vega banjo identification

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 is collecting dust since i dont play the banjo and I am thinking of passing it on. Barry, Samantha Thanks for the extensive and helpful photos of your above banjo. Martin in Nazareth, Pennsylvania, in mid 1974 per Shop Order #2217. Anders- Thanks for your query. Deering purchased the Vega franchise in1989 restoring the line to greatness. Hopes this helps and thanks again for the detailed pictures. Thanks so much Ill get back to you if any further questions. SF bay area > east bay > for sale > musical instruments - by owner. The well preserved CFM decals on the rim and back of the peg head clearly document that the parts were made in Nazareth, PA, circa 1974. 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. Martin Company acquired the Vega rights from the Bostonian Nelson Family in May of 1970 and sold the franchise overseas in March of 1979. Good luck, thanks much for your post, and great to hear from you again, Barry. VT2NRC in its 1979 catalogue, and Galaxy went bankrupt in a few years. $5000 would be a reasonable number if in good conditionit could have brought $7500 a few years ago. Martin upgraded the maple rim to 10 ply after purchasing the Vega/Boston franchise in May of 1970. Thank you, Barry, for the information that allow me to buy this banjo with serenity.VIVE le BANJO and the banjo players! Barry. C.F. Your T-2 instrument SN 1603 was one of five Tu-Ba-Phone 5 string banjos manufactured in Nazareth, PA, in 1976 shortly before the big luthier strike that compelled C. F. Martin to ship parts overseas for assembly. He is credited with being one of the first banjo-builders to install side brackets with hooks to adjust the tension of the head. An example of one of these 4-stringers from the 1920`s is still in the C.F. Recently purchased a Vega Vox iv plectrum banjo. 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. The 1971 Vega Martin price listed this model to retail at $556 without case. what I know about banjos right now I learned from you!! cscl star vessel flag autism and narcissism differences. Im assuming this is the serial number, which would put me right next to Mark, who owned #888 in previous comment 6. Im curious to know if it is possible to learn whether this banjo came from the factory with a resonator or was originally sold as an open back. Per my files, the Pete Seeger long neck first appears in a Vega flyer in 1961 for $309. By my count, twelve VV IV-tenor banjos were built in Nazareth with the last one, #1678, in 1976. model serial number 1990. Vega Pete Seeger Model Longneck 5 String Banjo (1961) Fairbanks Banjos - Serial Numbers and Features by year My estimate is that your VV IV-T can fetch about $1000-4500 these days depending on the online vendor or estate auction. It appears in the transitional Vega/Martin product list of 1970 and lastly in the 1972 Vega Banjo Catalog (The CF Martin Organization). In a 1971 price list, the FW-5 sold for $345. I have an ornate 5 string Martin Vega banjo with pie-plate style resonator. This is a super site for banjo players and owners. 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). Martin did not publish suggested retail prices after 1971, but I would estimate the V-76 sold for around $7-800 with case. The Vega Company manufactured of this era were assembled at the 40 Leon Street factory in Boston from 1961-1966, and subsequently at the 155 Reservoir Street facility outside Boston in suburban Needham Heights from 1966-1971(C. F. Martin acquired the company in May 1970 and continued some manufacturing/assembly there until moving fully to Martins factory in Nazareth, PA). Vega Martin SN 1199 is one of five VIP-T (tenor) banjos made per shop order # 2233 in late 1974 in Nazareth, PA. 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. The earliest reported is F&C #1000. Thank you for all the information. 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. It is not seen in the 1970 transitional Vega/Martin catalogue. It retailed for $775 and was probably assembled from parts left over from Nazareth, PA. The model was discontinued after Martin Guitar bought Vega in 1970. Thanks, I have really enjoyed reading the material on this site.RowdyArizona, Rowdy- Thanks for your kind words about the website. Look for decals and a serial number on the interior of the rim to help document its story. Your banjo is item # VB120C which sold for $360 back then. Vega Banjo Identification Professional Had Black. vega banjo Archives - Seeders Instruments Identification: "A" Style mandolins were symmetrical and shaped like a teardrop. 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. 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. Despite showing its age as a workhorse performance instrument with extensive wear-and-tear, a friend of mine in San Diego purchased this one-of-a-kind banjo in Vega and Martin history in 2007 and had it beautifully restored to its current condition by the American Banjo Hall-of-Fame member, Renee Karnes. Thereafter, C. F. Martin installed a serial number decal on the inner rim beginning with #2 and on through #1945. 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. My Vega VIP has the Martin decal on the back of the headstock. Just found this wonderful site. Thanks Again! Cited in the Vega price list of 1971, the last one VM published, the retail price tag was $488 without case. The last Vega Martin banjo manufactured in Nazareth, PA, was SN 1969 as reportedly documented by a letter of authentication signed by C.F. Photos , BRC Replies To Samantha (November 23, 2019), Reply From Dr. Ron (the BRC Vega Vox/EddiePeabody consultant). In the the 1971 Vega Martin price list, the VW-Plec retailed at $345. As Barry indicates, a photo of the yellow sticker will be helpful here. Posts. What A great and informative site .. 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. 1969, probably initially at the 40 Leon Street factory the Needham Heights (just before the sale to Martin). From the BRC site this banjo was made circa 1975-1976 in and around Nazareth PA. Do I have the have the provenance correct? Hello and thank you so much for your hard work and dedication. I will trade for a good Octave Mandolin or Bouzouki Isgho Votre ducation notre priorit . By history, C.F. C.F. I orderedit in 1970 through a music store in Norwich , Ct run by Cliff Tidd . C.F. On PLICSCOM menu under 'Information'. 2 Tu-Ba-Phone XL is seen in the 1976 catalogue. They are on the second and 3rd strings and allow that Buck Trent kind of thing. 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. For reference, the name of the original owner with serial number should be in the Martin Archives. It took me six months to finally commit to purchasing the Vega-Martin VIP that I brought home today from a local music shop. A sticker inside says The Vega Co. Boston 15, MASS, Patended USA The serial number is A-125394. 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. Your peghead and resonator are clearly marked with C.F. Martin built 55 VIP-T instruments between 1972-79. I then discovered my Vega VIP Martin 1972 model #1766, a beautiful banjo which I have played for the past 12 years. Andreas- Thank you for the historical narrative on your banjo and the detailed photographs. The number will be 6-12 digits long depending on what year it was made. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit, sed diam nonummy nibh euismod tincidunt ut laoreet dolore magna aliquam erat volutpat. Subject: Help with ID of Vega Banjo please. In general, the Boston made Pete Seeger long neck banjos seem to command a greater collectors` interest than the ones manufactured in Pennsylvania. Hope this helps, and I am sending you the circa 1978 C. F. Martin Tubaphone model promotional flyer . Note the unique cluster of 3 sound apertures spaced around the tone ring of the below VIP-5 model owned by the BRC founder (SN 1364). Fender Standard Banjo Hardshell Case Black chuya 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. Then by ink its written Folk Ranger. My personal suggestion, however, is to preserve it as a tangible keepsake of the priceless moments spent with your father years ago. It retailed for $345 in the 1971 Vega Martin price list. Martin built only 101 PS-5 long necks. The 1968 Vega catalogue described the Pro II appointments as including a bell brass tone ring with exclusively designed audio apertures, a ten ply wood rim, a three-piece maple neck, a resonator of curly maple, a notched brass tension hoop, nickel-plated hardware, and a shaded mahogany finish. Hello. 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. port melbourne players; fair lawn high school graduation; vega banjo identification; By . Aspiring players also wonder what makes one banjo better than another. Over a period of several years, the Vega line morphed into a uniquely featured Vega Martin instrument. Ironically, C.F. It is in excellent condition but missing a resonator thumbscrew with the threaded washer. Martin also made 1976 model D-76 guitars to partner the banjo. Martin initiated its own serial number system in early 1972 which ran sequentially from #2 through #1945. Comparison of Best Banjo Strings Top Picks 2023 Reviews The PS-5 is not seen in the 1976 Vega Martin catalog but is replaced by the No. 2 classic model. Congratulations on having two vintage VM banjos, and your gracious comments about the Info site are much appreciated. 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. Its paper label says it was made by Vega of Boston, part of the CF Martin Co. but it does not have the CF Martin decal on the back of the peg-head. Vega/Fairbanks open-back banjo designs are exemplary classics. Ernie Ball 5-String Medium Stainless Steel Banjo Strings, 10-10 Gauge (P02309) Check Price at Amazon. The circa 1978 brochure that I sent you confirms that your instrument is a Tu-Ba-Phone Deluxe 5 stringer. Where is the serial number on a Vega banjo? - chroniclesdengen.com 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. A part of the C.F. Have a great weekend as well. I recently had a luthier friend do setup on it and he found the pot metal rim flange to be broken and wont allow me to have the head at proper tension. The Vega Vox model was a 4 string gem that featured a brass tone ring. Your description of your FR-5 sounds like you have a genuine Boston-made Folk Ranger. Reverb Homepage Contact Support 539673d7daac40d5a6fd870a259b9813 Shop Gear Categories Brands Shops Deals and Steals Price Drops 0% Financing New and Popular Handpicked Collections Sell on Reverb Only 101 model PS-5 banjos were made by C.F. SOLD Vega Earl Scruggs Banjo and Original hard case Price: $695.00 USD a 1969 Earl Scruggs on rim inside :TRB 13746 . 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 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). Vega Martin manufactured twenty-eight V-41 5 stringers, two V-41 tenors, and only one V-41 plectrum banjo. The Vega No.2 is a banjo made of top grade curly maple stained light amber and buffed to a high gloss. Serial number assignment and record keeping fell into disarray from 1977 to 1979. I would like to know a little more about it. Being a low end instrument, the early FR-5 model had no connecting rod. The parts of your VIP-5 (Very Important Player) banjo # 130056 were probably manufactured in Massachusetts and assembled in Pennsylvania with a yellow data sticker on the inside rim and maybe C.F. 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. ). Thats a lot of information! In the Martin price list of 1971, it is listed at $488 without case. These were followed by banjos #9-14 which were Vega Vox-4-P plectrums per Shop Order 2088. My Dad left me a Martin VegaIm thinking I want to pass it on to someone wholl play it and care for it more than I can. Of note, banjo SN 136 manufactured in 1972 was a Vega Vox I plectrum and not a 5-stringer like yours. Martin purchased the Vega brand in May in 1970 and just before the factory was transferred to Pennsylvania. . Vega Regent 5 String Banjo (1925) | RetroFret A: There are a very few Fairbanks made banjos (several of them Regents) with pre-fire serial numbers circa 22900, stamped simply "Vega" in an oval border. From the BRC, Barry. Hence, my theory is that this ornate banjo was assembled overseas after Martin began shipping parts to Japan and Canada for assembly in 1976, and this would explain the mysterious serial number. It is mentioned again on a back page of the 1972 catalogue. After a loooong wait I finally got it in 1971 . The local music store said they would give her 120$ for it. This is an early and very nice example of the classic Vega . I dont play any instrument right now. Linda- Thanks much for your query and hearing about your three vintage banjos. C.F. I would love some photos of your V-45 to upload with this post. Where is the serial number on a Vega banjo? set of identifying characteristics can be found at http://www.mugwumps.com. The Wonder-5 was an entry level instrument with a metal tone ring, white fingerboard binding, a notched tension hoop, a 10 ply rim, a 3 piece maple neck, a blackwood fingerboard, 4 section flanges, nickel plated metal parts, and shaded mahogany finish. In my files, the PS-5 is seen in a Vega (Boston) flyer in 1961 where it lists for $309. Hope this helps and thanks again for your post and e-mails, Barry, Lynne- Thanks for your query. I told her to leave cause i thought they were taking advantage of her because of her age. There were several old tenor and plectrum Martin neck blanksfor sale a few years ago, but it looks to be factory made condition anddoubt that would be likely a source. Item # 9126. From the BRC, Barry. I have sent an e-mail to my Vega Vox consultant Dr. Ron and await his comments and appraisal. Thanks for letting us see this fascinating and unique instrument. 2 Tu-Ba-Phone XL long neck. If there is any other interesting information about the instrument you care to share from the Martin log book, I would be most appreciative. 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. 721 which I have had a number of years. In recent years, Deeringrecreated andmarkets its ownVega Professional 4-stringer model with a classic wooden pie sectioned resonator. Martin built only 20 F-VIP 5 stringers, and to my count 11 were made in Pennsylvania per the shop log book. In those years there was not a college student who didn't dream of owning a Vega Pete . Martin decal on the back of your peghead and on the inner rim. It did not have a tone ring or simply a steel ring like the Wonder, to keep the cost down. If this banjo has some more of the early prewar design features, add $1000-1500.Hope this helps, Dr. Ron. The banjo is featuring an interesting mix of particulars: The connecting rods are of the (much earlier?) Still as wonderful as the day I got it. This workshop numbering system continued uninterrupted to #2355 in 1977 when the banjos went overseas for assembly. The Wonder was an entry level resonator instrument that featured a metal tone ring, white fingerboard binding, a notched tension hoop, a 10 ply rim, 3 piece maple neck, blackwood fretboard, pearl dots, nickel-pate parts and a shaded mahogany finish. The Eddie Peabody Model was actually made by Vega of Boston from 1966-ca. After Martin purchased Vega in 1970, the factory transitioned from Needham Heights to Nazareth, PA. TH, Tom- Thanks for your query. JC The C.F. 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. Kay Musical Instrument Company - Wikipedia 219203099161mmDA107 , . senior living sun prairie, wi; blueberry sweet rolls joanna gaines; miguel cardona family; shooting in newport beach last night; st albans swim club drowning; where was the 3 godfathers filmed; southwest chicken bake; Also, the banjo has some ornate details carved in it. MUSCELL Banjo Strings, Handmade Phosphor Bronze 5-String Banjo Strings Ball End - 3 Packs Medium. Im the happy owner of a Vega-Martin VW-5 Wonder 5 string, serial #1516. The VIP banjo last appeared in the 1976 VM catalog as an open back instrument but still featuring the V.I.P. Thanks again for your query. Virtually immaculate. Your tenor 4-stringer was built in early 1972 per Shop Order 2051. Barry. . Vega banjos were then marketed in the USA by TMC (Targ & Dinner Music Company). The peg head engraving and paint motif matched the resonator. 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). Vega Short Scale 4 string banjo neck model? - Mandolin Cafe New and used generic flanges can be found on eBay, but getting one to fit your pot outer diameter and bracket hook sequence is tricky. So happy to find this site. Vega Banjo Identification - azgardcn Barry, I want to thank you very much for the research on my Vega. Be safe, be well, keep on picking. All original except the tailpiece cracked at the bend not long after I got it, and I replaced it with the Stew-Mac version. 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. There are different types of banjos and plenty of new terminology for parts of banjos and playing styles. Barry, Marc- Thanks much for the prompt and telling photos. Is this an old genuine Vega in the lower price class, Sten- Thanks for your query about the FR-5 banjo. The rare T-2 and T-2XL had serial numbers in the #1607-1945 range. 96.90 postage. The fascinatingwooden pie (sectioned) resonator is probably inherited from the Boston era Vega inventory. Hi! 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 From the BRC, Barry. Do you know how many Scruggs or Scruggs Soloists, and Sonny Osborne models were made under the Martin ownership and where made? The Martin Co. dropped the 6 digit serial number system in mid 1971 and then began again with #2- #1945, although a few special banjos up to #1969 were produced. March 13, 2017 at 3:46 pmRob- Thank you for your query and very kind comments about the BRC website. VEGA Banjos for sale | eBay Martin decals on the inner rim and back of the peghead. There were forty-six Vega Martin V-45 banjos made of similar design, but the hardware was gold-plated. 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). Buckbee(1861-1897) banjos can frequently be identified by their Banjos with pegheads like that shown in the first picture below are usually made by Buckbee. How do you date a banjo? I had Renee Karnes carve the heel with a VV flower and leaf design to get rid of the SS #. Theres precious little information about these instruments online. The C.F. I admire the amount of effort youve put into helping the community of banjo enthusiasts I ve got serial # 129 , a 22 fret ,27 scale plectrum in for a set up..any info.about date of manufacture,potential value, and other pertinent details would be appreciatedthanks.. BRC Banjo Replies:July 14, 2016 at 1:13 pm, Darryl- Thank you for your kind comments about the BRC website. 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. 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. Again, thanks for your query and photos. Martin began shipping parts overseas for assembly. The Vega White Oak Banjo is ideal for achieving the classic clawhammer and folk, with bright tone and distinct note clarity and weighs less than 6 lbs! Unbeknownstto most 5 string aficionados, the Martin Guitar Company manufactured Vega banjos from 1970 through 1979. 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. He could always check the stamp on the bottomthe tone ring to see if its a match to the rim (it should say V916). Photos would be necessary to give an accurate price range, as design styles were still changing in the post war period and overall condition (all original parts) would bring a higher price. Hi guys, great website. It is important to note that there are exceptions to every rule and the following is only a general guide for identifying Gibson "A" Style mandolins. The Vega name on the head is not with the usual letters and there is no star there either. fender american professional ii vs ultra. Im not very knowledgable about banjos so please forgive my terminology. Martin V720 Vega Steel/Nickel Banjo Strings - .009-.030 - Sweetwater 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. Deering (California) now owns the Vega brand name and produces a `Little Wonder` and `Old Tyme Wonder` 5-stringer not unlike your instrument. What a wealth of banjo information you have.I have a VV IV T tenor SN: M130298 which I purchase used about twenty-five years ago for $2,000. The flanges, tension hoop, tailpiece and extended armrest are deeply and elaborately engraved, and were originally finished in a special hardened 24K gold electroplate. Thanks from the BRC, Barry, Hi Barry! 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. vega banjo identification. Deering rescued the Vega line by purchasing the brand name in 1989. 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.

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