, as C.F. 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. Although the Martin Company did not manufacture Vega banjos till a century later, a solitary banjo from the mid 19th century is appended to the exhibit to display parallel innovation in the instrument because of its increasing popularity during that era. Vega Martin SN 1199 is one of five VIP-T (tenor) banjos made per shop order # 2233 in late 1974 in Nazareth, PA. 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. How much would it be worth? Every Martin Vega I have seen has a more dark brown mahogany-colored stain. In that same period, twenty-one VV IV plectrums were manufactured. 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). I has Vega and a single star on the front of the headstock. From the BRC, Barry, Sir: What kind of info can you give me on a V-76E banjo, Ser. The circular connecting rod is left over from the Vega inventory and shipped from Boston to Nazareth after C. F. Martin acquired the brand in May of 1970. brian kim, cpa clearvalue tax net worth . Your instrument SN 999 was one of five VIP-5 (Very Important Player) banjos was made in Nazareth, PA, in mid 1974 per Shop Order # 2212. I then discovered my Vega VIP Martin 1972 model #1766, a beautiful banjo which I have played for the past 12 years. 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 Vega brand was subsequently sold overseas in 1979. A previous owner had deeply scratched a Social Security number into its heel. 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. The Ranger sold for $125 in 1961 and $158 in 1966. Serial number assignment and record keeping fell into disarray from 1977 to 1979. I cannot find any pictures remotely close online. Your VW-5 with SN 1519 was manufactured in Nazareth, PA, in 1976 per Shop Order 2285. 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. The Vega/Martin PS-5 would probably fetch in the $1000- 2500 range these days depending on appointments and condition, whereas the Vega/Boston Seeger banjo seems to be valued more by collectors and would command a higher price. Vega Martin models (1970-1979) are less of a collector`s item and fetch about half that price range. It is great to hear from someone who actually visited the Vega factory in Needham Heights, Massachusetts. With appreciation, Barry, S.C.-Thank you for the prompt and detailed photos of your banjo. I love the story. 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. From the BRC, Barry, I inquired on Banjo Hangout about information on a Vega banjo acquired from a friend. vega banjo identification Martin manufactured 561 VW-5 banjos but only 124 FW-5 instruments. I lived in Needham MA for 20+ years, and Im wondering if that tone ring possibly came from Vegas final days in Needham. 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 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. In general, the Boston made Pete Seeger long neck banjos seem to command a greater collectors` interest than the ones manufactured in Pennsylvania. Martin students believe that it was a market ploy to attract owners of the legendary Martin D-45 guitar to purchase a partner banjo, but the strategy did not succeed. Best wishes for happy pickin`, Barry, I have an Vega 5-string banjo, open back, bought around 1965. my Martin/Vega PS5 #481 is about a month into my possession. 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. The beautiful Tu-Ba-Phone Deluxe and its plectrum and open back permutations appear only in a 3 page marketing pamphlet issued by C.F. The only serial number is 1120. Thanks again. Martin made 101 of the PS-5 instruments which listed for $488 without case in the final V/M price list in 1971. This is a stock neck off a Martin-made tenor from that erathe fingerboardblock inlay is what would be found on only the Vox I or Pro. In May of 1970, C.F. It looks like the banjo is in ok/decent condition. The year 1970-1971 was a time of transition of tools and parts from Boston to Nazareth, PA. 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. It is not to be confused with the metal pie plate or hubcap resonator manufactured by Elton in the 1930`s. The model was discontinued after Martin Guitar bought Vega in 1970. Rettberg & Lange(1898-1920) banjos were initially similar to Buckbee-made In the the 1971 Vega Martin price list, the VW-Plec retailed at $345. C.F. I was told by someone at C. F. Martin that they only made 11 of them ( mine is ser # 7 ) .

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