Martin also made 1976 model D-76 guitars to partner the banjo. All of these extra upgrades were reportedly worth an additional $1000 at the time. Vega Kingston Trio Tom Dooley Long Neck Banjo, Vega Kingston Trio - Bob Shane Plectrum Banjo, Reutschi | Kruger Bell Bronze Tone Ring(Unplated). Im curious to know if it is possible to learn whether this banjo came from the factory with a resonator or was originally sold as an open back. 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. This 5-stringer was manufactured circa 1845 in Baltimore, MD, by luthier William Boucher, Jr.. Then by ink its written Folk Ranger. I am wondering what you can tell me about a Vega long neck banjo with Martin stamp on the back of the headstock and inside, serial number 82? In my files, the PS-5 is seen in a Vega (Boston) flyer in 1961 where it lists for $309. This model appears in the 1972 and 1976 catalogues. From the BRC site this banjo was made circa 1975-1976 in and around Nazareth PA. Do I have the have the provenance correct? 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. 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. The Vega Vox IV of that era featured burnished gold-plated parts, engraved flanges, an all white pyralin deep resonator with elaborately engraved back and sides, a fretboard with fancy pearl inlays, and an engraved and colored scroll shaped peg head. The Folk Wonder model does not appear in the 1972 or 1976 Vega Martin catalogues, but its resonator version the `Wonder` model does. 0 bids $10.96 shipping Ending Oct 14 at 5:44AM PDT5d 4hFrom GermanyBrand: VEGA 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. 219203099161mmDA107 , . Hey, Ive got a Martin Vega Tubaphone 5 string banjo sn# 1603 that I acquired in the mid-1980s. My personal suggestion, however, is to preserve it as a tangible keepsake of the priceless moments spent with your father years ago. Martin was winding-down its banjo production, the metal engraving was subcontracted to Liberty Banjos. fender american professional ii vs ultra. Thanks again for your query, Barry. The rim and shoe screws/washer are likely homemade/cut down and tone ring is not Galaxy stock, but more of a Gibson knockoff. Bob- Thank you for your kind words about my website, and I reply with compliments to your luthier shop with which I am familiar. Your VW-5 with SN 1519 was manufactured in Nazareth, PA, in 1976 per Shop Order 2285. Great Savings & Free Delivery / Collection on many items. Ive taken a number of hi-res photostoo many to attach to email. Tim, Tim- Thanks much for your query. 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. 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. The V-45 appears on the cover of the 1972 catalogue, and it was billed as our finest Bluegrass banjo in the 1976 catalogue. Micky- Thanks for your narrative on your Pete Seeger long neck. From the BRC, Barry. 1969, probably initially at the 40 Leon Street factory the Needham Heights (just before the sale to Martin). Your aunt`s banjo sounds like a stock model, so I would estimate that it would fetch $400-$700 on the open market. It is a top-of-the-line banjo that was paired with the reissued D-45 Martin guitar as a marketing strategy. Thank-you for your kind words about my website, and all blessings to you and yours this coming holiday season. 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. Your Pete Seeger (PS-5) was one of eleven PS-5 long neck banjos made in early 1972 per Shop Order 2098. With the original Hardshell case and the rare Earl Scruggs Tuners or de- tuners if you will. 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. What can you tell me about the history and value of this one. 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. 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. From the BRC, Barry. Being a low end instrument, the early FR-5 model had no connecting rod. Thank you for all the information. I tried to find your email address at your Banjo homepage without any success. Martin era. Do you have a total of these models made under the Massachusetts Vega name? I would be grateful if you could inform me when it was made. 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. In your e-mail, you mention being told when acquiring the instrument that it was a prototype design. Martin made only about a dozen more PS-5 banjos. I apologize for using this email to reach you, but I have a banjo question I hope you can help me with. Good luck, thanks much for your post, and great to hear from you again, Barry. The 10-1/8" diameter rim has a calf skin head and most of it's original . The inside of the rim has a R-D-136 in white. The Martin log book in Nazareth, PA, begins with #130248 later in 1971. This banjo has all hand-machined bell brass parts to replace the cheaper, more commonly used aluminum alloys used by both Vega and Martin during that era (including coordinator rods, top-tension rim lugs/shoes and bolts), and Kellens other signature upgrades that includes an 1/8 brass shim between the heel of the neck and rim and lacquered, highly polished inner resonator to enhance tone depth and volume projection. Thanks for your very kind words about the BRC website. VIP is printed on the truss rod cover. What is it worth today, and what did it sell for when new? Thanks so much Ill get back to you if any further questions. Mike- Thanks for your post and kind remarks about the BRC website. What a wealth of information! Barry, I have an open back Vega long neck with C F Martin Co logo on the back of the machine head and inside the rim. JC I actually have a customized 75 Martin D28 to go with my 75 Vega. 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. Would appreciate any information you can provide to verify the model and any original cost/current value. Its a Vega VIP with the Martin Co. logo on the back of the peg head. Your F-VIP (Folk-Very Important Player) banjo #1456 was manufactured in Nazareth, PA, in mid 1975 in a lot of 3 such instruments per Shop Order 2274. 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. Like my dad, I am a musician and physician and treasure his professional and avocational memorabilia. Some C.F. Thanks so much! Dave- Thank you for your kind words about the website and the narrative about your Vega Vox IV tenor banjo. Bob. Hi guys, great website. Photos are always welcome, and thanks for your post. The Vega serial number files still available do not specify the specific models of banjo manufactured in Massachusetts. With hard case. Martin purchased the Vega company on May 5, 197O. They are 230, 243, 353, LVII (57?) I have original case. Fairbanks & Cole There are no other identification markings on the instrument and it definitely does not say Martin anywhere. I am a fan of the 27 scale and believe it has much to contribute tone-wise. The serial numbers for the overseas-produced instruments were in the 2000+ range in sequence with the last official VM banjo manufactured in Nazareth, PA, which bore #1969. The `Martin Guitars: A Technical Reference` confirms that the BJF-5 banjo was a thinly disguised Pro-5 not unlike yours . Thats when I decided to modify this rather bluegrassy bright (and plenty of loud) sounding Folk banjo a bit. However, current thinking (thanks to Hank Schwartz) is that 999 numbers were assigned per year -- from the start, in 1880. The flanges, tension hoop, tailpiece and extended armrest are deeply and elaborately engraved, and were originally finished in a special hardened 24K gold electroplate. The year 1970-1971 was a time of transition of tools and parts from Boston to Nazareth, PA. It has almost all the hallmarks of a stock model VIP banjo. Greg also originally hand made the round hole Tubaphone tone rings, but now they have a fairly well honed machine manufacturing process. Of note, when the Professional 5-stringer was made in Boston in the early 1960`s, it had square MOP inlays with dots on the neck compared to the nicely designed inlays on your fretboard and seen in the 1966 catalogue. Is 887 also a Pro5? 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). 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). 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. From the BRC, Barry, Only a handful of Martin/Vega banjos made it down to Australia. Further investigation related to your comments in the abovefirst paragraph might shed some light on the wood tone finish differences. Serial # 1795. You banjo parts were probably shipped in 1977 to Japan for assembly where all serial number assignments were in disarray. 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 Company acquired the Vega rights from the Bostonian Nelson Family in May of 1970 and sold the franchise overseas in March of 1979. He on his banjo and me with my guitar. 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. The inside of the banjo is also blank except for the painted serial number 2207. Roger- Thanks for your challenging follow-up query. Original MRSP $1310 without case (carved neck was also extra). Per my files, the Pete Seeger long neck first appears in a Vega flyer in 1961 for $309. C.F. By that time, parts were being shipped to Canada and Japan for assembly, and record keeping soon deteriorated and serial numbers were inconsistent. Hope this helps and all the best in 2019, Barry. Please try again. 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 It was manufactured in Nazareth, PA, in mid 1973 per shop order # 2154. John, John- Thank you much for your kind words about my website and letting my readers share in your joy of procuring a VM Pete Seeger long neck 5-stringer (PS-5). I dont play any instrument right now. This classic and ornate Vega series dates back to the 1920s but did not appear in the 1970 and 1972 Vega Martin catalogues. It is a beauty. 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. My estimate would be that this rare and exotic bird might fetch around $1800 or more these days. To generally confirm that your banjo is a Nazareth built instrument, check for a C.F. The information looks just finethere were yet a number of the Mxxxxxx series banjos still made in the Needham Heights factory outside Boston. While the Martin factory in Nazareth, PA, retooled to build banjos, interim yellow stickers were affixed to the inner rims of Boston banjos citing the merger and identifying the model of the instrument (which was inscribed by pen). Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. I has Vega and a single star on the front of the headstock. Subject: Help with ID of Vega Banjo please. 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. CL. wyoming seminary athletic scholarship; Tags . The VW tenor 4 stringer was available in the 1963 and 1966 Vega catalogue, but the plectrum model did not appear in the Boston catalogue until 1968 when it listed for $325. The Vega No.2 is a banjo made of top grade curly maple stained light amber and buffed to a high gloss. Thanks for your post. FAIRBANKS BANJO MANDOLINE. It is the first martin-vega I have ever seen in person, or had in my hands! 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. 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. It did not have a tone ring or simply a steel ring like the Wonder, to keep the cost down. rocket and teresa administrative leave; Any idea where I might find one? Just found this wonderful site. If your Vegaphones and Tubaphone have serial numbers, you can more closely date them by visiting Whitetreeaz banjo serial numbers online. my Martin/Vega PS5 #481 is about a month into my possession. Hopes this helps and thanks again for the detailed pictures. Your description of your FR-5 sounds like you have a genuine Boston-made Folk Ranger. 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 Vega Company reportedlyintroduced the first wooden sectioned pie resonator in mid 1923 for their Vega Professional 4-stringer. Both are in wonderful condition. Dear Per- In May of 1970, C.F. 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). I call him Rory, although much louder he has a beautiful rich tone, but is quite punchy.. Ive got a couple of pictures in case of interest, but Id need a mail-address for sending, me supposing. 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. Thanks! For reference, the name of the original owner with serial number should be in the Martin Archives. Perhaps a bit more cutting. 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. Martin built 55 VIP-T instruments between 1972-79. Wim, (Ed.- Note the classic Tubaphone tone ring. I knew nothing about it until I found this site. The neck has crown-and-football inlays and the Martin logo is on the back of the pegboard. The ebony fingerboard was on a mahogany neck, and a butterfly adorns the back of the resonator. Martin, and the line was discontinued in 1975. Of note, the PS-5 had the `famous Vega Tube-a-phone tone ring rim`, a 3 piece ebony fingerboard, pearl dots, a neck-tension rod, nickel-plated rim parts, a shaded mahogany neck, and a 10 ply maple rim. Id love to learn more about it, etc. Serial number 115831 on a yellow strip built in Boston Mass.Wondering when it might have been built? In the 1970 transitional Vega/Martin banjo catalogue, their Pro model line is conspicuosly absent; and instead, is seen a nearly identical twin Bobby Joe Fenster style banjo named after a fictitious nerdy folk musician invented by Martin in 1967 as an insider marketing joke. I have had the opportunity to do this only once for a friend who traded some vintage parts with me for an old flange that I had by serendipity on my workshop shelf. Your VW-5 would fetch $700-$1000 these days. Thanks again. Theres barely a mark on the banjo (except for the binding where it was put on a stand) and this will probably buff out. The `41` engraved on the tailpiece no doubt refers to the model V-41 designation. Home; Meet Darlene; ISI Mission; What is Coaching? John, just an old Missouri banjo picker transplanted in Arizona. 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. 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. Deering purchased the Vega franchise in1989 restoring the line to greatness. The six digit Boston serial numbers were replaced by the Martin SN`s beginning with #2 in 1972. Martin`s transition from traditional Spanish, Viennese, and Renaissance structural features towards innovating a modern acoustic guitar with a unique cross brace design. From the BRC, Barry. 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. Im the happy owner of a Vega-Martin VW-5 Wonder 5 string, serial #1516. 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. 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. Eddie- Thanks for your query and kind comments about the website. 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. Is it possible to tell me what model or style and year it was built also the value? These three top-of-the-line instruments were sent to Japan for assembly. Vega banjos were marketed in the US thereafter by TMC (Targ & Dinner 20 Century Music Company) via a catalogue published in May of 1979. The two legendary musicians in the camp photo are banjo godfather Tony Trischka and Grammy award winner Eric Weissberg. I recently took my Dads 4 string banjo out of storage after approximately 25 years since his passing. Deering now offers the Tubaphone No. Replyfrom our Vega Vox scholar Dr. RonHi Ernie. - 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 Informacje o Martin V730 StringsVega struny banjo 5str 10-23,10 - 11109713090 w archiwum Allegro. Martin historian Mike Longworth. built in 1971, my long neck looks like it was built yesterday and all I added was a geared 5th string pegstuck it in an American Vintage case and screwed a CF Martin brass medallion to the side. 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. I had Renee Karnes carve the heel with a VV flower and leaf design to get rid of the SS #. 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. 1929 Vega Tubaphone Longneck Conversion Banjo This banjo started its life in 1929 as a Vega Vegaphone tenor banjo. Of note, banjo SN 136 manufactured in 1972 was a Vega Vox I plectrum and not a 5-stringer like yours. The last one was produced in early 1975 despite being their very first banjo made that year. It`s a sweet long neck, and I wish I had one. The banjo had a 3 piece maple neck and a signature tubaphone tone ring clearly shown in the pictures that you provided. Rettberg & Lange(1898-1920) banjos were initially similar to Buckbee-made Id appreciate your comments please & thanks, Linda. The more affordable V-41-5 banjo was partnered with the D-41 guitar, but this marketing ploy did not work as anticipated for either of the aforementioned guitar/banjo combinations. Again, thank youmuchfor your post. The Vega/Martin PS-5 would probably fetch in the $1000- 2500 range these days depending on appointments and condition, whereas the Vega/Boston Seeger banjo seems to be valued more by collectors and would command a higher price. Hope this helps, and I am sending you the circa 1978 C. F. Martin Tubaphone model promotional flyer . 26" Scale Length Serial: #21601 Condition: Excellent Case: gig bag Price: $Reduced Price $1395.00 Read More Gatcomb | Lansing Model #325 Index: 10566 Maker: Gatcomb Year: 1890's Notes: I was told by someone at C. F. Martin that they only made 11 of them ( mine is ser # 7 ) . A.C. Fairbanks (by Vega) "Regent" 5-string banjo, S/N 25121, Circa 1909 A.C. Fairbanks (by Vega) "Tubaphone" #9, 5-string banjo, S/N 25516, Circa 1909 . Thanks again for your post. These days, the Wonder would sell for $700-$1000 depending on condition. Being unable to find anything on the internet, I began to think I had been scammed. C.F. P.S. The VIP-5 is known for its mellow sound, and the tone of my VIP-5 (SN 1364 circa 1974) was admired by a faculty member at a northeastern banjo camp a few years ago. Martin decals on the inner rim and back of the peghead.