Item # 9126. 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. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Thank you for your query to the BRC and the abovephoto link. Martin purchased the Vega brand in May of 1970, the Martin factory in Nazareth, PA, began to re-tool for banjo production. it has five strings and if you would be so kind let me know something about it and if someone you know wants to play it, I guess it would be better off with them; or I will go take lessons I suppose. I have two Ode long neck banjos, and one of them is my daily practice instrument because of its wife-friendly tone. In May of 1970, C.F. I dont play any instrument right now. The Wonder model had a metal tone ring, white fingerboard binding, a heavy notched tension hoop, a 10 ply rim, geared tuners, a 3 piece maple neck, a blackwood fretboard, pearl dots, a resonator with 4 section metal tone flanges, nickel-plated parts, a plastic head, an armrest and shaded mahogany finish. Fairbanks and Vega banjo numbers are consecutive, and have no DIRECT relationship to the model, or production date. This classic and ornate Vega series dates back to the 1920s but did not appear in the 1970 and 1972 Vega Martin catalogues. We have a bunch of new Deering merch for you whether it be socks, shirts, tote bags, mugs, and more! Thanks for your very kind words about the BRC website. In the final Martin price listed published in 1971, it listed for $345 without case. vega banjo identification. Being a low end instrument, the early FR-5 model had no connecting rod. Retail price was $1300.00 ; I paid $900.00 . However, current thinking (thanks to Hank Schwartz) is that 999 numbers were assigned per year -- from the start, in 1880. 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). John, just an old Missouri banjo picker transplanted in Arizona. Below are more Letters from the BRC Archives. Galaxy marketed its 4 and 5 stringers in the USA via a remarkably unimaginative TMC catalog in which each banjo was identified only with an Item number but no model moniker to give it personality like the Pro-5 or Wonder banjos named by the earlier corporate owners. Your banjo may be a hybrid from that era. I have a vegavox 4 tenor banjo by Martin . 1969, probably initially at the 40 Leon Street factory the Needham Heights (just before the sale to Martin). 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. It retailed for $345 in the 1971 Vega Martin price list. Ive got a couple of pictures in case of interest, but Id need a mail-address for sending, me supposing. Thank you. 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). In 1970, C.F. The VIP model featured a unique `audio-sonic` bell brass tone ring, a scrolled peg head with ultra filagree pearl work, engraved pearl inlay in the ebony fretboard, a 10 ply maple rim with a heavy notched tension hoop, geared tuners, a walnut finish, and marquetry around the resonator. 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. I have an ornate 5 string Martin Vega banjo with pie-plate style resonator. I bought it in Stockholm, Sweden as a student, so it was not so expensive, as i remembered. Despite its puzzling serial number, your instrument is a Tu-Ba-Phone Deluxe 5-string. 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. Do you have any additional information you could share regarding this instrument? 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). Identification: "A" Style mandolins were symmetrical and shaped like a teardrop. 17,378. I gave alot of money for this, just hoping a made a decent deal. Bill Keith Stainless Steel D-Tuners, for 2nd & 3rd strings. Ironically, C.F. Many thanks for your efforts. Martin made 101 of the PS-5 instruments which listed for $488 without case in the final V/M price list in 1971. William- Thanks for your post. 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. Mike- Thanks for your post and kind remarks about the BRC website. SF bay area > east bay > for sale > musical instruments - by owner. 1929 Vega Tubaphone Longneck Conversion Banjo This banjo started its life in 1929 as a Vega Vegaphone tenor banjo. It`s a sweet long neck, and I wish I had one. 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. Your VW-5 would fetch $700-$1000 these days. Thank you. Martin`s beloved historian). Martin did not publish retail prices after 1971, so my guess is that this up scale model sold back then for around $600. 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. It is great to hear from someone who actually visited the Vega factory in Needham Heights, Massachusetts. Barry, Eddie- Thanks for your query and kind comments about the website. I have found it helpful over the years. Have a restful weekend and be well, Barry. Per my files, the Pete Seeger long neck first appears in a Vega flyer in 1961 for $309. Martin era. 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 They are 230, 243, 353, LVII (57?) Martin also made 1976 model D-76 guitars to partner the banjo. Im the happy owner of a Vega-Martin VW-5 Wonder 5 string, serial #1516. C.F. Cited in the Vega price list of 1971, the last one VM published, the retail price tag was $488 without case. 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. Remo Frosted Top Banjo Head, 11 Inch Diameter, Medium Crown (7/16 Inch) $19 USD. Thank You for your time and web site. A part of the C.F. Barry. CL. The serial number is found on a white tag on the inside of the resonator or if you have an openback banjo, it is a smaller white tag on the inside of the rim. Accordingly, 1970-1971 was a year of manufacturing transition from Boston to Nazareth. In my files, the PS-5 model first appears in a 1961 Vega product flyer from Boston, but it may have been manufactured there starting in 1958. Martin and Co., Est. 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. Im just getting back into my love of music. 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. Eddie- Thanks for your query and kind comments about the website. Thanks for the photo of your Vega/Martin Pro-5 banjo. Barry. The earliest reported is F&C #1000. In my files, the PS-5 is seen in a Vega (Boston) flyer in 1961 where it lists for $309. 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). Again, thank youmuchfor your post. It is indeed a sweet banjo with plenty of talk in it. Your instrument is a tenor arch top 4-stringer made in the early 1980`s. 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 4-string tenor gauge is mellow and warm and accents low to midrange frequencies Tech Specs Number of Strings: 4 String Material: Tin-plated Steel According to the C.F. ), Wim- Congratulations on procuring such a lovely vintage instrument. Micky- Thanks for your narrative on your Pete Seeger long neck. With appreciation, Barry. There are 13 stars on the banjo fretboard, and there should be a plaque on the back of the headstock. Neck and rim look a lot like made by Martin craftsmen, and it arrived set up perfectly. The Voxes have endured a bit more that others in the market place, however. Martin markings, my impression is that it was put together overseas from left-over Martin parts after the Asian conglomerate Galaxy Trading purchased the Vega brand in 1979. The tailpiece does not look original, but the dual connecting rods are typical of the Martin design. Your Wonder-5 string banjo #(Martin)130097 was made in Boston in early 1971 after C.F. 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. Kudos to Greg Deering who rescued the Vega brand name from extinction in 1989 and restored it to greatness. Good luck with your vintage Seeger long neck and photos of this prize would be most welcome for posting here if you are so inclined. 219203099161mmDA107 , . It originally came with an arm rest, rotomatic tuning pegs, and a plastic head. The distinct disadvantage to having a rare banjo is finding replacement parts. Your PS-5 Pete Seeger long neck # M-130259 was assembled in Nazareth in early 1971 per Shop Order 2012. The handsome Professional-5 model with an upgraded tone ring and rim re-appeared in the 1972 Vega/Martin banjo catalogue- but no sign ever again of the short lived BJF-5 stringer. . The information looks just finethere were yet a number of the Mxxxxxx series banjos still made in the Needham Heights factory outside Boston. 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. Your instrument SN 999 was one of five VIP-5 (Very Important Player) banjos was made in Nazareth, PA, in mid 1974 per Shop Order # 2212. Vega Martin banjo SN 1795 was one of three special order V-45 5-string banjos manufactured in Nazareth, PA, in 1977 per Shop Order 2335. 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. Its a Vega VIP with the Martin Co. logo on the back of the peg head. 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 Thank you so much!! This uniquestyle resonator was verypopular for many years, and it still hasvalue as a vintage part. Hope this helps and thanks again for your post. Barry, Marc- Thanks much for the prompt and telling photos. In the 1970 VM catalogue, the VIP-T banjo retailed for $556, and the hard shell case was $68 extra. Aspiring players also wonder what makes one banjo better than another. The back of the peghead of these rare banjos is imprinted with a C.F. It is not clear why Martin initiated this product line. 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. Martin, and the line was discontinued in 1975. Martin built only 22 such instruments which featured a brass tone ring, gold-plating, an engraved tail piece, an ebony fretboard, and a mahogany neck. Barry, Samantha Thanks for the extensive and helpful photos of your above banjo. Because so few Pro-5`s were manufactured in Nazareth, it is difficult to gauge the worth of your banjo these days. Martin made 76 commemorative V-76 banjos in 1976 to celebrated the bicentennial of the USA. Can you tell me what year this banjo was made and what my aunt could legitimately ask for it? Hope this helps, and thanks again for your post. So happy to find this site. Barry. My estimate is that the banjo might be worth $500-$700 depending on condition. I own a Vega VIP fivestring banjo, with serial number 130056. If there is any other interesting information about the instrument you care to share from the Martin log book, I would be most appreciative. Serial # 1795. Knowing the history of an instrument adds so much to the enjoyment of owning and playing it. 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). 2 Tu-Ba-Phone XL long neck premieres instead. In those years there was not a college student who didn't dream of owning a Vega Pete . 1972 Vega Banjo. Barry, I have purchased a Martin Vega V-45 described as 1971 production and a serial number of #327. This item has been sold. Your VM-5 Wonder banjo SN 720 was manufactured in 1973 per Shop Order 2181. 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! Guess I stated it wrong, not really carvings, just in lays. Galaxy went bankrupt in a few years, and the Vega brand was purchased in 1989 by Deering in California who restored the instrument line to greatness. So cool to have this historical data. 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 featuring a brass tone ring and ebony fingerboard. It is a top-of-the-line banjo that was paired with the reissued D-45 Martin guitar as a marketing strategy. 6. Learning how to play the banjo is no different. Some C.F. The PS-5 appears in the transitional 1970 Vega Martin catalog, and again in the 1972 product brochure; but it is absent from the 1976 catalog. 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. I think it is a Pro-5. I appreciate having some of the history around my banjo and will cherish it even more knowing it is somewhat rare. THE BRC THANKS YOU FOR VISITING THE VEGA MARTIN BANJO INFO PAGE. It did not have a tone ring or simply a steel ring like the Wonder, to keep the cost down. Dot inlay fret board. My other theory is that the pot, which bears a C.F. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Although a mystery to me, this top of the line resonator banjo was introduced by C.F. 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 description of your banjo serial number 916 is curious, and I will offer my theory about the instrument per the information given. In addition to the unusual R-D-136 serial number, the C.F. Is this original? 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. The inside of the banjo is also blank except for the painted serial number 2207. 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. Although the Martin Company did not manufacture Vega banjos till a century later, a solitary banjo from the mid 19th century is appended to the exhibit to display parallel innovation in the instrument because of its increasing popularity during that era. Martin- Thank you for your query and very useful photos. gamefowl breeders in texas; 0 comments. A total of 98 model D-76E guitars were also made for employees. In that same period, twenty-one VV IV plectrums were manufactured. To generally confirm that your banjo is a Nazareth built instrument, check for a C.F. Its in excellent condition other than needing some cleaning and a little metal polish on the metal parts. 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. 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. Martin`s transition from traditional Spanish, Viennese, and Renaissance structural features towards innovating a modern acoustic guitar with a unique cross brace design. Cobra hooks first appear circa 1881 on Fairbanks & Cole banjos. It is a Vega Martin model VW-5 called a Vega Wonder and sometimes referred to as the Wonder-5. Eric- Thanks for your kind comments about the website and prompt photos. 721 which I have had a number of years. Tom- Thank you for the prompt and detailed photos of your instrument. He was told that it was made by Martin, but I do not find any Martin labels. Tuned 1-1/2 steps lower than a standard 5-string banjo, the Maple Mountain Series MM-150LN is set up for the best singing keys. 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 banjos advertised in the brochure had generic names and Item #`s. Your instrument was listed as Vega 5-string Banjo featuring a Tu-Ba-Phone tone ring with round holes thus representing A reproduction of the early Tu-Ba-Phone No. ejemplos de hombres perezosos en la biblia; social juventus porto; china eastern trip report; Hello world! Your banjo is an off shoot of the classic No. If anybody can shed some light on what I have. According to the C.F. The last SN from Boston was probably #130049, and the Vega Martin logbook in Nazareth starts with SN 130248. Your 5 stringer is cited only as Item VDX75C in the 1979 TMC catalog where to retailed for $475. Over a period of several years, the Vega line morphed into a uniquely featured Vega Martin instrument. S.C.- Thank you for your query to the BRC. I also did replace all of the cheapish plastic knobs with ivoroid ones of much better quality. This instrument debuted in 1952, and featured a single cutaway body, a distinctive "fire stripe" tortoiseshell pickguard, and a pair of thin blade-style pickups . The rim is 10 ply maple with a top metal tone ring, nickel-plated metal parts, and a shaded mahogany finish. Any help with identifying it (I cant find a serial number anywhere) or locating buyers would be so gratefully welcomed! And recently I installed a new Elite head, which made a wonderful difference. If someone could help her post it on eBay, it would probably get a decent price and a good home. my Martin/Vega PS5 #481 is about a month into my possession. Recently purchased a Vega Vox iv plectrum banjo. 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. Your other VIP-5 with SN 1766 was assembled from parts sent to Japan in 1977 when the Martin company had its difficult luthier strike. Thereafter, C. F. Martin installed a serial number decal on the inner rim beginning with #2 and on through #1945. My Vega F-VIP #1456 got chosen from the 72 catalogue in spring of 76 in a music shop in Stuttgart / Germany, and was delivered only about ten weeks later. Both the VW-5 and FW-5 appear in the 1961 Vega ((155 Columbus Ave., Boston, MA) catalogue but featuring a 5 ply rim in the early design. Do you know how many Scruggs or Scruggs Soloists, and Sonny Osborne models were made under the Martin ownership and where made? 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. vega banjo identification. By the mid 1960`s, it was usually manufactured with a connecting rod. It is veryinteresting that it has the non-ebonized finish on the peghead cap, whichcoincided with the move production to Nazareth (adopting stained rosewood asthey used on the guitars). Flanked by interactive faculty at a northeastern banjo camp, the BRC founderproudly shows-off his Vega VIP banjo built in Nazareth, Pennsylvania, in 1975. Dr. Ron- the BRC staff and readers appreciate all the wonderful details and photos. They all had yellow serial number stickers. 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. Virtually immaculate. Thanks again for your query, Barry. Thanks again. Just bought a martin-vega banjo from an old man in North Carolina. VT2NRC in its 1979 catalogue, and Galaxy went bankrupt in a few years. Zero fret wear. I have a vegavox 4 tenor banjo by Martin . post id: 7593773670. posted: 2023-02-27 00:34. Mark- Thank you for the very helpful series of photos and your kind comments about the website. Martin manufactured only 33 VW-plectrum banjos. JC From its early Boston beginnings, the Vega Banjo Company made splendidand now vintage instruments, including the Earl Scruggs signature model heendorsed in the 1960s. The V-41 was available by special order only, and it listed back then for $850. Your 5-stringer serial #993 is one of six Pro-5`s manufactured per Shop Order # 2211 in mid 1974 by C.F. This is a beautiful banjo! Not a fancy top-line model, but still built with the typical extremely high quality components and a simple but . Not quite as universally imitated as, say, Stradivari's violins or Martin's dreadnought guitars, but close. Your 5 string model was featured in the subsequent 1979 TMC Vega catalogue as an instrument similar to old style Vega Tu- Ba-Phone No.9.. banjo, and it listed then for $1250.