Just wondering if you have any interesting data on this ax. Hello, These Martin/Vega banjos from 1970-1979 are quite rare and highly collectible, and this is a beautiful example of one. This workshop numbering system continued uninterrupted to #2355 in 1977 when the banjos went overseas for assembly. In my files, the PS-5 is seen in a Vega (Boston) flyer in 1961 where it lists for $309. Includes Original Hardshell Case. For several years, the Vega Martin banjo was an amalgam of parts from Massachusetts and Nazareth, PA. 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. Also, I can send pictures, if this would help, or just be fun! Vega banjos were then marketed in the USA by TMC (Targ & Dinner Music Company). Would appreciate any information you can provide to verify the model and any original cost/current value. Then by ink it´s written “Folk Ranger”. 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. There are a few scuffs the fret board is good. 1930 Gibson TB2 5 string conversion Banjo. Martin, and the line was discontinued in 1975. Shortly thereafter, the Martin craftsmen went on strike, and banjo parts were shipped overseas for assembly. Deering now owns the Vega brand, and it is rumored that they may revive the deep resonator design. My estimate is that the banjo might be worth $500-$700 depending on condition. Vega Little Wonder Mando-Banjo $400.00 USD - Used - Excellent Condition. 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. The Vega Company had long been famous for their high quality instruments, especially their popular 5-string banjos used by many folk musicians in the 1960’s, including Pete Seeger and the Kingston Trio. Thank-you for your kind words about my website, and all blessings to you and yours this coming holiday season. Your banjo is an off shoot of the classic “No. Although a Bluegrass resonator banjo musician, my daily practice exercises are conducted sans picks on one of two long neck Ode 5-stringers that are wife-friendly in tone. Vega was eventually sold to the Martin Guitar company in the 1960s. The Metropolitan Museum of Art in NYC recently showcased an exhibit of pre-1900 Martin guitars. $4499 FREE USA SHIPPING 1993 Gibson RB3 5 string Banjo w Original Case and Hang Tags This is a gorgeous and all original Gibson RB3 that has an original case and original tags. Your aunt`s banjo sounds like a stock model, so I would estimate that it would fetch $400-$700 on the open market. 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. Your instrument SN 448 is one of 11 Pete Seeger extra long neck (PS-5) models manufactured in Nazareth, PA, in 1973 per Shop Order 2153. Here is my 1970's Martin Vega VIP 5 string banjo, serial# 1185. Congratulations…and, welcome to the VegaVox family! I’m happy to find Banjorehab as it is the first site I’ve seen to have useful information on Vega-Martin banjos. Martin did not publish retail prices after 1971, so my guess is that this up scale model sold back then for around $600. I was lucky enough to buy one but, as my music and and the type of music I had to play to get work changed, I hardly played this, near mint condition, banjo. Hopes this helps and thanks again for the detailed pictures. Martin logbook, banjo SN 1450 was an entry level “Wonder” model 4 string plectrum banjo made in 1975. Micky- Thanks for your narrative on your Pete Seeger long neck. 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. The PS-5 is advertised in the 1970 and 1972 Vega/Martin catalogues but is absent from the 1976 catalogue where the No.2 Tu-Ba-Phone XL long neck premieres instead. The inside of the rim has a R-D-136 in white. Thanks from the BRC, Barry, Hi Barry! One stop shop for all things from your favorite brand. From the BRC, Barry. It was hope at the time that C.F. The model was discontinued after Martin Guitar bought Vega in 1970. I was told by someone at C. F. Martin that they only made 11 of them ( mine is ser # 7 ) . Your email address will not be published. All the very best from the BRC, Barry, Thank you, Barry. The larger connecting rod inside the pot is a spare part inherited from the Boston days of the Vega company. 1 talking about this. The tiny screws adjacent to it are an adaptation by the Vega franchise to afford fine-tuning of the side-to-side alignment of the neck. Hope this helps. C.F. It has no rod in the drum. Unless refinished, the decal on the back alsomakes it post-1972. My estimate is that your vintage instrument is worth $1500-1700. Idoubt it matches the rim, unless they changed from a plectrum to tenor atlast minute. 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. Buyer pays return shipping and original shipping amount will be deducted from refund. Per the 1971 price list, the V-45-5 sold for $1650 with case included, and it was available by special order only. The banjo listed for $556 in the 1971 price list without case. ALL [...], 1930 Gibson TB2 5 string conversion Banjo, 1930 Gibson TB2 5 string conversion Banjo. What can you tell me about my instrument? thanks for your help and keep up the good work. The Wonder-5 retailed for $345 without case per the CFM 1971 price list. It is the first martin-vega I have ever seen in person, or had in my hands! I’ve taken a number of hi-res photos…too many to attach to email. In a 1971 price list, the FW-5 sold for $345. Buy with confidence. Excellent condition, Grover 5th String capo, fantastic grained walnut stained Maple Resonator and Neck, beautiful Pearl inlays on fingerboard and headstock. Any help with identifying it (I can’t find a serial number anywhere) or locating buyers would be so gratefully welcomed! Add to Wishlist The serial number is stamped in the wooden rim below the Martin decal. 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. The Tu-Ba-Phone Deluxe 5-String, Deluxe Plectrum, and standard neck 5-string open back models were promoted through a  flyer published circa 1978. On the underside of the wood saddle'Germany' is stamped so not sure if this is original or not. My Dad left me a Martin Vega…I’m thinking I want to pass it on to someone who’ll play it and care for it more than I can. This email will be copied to my Vega Vox scholar Dr. Ron for his insights and comments.From the BRC, Barry. A rare one! Thank you, Barry, for the information that allow me to buy this banjo with serenity.VIVE le BANJO and the banjo players! What is it worth today, and what did it sell for when new? 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 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. 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. Jim _Thanks for your query. !Gary, Gary- Thanks for your query. Bob. Circa 1870's 5 string banjo £300.00 GBP ($414.86 USD) - Used - Good Condition. Yes, the VVI banjos have the same inlay pattern as the VM Pro (Professional) 5 string model. The Vega brand was subsequently sold overseas in 1979. We welcome visitors! 23" scale. Free shipping. The two legendary  musicians in the camp photo are banjo godfather Tony Trischka and Grammy award winner Eric Weissberg (click to enlarge). Call or Email for availability. The `41` engraved on the tailpiece no doubt refers to the model V-41 designation. I am a fan of the 27″ scale and believe it has much to contribute tone-wise. 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. Vega Martin banjo SN 324 was manufactured in Nazareth, PA, in early 1973. We are only 5 minutes from the Atlanta airport. Martin upgraded the maple rim to 10 ply after purchasing the Vega/Boston franchise in May of 1970. 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. What A great and informative site .. 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. The tone ring really had me confused! Barry- Thanks for your queries and subsequent photos that promt me to revise my initial response. The BRC Archives contain the serial numbers of these unique Vega-Martin banjos. 2007 Gibson Earl Scruggs Standard 5 string Banjo. Martin students believe that it was a market ploy to attract owners of the legendary Martin D-45 guitar to purchase a partner banjo, but the strategy did not succeed. Hope this helps, and thanks again for your post. Achetez en toute sécurité et au meilleur prix sur eBay, la livraison est rapide. Add to cart About 20 years ago I had it re-fretted , re-finished , and the gold re-plated . He wanted to buy it! My estimate would in the neighborhood of $1.5K depending on condition. Both of these models had block mother of pearl inlays, with fewer inlays appearing on the new scaled-down “Pro” fretboard. Martin and Co is on the back of the headstock. padding-top: 30px; Only 1 left! VEGA. Add to cart As C.F. Plectrum means a 4-string model with 22 frets, which is longer scale (27”) than the 19 fret 4-string tenor (23”). This has been fully inspected and set up at the Banjo Warehouse in Atlanta Georgia. Maybe, the “R-D” prefix stands for “Research and Development”. Also, the banjo has some ornate details carved in it. 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. It is in great condition and has a Barcus Berry pickup installed. $ 4,999.00 Bob- Thank you for your kind words about my website, and I reply with compliments to your luthier shop with which I am familiar. The label indicates the banjo was made in Needham, MA, but the Vega company was owned by the CF Martin guitar company. Hello, I just stumbled onto this site today 4/16/20. 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. $4999 FREE USA SHIPPING 1930 Gibson TB2 5 string conversion Banjo This is a 1930 Gibson TB2 conversion Banjo with the original finish. i replaced the head but it still sounds the same. I recently had a luthier friend do setup on it and he found the pot metal rim flange to be broken and won’t allow me to have the head at proper tension. Includes Original Hardshell Case. Below are more Letters from the BRC Archives. This has been inspected and set up at the Banjo Warehouse in Atlanta Georgia. Any ideas on contacts for such a beast? Tim- Thank you for the prompt and detailed photographs of your banjo. Just found this wonderful site. For a chuckle, see the latest home page entry for BJF details. CALL TODAY 404-372-5482. padding-bottom: 30px; CALL TODAY 404-372-5482. Thank you for all the information. Martin in Nazareth, PA, in 1973. 1970’s Martin Vega Banjo 5 string Banjo. I’m now forced to sell several beloved instruments but have no idea how to price this gem. The last two Vox V’s (serial numbers 1964-1965) were built in 1979, and still exist to this day. 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. I received a letter(martin memo) along with my banjo covering head adjustment, plastic “Vegalon” heads, string action, bridge and nut and neck rod adjustment dated 8/26/71…also a warranty card with the phone number 215-759-2837…ask for miketelling me to use string type V750.having wanted one all my adult life, this banjo is the pinnacle of my banjo collecting desires. Deering now owns the Vega line and offers open-back Tubaphones in their inventory. The PS-5 is advertised in the 1970 and 1972 Vega/Martin catalogues but is absent from the 1976 catalogue where the No. Beautiful flame maple neck and back, pearl inlays and an Ebony fingerboard. 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. The Martin log book in Nazareth, PA, begins with #130248 later in 1971. padding-top: 30px; Martin manufactured only 33 VW-plectrum banjos. I am assuming someone may have penciled in an extra “1” on yours, but my best guess is that it was made sometime in the last half of 1963 (A12130 was the first banjo produced in Jan ’64). Thanks for your post. There is a star on the 5th fret. I new to this forum and was wondering if there are any others who own a Martin made Vega Banjo? A similar openback version of this banjo was sold as part of Dave Gilmours recent charity guitar auction and sold for $37,000 ! Martin made 76 commemorative V-76 banjos in 1976 to celebrated the bicentennial of the USA. The Voxes have endured a bit more that others in the market place, however. #section_1082486150 { ALL OF OUR SALES [...], 2947 E Point St, East Point, GA 30344 It is not seen in the 1970 transitional Vega/Martin catalogue. If this banjo has some more of the early prewar design features, add $1000-1500.Hope this helps, Dr. Ron. In 1979, Martin sold the Vega brand to the Asian conglomerate Galaxy. You banjo parts were probably shipped in 1977 to Japan for assembly where all serial number assignments were in disarray. It is in pristine condition and is clearly a very high quality instrument. Features a muli-ply rim, Prucha bridge, Vega/Martin tone ring, rear facing planetary tuners and a gloss finish. Vega Martin SN 1199 is one of five VIP-T (tenor) banjos made per shop order # 2233 in late 1974 in Nazareth, PA. Vega by Martin VIP 5 String Banjo, Late 70’s. Neck and rim look a lot like made by Martin craftsmen, and it arrived set up perfectly. Competitive shipping rates worldwide. I think I’ll go look up a local banjo instructor and take a few lessons. We take all major credit cards, paypal, cash, check or money order. Martin Museum collection. 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. The Vega franchise was sold overseas in 1979 but reacquired in the US by Deering in 1989. C.F. Martin vega banjo strings (one set of 5) nickel wound light . TH, Tom- Thanks for your query. Barry. I actually picked up a banjo that had a resonator that was sitting on the shelf in that 1970-72 period as Martin was transitioning and shutting down the factory there. All the best pickin`, and thanks for your kind words about my website. Photos are available. Dick- Thank you for being a frequent reader of the BRC website. These three top-of-the-line instruments were sent to Japan for assembly. Really sounds and pays great. Depending upon condition, it is probably worth somewhere around $750 these days. The five number labels were found in banjos made from 1962 through February 1964, involving serial numbers A10300 through A12400. D'Addario Two-Way Humidification System $ 14.99 Add to cart; Dave's Original T-Shirt – CLOSE OUT! 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. I have photo’s.Serial No. Vega Martin banjo SN #912 is a VIP (Very Important Player) model manufactured in Nazareth, PA, in 1974 per Shop Order 2200. Get the best price for instruments you no longer want or need. 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). 22 frets. First let me thank you for this amazing well of information! No markings saying Martin but looks identical to fancy ones I saw in an old Martin sales flyer. It had a so-called audio-sonic bell brass tone ring, a ten ply maple rim, a notched hoop, geared tuning pegs, and a walnut finish with fancy wood marquetry. Best wishes with your VIP and thanks again for your post, Barry. I’ve had several accomplished pickers really make it “talk”….wish I could!! built in 1971, my long neck looks like it was built yesterday and all I added was a geared 5th string peg…stuck it in an American Vintage case and screwed a CF Martin brass medallion to the side. padding-bottom: 30px; The inside of the banjo is also blank except for the painted serial number 2207. I appreciate having some of the history around my banjo and will cherish it even more knowing it is somewhat rare. C.F. With a hardshell case, also in excellent condition. It is not clear why Martin initiated this product line. Is this original? EARN CASH 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). tone ring” that you have. If you had a picture archive, I’d be happy to post some pictures. The PS-5 is not seen in the 1976 Vega Martin catalog but is replaced by the No. Do you have any information on it? For more Info, please continue reading below…and thx.). $4999 FREE USA SHIPPING 1930 Gibson TB2 5 string conversion Banjo This is a 1930 Gibson TB2 conversion Banjo with the original finish. My suggestion would be to take you banjo down to the local hardware store and cobble together a workable thumb screw (some have collars) and washer combination. The last one was produced in early 1975 despite being their very first banjo made that year. } If anybody can shed some light on what I have. Read all about it: https://jakewildwood.blogspot.com/2018/08/1975-martin-made-vega-vip-resonator.html The VIP banjo last appeared in the 1976 VM catalog as an open back instrument but still featuring the “V.I.P. 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. Lastly, the banjo could be cleaned-up and refitted at a local music shop, or referred by the shop to a nearby luthier for repairs; and you would have a workable starter banjo for taking some exploratory music lessons. Buy with confidence. What is a spectrum banjo? Your 5-stringer serial #993 is one of six Pro-5`s manufactured per Shop Order # 2211 in mid 1974 by C.F. Thanks again for your query, Barry. Mark- Thank you for the very helpful series of photos and your kind comments about the website. It is in very good condition. For your consideration is a Martin-made Vega V.I.P. Martin- Thank you for your query and very useful photos. Martin was winding-down its banjo production, the metal engraving was subcontracted to Liberty Banjos. Virtually immaculate. Thanks from all of us! Rob- Thank you for the below photos. Martin made only about a dozen more PS-5 banjos. Hi there Folks.A few weeks ago i bought a Vega martin 5 string banjo, tubaphone tonering, the screws to attach the shoes to the bracket band go through the bracketband but also through the rim.The banjo is almost in unplayed condition, sounds wonderfull, the original case is also there.serial numer is 1707. Martin did not publish suggested retail prices after 1971, but I would estimate the V-76 sold for around $7-800 with case. All of our sales include a 7 day Full Satisfaction Guarantee. Minimum price for the offer must be greater than 0% of the Product. The problem is that the serial number labels at this time had printing errors, where the first numeric digit was omitted. Item Code: VM390. A nice banjo- enjoy. PA. 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. Payment 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). I actually have a customized 75 Martin D28 to go with my 75 Vega. Martin manufactured 100 Pro-5 banjos including the temporary “Bobby Joe Fenster” variation. Deering (California) now owns the Vega brand name and produces a `Little Wonder` and `Old Tyme Wonder` 5-stringer not unlike your instrument. This is a super site for banjo players and owners. I am only selling as I have Rheumatoid Arthritis and I can no longer play the instrument as it should be played. From the BRC, Barry. Although mostly a collector`s item these days, the current price range of the V-76 is $2.3-5K. This has been fully inspected and set up at the Banjo Warehouse in Atlanta Georgia. In the 1970 VM catalogue, the VIP-T banjo retailed for $556, and the hard shell case was $68 extra. The Vega Ultra Vox V is among the rarest of the limited, special order edition banjos made by either Vega of Boston or Martin. Martin Vega Banjo V700 Nickel Wound 4 Strings .009-.009 1pk. It was recommended by Bob Smakula that I send some photos to you and that you might have more information. 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. I bought a Vega Martin 5 string some time in 2000. We are only 5 minutes from the Atlanta airport. !- Geoff Hohwald’s Banjo Warehouse. Can you tell me more like age and value? From the BRC, Barry. 404-372-5482. Hope this helps and thanks for your post. Every instrument is carefully set up and inspected prior to being shipped. Thanks again for your post. 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. He could always check the stamp on the bottomthe tone ring to see if it’s a match to the rim (it should say V916). However, it’s a beautifully crafted banjo with a great sound. Your banjo was manufactured in Pennsylvania in 1976 per Shop Order #2299 just before Martin began to ship parts to Japan for assembly (after which serial numbers became goofy).
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