vega banjo identification

The Martin log book in Nazareth, PA, begins with #130248 later in 1971. Buckbee(1861-1897) banjos can frequently be identified by their Banjos with pegheads like that shown in the first picture below are usually made by Buckbee. Learning how to play the banjo is no different. (They are NOT a 'coded' format.) Greg also originally hand made the round hole Tubaphone tone rings, but now they have a fairly well honed machine manufacturing process. Save on our most popular Goodtime banjos - the Goodtime openback and the Goodtime Two - at your favorite Deering dealer today! thanks for your help and keep up the good work. The seller advertised it (in 2016) as verified by BRC made in 1976 in Nazareth. Barry, I have purchased a Martin Vega V-45 described as 1971 production and a serial number of #327. Can you tell me what year it was made and by whom? I told her to leave cause i thought they were taking advantage of her because of her age. Barry. $42 USD. Accordingly, 1970-1971 was a year of manufacturing transition from Boston to Nazareth. 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. It appears to be serial number 231 (engraved). Eddie- Thanks for your query and kind comments about the website. Any clues? 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 a Vega Martin model VW-5 called a Vega Wonder and sometimes referred to as the Wonder-5. 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 have a Martin Vega Banjo, #324. Although a mystery to me, this top of the line resonator banjo was introduced by C.F. Bob- Thank you for your kind words about my website, and I reply with compliments to your luthier shop with which I am familiar. Another side note, Greg Deering has made two prototype Voxes alreadyI have played one of them, which is basically an identical design to the 1967 Vox I with a paddle peghead and crown inlays. From the BRC, Barry. If anybody can shed some light on what I have. 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. In addition to the unusual R-D-136 serial number, the C.F. In the 1972 Martin catalogue, the Professional appears identical to yours, but it is absent from the 1976 catalogue. I am a fan of the 27 scale and believe it has much to contribute tone-wise. 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). Both of these models had block mother of pearl inlays, with fewer inlays appearing on the new scaled-down Pro fretboard. In the Boston era, Pete Seeger was listed as an exclusive Vega product banjoist in a 1961 flyer from their Columbus Avenue business headquarters, and his endorsed PS-5 was featured prominently in the 1963 and 1966 Vega catalogs. Just wondering if you have any interesting data on this ax. Thank you so much!! Thereafter, C. F. Martin installed a serial number decal on the inner rim beginning with #2 and on through #1945. How much would it be worth? My aunt gave me a Martin Vega banjo serial number 892 to see what it was worth since she is not internet savy and looking to sell it. The construction features were changing on the Vox IV (most different from catalog images), but at this point Vega was still using dowel stick (rather than metal coordinator rods) to attach and adjust the neck, and adjustable truss rods in the neck were not added until 1955the early prewar type-construction was desired by many collectors. Hi guys, great website. All of these extra upgrades were reportedly worth an additional $1000 at the time. Hope this helps, and thanks again for your post. According to the C.F. The distinct disadvantage to having a rare banjo is finding replacement parts. It retailed for $345 in the 1971 Vega Martin price list. I live near Portland, Oregon. Martin built only 29 T2-5 banjos, but no price list is available after 1971 preceding resurrection of the classic Vega T2-5 model for production. The Vega Regent is one of the classic 5-string banjos of the Vega line. The local music store said they would give her 120$ for it. 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. If you had a picture archive, Id be happy to post some pictures. Depending upon condition, it is probably worth somewhere around $750 these days. Martin did not publish retail prices after 1971, so my guess is that this up scale model sold back then for around $600. I recently had a luthier friend do setup on it and he found the pot metal rim flange to be broken and wont allow me to have the head at proper tension. Plectrum means a 4-string model with 22 frets, which is longer scale (27) than the 19 fret 4-string tenor (23). Nowadays, the Pro-5 would fetch around $1000-$1500 depending on condition. The rare T-2 and T-2XL had serial numbers in the #1607-1945 range. The resonator was hand-painted, and fancy engraved pearl inlays adorned the ebony fingerboard. 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. Your VW-5 with SN 1519 was manufactured in Nazareth, PA, in 1976 per Shop Order 2285. It is number E-5 in a limited edition of 16 instruments made in 1976. Subscribe to get free banjos tips, hear about new products, special offers, and more! Typically, the number would be preceded with an A (indicating an adjustable truss rod) followed by a six-digit number. 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. 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. 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). Martin- Thank you for your query and very useful photos. 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. The back of the peghead of these rare banjos is imprinted with a C.F. It has only a tape serial number inside the pot of 1124. The shoes (instead of Vox next nut shoes) and the round hook and nutassemblies are probably from stock, as I have some still lying around athome that I bought from Martin back then to replace on a 1929 Vegaphone(which are slightly different). If you want a more Bluegrass sound, try a 5-Star head from Stew Mac. New and Used Vega Banjos for Sale Search Agent: Get notified when new ads meet your criteria! The serial number is found on a white tag on the inside of the resonator or if you have an openback banjo, it is a smaller white tag on the inside of the rim. After Martin purchased Vega in 1970, the factory transitioned from Needham Heights to Nazareth, PA. 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. The 10-1/8" diameter rim has a calf skin head and most of it's original . Great Savings & Free Delivery / Collection on many items. Where is the serial number on a Vega banjo? 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. Item # 9126. The circular connecting rod is left over from the Vega inventory and shipped from Boston to Nazareth after C. F. Martin acquired the brand in May of 1970. The tone ring holes are grouped in sets of three rather than equally spaced as on a tubaphone ring. Martin began shipping parts overseas for assembly. In good condition, the range today is $4000-6000 ($4500-5000 is more reasonable); rare that a tenor would sell at high end, as that market is very soft now and more vintage IV tenors from 1930-50s are pursued and better value (those with dowel sticks tend to be more highly sought after today in the tenor crowd). 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. Photos , BRC Replies To Samantha (November 23, 2019), Reply From Dr. Ron (the BRC Vega Vox/EddiePeabody consultant). Martin made only about a dozen more PS-5 banjos. Roger- Thanks much for your query. Any and all information you may have on my little banjo will be greatly appreciated! All original except the tailpiece cracked at the bend not long after I got it, and I replaced it with the Stew-Mac version. Martin upgraded the maple rim to 10 ply after purchasing the Vega/Boston franchise in May of 1970. Serial numbers became unreliable during that era. Martin`s transition from traditional Spanish, Viennese, and Renaissance structural features towards innovating a modern acoustic guitar with a unique cross brace design. Wow, I glad to find your website! Can`t find anything about it on line. With appreciation, Barry. Your Vega Wonder (VW) plectrum banjo SN 129 was one of six `VW-Plec` 4 string banjos made in Nazareth, PA, by C. F. Martin per Shop Order #2105 in mid 1972. 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. Great information and even better advice. The model was discontinued after Martin Guitar bought Vega in 1970. C.F. Fred- Thank you for the detailed photos of your instrument. He wanted to buy it! 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. Galaxy marketed its 4 and 5 stringers in the USA via a remarkably unimaginative TMC catalog in which each banjo was identified only with an Item number but no model moniker to give it personality like the Pro-5 or Wonder banjos named by the earlier corporate owners. thanks for the very informative web site C.F. Have a restful weekend and be well, Barry. Therefore it became dissembled. 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. Bob- Thanks for the remembrance narrative about you and your Dad learning music together- your are a lucky father and son. (BTW, foradditional postings select Vega Martin Stories on the homepage menu or enter Vega Martin in the search engine. Do you have any additional information you could share regarding this instrument? Hope this helps, and I am sending you the circa 1978 C. F. Martin Tubaphone model promotional flyer . From the BRC, Barry. The Vega Company reportedlyintroduced the first wooden sectioned pie resonator in mid 1923 for their Vega Professional 4-stringer. Unbeknownstto most 5 string aficionados, the Martin Guitar Company manufactured Vega banjos from 1970 through 1979. Nam liber tempor cum soluta nobis eleifend option congue nihil imperdiet doming id quod mazim placerat facer possim assum. The story of how Greg Deering came to own the 130 year old Vega trademark is one of childhood dreams and an unmissable opportunity. C.F. Fantastic site with wonderful information. Wow! And recently I installed a new Elite head, which made a wonderful difference. 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. I knew nothing about it until I found this site. 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. With hard case. Jim, Jim -Thanks for your query. 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. 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. On the inner rim of the back cover is another Martin logo and the (embossed in white) number 887. On the back side of your device. I have attached photos comparing the label printing difference. The resonator was hand-painted, and fancy engraved pearl inlays adorned the ebony fingerboard. 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. 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. 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. vega banjo identification. The openbacks are made entirely of white oak and feature a midnight maple fingerboard and peghead overlay. So heres my question. From the BRC, Barry, I inquired on Banjo Hangout about information on a Vega banjo acquired from a friend. For those interested in the genealogy of banjo manufacturers, I have included a page summarizing some important relationships between manufacturers, . Hope this helps, and all the best picking, Barry. It is the first martin-vega I have ever seen in person, or had in my hands! 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). Hope this helps and all the best in 2019, Barry. Hope this helps and thanks again for your post. 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. These days, my guess is that this 5 stringer is worth about $1500 or more depending on condition. No M130097 Model: Wonder 5 St. Id love to learn more about it, etc. The other 9 were likely shipped to Canada or Japan for assembly after 1977. 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). Thanks again for your query, Barry. 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. 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 Medium gauge for full-bodied tone and strong midrange response Tech Specs Number of Strings: 5 String Material: Steel Winding Material: Nickel Alloy Again, thanks for your post. The rim is 10 ply maple with a top metal tone ring, nickel-plated metal parts, and a shaded mahogany finish. 0 bids. Recently purchased a Vega Vox iv plectrum banjo. tone ring that you have. Thanks for your post. I was disappointed because I badly wanted to see Scruggs models! Buy VEGA Banjos and get the best deals at the lowest prices on eBay! In the meantime, thanks again for your post. In 1970, C.F. 6. $5000 would be a reasonable number if in good conditionit could have brought $7500 a few years ago. I really appreciate your orientation. Posts. Martin factory in Nazareth, PA, parts were shipped overseas to Japan and Canada for assembly. The VIP banjo last appeared in the 1976 VM catalog as an open back instrument but still featuring the V.I.P. The Pro-5 model had an improved bell brass tone ring (alas, not silver) with exclusively designed audio apertures, a thick 10 ply wood rim, a double-tension neck rod, a notched brass tension hoop, nickel plated parts, a mahogany shaded finish, and white binding. In a 1971 price list, the FW-5 sold for $345. 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. Im the happy owner of a Vega-Martin VW-5 Wonder 5 string, serial #1516. It took me six months to finally commit to purchasing the Vega-Martin VIP that I brought home today from a local music shop. 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. Micky- Thanks for your narrative on your Pete Seeger long neck. What A great and informative site .. Your slightly blurry photo of the interior of the pot(not included here)show two tubular connecting rods which are left -over parts from the Vega factory in Boston. Its in excellent condition other than needing some cleaning and a little metal polish on the metal parts. These data were generously provided to the BRC founder in 2000 by the family owned Martin Guitar department of history. 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 Vega No.2 is a banjo made of top grade curly maple stained light amber and buffed to a high gloss. Services; vega banjo identification Thanks for your reply. This is a super site for banjo players and owners. It looks like the banjo is in ok/decent condition. MUSCELL Banjo Strings, Handmade Phosphor Bronze 5-String Banjo Strings Ball End - 3 Packs Medium. Like the Tubaphone listed above, this banjo needs a neck reset to be a playable banjo mandolin. You banjo parts were probably shipped in 1977 to Japan for assembly where all serial number assignments were in disarray. Fairbanks & Cole Banjo SN 1648 is a `Folk Wonder` model (FW-5) which first appears in the Vega (Boston) catalogue in 1961 per my files. Bob- Thanks for your query and kind words about my website. C.F. They are 230, 243, 353, LVII (57?) 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 has almost all the hallmarks of a stock model VIP banjo. The serial number is stamped in the wooden rim below the Martin decal. 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. 3, Serial #50232, with a patented brass top hoop and bracket band over a seven-lap sectional maple hoop, 28 brackets, mahogany neck with an ebony fingerboard with22 frets and inlaid pearloid dots and star position marks, carved heel, peghead with flowerpot inlay . 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. Data zakoczenia 2022-09-02 - cena 20,90 z My personal suggestion, however, is to preserve it as a tangible keepsake of the priceless moments spent with your father years ago. The serial # is 448. 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. I have original case. Martin`s beloved historian). Its always inspiring to see someone so dedicated to their craft! I was told by someone at C. F. Martin that they only made 11 of them ( mine is ser # 7 ) . 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. Martin D-45 guitar. The metal parts were gold plated and engraved. cscl star vessel flag autism and narcissism differences. Great sound and in excellent condition. P.S. The #24 on the tone ring is probably an assembly feature to separate the V-41 parts from its upscale gold-plated cousin the V-45 top of the line banjo. John- Thank-you for the detailed photos. I will trade for a good Octave Mandolin or Bouzouki Im not very knowledgable about banjos so please forgive my terminology. This Vox uses brass (rather than the late model Vega/Martin aluminum) hex nut shoes for the tension bolts, and thinner dual brass coordinator rods (again, instead of aluminum). 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 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. C.F. Martin was winding-down its banjo production, the metal engraving was subcontracted to Liberty Banjos. Fairbanks Banjos - Serial Numbers and Features by year Fairbanks Banjos SERIAL NUMBERS A.C. Fairbanks - Maker ~1875 - 1880 Sporadic numbers have been found written in the wooden hoops of 5 of these earliest Fairbanks banjos. I cannot find any pictures remotely close online. Idoubt it matches the rim, unless they changed from a plectrum to tenor atlast minute. According to the C.F. 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. Your banjo may be a hybrid from that era. Barry. It retailed for $488 without case in the 1970 Vega Martin catalog, and it last appeared in the 1972 VM catalogue without a suggested price. vega banjo identification. In the the 1971 Vega Martin price list, the VW-Plec retailed at $345. 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. Please try again. The 1971 Vega Martin price listed this model to retail at $556 without case. It did not have a tone ring or simply a steel ring like the Wonder, to keep the cost down. In the 1970 VM catalogue, the VIP-T banjo retailed for $556, and the hard shell case was $68 extra. The Vega White Oak Banjo is ideal for achieving the classic clawhammer and folk, with bright tone and distinct note clarity and weighs less than 6 lbs! Im happy to find Banjorehab as it is the first site Ive seen to have useful information on Vega-Martin banjos. I think it is a Pro-5. Informacje o Martin V740 StringsVega strun banjo RETRO 10-23,10 - 11109692503 w archiwum Allegro. 5. There were several old tenor and plectrum Martin neck blanksfor sale a few years ago, but it looks to be factory made condition anddoubt that would be likely a source. 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. I have a vegavox 4 tenor banjo by Martin . Your mellowed 1963 SR-5 sold for $400 in the 1963 Vega catalogue, and it was advertised to feature a brilliant tone back then. I was told by someone at C. F. Martin that they only made 11 of them ( mine is ser # 7 ) . 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. Theres precious little information about these instruments online. 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). Your tenor 4-stringer was built in early 1972 per Shop Order 2051. The Eddie Peabody Model was actually made by Vega of Boston from 1966-ca. 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). In that same period, twenty-one VV IV plectrums were manufactured. I have sent an e-mail to my Vega Vox consultant Dr. Ron and await his comments and appraisal. Thanks you for this great site. i replaced the head but it still sounds the same. My other theory is that the pot, which bears a C.F. I apologize for using this email to reach you, but I have a banjo question I hope you can help me with. SOLD Vega Earl Scruggs Banjo and Original hard case Price: $695.00 USD a 1969 Earl Scruggs on rim inside :TRB 13746 . Tony Trsichka wants Greg to make a 5-string model, much like Vega did on very rare occasions in the late 1950s/early 1960s. Close study of the flange can sometimes reveal, however, that it is left-over Vega hardware from the Needham Heights factory. Ive attached a photo of that Coat of Arms resonator next to my Vox Vit was a spare they had made for Eddie Peabody. The six digit Boston serial numbers were replaced by the Martin SN`s beginning with #2 in 1972. They made both tenor/plectrum and five-string models. Deering (California) now owns the Vega brand name and produces a `Little Wonder` and `Old Tyme Wonder` 5-stringer not unlike your instrument. From the BRC, Barry. C.F. Thanks Again! Shop today! Can you tell me more like age and value? After its Martin Guitar era, the Vega brand name ownership was sold overseas, and the banjo line fellinto obscurity. Hope this helps and thanks again for your post. Let me know if you might have any questionsI really appreciate the work youre doing here. The finish was shaded mahogany, and the metal rim parts were nickel plated. Cited in the Vega price list of 1971, the last one VM published, the retail price tag was $488 without case. It is a beauty. Martin in Nazareth, PA, in 1973. Martin did not publish suggested retail prices after 1971, but I would estimate the V-76 sold for around $7-800 with case. Could you tell me where it was built and what its value is today ? 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. From the BRC, Barry, Only a handful of Martin/Vega banjos made it down to Australia. In my files, the PS-5 is seen in a Vega (Boston) flyer in 1961 where it lists for $309. They all had yellow serial number stickers. No markings saying Martin but looks identical to fancy ones I saw in an old Martin sales flyer. 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. The inside of the banjo is also blank except for the painted serial number 2207. and CXXVI (126?). wyoming seminary athletic scholarship; Tags . There are 13 stars on the banjo fretboard, and there should be a plaque on the back of the headstock. Like my dad, I am a musician and physician and treasure his professional and avocational memorabilia. The information looks just finethere were yet a number of the Mxxxxxx series banjos still made in the Needham Heights factory outside Boston.

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