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. Informacje o Martin V740 StringsVega strun banjo RETRO 10-23,10 - 11109692503 w archiwum Allegro. Thank you, Barry, for the information that allow me to buy this banjo with serenity.VIVE le BANJO and the banjo players! The earliest reported is F&C #1000. Data from these logbooks are available per e-mail request from the BRC founder. I got an old Vega banjo from my father. 5. Dear Per- In May of 1970, C.F. Martin was winding-down its banjo production, the metal engraving was subcontracted to Liberty Banjos. By early 1971, Martin began to assemble banjos from Boston-made parts in Nazareth using the Vega six digit serial number system prefixed with the letter M for Martin and beginning with Shop Order 2001. Age differences in the instruments might alsoalter the wood tones. 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. Gold and ivory hard wear with a butterfly mop inlay on the back of the body. Thanks again. ), Wim- Congratulations on procuring such a lovely vintage instrument. 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. According to the factory logbook, banjo # 481 was one of eleven PS-5 banjos made per Shop Order # 2155 by C.F. Any insights appreciated along with your understanding of when it was manufactured, components, what it originally sold for and current market value. Martin did not publish suggested retail prices after 1971, but I would estimate the V-76 sold for around $7-800 with case. Allen screws at the neck/pot junction and a tube connecting rod (not shown) are design features from the 1960`s in Boston . 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. The new longneck was design to match the original neck in style and looks while also using some of Vega's Pete Seeger model as influence. In that same period, twenty-one VV IV plectrums were manufactured. A total of 98 model D-76E guitars were also made for employees. Vega serial #s between 99369 and 99686, when the switch from the Vega stamp to printed yellow labels seems to have occured. 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. These data were generously provided to the BRC founder in 2000 by the family owned Martin Guitar department of history. 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. Fairbanks & Cole If in poor condition, Ive seen them sell as low as $3000-4000. Only 101 model PS-5 banjos were made by C.F. 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. I think it is a Pro-5. 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 the very informative web site It was manufactured in Nazareth, PA, in mid 1973 per shop order # 2154. 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 VM price list in 1971 quoted a sales tag of $545 for the Pro-5 without case. 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. The VIP banjo last appeared in the 1976 VM catalog as an open back instrument but still featuring the V.I.P. Bill- Thanks for your query. I knew nothing about it until I found this site. Vega Martin banjo SN 324 was manufactured in Nazareth, PA, in early 1973. To generally confirm that your banjo is a Nazareth built instrument, check for a C.F. It is in excellent condition but missing a resonator thumbscrew with the threaded washer. In 1979, Martin sold the Vega brand to the Asian conglomerate Galaxy. Good luck and thanks again for your post. 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. 403.80. VT2NRC in its 1979 catalogue, and Galaxy went bankrupt in a few years. After a loooong wait I finally got it in 1971 . Hope this helps, and all the best picking, Barry. Martin manufactured only 33 VW-plectrum banjos. The rhinestones on the flanges, tension bolts, and peghead differ from Peabodys prototype and the later Martin production Vox V models. Martin initiated its own serial number system in early 1972 which ran sequentially from #2 through #1945. Rochester NY 14610. Tom- Thank you for the prompt and detailed photos of your instrument. Jon- Thanks much for your kind comments about the website. Martin purchased the Vega brand in May of 1970, the Martin factory in Nazareth, PA, began to re-tool for banjo production. Martin acquired Vega. All the very best from the BRC, Barry, Thank you, Barry. In the Martin log book, the last six digit (Vega) serial number was 130392 in 1972 after which began the Martin digits. 0 bids $10.96 shipping Ending Oct 14 at 5:44AM PDT5d 4hFrom GermanyBrand: VEGA 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. He is credited with being one of the first banjo-builders to install side brackets with hooks to adjust the tension of the head. vega banjo identification. 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. port melbourne players; fair lawn high school graduation; vega banjo identification; By . Im just getting back into my love of music. Galaxy apparently went bankrupt around 1984 and vanished from the financial scene. The rim and shoe screws/washer are likely homemade/cut down and tone ring is not Galaxy stock, but more of a Gibson knockoff. Martin built only 29 model T-2 instruments which were a reproduction of the classic Tu-Ba-Phone No. Again, thanks for your query and photos. So there are gaps at the high end of each thousand series -- since Fairbanks THE BRC THANKS YOU FOR VISITING THE VEGA MARTIN BANJO INFO PAGE. Being a low end instrument, the early FR-5 model had no connecting rod. Save This Search Your search returned 20 results View Sold and Expired Ads Matching Your Search Im mostly a guitar player. You are so kind to provide this great info to all of us banjo geeks. Thanks Again! 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. 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. Photos of the banjo might possibly shed some light on the mystery, if you are so inclined. Ive owned one for 30 yrs though I dont play it very well. The banjo featured a bell brass audio-sonic tone ring, different from the tubaphone tone ring, and a ten ply maple rim. Wim, (Ed.- Note the classic Tubaphone tone ring. 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 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 `41` engraved on the tailpiece no doubt refers to the model V-41 designation. The differentiating feature is the deeper resonator than the VIP/Pro II/Osborne/Scruggs Mk II/Bobby Joe Fenster standard resonator modelsnot quite as deep as the Vox and not top tension (standard hook and nut with Pro II flanges). The smaller one has 2 small set screws installed on either side of the rod to adjust the neck heel . According to the C.F. Perhaps a bit more cutting. So happy to find this site. About 20 years ago I had it re-fretted , re-finished , and the gold re-plated . Replacing a broken flange on a rare and vintage instrument is a tough task. This email will be copied to my Vega Vox scholar Dr. Ron for his insights and comments.From the BRC, Barry. As Barry indicates, a photo of the yellow sticker will be helpful here. Thats when I decided to modify this rather bluegrassy bright (and plenty of loud) sounding Folk banjo a bit. The Vega serial number files still available do not specify the specific models of banjo manufactured in Massachusetts. Thank You for your time and web site. Martin in the 1970s (I have sent you the title page illustrating your instrument). 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 Metropolitan Museum of Art in NYC recently showcased an exhibit of pre-1900 Martin guitars. 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). 0 bids. Data zakoczenia 2022-09-02 - cena 20,90 z Hello there, what a terrific Web page you guys have put together so interesting, i have a open back tenor banjo with the Martin logo and nos 916 it has the same pearl inlay as the 5 string pro it has 19 frets , i have no idea of its value but it has a beautiful slim neck just so easy to finger chords, cheers Rob. As C.F. Martin sold the Vega brand to the Asian conglomerate Galaxy Trading Company in March of 1979. Subject: Help with ID of Vega Banjo please. Ironically, C.F. Ive got a couple of pictures in case of interest, but Id need a mail-address for sending, me supposing. Deering now offers the Tubaphone No. They made both tenor/plectrum and five-string models. 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). 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. Thanks from the BRC, Barry, Hi Barry! 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. This 5-stringer was manufactured circa 1845 in Baltimore, MD, by luthier William Boucher, Jr.. 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. All the best pickin`, and thanks for your kind words about my website. If you had a picture archive, Id be happy to post some pictures. The rim is 10 ply maple with a top metal tone ring, nickel-plated metal parts, and a shaded mahogany finish. I am a fan of the 27 scale and believe it has much to contribute tone-wise. All the best, Barry. In the final Martin price listed published in 1971, it listed for $345 without case. It is great to hear from someone who actually visited the Vega factory in Needham Heights, Massachusetts. Any help with identifying it (I cant find a serial number anywhere) or locating buyers would be so gratefully welcomed! The last Vega Martin banjo manufactured in Nazareth, PA, was SN 1969 as reportedly documented by a letter of authentication signed by C.F. It is a top-of-the-line banjo that was paired with the reissued D-45 Martin guitar as a marketing strategy. 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. Excellent condition. 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 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. Well, this is a hybrid banjo, and doubtful that is a Galaxy banjo. Hope this helps and thanks for your post. 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. P.S. Your PS-5 Pete Seeger long neck # M-130259 was assembled in Nazareth in early 1971 per Shop Order 2012. I have found it helpful over the years. 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. Martin logbook, banjo SN 1450 was an entry level Wonder model 4 string plectrum banjo made in 1975. The Folk Wonder model does not appear in the 1972 or 1976 Vega Martin catalogues, but its resonator version the `Wonder` model does. ANTIQUE S.S. STEWART UNIVERSAL FAVORITE BANJO with INTERESTING HISTORY C $146.35 Martin and Co., Est. from BRC: Wim- Thanks for the great photo of your busy workshop. Your banjo may be a hybrid from that era. 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. Nam liber tempor cum soluta nobis eleifend option congue nihil imperdiet doming id quod mazim placerat facer possim assum. 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. C.F. P.S. Serial # 1795. SF bay area > east bay > for sale > musical instruments - by owner. 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 The Ranger sold for $125 in 1961 and $158 in 1966. 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. I bought a Vega Martin 5 string some time in 2000. Id like to echo previous comments and thank you for a great, great website, chock full of useful information. TH, Tom- Thanks for your query. The Vega name on the head is not with the usual letters and there is no star there either. Your banjo was built circa 1964, and the A pre-fix to the serial number means `adjustable truss rod`. It is collecting dust since i dont play the banjo and I am thinking of passing it on. There is a star on the 5th fret. 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). It`s a sweet long neck, and I wish I had one. Vega Martin manufactured twenty-eight V-41 5 stringers, two V-41 tenors, and only one V-41 plectrum banjo. It is the first martin-vega I have ever seen in person, or had in my hands! used speakers for sale craigslist; pioneer woman carne guisada; vega banjo identification; By . Would appreciate any information you can provide to verify the model and any original cost/current value. 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. Maybe, another observant reader will offer a discerning observation for us sometime. My VIP-5 is SN 1364 and was made about one year after your 5-stringer, and it has a nice mid range tone. thanks for your help and keep up the good work. Over a period of several years, the Vega line morphed into a uniquely featured Vega Martin instrument. TMC marketed this standard neck Tu-Ba-Phone banjoas item No. 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). On the neck, there usually should be a pencil written serial number at theheel where it meets the rim (at least all my Martins have one there). The mother of pearl inlay fretboard pattern in your Pro-5 is similar to that found in the popular VIP-5 banjo, but the latter has single-stripe engraving in the mother of pearl. Aspiring players also wonder what makes one banjo better than another. I live near Portland, Oregon. This classic and ornate Vega series dates back to the 1920s but did not appear in the 1970 and 1972 Vega Martin catalogues. In those years there was not a college student who didn't dream of owning a Vega Pete . Martin did not publish suggested retail prices after 1971, but I would estimate the V-76 sold for around $7-800 with case. Hello, I just stumbled onto this site today 4/16/20. The label indicates the banjo was made in Needham, MA, but the Vega company was owned by the CF Martin guitar company. Im assuming this is the serial number, which would put me right next to Mark, who owned #888 in previous comment 6. C.F. Any insight would be greatly appreciated. C.F. Andreas- Thank you for the historical narrative on your banjo and the detailed photographs. Vega Banjo Identification Vega Tenor Banjo Serial Numbers Chart Vega Tenor Banjo Serial Numbers Vintage Mandolin Banjo Fairbanks Vega Company Boston USA 1920 6 Saiten Einige der Spanner samt Schrauben und sowie die Saiten sind nicht vorhanden. Really sounds and pays great. Thanks again. One of the best known Kay electric guitars during the 1950s was the K-161 "Thin Twin", most visibly used by blues artist Jimmy Reed. Thanks again for your post. By my count, twelve VV IV-tenor banjos were built in Nazareth with the last one, #1678, in 1976. Have a bunch of pics I can forward, any particular area to focus on that would help? 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. The banjo had a 3 piece maple neck and a signature tubaphone tone ring clearly shown in the pictures that you provided. 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. bouffant scrub cap pattern. From the BRC, Barry. When C.F. Landis- Thanks for your post. 2 classic model. Thanks, I have really enjoyed reading the material on this site.RowdyArizona, Rowdy- Thanks for your kind words about the website. Barry. Barry. 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. Vega Regent Model 5 String Banjo (1925), made in Boston, Mass., natural varnish finish, laminated maple rim and neck, ebony fingerboard, black hard shell case. Martin began shipping parts overseas for assembly. Fred- Thank you for the detailed photos of your instrument. Your banjo is item # VB120C which sold for $360 back then. Best wishes for happy pickin`, Barry, I have an Vega 5-string banjo, open back, bought around 1965. The Vega era PS-5 banjos sell for up to $3-4K these days. What can you tell me about my instrument? This fascinating collection of vintage stringed instruments chronicles luthier C.F. A total of 101 PS-5 instruments were manufactured in Pennsylvania. Again, thanks for your post. From the BRC, Barry. The circa 1978 brochure that I sent you confirms that your instrument is a Tu-Ba-Phone Deluxe 5 stringer. The larger connecting rod inside the pot is a spare part inherited from the Boston days of the Vega company. Fairbanks and Vega banjo numbers are consecutive, and have no DIRECT relationship to the model, or production date. Unless refinished, the decal on the back alsomakes it post-1972. and CXXVI (126?). Just found you today . I will trade for a good Octave Mandolin or Bouzouki The number is painted on the bottom not pressed in the wood. Thanks for sharing your fascinating banjo with the BRC, Barry. Serial number 115831 on a yellow strip built in Boston Mass.Wondering when it might have been built? I was disappointed because I badly wanted to see Scruggs models! In my files, the PS-5 is seen in a Vega (Boston) flyer in 1961 where it lists for $309. Thanks for your query, Barry. Typically, the number would be preceded with an A (indicating an adjustable truss rod) followed by a six-digit number. 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). Ernie Ball 5-String Medium Stainless Steel Banjo Strings, 10-10 Gauge (P02309) Check Price at Amazon. It is a beauty. Have a restful weekend and be well, Barry. 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. Subscribe to get free banjos tips, hear about new products, special offers, and more! The 10-1/8" diameter rim has a calf skin head and most of it's original . 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). Thanks so much Ill get back to you if any further questions. 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 Categories . I would love to be able to date this banjo: SN 999 as a decal under the Martin logo inside the rim with the Martin logo decal on the back side of the peghead as well. A total of 98 model D-76E guitars were also made for employees. It retailed for $345 in the 1971 Vega Martin price list. A few months later, the old six digit number system was replaced with new sequence starting with #2 and progressing sequentially to a four digit number over the ensuing years. Retail price was $1300.00 ; I paid $900.00 . Theres barely a mark on the banjo (except for the binding where it was put on a stand) and this will probably buff out. Photos are always welcome, and thanks for your post. Look for decals and a serial number on the interior of the rim to help document its story. I dont play any instrument right now. The year 1970-1971 was a time of transition of tools and parts from Boston to Nazareth, PA. From the BRC, Barry. "F" Style mandolins have a carved nautilus shaped curl on the upper left-hand bout. After its Martin Guitar era, the Vega brand name ownership was sold overseas, and the banjo line fellinto obscurity. Barry. Check Price at Amazon. Your VW-5 model Vega Wonder banjo SN 721 was manufactured in Nazareth, PA, in late 1973 per Shop Order 2181. Martin did not publish retail prices after 1971, so my guess is that this up scale model sold back then for around $600. The Vega banjos in the TMC catalogue were identified by serial numbers only with no model titles or nicknames. Specs are equal to the popular Gold Tone MM-150 with the addition of three extra frets allowing the banjo to tune to EBEG#B. These were used on the Wonder, VIP,Folklore, etc (non-Pro II, V-45, V-41 styles). A sticker inside says The Vega Co. Boston 15, MASS, Patended USA The serial number is A-125394. Since that day in 1989, Deering has breathed new life into the Vega name, blending over a century of tradition with Deering's banjo building expertise, to create a range of heritage rich open back and longneck banjos that are as integral to the modern folk sounds of The Avett Brothers as they were to Pete Seegers personal revolution. I love the story. 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. With the original Hardshell case and the rare Earl Scruggs Tuners or de- tuners if you will. It looks identical to the one posted with photos on last July 8only difference is that mine does not have the Martin decal on the back of the peg head. Because so few Pro-5`s were manufactured in Nazareth, it is difficult to gauge the worth of your banjo these days. Learning how to play the banjo is no different. 1921 Vega Style L Whyte Laydie Mandolin Banjo. By my count, Martin made 16 V-45 banjos that were 5-stringers, 3 plectrums (V45-P), and one (V45-T) tenor model. It retailed for $775 and was probably assembled from parts left over from Nazareth, PA. The Item # was VT2NRC. 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. Virtually immaculate. I really appreciate your orientation. So, the rim and rods appear be from a Vox I, and dogbone Tubaphone tonering would be typical of the 1970s period under Martin (some the later Voxesmade by Vega in Needham Heights before moving to Nazareth used these, aswell as slotted Tubaphones). 96.90 postage. What can you tell me about the history and value of this one. C.F. 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. vega banjo identification. It was advertised to feature a rosewood veneered rim and resonator trimmed in abalone pearl like the C.F. Not a fancy top-line model, but still built with the typical extremely high quality components and a simple but . very carefully, I did and its four digits # 1450. it looks very good to me as far as the condition, its just old and kind of dirty. 2 Tu-Ba-Phone XL long neck premieres instead. The neck has crown-and-football inlays and the Martin logo is on the back of the pegboard. Thanks for your very kind words about the BRC website. Martin purchased Vega in May of 1970, and production transitioned from Boston to Nazareth, PA. Ed Britt, Jim Bollman, or Bob Smakula would be the most likely people to be able to give you the most exact identification of the model possible. By that time, parts were being shipped to Canada and Japan for assembly, and record keeping soon deteriorated and serial numbers were inconsistent. Close study of the flange can sometimes reveal, however, that it is left-over Vega hardware from the Needham Heights factory. Micky- Thanks for your narrative on your Pete Seeger long neck. There are no other identification markings on the instrument and it definitely does not say Martin anywhere. Barry. Photos are available. When C. F. Martin Co. bought the Vega banjo line in May of 1970, hundreds of parts were inherited from the Needham Heights factory near Boston. Buy VEGA Banjos and get the best deals at the lowest prices on eBay! The metal parts were chrome-plated. 721 which I have had a number of years. From the BRC, Barry, Sir: What kind of info can you give me on a V-76E banjo, Ser. First let me thank you for this amazing well of information! The problem is that the serial number labels at this time had printing errors, where the first numeric digit was omitted. The serial # is 448. It is not to be confused with the metal pie plate or hubcap resonator manufactured by Elton in the 1930`s. Thanks again for your post and pictures and kind comments about the website. 7. what I know about banjos right now I learned from you!! I purchased the instrument from a private dealer (Kingsport, TN) for $800. I have a Vega V.I.P. Thanks again for your query. On the inner rim of the back cover is another Martin logo and the (embossed in white) number 887. Nowadays, it might fetch around $750 in the online marketplace. The `Martin Guitars: A Technical Reference` confirms that the BJF-5 banjo was a thinly disguised Pro-5 not unlike yours . From the BRC, Barry. 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 .