wyoming seminary athletic scholarship; Tags . vega banjo identification. Do you have a total of these models made under the Massachusetts Vega name? Fairbanks and Vega banjo numbers are consecutive, and have no DIRECT relationship to the model, or production date. 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. Eric- Thanks for your kind comments about the website and prompt photos. The tone ring holes are grouped in sets of three rather than equally spaced as on a tubaphone ring. I orderedit in 1970 through a music store in Norwich , Ct run by Cliff Tidd . C.F. Thanks! Theres precious little information about these instruments online. I recently took my Dads 4 string banjo out of storage after approximately 25 years since his passing. 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. Martin factory in Nazareth, PA, parts were shipped overseas to Japan and Canada for assembly. Im happy to find Banjorehab as it is the first site Ive seen to have useful information on Vega-Martin banjos. Check Price at Amazon. Although C.F. The 1971 Vega Martin price listed this model to retail at $556 without case. The long-neck No. 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. Martin made 101 of the PS-5 instruments which listed for $488 without case in the final V/M price list in 1971. Deering rescued the Vega line by purchasing the brand name in 1989. Enjoy. Ive attached a photo of that Coat of Arms resonator next to my Vox Vit was a spare they had made for Eddie Peabody. I would appreciate it very much. About 20 years ago I had it re-fretted , re-finished , and the gold re-plated . 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. Where to find your serial number. Neck and rim look a lot like made by Martin craftsmen, and it arrived set up perfectly. Home; Meet Darlene; ISI Mission; What is Coaching? 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. Is 887 also a Pro5? 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. vega banjo identification. For reference, the name of the original owner with serial number should be in the Martin Archives. In those years there was not a college student who didn't dream of owning a Vega Pete . 1929 Vega Tubaphone Longneck Conversion Banjo This banjo started its life in 1929 as a Vega Vegaphone tenor banjo. Mark- Thank you for the very helpful series of photos and your kind comments about the website. 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. Ending Thursday at 9:33PM GMT 2d 23h. The flanges, tension hoop, tailpiece and extended armrest are deeply and elaborately engraved, and were originally finished in a special hardened 24K gold electroplate. My estimate is that your VV IV-T can fetch about $1000-4500 these days depending on the online vendor or estate auction. 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. my Martin/Vega PS5 #481 is about a month into my possession. 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). 2 Tu-Ba-Phone XL long neck. Thanks again for your post and pictures and kind comments about the website. Reply from our BRC Vega Vox consultant and scholar Dr. Ron: The timeline, serial number and pricing in 1970-71 seem rightit was probably in final assembly at Nazareth with a #7 new series serial number; the last of the M139400 yellow labels came out of the old Needham Heights Vega factory sometime in November 1971. Your aunt`s banjo sounds like a stock model, so I would estimate that it would fetch $400-$700 on the open market. The inside of the rim has a R-D-136 in white. Martin in the 1970s (I have sent you the title page illustrating your instrument). 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. 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. It appears to be serial number 231 (engraved). 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 resonator banjo is not to be confused with its cousin the open back FW-5 model Folk Wonder which retailed for $280. My Vega VIP has the Martin decal on the back of the headstock. Still as wonderful as the day I got it. Martin made 101 of the PS-5 instruments which listed for $488 without case in the final V/M price list in 1971. I told her to leave cause i thought they were taking advantage of her because of her age. He on his banjo and me with my guitar. Remo Frosted Top Banjo Head, 11 Inch Diameter, High Crown (1/2 Inch) $19 USD. By history, C.F. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit, sed diam nonummy nibh euismod tincidunt ut laoreet dolore magna aliquam erat volutpat. The rim and shoe screws/washer are likely homemade/cut down and tone ring is not Galaxy stock, but more of a Gibson knockoff. It has almost all the hallmarks of a stock model VIP banjo. Vega Martin SN 1199 is one of five VIP-T (tenor) banjos made per shop order # 2233 in late 1974 in Nazareth, PA. A part of the C.F. 1519. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Virtually immaculate. 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. So, the rim and rods appear be from a Vox I, and dogbone Tubaphone tonering would be typical of the 1970s period under Martin (some the later Voxesmade by Vega in Needham Heights before moving to Nazareth used these, aswell as slotted Tubaphones). It listed for $1310 in the 1971 VM price brochure and a carved heel was extra. Martin and Co., Est. Its also featuring the two small hexagon bolts inside the rim (Quite handy for fine-centering the neck! It retailed for $345 in the 1971 Vega Martin price list. In the Martin SN files, banjo #1302252 manufactured in 1971 is designated as a BJF-5 (Pro) style instrument. Not quite as universally imitated as, say, Stradivari's violins or Martin's dreadnought guitars, but close. Kudos to Greg Deering who rescued the Vega brand name from extinction in 1989 and restored it to greatness. There are no other identification markings on the instrument and it definitely does not say Martin anywhere. 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. It has only a tape serial number inside the pot of 1124. However, current thinking (thanks to Hank Schwartz) is that 999 numbers were assigned per year -- from the start, in 1880. 2 Vega banjo from the early Boston era. Hopes this helps and thanks again for the detailed pictures. C.F. GREAT FORUM. Note below the C.F. In my files, the PS-5 is seen in a Vega (Boston) flyer in 1961 where it lists for $309. I apologize for using this email to reach you, but I have a banjo question I hope you can help me with. Hello. Do you know how many tenor V41 banjos were made? Thereafter, C. F. Martin installed a serial number decal on the inner rim beginning with #2 and on through #1945. Retail price was $1300.00 ; I paid $900.00 . The C.F. The VIP-T is a nice mid range banjo model, and I have a VIP-5 which has a pleasant mid range tonal response. 721 which I have had a number of years. Hello, I just stumbled onto this site today 4/16/20. He was told that it was made by Martin, but I do not find any Martin labels. Be safe, be well, keep on picking. Martin manufactured only 33 VW-plectrum banjos. 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. It is not seen in the 1970 transitional Vega/Martin catalogue. 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 Search online for Earl Scruggs Vega Banjo Images, and you will see a photo of him with his endorsed Vega instrument bearing the signature square inlays on the neck that offered its distinctive stage appearance. Your Vega Martin VIP-5 with SN 845 was made in Nazareth, PA, in 1974 as one of four manufactured per Shop Order #2193, and it sold for $556 without case in the 1971 price list (after which VM did not publish recommended retail prices). - 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 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. 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. It first appeared in 1923 and was also the first Vega with the scrambled eggs inlay and the Vega name in the headstock.Although the Vegaphone is supposed to have a maple neck - and the tenors do, most Vegaphone plectrums have surplus Tubaphone Style 3 necks in mahogany with carved heels. Location. Hope this helps and au revoir, Barry. The Vega Vox model was a 4 string gem that featured a brass tone ring. Every Martin Vega I have seen has a more dark brown mahogany-colored stain. Jon- Thanks much for your kind comments about the website. post id: 7593773670. posted: 2023-02-27 00:34. Barry. It looks like a well-preserved and fun mid range banjo waiting to be enjoyed by an appreciative musician like yourself. Dr. Ron- the BRC staff and readers appreciate all the wonderful details and photos. The Style K was Vega's least expensive banjo-mandolin, not having a "tone ring" installed, unlike the pricier Tu-Ba-Phone and Whyte Laydie models. What is it worth today, and what did it sell for when new? 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. Thanks, I have really enjoyed reading the material on this site.RowdyArizona, Rowdy- Thanks for your kind words about the website. Your instrument is a tenor arch top 4-stringer made in the early 1980`s. Just found you today . Buy VEGA Banjos and get the best deals at the lowest prices on eBay! 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. Martin purchased Vega in May of 1970, and production transitioned from Boston to Nazareth, PA. To unravel most of the curious mystery of the legendary Bobby Joe Fenster, please scroll back to the Sept. 12, 2014 homepage posting devoted to this interesting figure from the annals of Vega Martin banjo history, or just enter fenster in the search engine on the home page. Per the 1971 price list, the V-45-5 sold for $1650 with case included, and it was available by special order only. After 20 years, the wear and tear on a refinished instrument may reduce the value further. Barry- Thanks for your queries and subsequent photos that promt me to revise my initial response. Martin made only about a dozen more PS-5 banjos. Depending upon condition, it is probably worth somewhere around $750 these days. 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. Gold and ivory hard wear with a butterfly mop inlay on the back of the body. Martin Company acquired the Vega rights from the Bostonian Nelson Family in May of 1970 and sold the franchise overseas in March of 1979. what I know about banjos right now I learned from you!! 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. 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. Any ideas on contacts for such a beast? 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. Your VW-5 would fetch $700-$1000 these days. Your VW-5 with SN 1519 was manufactured in Nazareth, PA, in 1976 per Shop Order 2285. A total of 101 PS-5 instruments were manufactured in Pennsylvania. 10" Rim. My guess is that most of the left-over parts from near your home in Massachusettes were used up over the next ensuing 7 years of production, but there is an outside chance that a few spare parts like an occasional tonering survived and were transferred to Galaxy when it purchased Vega in 1979. A fabulous example of one of the finest banjos ever made, the Vega 5-string Pete Seeger long-necked folk banjo, produced as a result of the folk craze of the late 1950s and early 1960s. FREE SHIPPING! 96.90 postage. Vega Tenor Banjo and Case, 1920s | Reverb Oops, Something went wrong. Thanks for your query, Barry. Martin historian Mike Longworth. Your banjo is item # VB120C which sold for $360 back then. vega banjo identificationvega banjo identification January 31, 2022 . I play it weekly (weakly) on Monday nights at restaurant in Anaheim, California and love its sound. The Pro-5 does not appear in the 1976 Vega Martin catalogue. bouffant scrub cap pattern. Age differences in the instruments might alsoalter the wood tones. It did not have a tone ring or simply a steel ring like the Wonder, to keep the cost down. I do not know anything about banjos but the label inside the rim says VEGA of Boston. The metal parts were chrome-plated. Just found this wonderful site. 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). Any idea where I might find one? Could you tell me where it was built and what its value is today ? I think im in heaven. Rettberg & Lange(1898-1920) banjos were initially similar to Buckbee-made Your VW-5 resonator banjo is not to be confused with its cousin the open back FW-5 model Folk Wonder which retailed for $280. Shop today! They are 230, 243, 353, LVII (57?) Joshua, Joshua-Thank you for your kind comments and the very detailed pictures. 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 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. I had Renee Karnes carve the heel with a VV flower and leaf design to get rid of the SS #. Data zakoczenia 2022-09-02 - cena 20,90 z A total of 98 model D-76E guitars were also made for employees. C.F. What can you tell me about my instrument? 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. The 1971-72 VM log books show 22 VIP banjos (most 5-stringers with a few tenor and plectrums) bearing the 6 digit Boston serial numbers, and thereafter the SN`s convert to digits #1 through #1969. C.F. 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. These days, my guess is that this 5 stringer is worth about $1500 or more depending on condition. I would love to be able to date this banjo: SN 999 as a decal under the Martin logo inside the rim with the Martin logo decal on the back side of the peghead as well. Thanks again for your query, Barry. The resonator was hand-painted, and fancy engraved pearl inlays adorned the ebony fingerboard. Like Mark whom you cite from Comment #6 above, your banjo is one of 14 Pro-5 instruments manufactured per Shop Order #2197 in 1974 in Nazareth, PA. Martin built 100 Pro-5 banjos from 1971-79, including the whimsical Bobby Joe Fenster 5 stringer which was a thinly disguised Pro-5. "F" Style mandolins have a carved nautilus shaped curl on the upper left-hand bout. Buy VEGA Banjos and get the best deals at the lowest prices on eBay! Recently purchased a Vega Vox iv plectrum banjo. Martin built only 101 PS-5 long necks. i replaced the head but it still sounds the same. From the BRC, Barry, I inquired on Banjo Hangout about information on a Vega banjo acquired from a friend. The Vega Regent is one of the classic 5-string banjos of the Vega line. I gave alot of money for this, just hoping a made a decent deal. Your mellowed 1963 SR-5 sold for $400 in the 1963 Vega catalogue, and it was advertised to feature a brilliant tone back then. Data zakoczenia 2022-09-02 - cena 20,90 z The label on the peg head reads Martin & Co and inside the rim reads Martin & Co and the number 993. 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. The Vega Vox model was a 4 string gem that featured a brass tone ring. Thanks Again! The V-41 was available by special order only, and it listed back then for $850. First let me thank you for this amazing well of information! PA. In general, the Boston made Pete Seeger long neck banjos seem to command a greater collectors` interest than the ones manufactured in Pennsylvania. Thanks for letting us see this fascinating and unique instrument. Well, this is a hybrid banjo, and doubtful that is a Galaxy banjo. CL. Thank you very much for your quick answer. Typically, the number would be preceded with an A (indicating an adjustable truss rod) followed by a six-digit number. It has no rod in the drum. Vega Long Neck Banjo $5,399.00 Vega White Oak Long Neck Banjo 11" from $2,599.00 Vega Kingston Trio Tom Dooley Long Neck Banjo $15,599.00 Vega Woodsongs Campfire Long Neck Banjo $2,399.00 Sold Out Vega Professional 19-Fret Tenor Banjo $7,499.00 Vega Kingston Trio Long Neck Banjo $6,299.00 Vega Kingston Trio - Bob Shane Plectrum Banjo The tailpiece does not look original, but the dual connecting rods are typical of the Martin design. 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. It appears in the transitional Vega/Martin product list of 1970 and lastly in the 1972 Vega Banjo Catalog (The CF Martin Organization). The Voxes have endured a bit more that others in the market place, however. Idoubt it matches the rim, unless they changed from a plectrum to tenor atlast minute. 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. 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. vega banjo identification. Shortly thereafter, the Martin craftsmen went on strike, and banjo parts were shipped overseas for assembly. Vega Regent Model 5 String Banjo (1925), made in Boston, Mass., natural varnish finish, laminated maple rim and neck, ebony fingerboard, black hard shell case. But with original Whyte Laydie banjo rims being in demand for converting to 5-string instruments, this one is an ideal candidate. 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. The SN 1456 on the outside of your tone ring is a fascinating and new discovery to me, and we VM banjo owners should inspect our tone rings for this hidden marking the next time a head gets exchanged. They differed from ukulele banjos in that the uke banjos typically had smaller rims. This is a beautiful banjo! I was told by someone at C. F. Martin that they only made 11 of them ( mine is ser # 7 ) . Galaxy apparently went bankrupt around 1984 and vanished from the financial scene. 5. I was disappointed because I badly wanted to see Scruggs models! Greg Deering acquired rights to the Vega brand name in 1989 and restored the banjo line to greatness. And recently I installed a new Elite head, which made a wonderful difference. Hope this helps and thanks for your post. Again, thanks for your post. We've been notified and are looking into it. Vega banjos were marketed in the US thereafter by TMC (Targ & Dinner 20 Century Music Company) via a catalogue published in May of 1979. There are different types of banjos and plenty of new terminology for parts of banjos and playing styles. 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. 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. The problem is that the serial number labels at this time had printing errors, where the first numeric digit was omitted. In the 1972 Martin catalogue, the Professional appears identical to yours, but it is absent from the 1976 catalogue. Like my dad, I am a musician and physician and treasure his professional and avocational memorabilia. From the BRC, Barry. The PS-5 is not seen in the 1976 Vega Martin catalog but is replaced by the No. Martin 1970 catalogue described ashaded mahogany finish on the Wonder model, and the 1976 Martin catalogue reported thatthe Wonder banjo bore a mahogany color finish. In the final VM 1976 catalogue, the F-VIP is displayed in full advertising detail. One of the 2 rods inside rim is a larger diameter then the other one. Having read the posts above I see that this is most likely not the case! The banjo featured a bell brass audio-sonic tone ring, different from the tubaphone tone ring, and a ten ply maple rim. What A great and informative site .. Hey, Ive got a Martin Vega Tubaphone 5 string banjo sn# 1603 that I acquired in the mid-1980s. In 1979, Martin sold the Vega brand to the Asian conglomerate Galaxy. It is great to hear from someone who actually visited the Vega factory in Needham Heights, Massachusetts. 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. $42 USD. Flanked by interactive faculty at a northeastern banjo camp, the BRC founderproudly shows-off his Vega VIP banjo built in Nazareth, Pennsylvania, in 1975. Thanks again. brian kim, cpa clearvalue tax net worth . Tim, Tim- Thanks much for your query. 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. Martin decal photographed on the back of the VIP Vega peg head. Thank you. Thanks for posting the information on Martin mage Vega banjos. 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. The banjo featured a metal tone ring, white fingerboard binding, a heavy notched tension hoop, a 10 ply rim, geared tuning pegs, a 3 piece maple neck, blackwood fingerboard, pearl dots, a resonator, an arm rest, nickel plated parts, and a shaded mahogany finish. I tried to find your email address at your Banjo homepage without any success. so it does say Martin on the back and its vega on the front. However, its a beautifully crafted banjo with a great sound. Martin purchased the Vega brand line. 2 for $4149. I have sent an e-mail to my Vega Vox consultant Dr. Ron and await his comments and appraisal. Martin D-45 guitar. The metal parts were gold plated and engraved. Zero fret wear. I have two theories about your instrument. Thats a lot of information! 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). 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. Bill- Thanks for your query. The back of the headstock is blank. Martin in Nazareth, PA. Roger- Thanks for your challenging follow-up query. Hello, I have enjoyed reading your posts on Vega-Martin banjos. If your Vegaphones and Tubaphone have serial numbers, you can more closely date them by visiting Whitetreeaz banjo serial numbers online. It is a Vega Martin model VW-5 called a Vega Wonder and sometimes referred to as the Wonder-5. He uses the one piece neck design typical of the other Deering models with the SN stamped on the back of the peghead. Deering now owns the Vega line and offers open-back Tubaphones in their inventory. Like the Tubaphone listed above, this banjo needs a neck reset to be a playable banjo mandolin. 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. One thing that I have noticed is that Massachusetts-made resonator banjos generally had a yellow/orange stain. You banjo parts were probably shipped in 1977 to Japan for assembly where all serial number assignments were in disarray. 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. I bought it in Stockholm, Sweden as a student, so it was not so expensive, as i remembered. About 20 years ago I had it re-fretted , re-finished , and the gold re-plated . Thank-you for your kind words about my website, and all blessings to you and yours this coming holiday season. On the back side of your device. Martin stamp. Is this an old genuine Vega in the lower price class, Sten- Thanks for your query about the FR-5 banjo. Martins acquisition of Vega of Bostonand, the only other one completed in the old Needham Heights factory before banjo production finally moved to Nazareth. William- Thanks for your post. The only serial number is 1120. 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. From the BRC, Barry, Barry, i have an extended neck (25 fretts) Vega/Martin banjo with a serial number of 80. Prices subject to change without notice. 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. C.F. These days, the banjo would probably fetch around $1000 if marketed online. My estimate would be that this rare and exotic bird might fetch around $1800 or more these days. Tom- Thank you for the prompt and detailed photos of your instrument. The build quality is quite immaculate, both wood and hardware. The Pro II model was advertised in the 1966 Vega catalogue with an up-graded and fancy mother of pearl inlay pattern as seen on your banjo. In recent years, Deeringrecreated andmarkets its ownVega Professional 4-stringer model with a classic wooden pie sectioned resonator. Martin built 55 VIP-T instruments between 1972-79. The last one was produced in early 1975 despite being their very first banjo made that year.
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