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. 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. After a loooong wait I finally got it in 1971 . Martin built only 31 of the V-41 instruments: 28 of the V-41-5 model like yours, 1 plectrum and 2 tenor 4-stringers. It has dual rods running through the pot and it has the tubaphone tone ring. Greg also originally hand made the round hole Tubaphone tone rings, but now they have a fairly well honed machine manufacturing process. CL. The circa 1978 brochure that I sent you confirms that your instrument is a Tu-Ba-Phone Deluxe 5 stringer. Every Martin Vega I have seen has a more dark brown mahogany-colored stain. Thanks, I have really enjoyed reading the material on this site.RowdyArizona, Rowdy- Thanks for your kind words about the website. As Barry indicates, a photo of the yellow sticker will be helpful here. Your comments about the color tone differences of Vega/Boston vs. Martin/Nazareth resonator banjos are curious, and I do not have an accurate answer for it. TMC marketed this standard neck Tu-Ba-Phone banjoas item No. Vega Pete Seeger Model Longneck Model 5 String Banjo (1961), made in Boston, Mass., serial # 100971, shaded maple finish, laminated maple neck and rim, ebony fingerboard, original black hard shell case. I inherited a Vega 5-string resonator banjo and have been trying to find out additional information about it. Thanks from the BRC, Barry, Hi Barry! Ironically, C.F. By my count, twelve VV IV-tenor banjos were built in Nazareth with the last one, #1678, in 1976. Bill- Thanks for your query. 1519. The Vega Regent is one of the classic 5-string banjos of the Vega line. 0 bids. The C.F. Dick- Thank you for being a frequent reader of the BRC website. Of note, my Vega Martin VIP-5 banjo built in 1975 also came with a `Care of Your Banjo` memo dated 8/26/71 and a warranty that instructed the owner to call 215-759-2837 and ask for Mike (probably Mike Longworth who was C.F. Wooden pot resonator. Photos are always welcome, and thanks for your post. I have a vegavox 4 tenor banjo by Martin . Deering Banjo Company now owns the Vega brand, and you might contact them regarding a custom device if you want parts within the historic Vega lineage. Thanks again for your time & consideration. The Metropolitan Museum of Art in NYC recently showcased an exhibit of pre-1900 Martin guitars. Below are more Letters from the BRC Archives. The VIP banjo last appeared in the 1976 VM catalog as an open back instrument but still featuring the V.I.P. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Thank you for your query to the BRC and the abovephoto link. The use of a brass band on the wood rim also appeared on some models at this time, to improve sound.What would be more telling is the peghead (where strings are attached) design at the time as they were in the process of changing from a scrolled shape to paddle peg head. For example: 0534599-7362 would be a banjo from May of 1999. Again, thank youmuchfor your post. C.F. All the best, 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. Dot inlay fret board. Rettberg & Lange(1898-1920) banjos were initially similar to Buckbee-made Only 101 model PS-5 banjos were made by C.F. It retailed for $345 in the 1971 Vega Martin price list. Today I purchase Vega PS-5, serial number M-130259. 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. Thanks from all of us! In the meantime, thanks again for your post. Unless refinished, the decal on the back alsomakes it post-1972. FREE SHIPPING! Your 5-stringer was one of seven V-76E instruments manufactured per Shop Order 2310, and the `E` designation indicates that these seven banjos were made for employees. Hello, I just stumbled onto this site today 4/16/20. 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. The Vega franchise was sold overseas in 1979 but reacquired in the US by Deering in 1989. The tone ring is stamped 24, and the tail piece is stamped 41. vega banjo identification. C.F. Martin built 55 VIP-T instruments between 1972-79. The C.F. Here's a bit of description on the various models: This was also the case for their mandolin banjo lines. Learning how to play the banjo is no different. Barry. Barry. It did not have a tone ring or simply a steel ring like the Wonder, to keep the cost down. Nowadays, the Pro-5 would fetch around $1000-$1500 depending on condition. A nice banjo- enjoy. 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. Galaxy apparently went bankrupt around 1984 and vanished from the financial scene. They all had yellow serial number stickers. Remo Frosted Top Banjo Head, 11 Inch Diameter, Medium Crown (7/16 Inch) $19 USD. Im hoping I can find a V41 pot. I cant remember exactly when I bought it but I think it was around the early 70s. About 20 years ago I had it re-fretted , re-finished , and the gold re-plated . The inside of the rim has a R-D-136 in white. All original except the tailpiece cracked at the bend not long after I got it, and I replaced it with the Stew-Mac version. Plectrum means a 4-string model with 22 frets, which is longer scale (27) than the 19 fret 4-string tenor (23). 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 have a Vega V.I.P. In the final VM 1976 catalogue, the F-VIP is displayed in full advertising detail. Ive had several accomplished pickers really make it talk.wish I could!! Deering purchased the Vega franchise in1989 restoring the line to greatness. Its also featuring the two small hexagon bolts inside the rim (Quite handy for fine-centering the neck! I then discovered my Vega VIP Martin 1972 model #1766, a beautiful banjo which I have played for the past 12 years. Fingerboard engraved pearl inlays in the ebony were going through a transition (modernization) as well, from very elaborate designs that they used since the 1920s to to simplified block styles. After Martin purchased Vega in 1970, the factory transitioned from Needham Heights to Nazareth, PA. The fascinatingwooden pie (sectioned) resonator is probably inherited from the Boston era Vega inventory. Mike- Thanks for your post and kind remarks about the BRC website. I have 3 Vega banjos , 1963 Earl Scruggs model A 10921(Scruggs ST-5, handwritten in red ink under that on yellow label) which I played for 23 years, she has a very mellow sound. 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. Depending upon condition, it is probably worth somewhere around $750 these days. Hope this helps, and all the best picking, Barry. No markings saying Martin but looks identical to fancy ones I saw in an old Martin sales flyer. 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. 721 which I have had a number of years. Dear Per- In May of 1970, C.F. 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. 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. The V-41 was available by special order only, and it listed back then for $850. Banjo SN 1648 is a `Folk Wonder` model (FW-5) which first appears in the Vega (Boston) catalogue in 1961 per my files. 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. These days, my guess is that this 5 stringer is worth about $1500 or more depending on condition. 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 metal parts were chrome-plated. Can you tell me more like age and value? Vega/Fairbanks open-back banjo designs are exemplary classics. John- Thank-you for the detailed photos. 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). The back of the headstock is blank. In the the 1971 Vega Martin price list, the VW-Plec retailed at $345. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Im hoping you can check both in your archives and tell me the going prices. 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. Martin made 101 of the PS-5 instruments which listed for $488 without case in the final V/M price list in 1971. Thanks for the great information on this page. He was told that it was made by Martin, but I do not find any Martin labels. Resale prices for this type of banjo vary widely from a couple of hundred to several thousand dollars depending on unique features. Martin also made 1976 model D-76 guitars to partner the banjo. Its a Vega VIP with the Martin Co. logo on the back of the peg head. I call him Rory, although much louder he has a beautiful rich tone, but is quite punchy.. 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. There is a star on the 5th fret. Posts. After its Martin Guitar era, the Vega brand name ownership was sold overseas, and the banjo line fellinto obscurity. 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 A sticker inside says The Vega Co. Boston 15, MASS, Patended USA The serial number is A-125394. Galaxy went bankrupt around 1984 and vanished. !Gary, Gary- Thanks for your query. brian kim, cpa clearvalue tax net worth . 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. 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. Age differences in the instruments might alsoalter the wood tones. Martin upgraded the maple rim to 10 ply after purchasing the Vega/Boston franchise in May of 1970. Ive got a couple of pictures in case of interest, but Id need a mail-address for sending, me supposing. 2 for $4149. Im now forced to sell several beloved instruments but have no idea how to price this gem. I just acquired a second, SN#990 with the dog-bone tone ring. Give it a try and good luck. He is credited with being one of the first banjo-builders to install side brackets with hooks to adjust the tension of the head. 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. I was told by someone at C. F. Martin that they only made 11 of them ( mine is ser # 7 ) . They differed from ukulele banjos in that the uke banjos typically had smaller rims. Although the genesis of your SN and date of manufacture are a puzzlement, it is no mystery that you own a lovely vintage Martin banjo. The Folk Wonder model does not appear in the 1972 or 1976 Vega Martin catalogues, but its resonator version the `Wonder` model does. vega banjo identificationvega banjo identification January 31, 2022 . In the Martin SN files, banjo #1302252 manufactured in 1971 is designated as a BJF-5 (Pro) style instrument. rocket and teresa administrative leave; 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. Deering now owns the Vega brand, and it is rumored that they may revive the deep resonator 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. Aside a changed bridge it remained un-modified and rarely played until about two years ago, as by the time I had bought it, I more and more began concentrating on the guitar. Perhaps a bit more cutting. 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. As such, it is also unique in that is the only Ultra Vox V to be modified and finished by Peabodys other ex-Marine buddy and master luthier, Larry Kellens (widely known as the Vega Doctor during the 1950-70s). Per my files, the Pete Seeger long neck first appears in a Vega flyer in 1961 for $309. 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. For several years, the Vega Martin banjo was an amalgam of parts from Massachusetts and Nazareth, PA. Old 6 digit Vega serial numbers persisted on a yellow sticker on the inner pot until production was moved to Pennsylvania in 1972. Ive taken a number of hi-res photostoo many to attach to email. 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. On the inner rim of the back cover is another Martin logo and the (embossed in white) number 887. During this transitional period, Boston parts were shipped to Nazareth for assembly, and Martin pre-fixed the traditional six digit Vega serial number with the letter `M`. Jack. Your tenor 4-stringer was built in early 1972 per Shop Order 2051. 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. It is a Four-String Banjo, Tu-ba-phone Model No. Martin purchased the Vega company on May 5, 197O. It sounds like your banjo is maybe a hybrid made overseas after 1976-1977 when Vega Martin parts were shipped to Japan and later Canada for assembly. Thank you. I bought my Vega PS-5 S/N 1046 new in, I believe, late summer of 1974 through Miller Music in Lawton, OK. Dog-bone Tubaphone tone ring, Grover milk bottle guitar tuners.

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