What a wealth of information! John- Thank-you for the detailed photos. This classic and ornate Vega series dates back to the 1920s but did not appear in the 1970 and 1972 Vega Martin catalogues. Look for decals and a serial number on the interior of the rim to help document its story. vega banjo identification. ), though, as said earlier, neck and rim look a lot like Martin quality. Wooden pot resonator. These three top-of-the-line instruments were sent to Japan for assembly. Well, this is a hybrid banjo, and doubtful that is a Galaxy banjo. About 20 years ago I had it re-fretted , re-finished , and the gold re-plated . 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). 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. Martin in Nazareth, PA, in 1973. Also, I can send pictures, if this would help, or just be fun! Vega Martin manufactured twenty-eight V-41 5 stringers, two V-41 tenors, and only one V-41 plectrum banjo. I appreciate having some of the history around my banjo and will cherish it even more knowing it is somewhat rare. 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 The V-45 appears on the cover of the 1972 catalogue, and it was billed as our finest Bluegrass banjo in the 1976 catalogue. The last Vega Martin banjo manufactured in Nazareth, PA, was SN 1969 as reportedly documented by a letter of authentication signed by C.F. I actually have a customized 75 Martin D28 to go with my 75 Vega. Vega Banjo Identification - azgardcn 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. Bill- Thanks for your query. In addition to the unusual R-D-136 serial number, the C.F. Family owned since 1972, Elderly Instruments is a music store specializing in new, used & vintage guitars, banjos, mandolins, ukuleles and more. With the original Hardshell case and the rare Earl Scruggs Tuners or de- tuners if you will. 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. I tried to find your email address at your Banjo homepage without any success. 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. Original MRSP $1310 without case (carved neck was also extra). The VIP-T is a nice mid range banjo model, and I have a VIP-5 which has a pleasant mid range tonal response. vega banjo identification - Pamela Hudson aluminum variety, one slim one large, with the larger one closer to the head. The build quality is quite immaculate, both wood and hardware. So cool to have this historical data. 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. 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. Thanks again. Thereafter, C. F. Martin installed a serial number decal on the inner rim beginning with #2 and on through #1945. Please try again. Martin markings, my impression is that it was put together overseas from left-over Martin parts after the Asian conglomerate Galaxy Trading purchased the Vega brand in 1979. 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. 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. Barry. A total of 101 PS-5 instruments were manufactured in Pennsylvania. We have a bunch of new Deering merch for you whether it be socks, shirts, tote bags, mugs, and more! In general, the Boston made Pete Seeger long neck banjos seem to command a greater collectors` interest than the ones manufactured in Pennsylvania. March 13, 2017 at 3:46 pmRob- Thank you for your query and very kind comments about the BRC website. Hope this helps, and thanks again for your post. After a loooong wait I finally got it in 1971 . 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. Martin sold the Vega brand to the Asian conglomerate Galaxy Trading Company in March of 1979. Andreas- Thank you for the historical narrative on your banjo and the detailed photographs. 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. It is in pristine condition and is clearly a very high quality instrument. I would send pictures but was not sure just where to post them. VT2NRC in its 1979 catalogue, and Galaxy went bankrupt in a few years. I received a letter(martin memo) along with my banjo covering head adjustment, plastic Vegalon heads, string action, bridge and nut and neck rod adjustment dated 8/26/71also a warranty card with the phone number 215-759-2837ask for miketelling me to use string type V750.having wanted one all my adult life, this banjo is the pinnacle of my banjo collecting desires. I had Renee Karnes carve the heel with a VV flower and leaf design to get rid of the SS #. Posts. John, just an old Missouri banjo picker transplanted in Arizona. Both are in wonderful condition. The C.F. Further investigation related to your comments in the abovefirst paragraph might shed some light on the wood tone finish differences. The Vega Ultra Vox V is among the rarest of the limited, special order edition banjos made by either Vega of Boston or Martin. Fender Standard Banjo Hardshell Case Black ,, kemenpppa.go.id 4kjzing@8x47evey1 C.F. Hope this helps and best wishes from the BRC, Barry, Gary- Thanks for your query. GoldTone longneck Banjo - musical instruments - by owner - sale Again, thank youmuchfor your post. I have two 1930 Vegaphones and an earlier Tubaphone conversion, and this VIP is certainly able to hold up its weight tone wise. Can you identify this rare Vega Martin banjo just by the peghead markings? All the best, Barry. 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. vega banjo identification. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Thank you for your query to the BRC and the abovephoto link. When C.F. C.F. I love the story. 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. Martin, but I do not detect such an identifying decal near the serial number on the interior of the rim. The mahogany neck had an ebony fingerboard with distinctive inlays including the peg head. Martin made 76 commemorative V-76 banjos in 1976 to celebrated the bicentennial of the USA. Answer: Tu-Ba-Phone 5-String made 1978-1979. 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. Ending Thursday at 9:33PM GMT 2d 23h. The more affordable V-41-5 banjo was partnered with the D-41 guitar, but this marketing ploy did not work as anticipated for either of the aforementioned guitar/banjo combinations. 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. FAIRBANKS BANJO MANDOLINE. I have photos.Serial No. Still as wonderful as the day I got it. P.S. Thanks for your reply. The banjo featured a bell brass audio-sonic tone ring, different from the tubaphone tone ring, and a ten ply maple rim. In my files, the PS-5 is seen in a Vega (Boston) flyer in 1961 where it lists for $309. If it has a wooden pot resonator, remove it and check the inner rim for identifiers. Photos , BRC Replies To Samantha (November 23, 2019), Reply From Dr. Ron (the BRC Vega Vox/EddiePeabody consultant). Banjoman- C.F. Im just getting back into my love of music. The open back Folk Wonder 5-stringer does not appear in the 1976 Vega/Martin catalogue where the Vega Wonder resonator series is still advertised. Thanks again for your post and pictures and kind comments about the website. Excellent condition. The Vega franchise was sold overseas in 1979 but reacquired in the US by Deering in 1989. 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. 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. Having read the posts above I see that this is most likely not the case! 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. Vega serial #s between 99369 and 99686, when the switch from the Vega stamp to printed yellow labels seems to have occured. Like my dad, I am a musician and physician and treasure his professional and avocational memorabilia. Martin did not publish suggested retail prices after 1971, but I would estimate the V-76 sold for around $7-800 with case. Martin made 101 of the PS-5 instruments which listed for $488 without case in the final V/M price list in 1971. Mike- Thanks for your post and kind remarks about the BRC website. The V-41 was available by special order only, and it listed back then for $850. 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). ampleforth college redundancies. Fender Standard Banjo Hardshell Case Black chuya 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. Martin purchased the Vega brand line. sir- need some help. 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). 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. 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. C.F. Martin upgraded the maple rim to 10 ply after purchasing the Vega/Boston franchise in May of 1970. 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). What can you tell me about the history and value of this one. Can`t find anything about it on line. This design of banjo retailed for $285 back then, and it was popularized by Erik Darling and Pete Seegar (who had his own Vega endorsed model for awhile). The serial # is 448. Retail price was $1300.00 ; I paid $900.00 . It retailed for $345 in the 1971 Vega Martin price list. Flanked by interactive faculty at a northeastern banjo camp, the BRC founderproudly shows-off his Vega VIP banjo built in Nazareth, Pennsylvania, in 1975. You may, however, start a new topic and refer to this topic with a link: http://www.banjohangout.org/archive/307507 vinman - Posted - 08/09/2015: 18:02:24 Enjoy. The C.F. 1930 Vega Tenor Banjo - Pure Banjo During this transitional period, Boston parts were shipped to Nazareth for assembly, and Martin pre-fixed the traditional six digit Vega serial number with the letter `M`. Barry- Thanks for your queries and subsequent photos that promt me to revise my initial response. Data zakoczenia 2022-09-02 - cena 20,90 z Yes, the VVI banjos have the same inlay pattern as the VM Pro (Professional) 5 string model. CL. ANTIQUE S.S. STEWART UNIVERSAL FAVORITE BANJO with INTERESTING HISTORY C $146.35 0 bids. Ive had several accomplished pickers really make it talk.wish I could!! I cannot find any pictures remotely close online. 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. The resonator was hand-painted, and fancy engraved pearl inlays adorned the ebony fingerboard. Aspiring players also wonder what makes one banjo better than another. Just wondering if you have any interesting data on this ax. If someone could help her post it on eBay, it would probably get a decent price and a good home. Item # 9126. Martin stamp. The tonering, bracket band, and notched tension hoop were all made of vibrant bell brass (Not die cast metal). Martin did not publish suggested retail prices after 1971, but I would estimate the V-76 sold for around $7-800 with case. port melbourne players; fair lawn high school graduation; vega banjo identification; By . Micky- Thanks for your narrative on your Pete Seeger long neck. 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). The serial numbers for the overseas-produced instruments were in the 2000+ range in sequence with the last official VM banjo manufactured in Nazareth, PA, which bore #1969. There are 13 stars on the banjo fretboard, and there should be a plaque on the back of the headstock. Landis- Thanks for your post. Steve in Oz, April 24, 2016 at 1:23 pmSteve- Thanks for your post and glad to hear that a `Wonder` banjo made it `Down Under` during the Vega Martin era. The serial number is stamped in the wooden rim below the Martin decal. Im hoping I can find a V41 pot. The rhinestones on the flanges, tension bolts, and peghead differ from Peabodys prototype and the later Martin production Vox V models. 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. vega banjo identification Great sound and in excellent condition. He wanted to buy it! I got an old Vega banjo from my father. so it does say Martin on the back and its vega on the front. Since that day in 1989, Deering has breathed new life into the Vega name, blending over a century of tradition with Deering's banjo building expertise, to create a range of heritage rich open back and longneck banjos that are as integral to the modern folk sounds of The Avett Brothers as they were to Pete Seegers personal revolution. SOLD Vega Earl Scruggs Banjo and Original hard case Price: $695.00 USD a 1969 Earl Scruggs on rim inside :TRB 13746 . I have a vegavox 4 tenor banjo by Martin . Because so few Pro-5`s were manufactured in Nazareth, it is difficult to gauge the worth of your banjo these days. Its mostly been in storage since I purchased it in the late 1970s. Do you know how many tenor V41 banjos were made? A total of 98 model D-76E guitars were also made for employees. If this banjo has some more of the early prewar design features, add $1000-1500.Hope this helps, Dr. Ron. 219203099161mmDA107 , . In May of 1970, C.F. Thanks so much Ill get back to you if any further questions. Again, thanks for your post. One of the 2 rods inside rim is a larger diameter then the other one. Jim _Thanks for your query. Lieutenant Governor Hawaii Apostille, Boat Service Center In Hubli, Articles V
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