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). Is it possible to tell me what model or style and year it was built also the value? Plectrum means a 4-string model with 22 frets, which is longer scale (27) than the 19 fret 4-string tenor (23). This instrument was a special order for banjoist, Jack Mistretta, from Grand Rapids, Michiganwho happened to be a friend of Eddie Peabody. 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. The Folk Wonder model does not appear in the 1972 or 1976 Vega Martin catalogues, but its resonator version the `Wonder` model does. Your banjo SN 990 is indeed a Pro-5, and it was one of the last five Professional banjos built by VM in 1974 per Shop Order 2211. In general, the Boston made Pete Seeger long neck banjos seem to command a greater collectors` interest than the ones manufactured in Pennsylvania. The problem is that the serial number labels at this time had printing errors, where the first numeric digit was omitted. my Martin/Vega PS5 #481 is about a month into my possession. P.S. From the BRC, Barry. Maybe, another observant reader will offer a discerning observation for us sometime. 403.80. Vega Regent 5 String Banjo (1925) | RetroFret Its mostly been in storage since I purchased it in the late 1970s. We've been notified and are looking into it. Serial number 115831 on a yellow strip built in Boston Mass.Wondering when it might have been built? Age differences in the instruments might alsoalter the wood tones. 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 The year 1970-1971 was a time of transition of tools and parts from Boston to Nazareth, PA. Where is the serial number on a Vega banjo? - chroniclesdengen.com All of these extra upgrades were reportedly worth an additional $1000 at the time. 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. The Vega Regent is one of the classic 5-string banjos of the Vega line. Martin made 101 of the PS-5 instruments which listed for $488 without case in the final V/M price list in 1971. Remo Frosted Top Banjo Head, 11 Inch Diameter, Medium Crown (7/16 Inch) $19 USD. Thanks again for your post. 1969, probably initially at the 40 Leon Street factory the Needham Heights (just before the sale to Martin). Reply from our BRC consultant and Vega Vox scholar Dr. Ron: Looks like something that might have put together from parts, either insideor outside the factoryI suspect the latter as there have been lots of Voxchop shop conversions going back in time (even to the 1920s). Your banjo with SN 1046 was one of five PS-5 instruments manufactured in Nazareth, PA, in 1974 per Shop Order 2218, and after that C.F. Photos of the banjo might possibly shed some light on the mystery, if you are so inclined. 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). The serial number is stamped in the wooden rim below the Martin decal. It is important to note that there are exceptions to every rule and the following is only a general guide for identifying Gibson "A" Style mandolins. My VIP-5 is SN 1364 and was made about one year after your 5-stringer, and it has a nice mid range tone. Typically, the number would be preceded with an A (indicating an adjustable truss rod) followed by a six-digit number. 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. Still as wonderful as the day I got it. Thanks from all of us! C.F. It`s a sweet long neck, and I wish I had one. If you want a more Bluegrass sound, try a 5-Star head from Stew Mac. Whenever parts are sent overseas, it is unpredictable if instruments are constructed fastidiously with matching parts, and this may explain the difference in tone between your two VIP instruments. 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. But, the neck had the upgraded crown inlay pattern like their mid range banjos, and originally a paddle peghead design (the new scroll design appeared in 1968). Martin sold the Vega brand to the Asian conglomerate Galaxy Trading Company in March of 1979. vega banjo identification. You banjo parts were probably shipped in 1977 to Japan for assembly where all serial number assignments were in disarray. It looks like the banjo is in ok/decent condition. The PS-5 is advertised in the 1970 and 1972 Vega/Martin catalogues but is absent from the 1976 catalogue where the No. Again, thanks for your post. Although mostly a collector`s item these days, the current price range of the V-76 is $2.3-5K. 17,378. Wim, (Ed.- Note the classic Tubaphone tone ring. ), though, as said earlier, neck and rim look a lot like Martin quality. 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 8/26/71also a warranty card with the phone number 215-759-2837ask 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. Also, the banjo has some ornate details carved in it. Theres barely a mark on the banjo (except for the binding where it was put on a stand) and this will probably buff out. No markings saying Martin but looks identical to fancy ones I saw in an old Martin sales flyer. The VM price list in 1971 quoted a sales tag of $545 for the Pro-5 without case. The banjo had a 3 piece maple neck and a signature tubaphone tone ring clearly shown in the pictures that you provided. Evidently, there was a marketing strategy to partner the 5-string V-41 instrument with Martin`s popular D-41 guitar, but this ploy did not come to fruition. brian kim, cpa clearvalue tax net worth . 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. Martin built 561 VW-5 banjos in the 1970`s.You can learn more about this VM instrument by browsing my
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