Again, thank youmuchfor your post. 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. Im happy to find Banjorehab as it is the first site Ive seen to have useful information on Vega-Martin banjos. There are no other identification markings on the instrument and it definitely does not say Martin anywhere. The first two digits tell you the month the banjo was built, the last two digits before the dash or space will tell you the year, and the numbers in between are considered the number of that model we have made since we started the formal serial number system in 1987. Thanks for your post and happy pickin`, Barry. Neck and rim look a lot like made by Martin craftsmen, and it arrived set up perfectly. It is in pristine condition and is clearly a very high quality instrument. The Vega era PS-5 banjos sell for up to $3-4K these days. I have a Martin Vega Banjo, #324. It has almost all the hallmarks of a stock model VIP banjo. My personal suggestion, however, is to preserve it as a tangible keepsake of the priceless moments spent with your father years ago. The local music store said they would give her 120$ for it. Barry, I want to thank you very much for the research on my Vega. port melbourne players; fair lawn high school graduation; vega banjo identification; By . Aspiring players also wonder what makes one banjo better than another. Unfortunately, many 4-string players of a certain generation seem to think that their banjos will command higher priceseven the Gibson flat heads used for 5 string conversion have taken a tumble and are are half on what they were 5 years ago. New and Used Vega Banjos for Sale Search Agent: Get notified when new ads meet your criteria! vega banjo identification - Aviator Land So happy to find this site. The tonering, bracket band, and notched tension hoop were all made of vibrant bell brass (Not die cast metal). 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. 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. 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). Jim, Jim -Thanks for your query. The serial number is stamped in the wooden rim below the Martin decal. nike nationals track and field backpack; 0 comments. The tailpiece does not look original, but the dual connecting rods are typical of the Martin design. New and used generic flanges can be found on eBay, but getting one to fit your pot outer diameter and bracket hook sequence is tricky. 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. Would appreciate any information you can provide to verify the model and any original cost/current value. Ive taken a number of hi-res photostoo many to attach to email. 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 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. P.S. By my count, twelve VV IV-tenor banjos were built in Nazareth with the last one, #1678, in 1976. Where to find your serial number. 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. In those years there was not a college student who didn't dream of owning a Vega Pete . I admire the amount of effort youve put into helping the community of banjo enthusiasts I ve got serial # 129 , a 22 fret ,27 scale plectrum in for a set up..any info.about date of manufacture,potential value, and other pertinent details would be appreciatedthanks.. BRC Banjo Replies:July 14, 2016 at 1:13 pm, Darryl- Thank you for your kind comments about the BRC website. Your VW-5 model Vega Wonder banjo SN 721 was manufactured in Nazareth, PA, in late 1973 per Shop Order 2181. The Vega serial number files still available do not specify the specific models of banjo manufactured in Massachusetts. Family owned since 1972, Elderly Instruments is a music store specializing in new, used & vintage guitars, banjos, mandolins, ukuleles and more. It looked like it belonged on a Gibson. Barry, Marc- Thanks much for the prompt and telling photos. vega banjo identification 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). 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. As your banjo bears no C.F. Thereafter, C. F. Martin installed a serial number decal on the inner rim beginning with #2 and on through #1945. A fabulous example of one of the finest banjos ever made, the Vega 5-string Pete Seeger long-necked folk banjo, produced as a result of the folk craze of the late 1950s and early 1960s. Could you tell me where it was built and what its value is today ? The six digit Boston serial numbers were replaced by the Martin SN`s beginning with #2 in 1972. 2 Vega banjo from the early Boston era. 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. Have a restful weekend and be well, Barry. 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. Best wishes for happy pickin`, Barry, I have an Vega 5-string banjo, open back, bought around 1965. Buy VEGA Banjos and get the best deals at the lowest prices on eBay! In the the 1971 Vega Martin price list, the VW-Plec retailed at $345. 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. One thing that I have noticed is that Massachusetts-made resonator banjos generally had a yellow/orange stain. Kay Musical Instrument Company - Wikipedia 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. By that time, parts were being shipped to Canada and Japan for assembly, and record keeping soon deteriorated and serial numbers were inconsistent. You are so kind to provide this great info to all of us banjo geeks. 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. Martin`s beloved historian). Your site is a great resource for these instruments by the way. Thanks for your very kind words about the BRC website. The label indicates the banjo was made in Needham, MA, but the Vega company was owned by the CF Martin guitar company. 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. All the very best from the BRC, Barry, Thank you, Barry. After a loooong wait I finally got it in 1971 . Sold out. Vintage Vega Style M Tubaphone Banjo 1921 Boston Mass W Case Inlay TU BA PHONE C $1,714.08 Was: C $1,904.53 or Best Offer SPONSORED Banjo made by Tokai T600R T-600R vintage 5 strings acoustic w/ hardcase C $1,021.01 Free shipping or Best Offer Only 1 left! 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. 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. 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. vega banjo identification - nutrir.cl The first SN#720 I know is a VW-5 because it has the original hang tag. In the final Martin price listed published in 1971, it listed for $345 without case. They are 230, 243, 353, LVII (57?) Today I purchase Vega PS-5, serial number M-130259. Thanks! The Eddie Peabody Model was actually made by Vega of Boston from 1966-ca. From the BRC, Barry. Andreas- Thank you for the historical narrative on your banjo and the detailed photographs. The last Vega Martin banjo manufactured in Nazareth, PA, was SN 1969 as reportedly documented by a letter of authentication signed by C.F. safety tips; prohibited items; product recalls; Piecing the clues together of this mysterious banjo, I suspect that is was a special order item because of the unusually disparate combination of CFM parts. For reference, the name of the original owner with serial number should be in the Martin Archives. Hope this helps and thanks again for your post. Martin made 76 commemorative V-76 banjos in 1976 to celebrated the bicentennial of the USA. Knowing the history of an instrument adds so much to the enjoyment of owning and playing it. Give it a try and good luck. . Martin in the 1970s (I have sent you the title page illustrating your instrument). 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. 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. Many thanks and keep pickin & grinning. It is collecting dust since i dont play the banjo and I am thinking of passing it on. The Vega line was then marketed in the USA by TMC Company (Targ & Dinner 20 Century Music Company). 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). P.S. Vega Kingston Trio Tom Dooley Long Neck Banjo, Vega Kingston Trio - Bob Shane Plectrum Banjo, Reutschi | Kruger Bell Bronze Tone Ring(Unplated). From the BRC, Barry. Although a mystery to me, this top of the line resonator banjo was introduced by C.F. Im the happy owner of a Vega-Martin VW-5 Wonder 5 string, serial #1516. If you need photos I can take a few and send them to you on a subsequent time. Martin Vega Banjo 5-Strings, Medium Gauge (V740) Check Price at Amazon. Martin decal, is the original pot for the plectrum 4 stringer SN 1450, but the neck was replaced after production with a 5 string neck by a previous owner. Hope this helps and thanks for your post. Remo Frosted Top Banjo Head, 11 Inch Diameter, Medium Crown (7/16 Inch) $19 USD. Identifying Vintage Guitars, Banjos & Mandolins - Acoustic Music It is the first martin-vega I have ever seen in person, or had in my hands! 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 Hello, I just stumbled onto this site today 4/16/20. If in poor condition, Ive seen them sell as low as $3000-4000. 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. Like the Tubaphone listed above, this banjo needs a neck reset to be a playable banjo mandolin. Great information and even better advice. wyoming seminary athletic scholarship; Tags . model serial number 1990. I orderedit in 1970 through a music store in Norwich , Ct run by Cliff Tidd . It appears in the transitional Vega/Martin product list of 1970 and lastly in the 1972 Vega Banjo Catalog (The CF Martin Organization). 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. Your peghead and resonator are clearly marked with C.F. Thanks for the photo of your Vega/Martin Pro-5 banjo. By my count, Martin made 16 V-45 banjos that were 5-stringers, 3 plectrums (V45-P), and one (V45-T) tenor model. and CXXVI (126?). Vega banjo identification - Discussion Forums - Banjo Hangout 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). The overseas conglomerate Galaxy purchased the Vega line in 1979 and offered the T2-5 for $775 before going bankrupt in the mid 1980`s. My estimate is that your vintage instrument is worth $1500-1700. Depending upon condition, it is probably worth somewhere around $750 these days. Vega enthusiasts Help with this mystery - Discussion Forums - Banjo Hangout Deering now owns the Vega line and offers open-back Tubaphones in their inventory. Thanks again for your time & consideration. 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. Vega style k mandolin banjo I dont play any instrument right now. The Martin Co. dropped the 6 digit serial number system in mid 1971 and then began again with #2- #1945, although a few special banjos up to #1969 were produced. 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 beautiful Tu-Ba-Phone Deluxe and its plectrum and open back permutations appear only in a 3 page marketing pamphlet issued by C.F. Roger- Thanks much for your query. The VIP-T is a nice mid range banjo model, and I have a VIP-5 which has a pleasant mid range tonal response. 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. Hope this helps. Can you tell me about it? It looks like a well-preserved and fun mid range banjo waiting to be enjoyed by an appreciative musician like yourself. I cant remember exactly when I bought it but I think it was around the early 70s. Vega Banjos for Sale, New and Used - banjobarn.com My Vega VIP has the Martin decal on the back of the headstock. The Vega Ultra Vox V is among the rarest of the limited, special order edition banjos made by either Vega of Boston or Martin. Bill Keith Stainless Steel D-Tuners, for 2nd & 3rd strings. Thank you. According to the C.F. 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. These were used on the Wonder, VIP,Folklore, etc (non-Pro II, V-45, V-41 styles). Fairbanks & Vega banjos, Dating & Identifying - Mugwumps Your PS-5 Pete Seeger long neck # M-130259 was assembled in Nazareth in early 1971 per Shop Order 2012. 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 inside of the banjo is also blank except for the painted serial number 2207. 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. The banjo listed for $556 in the 1971 price list without case. Location. Further investigation related to your comments in the abovefirst paragraph might shed some light on the wood tone finish differences. We have a bunch of new Deering merch for you whether it be socks, shirts, tote bags, mugs, and more! I have two theories about your instrument. The tone ring really had me confused! Martin factory in Nazareth, PA, parts were shipped overseas to Japan and Canada for assembly. Can`t find anything about it on line. Hi! Martin made only about a dozen more PS-5 banjos. I gave alot of money for this, just hoping a made a decent deal. The Vega Regent is one of the classic 5-string banjos of the Vega line. It is not clear why Martin initiated this product line. Despite showing its age as a workhorse performance instrument with extensive wear-and-tear, a friend of mine in San Diego purchased this one-of-a-kind banjo in Vega and Martin history in 2007 and had it beautifully restored to its current condition by the American Banjo Hall-of-Fame member, Renee Karnes. Rochester NY 14610. Thats when I decided to modify this rather bluegrassy bright (and plenty of loud) sounding Folk banjo a bit. Many thanks to you and your friend Ron for putting me straight. My guess is that most of the left-over parts from near your home in Massachusettes were used up over the next ensuing 7 years of production, but there is an outside chance that a few spare parts like an occasional tonering survived and were transferred to Galaxy when it purchased Vega in 1979. Thank you for all the information. Hope this helps and thanks for your post. PA. 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. 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 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). Deering owns the Vega brand name nowadays, and its T-2 lists for $4149. The inside of the rim has a R-D-136 in white. Photos are always welcome, and thanks for your post. Maybe, the R-D prefix stands for Research and Development. From the BRC, Barry. Allen screws at the neck/pot junction and a tube connecting rod (not shown) are design features from the 1960`s in Boston . SF bay area > east bay > for sale > musical instruments - by owner. The story he told was that it was a distress sale for a friend, and that the banjo was one of 1000 limited editions and had a solid silver tone ring, and was worth at least twice the price. Fender Standard Banjo Hardshell Case Black chuya 0 bids $10.96 shipping Ending Oct 14 at 5:44AM PDT5d 4hFrom GermanyBrand: VEGA It has only a tape serial number inside the pot of 1124. What is it worth today, and what did it sell for when new? vega banjo identification. Hopes this helps and thanks again for the detailed pictures. The Wonder-5 retailed for $345 without case per the CFM 1971 price list. I have sent an e-mail to my Vega Vox consultant Dr. Ron and await his comments and appraisal. The label on the peg head reads Martin & Co and inside the rim reads Martin & Co and the number 993. Like my dad, I am a musician and physician and treasure his professional and avocational memorabilia. The banjo had a 3 piece maple neck and a signature tubaphone tone ring clearly shown in the pictures that you provided. The banjo shown here (serial number M130316) was the second Ultra Vox V built in 1971, shortly after C.F. VEGA Banjos for sale | eBay I play it weekly (weakly) on Monday nights at restaurant in Anaheim, California and love its sound. From its early Boston beginnings, the Vega Banjo Company made splendidand now vintage instruments, including the Earl Scruggs signature model heendorsed in the 1960s. vega banjo identification. It is mentioned again on a back page of the 1972 catalogue. The 10-1/8" diameter rim has a calf skin head and most of it's original . Your Wonder-5 string banjo #(Martin)130097 was made in Boston in early 1971 after C.F. The larger connecting rod inside the pot is a spare part inherited from the Boston days of the Vega company. Thats a lot of information! MUSCELL Banjo Strings, Handmade Phosphor Bronze 5-String Banjo Strings Ball End - 3 Packs Medium. 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. Kudos to Greg Deering who rescued the Vega brand name from extinction in 1989 and restored it to greatness. Vega Tenor Banjo and Case, 1920s | Reverb Oops, Something went wrong. In general, the Boston made Pete Seeger long neck banjos seem to command a greater collectors` interest than the ones manufactured in Pennsylvania. The last one was produced in early 1975 despite being their very first banjo made that year. Can you identify this rare Vega Martin banjo just by the peghead markings? 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. Very interesting to get to know all this details. Dave- Thank you for your kind words about the website and the narrative about your Vega Vox IV tenor banjo. C.F. Wim, (Ed.- Note the classic Tubaphone tone ring. The C.F. It originally came with an arm rest, rotomatic tuning pegs, and a plastic head. 721 which I have had a number of years. In a 1971 price list, the FW-5 sold for $345. My estimate would in the neighborhood of $1.5K depending on condition. Isgho Votre ducation notre priorit . Elite Fiberskyn Banjo Head, 11", High. thanks for the very informative web site ), Wim- Congratulations on procuring such a lovely vintage instrument. ). Could you tell me where it was built and what its value is today ? How much Galaxy (or Martin) produce new parts vs. assemble old stock bought from Vega? 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. I have 5 different stringed instruments that just keep finding me, and I was nervous to take it apart so I could look at the serial number. Jon- Thanks much for your kind comments about the website. C.F. Any help with identifying it (I cant find a serial number anywhere) or locating buyers would be so gratefully welcomed! The openbacks are made entirely of white oak and feature a midnight maple fingerboard and peghead overlay. John- Thank-you for the detailed photos. Idoubt it matches the rim, unless they changed from a plectrum to tenor atlast minute. Be safe, be well, keep on picking. 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). Ive owned one for 30 yrs though I dont play it very well. Bob. Just found this wonderful site. aluminum variety, one slim one large, with the larger one closer to the head. Vega Long Neck Banjo $5,399.00 Vega White Oak Long Neck Banjo 11" from $2,599.00 Vega Kingston Trio Tom Dooley Long Neck Banjo $15,599.00 Vega Woodsongs Campfire Long Neck Banjo $2,399.00 Sold Out Vega Professional 19-Fret Tenor Banjo $7,499.00 Vega Kingston Trio Long Neck Banjo $6,299.00 Vega Kingston Trio - Bob Shane Plectrum Banjo Any insights appreciated along with your understanding of when it was manufactured, components, what it originally sold for and current market value. 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. I have a Vega V.I.P. The number will be 6-12 digits long depending on what year it was made. These data were generously provided to the BRC founder in 2000 by the family owned Martin Guitar department of history. Vega Martin SN 1199 is one of five VIP-T (tenor) banjos made per shop order # 2233 in late 1974 in Nazareth, PA. From the BRC, Barry. Vega #2 | Genuine Brass Tubaphone Tone Ring | Banjo.com The description of your banjo serial number 916 is curious, and I will offer my theory about the instrument per the information given. Vega stamp to yellow stick-on labels between 99369 and 99686. switchover is between #23721 and #23800. Martin did not publish retail prices after 1971, so my guess is that this up scale model sold back then for around $600. There is no evidence that Vega actually made banjos prior to buying out Fairbanks. It is a Four-String Banjo, Tu-ba-phone Model No. 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. best of . Jack. The number is painted on the bottom not pressed in the wood. This did include the instalment of a Fiberskyn head to mellow down the tone somewhat, of a geared 5th string tuner, and of a (very nice) tailpiece to replace the chrome plated Waverly (everything else nickel). Barry. 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. It is a beauty. In the meantime, thanks again for your post. Comparison of Best Banjo Strings Top Picks 2023 Reviews Eric- Thanks for your kind comments about the website and prompt photos. Is this generally true, can one instantly recognize a Nazareth vs. Massachusetts by the stain color? 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. As C.F. The 1971-72 VM log books show 22 VIP banjos (most 5-stringers with a few tenor and plectrums) bearing the 6 digit Boston serial numbers, and thereafter the SN`s convert to digits #1 through #1969. This item has been sold. 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. Do you know anything of the type of banjo, year of manufacturing and value today? In my files, the PS-5 is seen in a Vega (Boston) flyer in 1961 where it lists for $309. 17,378. 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. Smakula Fretted Instruments; Banjos Everywhere! Serial numbers became unreliable during that era. There are some folklore stories why the Seeger banjo was discontinued. After a loooong wait I finally got it in 1971 . Vintage Banjos for sale | eBay Vega Martin banjo SN 324 was manufactured in Nazareth, PA, in early 1973. If your Vegaphones and Tubaphone have serial numbers, you can more closely date them by visiting Whitetreeaz banjo serial numbers online. After the difficult 1977 luthier strike at the C.F. Vintage Vega Banjo - musical instruments - by owner - sale Martin briefly built a lightweight tenor banjo between 1923-26 to compete with Vega and other manufacturers whose heavier and more popular banjos had greater tone, volume, and sales. By history, C.F. I was disappointed because I badly wanted to see Scruggs models! Ironically, C.F. It appears to be serial number 231 (engraved). 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. Vega Banjos by Deering | Huge Selection | Lowest Prices Guaranteed The Wonder series of instruments featured a metal tone ring, white fingerboard binding, a heavy notched tension hoop, a 10 ply rim, a 3 piece maple neck, a blackwood fingerboard, pearl dots, an armrest, and a factory-installed resonator with four section metal tone flanges. 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. A part of the C.F. While published accounts indicate that only 18 plectrums and 3 tenors were made in this series, Martin company officials have shared information from current records that one-third were simply shop orders that were never actually completed in the post-strike period.