The V-41 was available by special order only, and it listed back then for $850. 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 . Martin D-45 guitar. The metal parts were gold plated and engraved. Thanks you for this great site. It is in pristine condition and is clearly a very high quality instrument. It did not have a tone ring or simply a steel ring like the Wonder, to keep the cost down. fender american professional ii vs ultra. Further investigation related to your comments in the abovefirst paragraph might shed some light on the wood tone finish differences. it in 1970 through a music store in Norwich , Ct run by Cliff Tidd . I am wondering what you can tell me about a Vega long neck banjo with Martin stamp on the back of the headstock and inside, serial number 82? The last two Vox Vs (serial numbers 1964-1965) were built in 1979, and still exist to this day. The Life & Times of the Pete Seeger 5-string Folk Banjo - 1958 - 1970. Martin built only 101 PS-5 long necks. The VW tenor 4 stringer was available in the 1963 and 1966 Vega catalogue, but the plectrum model did not appear in the Boston catalogue until 1968 when it listed for $325. After Martin purchased Vega in 1970, the factory transitioned from Needham Heights to Nazareth, PA. In those years there was not a college student who didn't dream of owning a Vega Pete . Martin sold the Vega brand to the Asian conglomerate Galaxy Trading Company in March of 1979. Serial number assignment and record keeping fell into disarray from 1977 to 1979. The Galaxy serial number is not a continuum of the Martin serial number sequence. vega banjo identification. The fascinatingwooden pie (sectioned) resonator is probably inherited from the Boston era Vega inventory. 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. Vega Banjos for Sale, New and Used - banjobarn.com An Original Fairbanks 5-String Banjo with a replaced ebony fingerboard and peg-head facing, with added appropriate pearl inlays. I have two Ode long neck banjos, and one of them is my daily practice instrument because of its wife-friendly tone. The Vega No.2 is a banjo made of top grade curly maple stained light amber and buffed to a high gloss. This fascinating collection of vintage stringed instruments chronicles luthier C.F. I have an ornate 5 string Martin Vega banjo with pie-plate style resonator. Save This Search Your search returned 20 results View Sold and Expired Ads Matching Your Search Its mostly been in storage since I purchased it in the late 1970s. Inside your device. Thereafter, C. F. Martin installed a serial number decal on the inner rim beginning with #2 and on through #1945. These days, my guess is that this 5 stringer is worth about $1500 or more depending on condition. Im just getting back into my love of music. We have a bunch of new Deering merch for you whether it be socks, shirts, tote bags, mugs, and more! Deering (California) now owns the Vega brand name and produces a `Little Wonder` and `Old Tyme Wonder` 5-stringer not unlike your instrument. 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). With the original Hardshell case and the rare Earl Scruggs Tuners or de- tuners if you will. 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. The last one was produced in early 1975 despite being their very first banjo made that year. CL. Thank you, Barry, for the information that allow me to buy this banjo with serenity.VIVE le BANJO and the banjo players! By that time, parts were being shipped to Canada and Japan for assembly, and record keeping soon deteriorated and serial numbers were inconsistent. Published by at 16 de junio de 2022. Again, thank youmuchfor your post. Vega enthusiasts Help with this mystery - Discussion Forums - Banjo Hangout Fender Standard Banjo Hardshell Case Black chuya When C. F. Martin Co. bought the Vega banjo line in May of 1970, hundreds of parts were inherited from the Needham Heights factory near Boston. 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. There are 13 stars on the banjo fretboard, and there should be a plaque on the back of the headstock. The VIP banjo last appeared in the 1976 VM catalog as an open back instrument but still featuring the V.I.P. 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. I was fortunate enough to visit the Needham factory (actually a cement-block garage-like building) in the mid-late 1960s and saw some early VIPs under construction. Perhaps a bit more cutting. Smakula Fretted Instruments; Banjos Everywhere! 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. 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). The Vega serial number files still available do not specify the specific models of banjo manufactured in Massachusetts. I will trade for a good Octave Mandolin or Bouzouki John- Thank-you for the detailed photos. In the Boston era, Pete Seeger was listed as an exclusive Vega product banjoist in a 1961 flyer from their Columbus Avenue business headquarters, and his endorsed PS-5 was featured prominently in the 1963 and 1966 Vega catalogs. Deering now owns the Vega line and offers open-back Tubaphones in their inventory. 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). Thank you so much!! The PS-5 is not seen in the 1976 Vega Martin catalog but is replaced by the No. Im the happy owner of a Vega-Martin VW-5 Wonder 5 string, serial #1516. Martin purchased the Vega brand in May in 1970 and just before the factory was transferred to Pennsylvania. As you have observed, the VIP tonering has holes grouped in threes, so maybe yours might be a lucky survivor from the early days of the VIP line when the model first appeared in the 1970 Vega Martin catalogue. Again, thanks for your post. 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). But with original Whyte Laydie banjo rims being in demand for converting to 5-string instruments, this one is an ideal candidate. Hello, I just stumbled onto this site today 4/16/20. Both are in wonderful condition. Hope this helps, and thanks again for your post. 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. For Sale - Vega Earl Scruggs Banjo and Original hard case The inside of the rim has a R-D-136 in white. Been used in the studio and loaned to a friend about 30 years ago while he his banjo was being repaired. Deering purchased the Vega franchise in1989 restoring the line to greatness. 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. It looks like the banjo is in ok/decent condition. Martin also made 1976 model D-76 guitars to partner the banjo. On the neck, there usually should be a pencil written serial number at theheel where it meets the rim (at least all my Martins have one there). Kudos to Greg Deering who rescued the Vega brand name from extinction in 1989 and restored it to greatness. Jack. According to the factory logbook, banjo # 481 was one of eleven PS-5 banjos made per Shop Order # 2155 by 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. 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. GoldTone longneck Banjo - musical instruments - by owner - sale Micky- Thanks for your narrative on your Pete Seeger long neck. JC Is this original? Both of these models had block mother of pearl inlays, with fewer inlays appearing on the new scaled-down Pro fretboard. 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. It was one of the last batch of fourteen Wonder 5-stringers made in the USA before C.F. 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. What A great and informative site .. 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). Be safe, be well. Vega Banjo Serial Numbers - cleverapex The Vega brand was subsequently sold overseas in 1979. Per the 1971 price list, the V-45-5 sold for $1650 with case included, and it was available by special order only. S.C.- Thank you for your query to the BRC. Hello, I have enjoyed reading your posts on Vega-Martin banjos. Ending Thursday at 9:33PM GMT 2d 23h. What can you tell me about the history and value of this one. 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. I lived in Needham MA for 20+ years, and Im wondering if that tone ring possibly came from Vegas final days in Needham. I would love some photos of your V-45 to upload with this post. In 1979, Martin sold the Vega brand to the Asian conglomerate Galaxy. 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 As C.F. There are different types of banjos and plenty of new terminology for parts of banjos and playing styles. Although a mystery to me, this top of the line resonator banjo was introduced by C.F. There are 13 stars on the banjo fretboard, and there should be a plaque on the back of the headstock. Vega style k mandolin banjo June 7, 2022; homes for sale by owner in berwick, pa . The Vega Company reportedlyintroduced the first wooden sectioned pie resonator in mid 1923 for their Vega Professional 4-stringer. It appears to be serial number 231 (engraved). By the mid 1960`s, it was usually manufactured with a connecting rod. The Ranger sold for $125 in 1961 and $158 in 1966. I orderedit in 1970 through a music store in Norwich , Ct run by Cliff Tidd . Hope this helps and thanks for your post. Galaxy went bankrupt around 1984 and vanished. Barry, Marc- Thanks much for the prompt and telling photos. Allen screws at the neck/pot junction and a tube connecting rod (not shown) are design features from the 1960`s in Boston . The local music store said they would give her 120$ for it. 3, Serial #50232, with a patented brass top hoop and bracket band over a seven-lap sectional maple hoop, 28 brackets, mahogany neck with an ebony fingerboard with22 frets and inlaid pearloid dots and star position marks, carved heel, peghead with flowerpot inlay . (#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. 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. Barry. Your peghead and resonator are clearly marked with C.F. Could you tell me where it was built and what its value is today ? The retail price for this banjo in the 1970 catalogue was $488 without case, and Martin did not published price lists after 1971. Cited in the Vega price list of 1971, the last one VM published, the retail price tag was $488 without case. Martin- Thank you for your query and very useful photos. Deering now offers the Tubaphone No. 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. What is a spectrum banjo? Martin Vega banjo #892 should be a long neck open back Folklore Model manufactured in the latter half of 1973 per shop order 2198. Subject: Help with ID of Vega Banjo please. It retailed for $345 in the 1971 Vega Martin price list. Great Savings & Free Delivery / Collection on many items. Then by ink its written Folk Ranger. 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. Your aunt`s banjo sounds like a stock model, so I would estimate that it would fetch $400-$700 on the open market. vega banjo identification. From the BRC, Barry. Fred- Thank you for the detailed photos of your instrument. 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. Thank-you for your kind words about my website, and all blessings to you and yours this coming holiday season. Where is the serial number on a Vega banjo? Hope this helps and best wishes from the BRC, Barry. In the meantime, keep on pickin` that Pro-5. Bob- Thank you for your kind words about my website, and I reply with compliments to your luthier shop with which I am familiar. Bob- Thanks for the remembrance narrative about you and your Dad learning music together- your are a lucky father and son. 0 bids $10.96 shipping Ending Oct 14 at 5:44AM PDT5d 4hFrom GermanyBrand: VEGA It is the first martin-vega I have ever seen in person, or had in my hands! Just came across your site, I was wondering if you would be able to help identify what model Martin Vega banjo that I have, I believe it is from the 70s. The back of the headstock is blank. 1833 decal is absent from the inner rim. 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. It is collecting dust since i dont play the banjo and I am thinking of passing it on. 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. It is mentioned again on a back page of the 1972 catalogue. I have a vegavox 4 tenor banjo by Martin . The Vega franchise was sold overseas in 1979 but reacquired in the US by Deering in 1989. 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. Idoubt it matches the rim, unless they changed from a plectrum to tenor atlast minute. The `41` engraved on the tailpiece no doubt refers to the model V-41 designation. 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). After a loooong wait I finally got it in 1971 . This 5-stringer was manufactured circa 1845 in Baltimore, MD, by luthier William Boucher, Jr.. 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. Just found you today . Its always inspiring to see someone so dedicated to their craft! Martin made 76 commemorative V-76 banjos in 1976 to celebrated the bicentennial of the USA. Martin purchased the Vega brand line. Today I purchase Vega PS-5, serial number M-130259. Informacje o Martin V730 StringsVega struny banjo 5str 10-23,10 - 11109713090 w archiwum Allegro. I then discovered my Vega VIP Martin 1972 model #1766, a beautiful banjo which I have played for the past 12 years. 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. Again, thanks for your post. So heres my question. These three top-of-the-line instruments were sent to Japan for assembly. Thanks for letting us see this fascinating and unique instrument. I know this is a Vega Martin site, however maybe you can help me or know of someone who can provide me with more information about my dads Vega banjo.It is a 1951 Vega vox iv plectrum with with s/n 98786.What does the iv mean? $42 USD. Being a low end instrument, the early FR-5 model had no connecting rod. Do you know anything of the type of banjo, year of manufacturing and value today? vega banjo identification.
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