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Per the 1971 price list, the V-45-5 sold for $1650 with case included, and it was available by special order only. Greg also originally hand made the round hole Tubaphone tone rings, but now they have a fairly well honed machine manufacturing process. Thank you for all the information. vega banjo identification. While published accounts indicate that only 18 plectrums and 3 tenors were made in this series, Martin company officials have shared information from current records that one-third were simply shop orders that were never actually completed in the post-strike period. C.F. Vega Tenor Banjo and Case, 1920s | Reverb The long-neck No. Barry. 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). Resale prices for this type of banjo vary widely from a couple of hundred to several thousand dollars depending on unique features. Any info including your estimate of current value would be very much appreciated. Martin purchased the Vega brand in May in 1970 and just before the factory was transferred to Pennsylvania. Per my files, the Pete Seeger long neck first appears in a Vega flyer in 1961 for $309. 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). Joshua- Send me some detailed photos of your banjo inside and out. I have 5 different stringed instruments that just keep finding me, and I was nervous to take it apart so I could look at the serial number. As such, it is also unique in that is the only Ultra Vox V to be modified and finished by Peabodys other ex-Marine buddy and master luthier, Larry Kellens (widely known as the Vega Doctor during the 1950-70s). The C.F. Vega Pete Seeger 5-string Folk Banjo - 1958-1970 - The Canada Site Your PS-5 Pete Seeger long neck # M-130259 was assembled in Nazareth in early 1971 per Shop Order 2012. Your banjo was built circa 1964, and the A pre-fix to the serial number means `adjustable truss rod`. The Eddie Peabody Model was actually made by Vega of Boston from 1966-ca. Like my dad, I am a musician and physician and treasure his professional and avocational memorabilia. 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 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. Best wishes for happy pickin`, Barry, I have an Vega 5-string banjo, open back, bought around 1965. C.F. From the BRC, Barry. The banjo listed for $556 in the 1971 price list without case. Ive attached a photo of that Coat of Arms resonator next to my Vox Vit was a spare they had made for Eddie Peabody. Vintage Vega Style M Tubaphone Banjo 1921 Boston Mass W Case Inlay TU BA PHONE C $1,714.08 Was: C $1,904.53 or Best Offer SPONSORED Banjo made by Tokai T600R T-600R vintage 5 strings acoustic w/ hardcase C $1,021.01 Free shipping or Best Offer Only 1 left! Give it a try and good luck. Look for decals and a serial number on the interior of the rim to help document its story. C.F. Check Price at Amazon. Hope this helps and best wishes from the BRC, Barry, Gary- Thanks for your query. Martin factory in Nazareth, PA, parts were shipped overseas to Japan and Canada for assembly. This is a beautiful banjo! Fairbanks & Vega banjos, Dating & Identifying - Mugwumps Over a period of several years, the Vega line morphed into a uniquely featured Vega Martin instrument. 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. 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. Some C.F. Vega Banjo Identification Professional Had Black. The last one was produced in early 1975 despite being their very first banjo made that year. I was disappointed because I badly wanted to see Scruggs models! Vega Martin SN 1199 is one of five VIP-T (tenor) banjos made per shop order # 2233 in late 1974 in Nazareth, PA. 721 which I have had a number of years. Thanks so much Ill get back to you if any further questions. The tonering, bracket band, and notched tension hoop were all made of vibrant bell brass (Not die cast metal). A few months later, the old six digit number system was replaced with new sequence starting with #2 and progressing sequentially to a four digit number over the ensuing years. Is this generally true, can one instantly recognize a Nazareth vs. Massachusetts by the stain color? After Martin purchased Vega in 1970, the factory transitioned from Needham Heights to Nazareth, PA. Just found this wonderful site. 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. Martin purchased the Vega company on May 5, 197O. Martin sold the Vega brand to the Asian conglomerate Galaxy Trading Company in March of 1979. 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. Vega Banjo Identification - azgardcn 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. The `41` engraved on the tailpiece no doubt refers to the model V-41 designation. Wow! 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. From the BRC site this banjo was made circa 1975-1976 in and around Nazareth PA. Do I have the have the provenance correct? Your comments about the color tone differences of Vega/Boston vs. Martin/Nazareth resonator banjos are curious, and I do not have an accurate answer for it. I ordered. Also, I can send pictures, if this would help, or just be fun! 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. All of these extra upgrades were reportedly worth an additional $1000 at the time. Prices subject to change without notice. The banjo shown here (serial number M130316) was the second Ultra Vox V built in 1971, shortly after C.F. Also, Deering uses a 3-ply 1/2 rock maple rim, compared to the 5/8 10-ply rim typically found in most Martin Nazareth produced Voxes in the 1970s. Isgho Votre ducation notre priorit . Hope this helps and all the best in 2019, Barry. 2 Tu-Ba-Phone XL is seen in the 1976 catalogue. I lived in Needham MA for 20+ years, and Im wondering if that tone ring possibly came from Vegas final days in Needham. 1969, probably initially at the 40 Leon Street factory the Needham Heights (just before the sale to Martin). Martin did not publish retail prices after 1971, so my guess is that this up scale model sold back then for around $600. In that same period, twenty-one VV IV plectrums were manufactured. The Vega era PS-5 banjos sell for up to $3-4K these days. 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 banjo identification - Discussion Forums - Banjo Hangout MUSCELL Banjo Strings, Handmade Phosphor Bronze 5-String Banjo Strings Ball End - 3 Packs Medium. First let me thank you for this amazing well of information! Rob- Thank you for your kind comments about the BRC website, You are a lucky guy to have two Vega Martin 5-stringers, both made in Nazareth, PA. Shortly thereafter, the Martin craftsmen went on strike, and banjo parts were shipped overseas for assembly. Zero fret wear. Thanks from the BRC, Barry, Hi Barry! In my files, the PS-5 is seen in a Vega (Boston) flyer in 1961 where it lists for $309. 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. 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). GoldTone longneck Banjo - musical instruments - by owner - sale 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 five number labels were found in banjos made from 1962 through February 1964, involving serial numbers A10300 through A12400. Barry. Please try again. The rim and shoe screws/washer are likely homemade/cut down and tone ring is not Galaxy stock, but more of a Gibson knockoff. Roger- Thanks much for your query. 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. C.F. Your Wonder-5 string banjo #(Martin)130097 was made in Boston in early 1971 after C.F. There is no evidence that Vega actually made banjos prior to buying out Fairbanks. With appreciation, Barry. . What Does My Banjo's Serial Number Tell Me? - Deering Banjo Company Rob- Thank you for the below photos. It is the first martin-vega I have ever seen in person, or had in my hands! So heres my question. Could you tell me where it was built and what its value is today ? Ending Thursday at 9:33PM GMT 2d 23h. Many thanks and keep pickin & grinning. The construction features were changing on the Vox IV (most different from catalog images), but at this point Vega was still using dowel stick (rather than metal coordinator rods) to attach and adjust the neck, and adjustable truss rods in the neck were not added until 1955the early prewar type-construction was desired by many collectors. post id: 7593773670. posted: 2023-02-27 00:34. Ive had several accomplished pickers really make it talk.wish I could!! My other theory is that the pot, which bears a C.F. Rochester NY 14610. In addition to the unusual R-D-136 serial number, the C.F. However, its a beautifully crafted banjo with a great sound. I have found it helpful over the years. My estimate is that it would fetch up to $900 these days depending on condition Hope this helps and thanks from the BRC, Barry, Hello , I am writing from France where I found a banjo that I want to buy, but which I have no information. I would be grateful if you could inform me when it was made. The retail price for this banjo in the 1970 catalogue was $488 without case, and Martin did not published price lists after 1971. So cool to have this historical data. Remo Frosted Top Banjo Head, 11 Inch Diameter, High Crown (1/2 Inch) $19 USD. It was one of the last batch of fourteen Wonder 5-stringers made in the USA before C.F. Kudos to Greg Deering who rescued the Vega brand name from extinction in 1989 and restored it to greatness. Thanks for your reply. All original except the tailpiece cracked at the bend not long after I got it, and I replaced it with the Stew-Mac version. 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. The differentiating feature is the deeper resonator than the VIP/Pro II/Osborne/Scruggs Mk II/Bobby Joe Fenster standard resonator modelsnot quite as deep as the Vox and not top tension (standard hook and nut with Pro II flanges). 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. Its mostly been in storage since I purchased it in the late 1970s. 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. Neck and rim look a lot like made by Martin craftsmen, and it arrived set up perfectly. Vega Banjos - Deering Banjo Company Also, the banjo has some ornate details carved in it. All the best pickin`, and thanks for your kind words about my website. 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. 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. built in 1971, my long neck looks like it was built yesterday and all I added was a geared 5th string pegstuck it in an American Vintage case and screwed a CF Martin brass medallion to the side. There is a star on the 5th fret. very carefully, I did and its four digits # 1450. it looks very good to me as far as the condition, its just old and kind of dirty. One of the 2 rods inside rim is a larger diameter then the other one. From the BRC, Barry, Sir: What kind of info can you give me on a V-76E banjo, Ser. Photos of the banjo might possibly shed some light on the mystery, if you are so inclined. Any insights appreciated along with your understanding of when it was manufactured, components, what it originally sold for and current market value. Martins acquisition of Vega of Bostonand, the only other one completed in the old Needham Heights factory before banjo production finally moved to Nazareth. I gave alot of money for this, just hoping a made a decent deal. Martin did not publish suggested retail prices after 1971, but I would estimate the V-76 sold for around $7-800 with case. vega banjo Archives - Seeders Instruments In the Martin SN files, banjo #1302252 manufactured in 1971 is designated as a BJF-5 (Pro) style instrument. 2 Tu-Ba-Phone XL long neck premieres instead. Martin built 55 VIP-T instruments between 1972-79. vega serial numbers - Discussion Forums - Banjo Hangout The distinct disadvantage to having a rare banjo is finding replacement parts. Typically, the number would be preceded with an A (indicating an adjustable truss rod) followed by a six-digit number. 1929 Vega Tubaphone Longneck Conversion Banjo This banjo started its life in 1929 as a Vega Vegaphone tenor banjo. Do you know how many tenor V41 banjos were made? It was advertised to feature a rosewood veneered rim and resonator trimmed in abalone pearl like the C.F. Can you tell me more like age and value? Martin built only 29 model T-2 instruments which were a reproduction of the classic Tu-Ba-Phone No. Martin did not develop or cultivate such a banjo line, a dozen such BJF-5 entries are recorded in their shop files from 1971-1972. Vintage Vega Banjo - musical instruments - by owner - sale 2 classic model. Fender Standard Banjo Hardshell Case Black chuya Vega Banjos Serial Numbers - spheregenerous These were used on the Wonder, VIP,Folklore, etc (non-Pro II, V-45, V-41 styles). Ironically, C.F. Hi! The larger connecting rod inside the pot is a spare part inherited from the Boston days of the Vega company. The model was discontinued after Martin Guitar bought Vega in 1970. On the back side of your device. A total of 101 PS-5 instruments were manufactured in Pennsylvania. The first two digits tell you the month the banjo was built, the last two digits before the dash or space will tell you the year, and the numbers in between are considered the number of that model we have made since we started the formal serial number system in 1987. By my count, Martin made 16 V-45 banjos that were 5-stringers, 3 plectrums (V45-P), and one (V45-T) tenor model. 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. My Dad & I went to our music lessons back to back on Thursday evenings during my teen years some 40 years ago. 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 BRC THANKS YOU FOR VISITING THE VEGA MARTIN BANJO INFO PAGE. The Martin log book in Nazareth, PA, begins with #130248 later in 1971. After its Martin Guitar era, the Vega brand name ownership was sold overseas, and the banjo line fellinto obscurity. Martin in Nazareth, PA, in 1973. This email will be copied to my Vega Vox scholar Dr. Ron for his insights and comments.From the BRC, Barry. It looks like a well-preserved and fun mid range banjo waiting to be enjoyed by an appreciative musician like yourself. 1972 Vega Banjo. vega banjo identification. I think it is a Pro-5. 17,378. Bill's Banjos 1519. Deering (California) now owns the Vega brand name and produces a `Little Wonder` and `Old Tyme Wonder` 5-stringer not unlike your instrument. It is mentioned again on a back page of the 1972 catalogue. Vega Martin models (1970-1979) are less of a collector`s item and fetch about half that price range. vega banjo identification The VIP-T is a nice mid range banjo model, and I have a VIP-5 which has a pleasant mid range tonal response. Original MRSP $1310 without case (carved neck was also extra). Vega Banjos - The Mandolin Pages Your Pete Seeger (PS-5) was one of eleven PS-5 long neck banjos made in early 1972 per Shop Order 2098. Thanks again. Plectrum means a 4-string model with 22 frets, which is longer scale (27) than the 19 fret 4-string tenor (23). C.F. If you could give me your thought about what its worth, I would appreciate it. In 1970, C.F. I appreciate having some of the history around my banjo and will cherish it even more knowing it is somewhat rare. wyoming seminary athletic scholarship; Tags . Cited in the Vega price list of 1971, the last one VM published, the retail price tag was $488 without case. It looks like the banjo is in ok/decent condition. The seller advertised it (in 2016) as verified by BRC made in 1976 in Nazareth. In May of 1970, C.F. A.C. Fairbanks (by Vega) "Regent" 5-string banjo, S/N 25121, Circa 1909 A.C. Fairbanks (by Vega) "Tubaphone" #9, 5-string banjo, S/N 25516, Circa 1909 . Heres a link to a .zip file you can download.
vega banjo identification
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