It is mentioned again on a back page of the 1972 catalogue. 17,378. It appears in the transitional Vega/Martin product list of 1970 and lastly in the 1972 Vega Banjo Catalog (The CF Martin Organization). With hard case. Shortly thereafter, the Martin craftsmen went on strike, and banjo parts were shipped overseas for assembly. It may have been removed some time before I got it. Martin manufactured only 33 VW-plectrum banjos. So cool to have this historical data. 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 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. Of note, the PS-5 had the `famous Vega Tube-a-phone tone ring rim`, a 3 piece ebony fingerboard, pearl dots, a neck-tension rod, nickel-plated rim parts, a shaded mahogany neck, and a 10 ply maple rim. Any model F-V or Vega banjo with serial #s between 52669 and 52684 (a 15 number range), when the switch from "Fairbanks Banjo, Made by Vega" stamp to the "Made by Vega" stamp seems to have occurred. Rochester NY 14610. Further investigation related to your comments in the abovefirst paragraph might shed some light on the wood tone finish differences. Barry, I have purchased a Martin Vega V-45 described as 1971 production and a serial number of #327. The Galaxy serial number is not a continuum of the Martin serial number sequence. Barry. It is in pristine condition and is clearly a very high quality instrument. The V-45(5) featured a heavy one-piece flat head tone ring of brass so popular among Bluegrass pickers. Dave- Thank you for your kind words about the website and the narrative about your Vega Vox IV tenor banjo. This item has been sold. I was told by someone at C. F. Martin that they only made 11 of them ( mine is ser # 7 ) . Per my files, the Pete Seeger long neck first appears in a Vega flyer in 1961 for $309. Your VM-5 Wonder banjo SN 720 was manufactured in 1973 per Shop Order 2181. They made both tenor/plectrum and five-string models. What A great and informative site .. 6. It`s a sweet long neck, and I wish I had one. The VM price list in 1971 quoted a sales tag of $545 for the Pro-5 without case. I told her to leave cause i thought they were taking advantage of her because of her age. rocket and teresa administrative leave; # 1713? Barry. thanks for the very informative web site 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). From the BRC, Barry. 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. 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. Hope this helps, and I am sending you the circa 1978 C. F. Martin Tubaphone model promotional flyer . If anybody can shed some light on what I have. Ive owned one for 30 yrs though I dont play it very well. It is a top-of-the-line banjo that was paired with the reissued D-45 Martin guitar as a marketing strategy. Although C.F. These days, the Wonder would sell for $700-$1000 depending on condition. There is no evidence that Vega actually made banjos prior to buying out Fairbanks. 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 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. Rettberg & Lange(1898-1920) banjos were initially similar to Buckbee-made Do you know how many tenor V41 banjos were made? I do not know anything about banjos but the label inside the rim says VEGA of Boston. The tailpiece does not look original, but the dual connecting rods are typical of the Martin design. 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. (They are NOT a 'coded' format.) C.F. Remo Frosted Top Banjo Head, 11 Inch Diameter, High Crown (1/2 Inch) $19 USD. Deering (California) now owns the Vega brand name and produces a `Little Wonder` and `Old Tyme Wonder` 5-stringer not unlike your instrument. About 20 years ago I had it re-fretted , re-finished , and the gold re-plated . Be safe, be well, keep on picking. You are so kind to provide this great info to all of us banjo geeks. 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. 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. It is not seen in the 1970 transitional Vega/Martin catalogue. Can`t find anything about it on line. The last Vega Martin banjo manufactured in Nazareth, PA, was SN 1969 as reportedly documented by a letter of authentication signed 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. I knew nothing about it until I found this site. It appears to be serial number 231 (engraved). The openbacks are made entirely of white oak and feature a midnight maple fingerboard and peghead overlay. Ernie Ball 5-String Medium Stainless Steel Banjo Strings, 10-10 Gauge (P02309) Check Price at Amazon. Theres precious little information about these instruments online. Thanks to BRC Consultant and Vega Vox scholar Dr. Ron from everyone at the BRC for providing representative images typical of this historic crowning jewel (see below correspondences #24). We have a bunch of new Deering merch for you whether it be socks, shirts, tote bags, mugs, and more! Again, thank youmuchfor your post. Other Banjo-Related Topics Collector's Corner ARCHIVED TOPIC: Vega banjo identification Please note this is an archived topic, so it is locked and unable to be replied to. Your Wonder-5 string banjo #(Martin)130097 was made in Boston in early 1971 after C.F. Wooden pot resonator. Inside your device. Vega Martin manufactured twenty-eight V-41 5 stringers, two V-41 tenors, and only one V-41 plectrum banjo. Thank you for all the information. This is a beautiful banjo! Martin decal photographed on the back of the VIP Vega peg head. Serial number 115831 on a yellow strip built in Boston Mass.Wondering when it might have been built? Per the 1971 price list, the V-45-5 sold for $1650 with case included, and it was available by special order only. A couple of years ago I started to develop increased interest in clawhammer style, and with all the lessons available online nowadays, finally Im finding myself back on the tracks. Tom- Thank you for the prompt and detailed photos of your instrument. Anders- Thanks for your query. C.F. By history, C.F. 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. Vega Kingston Trio Tom Dooley Long Neck Banjo, Vega Kingston Trio - Bob Shane Plectrum Banjo, Reutschi | Kruger Bell Bronze Tone Ring(Unplated). Banjoman- C.F. Martin purchased Vega in May of 1970, and production transitioned from Boston to Nazareth, PA. 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. I recently took my Dads 4 string banjo out of storage after approximately 25 years since his passing. The last two Vox Vs (serial numbers 1964-1965) were built in 1979, and still exist to this day. My VIP-5 is SN 1364 and was made about one year after your 5-stringer, and it has a nice mid range tone. P.S. The resonator was hand-painted, and fancy engraved pearl inlays adorned the ebony fingerboard. Vega serial #s between 99369 and 99686, when the switch from the Vega stamp to printed yellow labels seems to have occured. The model was discontinued after Martin Guitar bought Vega in 1970. Its in excellent condition other than needing some cleaning and a little metal polish on the metal parts. Nowadays, the Pro-5 would fetch around $1000-$1500 depending on condition. Greg also originally hand made the round hole Tubaphone tone rings, but now they have a fairly well honed machine manufacturing process. 2 Tu-Ba-Phone XL long neck premieres instead. Your VW-5 model Vega Wonder banjo SN 721 was manufactured in Nazareth, PA, in late 1973 per Shop Order 2181. It retailed for $345 in the 1971 Vega Martin price list. 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. I own Martin Vega Wonder serial no. 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. The two legendary musicians in the camp photo are banjo godfather Tony Trischka and Grammy award winner Eric Weissberg. 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. Of course she did a beautiful job with it including turning its blond color into a brunette! Plectrum means a 4-string model with 22 frets, which is longer scale (27) than the 19 fret 4-string tenor (23). I cant find that picture, but Ill see if I can locate it, as someone else may have sent it to me playing the banjo out at afestival in Arizona. However, current thinking (thanks to Hank Schwartz) is that 999 numbers were assigned per year -- from the start, in 1880. 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. I have a Vega Martin five string that my father special ordered around 76-77 Supposedly it was #10 of 10. Please try again. Your 5-stringer was one of seven V-76E instruments manufactured per Shop Order 2310, and the `E` designation indicates that these seven banjos were made for employees. Martin era. best of . The peg head engraving and paint motif matched the resonator. I love the story. Hopes this helps and thanks again for the detailed pictures. Martin purchased the Vega company on May 5, 197O. The Wonder-5 retailed for $345 without case per the CFM 1971 price list. Hope this helps and thanks again for your post. How do you date a banjo? Martin made 76 commemorative V-76 banjos in 1976 to celebrated the bicentennial of the USA. THE BRC THANKS YOU FOR VISITING THE VEGA MARTIN BANJO INFO PAGE. Its always inspiring to see someone so dedicated to their craft! Thanks again for your query. Good luck, thanks much for your post, and great to hear from you again, Barry. In the 1970 VM catalogue, the VIP-T banjo retailed for $556, and the hard shell case was $68 extra. From the BRC, Barry. 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. 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). Im hoping I can find a V41 pot. Your 5 stringer is cited only as Item VDX75C in the 1979 TMC catalog where to retailed for $475. Answer: Tu-Ba-Phone 5-String made 1978-1979. - ORDERS OVER $199 SHIPPED TO THE CONTINENTAL U.S. Add to cart SKU: 2959 Categories: 5-String Openback Banjos, Banjos, Vega Description Additional information Reviews (1) Shipping, Returns & Exchanges About this Banjo Thank you. 2 Vega banjo from the early Boston era. Thanks from all of us! Barry. Martins acquisition of Vega of Bostonand, the only other one completed in the old Needham Heights factory before banjo production finally moved to Nazareth. Ive got a couple of pictures in case of interest, but Id need a mail-address for sending, me supposing. Of note, my Vega Martin VIP-5 banjo built in 1975 also came with a `Care of Your Banjo` memo dated 8/26/71 and a warranty that instructed the owner to call 215-759-2837 and ask for Mike (probably Mike Longworth who was C.F. Eddie- Thanks for your query and kind comments about the website. The tone ring holes are grouped in sets of three rather than equally spaced as on a tubaphone ring. 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. Do you know anything of the type of banjo, year of manufacturing and value today? what I know about banjos right now I learned from you!! The Vega Regent is one of the classic 5-string banjos of the Vega line. Martin decal, is the original pot for the plectrum 4 stringer SN 1450, but the neck was replaced after production with a 5 string neck by a previous owner. Like the Tubaphone listed above, this banjo needs a neck reset to be a playable banjo mandolin. safety tips; prohibited items; product recalls; What can you tell me about my instrument? My guess is that the lugs in your resonator have American (inch fraction) thread features, and it is doubtful that an original VIP thumb screw 4 decades old will appear on eBay- but who knows. Any info including your estimate of current value would be very much appreciated. 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. I was disappointed because I badly wanted to see Scruggs models! Item # 9126. Maybe, the R-D prefix stands for Research and Development. 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. I inherited a Vega 5-string resonator banjo and have been trying to find out additional information about it. Id love to learn more about it, etc. Resale prices for this type of banjo vary widely from a couple of hundred to several thousand dollars depending on unique features. C.F. Martin decals on the inner rim and back of the peghead. The 1971 Vega Martin price listed this model to retail at $556 without case. As C.F. 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). Reply from our BRC consultant and Vega Vox scholar Dr. Ron: Looks like something that might have put together from parts, either insideor outside the factoryI suspect the latter as there have been lots of Voxchop shop conversions going back in time (even to the 1920s). Photos are always welcome, and thanks for your post. Mike- Thanks for your post and kind remarks about the BRC website. The inside of the banjo is also blank except for the painted serial number 2207. Best of luck and thanks for your query, Barry. Very interesting to get to know all this details. Of historical interest, when Martin initiated its own four digit serial number system in 1972 to replace the Vega six digit system, banjos SN 2-5 were the V-45(5) model. Your site is a great resource for these instruments by the way. 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). and CXXVI (126?). 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. If you want a more Bluegrass sound, try a 5-Star head from Stew Mac. Again, thanks for your post. They are on the second and 3rd strings and allow that Buck Trent kind of thing. The earliest reported is F&C #1000. Martin upgraded the maple rim to 10 ply after purchasing the Vega/Boston franchise in May of 1970. Martin manufactured 561 VW-5 banjos but only 124 FW-5 instruments. Eric- Thanks for your kind comments about the website and prompt photos. In the Vega Martin price list of 1971, the last publication in which VM retail prices were cited, the VM-5 was listed at $345 without case. Im just getting back into my love of music. $5000 would be a reasonable number if in good conditionit could have brought $7500 a few years ago. Check Price at Amazon. The banjo is featuring an interesting mix of particulars: The connecting rods are of the (much earlier?) This classic and ornate Vega series dates back to the 1920s but did not appear in the 1970 and 1972 Vega Martin catalogues. In the meantime, thanks again for your post. Your Vega Wonder (VW) plectrum banjo SN 129 was one of six `VW-Plec` 4 string banjos made in Nazareth, PA, by C. F. Martin per Shop Order #2105 in mid 1972. Cited in the Vega price list of 1971, the last one VM published, the retail price tag was $488 without case. Many thanks and keep pickin & grinning. William- Thanks for your post. In the Martin price list of 1971, it is listed at $488 without case. Good luck and thanks again for your post. In the final VM 1976 catalogue, the F-VIP is displayed in full advertising detail. Bob- Thank you for your kind words about my website, and I reply with compliments to your luthier shop with which I am familiar. from BRC: Wim- Thanks for the great photo of your busy workshop. Martin in Nazareth, PA. I would appreciate it very much. These three top-of-the-line instruments were sent to Japan for assembly. Im happy to find Banjorehab as it is the first site Ive seen to have useful information on Vega-Martin banjos. This banjo was made by the Vega Company in Boston, Massachusetts, around 1922. Thanks for sharing your fascinating banjo with the BRC, Barry. 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 . Deering owns the Vega brand name nowadays, and its T-2 lists for $4149. Ive attached a photo of that Coat of Arms resonator next to my Vox Vit was a spare they had made for Eddie Peabody.
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