Martin built only 101 PS-5 long necks. Hope this helps, and I am sending you the circa 1978 C. F. Martin Tubaphone model promotional flyer . C.F. Im assuming this is the serial number, which would put me right next to Mark, who owned #888 in previous comment 6. From the BRC, Barry. 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). Deering now owns the Vega line and offers open-back Tubaphones in their inventory. Deering (California) now owns the Vega brand name and produces a `Little Wonder` and `Old Tyme Wonder` 5-stringer not unlike your instrument. This 5-stringer was manufactured circa 1845 in Baltimore, MD, by luthier William Boucher, Jr.. 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. 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. Martin decals on the inner rim and back of the peghead. The VIP banjo last appeared in the 1976 VM catalog as an open back instrument but still featuring the V.I.P. It did not have a tone ring or simply a steel ring like the Wonder, to keep the cost down. 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. Martin built only 29 T2-5 banjos, but no price list is available after 1971 preceding resurrection of the classic Vega T2-5 model for production. Reply from our BRC consultant and Vega Vox scholarDr. Ron: The Vega Vox IV was the top of the line banjo in the Vox (deep resonator) line for Vega Co. of Boston in the 1950sthe serial number is consistent with a 1951 model. Nowadays, it might fetch around $750 in the online marketplace. 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). A total of 98 model D-76E guitars were also made for employees. Martin Vega Banjo 5-Strings, Medium Gauge (V740) Check Price at Amazon. 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. For a chuckle, see the latest home page entry for BJF details. In the Vega Martin shop files, banjo SN 916 is a VVI-P (Vega Vox Style 1 plectrum) resonator banjo made in 1974 in Nazareth, PA. Plectrum 4 stringers have 22 frets compared to the tenors that have 17 to 19 frets. Vega Martin banjo SN 324 was manufactured in Nazareth, PA, in early 1973. What is a spectrum banjo? Buy VEGA Banjos and get the best deals at the lowest prices on eBay! 2 Tu-Ba-Phone XL long neck. The Martin Co. sold the Vega franchise to the Asian conglomerate `Galaxy Trading Company` in 1979, and thereafter Vega banjos were manufactured in South Korea. After Martin sold the Vega line to Galaxy in 1979, this generic mother of pearl pattern remained the same in the VIP model but had double-stripe engraving on it. However, current thinking (thanks to Hank Schwartz) is that 999 numbers were assigned per year -- from the start, in 1880. Mike- Thanks for your post and kind remarks about the BRC website. 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. From the BRC, Barry. 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. If there is any other interesting information about the instrument you care to share from the Martin log book, I would be most appreciative. Martin factory in Nazareth, PA, parts were shipped overseas to Japan and Canada for assembly. Fender Standard Banjo Hardshell Case Black ,, kemenpppa.go.id 4kjzing@8x47evey1 My estimate is that the banjo might be worth $500-$700 depending on condition. Your banjo neck is from a Martin Tu-Ba-Phone 5-string banjoas advertised in a Martin flyer circa 1978, and the potalso looks like a left-over rim inherited from theNazareth, PA, company. Home; Meet Darlene; ISI Mission; What is Coaching? Many thanks for your efforts. If you want a more Bluegrass sound, try a 5-Star head from Stew Mac. Again, thank youmuchfor your post. fender american professional ii vs ultra. sir- need some help. My estimate is that your VIP-T would likely fetch in the $700-1100 range these days, and maybe a little more, depending on condition and special appointments. Thanks again. I would appreciate it very much. The Vega line was then marketed in the USA by TMC Company (Targ & Dinner 20 Century Music Company). Martin workshop logbook, open back Tu-Ba-Phone 5-string banjo SN 1707 was manufactured in Nazareth, PA, in mid 1976. The back of the headstock is blank. Not quite as universally imitated as, say, Stradivari's violins or Martin's dreadnought guitars, but close. set of identifying characteristics can be found at http://www.mugwumps.com. Plectrum means a 4-string model with 22 frets, which is longer scale (27) than the 19 fret 4-string tenor (23). This banjo was made by the Vega Company in Boston, Massachusetts, around 1922. Is 887 also a Pro5? Vega Martin models (1970-1979) are less of a collector`s item and fetch about half that price range. The Seeger endorsed 5-stringer had the famous Vega Tube-a phone tone ring, a three piece ebony fingerboard, pearl dots, a neck-tension rod, a 10 ply maple rim, and a brass bracket band and notched tension hoop. Andreas- Thank you for the historical narrative on your banjo and the detailed photographs. It is a somewhat rare bird, as C.F. 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). !Gary, Gary- Thanks for your query. Roger- Thanks for your challenging follow-up query. There is no evidence that Vega actually made banjos prior to buying out Fairbanks. 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. According to the C.F. Vega Kingston Trio Tom Dooley Long Neck Banjo, Vega Kingston Trio - Bob Shane Plectrum Banjo, Reutschi | Kruger Bell Bronze Tone Ring(Unplated). I have an ornate 5 string Martin Vega banjo with pie-plate style resonator. The Item # was VT2NRC. The fascinatingwooden pie (sectioned) resonator is probably inherited from the Boston era Vega inventory. 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, Barry. 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. These were followed by banjos #9-14 which were Vega Vox-4-P plectrums per Shop Order 2088. Many thanks and keep pickin & grinning. In those years there was not a college student who didn't dream of owning a Vega Pete . Im hoping you can check both in your archives and tell me the going prices. 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. Martin did not publish suggested retail prices after 1971, but I would estimate the V-76 sold for around $7-800 with case. ). From the BRC, Barry. My VIP-5 is SN 1364 and was made about one year after your 5-stringer, and it has a nice mid range tone. The Eddie Peabody Model was actually made by Vega of Boston from 1966-ca. Martin in Nazareth, PA, in 1973. Theres precious little information about these instruments online. 403.80. The metal parts were chrome-plated. All original except the tailpiece cracked at the bend not long after I got it, and I replaced it with the Stew-Mac version. The overseas conglomerate Galaxy purchased the Vega line in 1979 and offered the T2-5 for $775 before going bankrupt in the mid 1980`s. Hit a few licks on the tenor- you might find that you like it. Although mostly a collector`s item these days, the current price range of the V-76 is $2.3-5K. 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. Great sound and in excellent condition. Its mostly been in storage since I purchased it in the late 1970s. After a loooong wait I finally got it in 1971 . Barry. Be safe, be well, keep on picking. Posts. Hello and thank you so much for your hard work and dedication. Dot inlay fret board. Eddie- Thanks for your query and kind comments about the website. In my files, the PS-5 is seen in a Vega (Boston) flyer in 1961 where it lists for $309. Do you have any additional information you could share regarding this instrument? Barry. Martin upgraded the maple rim to 10 ply after purchasing the Vega/Boston franchise in May of 1970. 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. Informacje o Martin V730 StringsVega struny banjo 5str 10-23,10 - 11109713090 w archiwum Allegro. 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. The long-neck No. Its always inspiring to see someone so dedicated to their craft! post . Thanks! The resonator was hand-painted, and fancy engraved pearl inlays adorned the ebony fingerboard. I got an old Vega banjo from my father. Could you tell me where it was built and what its value is today ? Thank you. You are so kind to provide this great info to all of us banjo geeks. Your banjo appears to be a hybrid assembled sometime in the 1980`s after C. F. Martin sold the Vega franchise overseas to the Galaxy conglomerate in 1979. The description of your banjo serial number 916 is curious, and I will offer my theory about the instrument per the information given. Having read the posts above I see that this is most likely not the case! The Vega name on the head is not with the usual letters and there is no star there either. My estimate is that it might fetch $1800-2000 these days. 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. Aspiring players also wonder what makes one banjo better than another. 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). Martin in Nazareth, PA. Barry, I have purchased a Martin Vega V-45 described as 1971 production and a serial number of #327. Retail price was $1300.00 ; I paid $900.00 . Ed Britt, Jim Bollman, or Bob Smakula would be the most likely people to be able to give you the most exact identification of the model possible. As your banjo bears no C.F. 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. How much would it be worth? I would send pictures but was not sure just where to post them. I have a Vega V.I.P. Unbeknownstto most 5 string aficionados, the Martin Guitar Company manufactured Vega banjos from 1970 through 1979. aluminum variety, one slim one large, with the larger one closer to the head. Hope this helps and thanks for your post. 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. The last Vega Martin banjo manufactured in Nazareth, PA, was SN 1969 as reportedly documented by a letter of authentication signed by C.F. He was told that it was made by Martin, but I do not find any Martin labels. Any insights appreciated along with your understanding of when it was manufactured, components, what it originally sold for and current market value. Martin manufactured 561 VW-5 banjos but only 124 FW-5 instruments. Also, I can send pictures, if this would help, or just be fun! I dont know much about banjos because Im a guitar man myself. This model appears in the 1972 and 1976 catalogues. So there are gaps at the high end of each thousand series -- since Fairbanks 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. 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. Rettberg & Lange(1898-1920) banjos were initially similar to Buckbee-made Photos are available. Being unable to find anything on the internet, I began to think I had been scammed. Martin purchased the Vega company on May 5, 197O. It is not clear why Martin initiated this product line. 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. Thank you for all the information. It is a Four-String Banjo, Tu-ba-phone Model No. 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). Hope this helps and best wishes from the BRC, Barry, Gary- Thanks for your query. Martin`s transition from traditional Spanish, Viennese, and Renaissance structural features towards innovating a modern acoustic guitar with a unique cross brace design. Hi! I inherited a Vega 5-string resonator banjo and have been trying to find out additional information about it. Data zakoczenia 2022-09-02 - cena 20,90 z I has Vega and a single star on the front of the headstock. Your site is a great resource for these instruments by the way. Location. 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 In addition to the unusual R-D-136 serial number, the C.F. Im sure theres a story behind this banjo and why it was made. Your aunt`s banjo sounds like a stock model, so I would estimate that it would fetch $400-$700 on the open market. Really sounds and pays great. gamefowl breeders in texas; 0 comments. He could always check the stamp on the bottomthe tone ring to see if its a match to the rim (it should say V916). The last one was produced in early 1975 despite being their very first banjo made that year. They all had yellow serial number stickers. 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. Vega Banjo Identification Professional Had Black. June 7, 2022; homes for sale by owner in berwick, pa . Recently purchased a Vega Vox iv plectrum banjo. It did not have a tone ring or simply a steel ring like the Wonder, to keep the cost down. Martin upgraded the maple rim to 10 ply after purchasing the Vega/Boston franchise in May of 1970. The evolution of the Professional model dates back to the Boston 1963 Vega catalogue that featured the first Pro model banjo that looked like an inexpensive version of the Earl Scruggs model that Vega offered at that time. Depending upon condition, it is probably worth somewhere around $750 these days. vega banjo identification. C.F. Martin acquired Vega. Martin also made 1976 model D-76 guitars to partner the banjo. The inside of the banjo is also blank except for the painted serial number 2207. The Eddie Peabody Model was actually made by Vega of Boston from 1966-ca. There are 13 stars on the banjo fretboard, and there should be a plaque on the back of the headstock. This item has been sold. Do you have a total of these models made under the Massachusetts Vega name? The F-VIP is first mentioned briefly on a front page of the 1970 Vega Martin catalogue, and it retailed for $490 in the VM price list of 1971. Best of luck and thanks for your query, Barry. Banjos were simply stamped 'The Vega Company' From 1913, the firm started using style designations instead of names: * The banjorine (or banjeaurine) was a 5 string banjo, but with a shorter neck like a banjolin It would have been around this time that Tenor Banjos first appeared, as the Tango craze hit America between 1910 and 1914. Cobra hooks first appear circa 1881 on Fairbanks & Cole banjos. Good luck, thanks much for your post, and great to hear from you again, Barry. These three top-of-the-line instruments were sent to Japan for assembly. Bob- Thank you for your kind words about my website, and I reply with compliments to your luthier shop with which I am familiar. Shortly thereafter, the Martin craftsmen went on strike, and banjo parts were shipped overseas for assembly. 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. Knowing the history of an instrument adds so much to the enjoyment of owning and playing it. 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. Dear Per- In May of 1970, C.F. Hope this helps, and all the best picking, Barry. An Original Fairbanks 5-String Banjo with a replaced ebony fingerboard and peg-head facing, with added appropriate pearl inlays. The Pro-5 does not appear in the 1976 Vega Martin catalogue. Your instrument is a tenor arch top 4-stringer made in the early 1980`s. Heres a link to a .zip file you can download. Martin`s beloved historian). It`s a sweet long neck, and I wish I had one. 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). Deering rescued the Vega line by purchasing the brand name in 1989. Could you tell me where it was built and what its value is today ? C.F. The two legendary musicians in the camp photo are banjo godfather Tony Trischka and Grammy award winner Eric Weissberg. TH, Tom- Thanks for your query. The Vega banjos in the TMC catalogue were identified by serial numbers only with no model titles or nicknames. # 1713? Martin built 561 VW-5 banjos in the 1970`s.You can learn more about this VM instrument by browsing my website for the postings on 6-19-21 and 1-16-21, or just enter the word `wonder` in the search engine. No M130097 Model: Wonder 5 St. thanks for the very informative web site It is the first martin-vega I have ever seen in person, or had in my hands! 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. Martin in Nazareth, Pennsylvania, in mid 1974 per Shop Order #2217. 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. Not a fancy top-line model, but still built with the typical extremely high quality components and a simple but . The rich heritage of Vega was derelict for 5 years until Deering rescued it by acquiring rights to the brand name in 1989. With appreciation, Barry. It also features the four digit SN imprinted into the outside of the holes in groups of three tone ring, clearly done before the plating, and visible only when dissembled. The year 1970-1971 was a time of transition of tools and parts from Boston to Nazareth, PA. Is this original? Can you tell me what year it was made and by whom? It is a Vega Martin model VW-5 called a Vega Wonder and sometimes referred to as the Wonder-5. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Thank you for your query to the BRC and the abovephoto link. 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. Martin Vega Banjo Strings Features: Tin-plated steel core is responsive, lively, and resilient Nickel alloy wrap wire is consistently smooth and tonally flexible for a variety of playing styles Medium gauge for full-bodied tone and strong midrange response Tech Specs Number of Strings: 5 String Material: Steel Winding Material: Nickel Alloy However, its a beautifully crafted banjo with a great sound. All of these extra upgrades were reportedly worth an additional $1000 at the time. New and Used Vega Banjos for Sale Search Agent: Get notified when new ads meet your criteria! 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. Enjoy. Vega serial #s between 99369 and 99686, when the switch from the Vega stamp to printed yellow labels seems to have occured. This instrument was a special order for banjoist, Jack Mistretta, from Grand Rapids, Michiganwho happened to be a friend of Eddie Peabody. 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. Cited in the Vega price list of 1971, the last one VM published, the retail price tag was $488 without case. Vega banjos were marketed in the US thereafter by TMC (Targ & Dinner 20 Century Music Company) via a catalogue published in May of 1979. Greg also originally hand made the round hole Tubaphone tone rings, but now they have a fairly well honed machine manufacturing process. 10" Rim. Save This Search Vega Vox short neck tenor banjo IiMPOSSIBLE TO FIND/ one of the best sounding Banjo's in the world> Used - Mint Condition Posted 11/15/2021 8:46:13 AM by Ronkisok - Country: United States - State: CT - ZIP: 06790 Your VW-5 would fetch $700-$1000 these days. Bob- Thanks for your query and kind words about my website. I gave alot of money for this, just hoping a made a decent deal. what I know about banjos right now I learned from you!! If this banjo has some more of the early prewar design features, add $1000-1500.Hope this helps, Dr. Ron. Wooden pot resonator. safety tips; prohibited items; product recalls; Hope this helps and thanks again for your post and e-mails, Barry, Lynne- Thanks for your query. Martin manufactured 100 Pro-5 banjos including the temporary Bobby Joe Fenster variation.