Recently purchased a Vega Vox iv plectrum banjo. Hope this helps and thanks for your post. The Martin log book in Nazareth, PA, begins with #130248 later in 1971. Martin stamp. Every Martin Vega I have seen has a more dark brown mahogany-colored stain. In my files, the PS-5 is seen in a Vega (Boston) flyer in 1961 where it lists for $309. VT2NRC in its 1979 catalogue, and Galaxy went bankrupt in a few years. Galaxy went bankrupt in a few years, and the Vega brand was purchased in 1989 by Deering in California who restored the instrument line to greatness. 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. Thank You for your time and web site. 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 Your description of your FR-5 sounds like you have a genuine Boston-made Folk Ranger. Barry. what I know about banjos right now I learned from you!! Virtually immaculate. If anybody can shed some light on what I have. The V-45(5) featured a heavy one-piece flat head tone ring of brass so popular among Bluegrass pickers. In the 1972 Martin catalogue, the Professional appears identical to yours, but it is absent from the 1976 catalogue. About 20 years ago I had it re-fretted , re-finished , and the gold re-plated . Martin 1970 catalogue described ashaded mahogany finish on the Wonder model, and the 1976 Martin catalogue reported thatthe Wonder banjo bore a mahogany color finish. 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 Eddie Peabody Model was actually made by Vega of Boston from 1966-ca. Barry. New and Used Vega Banjos for Sale Search Agent: Get notified when new ads meet your criteria! John, just an old Missouri banjo picker transplanted in Arizona. But with original Whyte Laydie banjo rims being in demand for converting to 5-string instruments, this one is an ideal candidate. 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. The C.F. I dont know much about banjos because Im a guitar man myself. Is it possible to tell me what model or style and year it was built also the value? Thanks for letting us see this fascinating and unique instrument. The tiny screws adjacent to it are an adaptation by the Vega franchise to afford fine-tuning of the side-to-side alignment of the neck. Dear Per- In May of 1970, C.F. I has Vega and a single star on the front of the headstock. Many thanks and keep pickin & grinning. 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. 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. 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. Martin Museum collection. The VM price list in 1971 quoted a sales tag of $545 for the Pro-5 without case. Tony Trsichka wants Greg to make a 5-string model, much like Vega did on very rare occasions in the late 1950s/early 1960s. 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. Save This Search Your search returned 20 results View Sold and Expired Ads Matching Your Search 10" Rim. The V-45 appears on the cover of the 1972 catalogue, and it was billed as our finest Bluegrass banjo in the 1976 catalogue. Thank you. Learning how to play the banjo is no different. 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. For example: 0534599-7362 would be a banjo from May of 1999. This uniquestyle resonator was verypopular for many years, and it still hasvalue as a vintage part. The long neck banjo is less popular nowadays with the surge in Bluegrass music, but I have two of them and value their mellow wife-friendly tone. Wooden pot resonator. After a loooong wait I finally got it in 1971 . Tim, Tim- Thanks much for your query. Although a mystery to me, this top of the line resonator banjo was introduced by C.F. 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. Your peghead and resonator are clearly marked with C.F. I have a Martin Vega Banjo, #324. C.F. Hey, Ive got a Martin Vega Tubaphone 5 string banjo sn# 1603 that I acquired in the mid-1980s. safety tips; prohibited items; product recalls; Do you know how many Scruggs or Scruggs Soloists, and Sonny Osborne models were made under the Martin ownership and where made? Any help with identifying it (I cant find a serial number anywhere) or locating buyers would be so gratefully welcomed! senior living sun prairie, wi; blueberry sweet rolls joanna gaines; miguel cardona family; shooting in newport beach last night; st albans swim club drowning; where was the 3 godfathers filmed; southwest chicken bake; From the BRC, Barry, Barry, i have an extended neck (25 fretts) Vega/Martin banjo with a serial number of 80. Hope this helps and all the best in 2019, Barry. By that time, parts were being shipped to Canada and Japan for assembly, and record keeping soon deteriorated and serial numbers were inconsistent. Barry. Martin, and the line was discontinued in 1975. Home; Meet Darlene; ISI Mission; What is Coaching? I recently took my Dads 4 string banjo out of storage after approximately 25 years since his passing. Jim, Jim -Thanks for your query. Then by ink its written Folk Ranger. 5. These were followed by banjos #9-14 which were Vega Vox-4-P plectrums per Shop Order 2088. I have two theories about your instrument. How much would it be worth? As Barry indicates, a photo of the yellow sticker will be helpful here. 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). vega banjo identification. Fairbanks and Vega banjo numbers are consecutive, and have no DIRECT relationship to the model, or production date. 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. I was told by someone at C. F. Martin that they only made 11 of them ( mine is ser # 7 ) . The BRC Archives contain the serial numbers of these unique Vega-Martin banjos. Please take detailed photos of your banjo inside and outside. The banjo featured a bell brass audio-sonic tone ring, different from the tubaphone tone ring, and a ten ply maple rim. Vega Banjos for Sale, New and Used Search Agent: Get notified when new ads meet your criteria! Theres precious little information about these instruments online. Deering purchased the Vega franchise in1989 restoring the line to greatness. So heres my question. They are on the second and 3rd strings and allow that Buck Trent kind of thing. 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. Your instrument SN 448 is one of 11 Pete Seeger extra long neck (PS-5) models manufactured in Nazareth, PA, in 1973 per Shop Order 2153. Gold and ivory hard wear with a butterfly mop inlay on the back of the body. The banjo is featuring an interesting mix of particulars: The connecting rods are of the (much earlier?) Your VW-5 would fetch $700-$1000 these days. This workshop numbering system continued uninterrupted to #2355 in 1977 when the banjos went overseas for assembly. The model was discontinued after Martin Guitar bought Vega in 1970. Its paper label says it was made by Vega of Boston, part of the CF Martin Co. but it does not have the CF Martin decal on the back of the peg-head. Thanks Again! Replacing a broken flange on a rare and vintage instrument is a tough task. This is a beautiful banjo! Shop today! It is a beauty. Im hoping I can find a V41 pot. 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. Hello, I just stumbled onto this site today 4/16/20. Although mostly a collector`s item these days, the current price range of the V-76 is $2.3-5K. Vega Banjo Identification Professional Had Black. Hope this helps and best wishes from the BRC, Barry, Gary- Thanks for your query. sir- need some help. It has dual rods running through the pot and it has the tubaphone tone ring. Vega Martin SN 1199 is one of five VIP-T (tenor) banjos made per shop order # 2233 in late 1974 in Nazareth, PA. Linda- Thanks much for your query and hearing about your three vintage banjos. This banjo was made by the Vega Company in Boston, Massachusetts, around 1922. The V-41 was available by special order only, and it listed back then for $850. It may have been removed some time before I got it. The five number labels were found in banjos made from 1962 through February 1964, involving serial numbers A10300 through A12400. Again, thanks for your post. Rochester NY 14610. The Eddie Peabody Model was actually made by Vega of Boston from 1966-ca. Do you know how many tenor V41 banjos were made? 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). In regards to the endorsed banjo models cited in your final paragraph, my files show that the Sonny Osborne model appears only in the 1968 Vega/Boston catalogue. About 20 years ago I had it re-fretted , re-finished , and the gold re-plated . I knew nothing about it until I found this site. P.S. They made both tenor/plectrum and five-string models. The tailpiece does not look original, but the dual connecting rods are typical of the Martin design. I have sent an e-mail to my Vega Vox consultant Dr. Ron and await his comments and appraisal. After the difficult 1977 luthier strike at the C.F. The Vega brand was subsequently sold overseas in 1979. I lived in Needham MA for 20+ years, and Im wondering if that tone ring possibly came from Vegas final days in Needham. 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. Barry, I want to thank you very much for the research on my Vega. In general, the Boston made Pete Seeger long neck banjos seem to command a greater collectors` interest than the ones manufactured in Pennsylvania. vega banjo identification. In the the 1971 Vega Martin price list, the VW-Plec retailed at $345. Im assuming this is the serial number, which would put me right next to Mark, who owned #888 in previous comment 6. The fascinatingwooden pie (sectioned) resonator is probably inherited from the Boston era Vega inventory. Check Price at Amazon. Plectrum means a 4-string model with 22 frets, which is longer scale (27) than the 19 fret 4-string tenor (23). As your banjo bears no C.F. 1921 Vega Style L Whyte Laydie Mandolin Banjo. It is a top-of-the-line banjo that was paired with the reissued D-45 Martin guitar as a marketing strategy. 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. This instrument was a special order for banjoist, Jack Mistretta, from Grand Rapids, Michiganwho happened to be a friend of Eddie Peabody. 1833 decal is absent from the inner rim. If you had a picture archive, Id be happy to post some pictures. 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. In the final Martin price listed published in 1971, it listed for $345 without case. C.F. I actually have a customized 75 Martin D28 to go with my 75 Vega. The peg head engraving and paint motif matched the resonator. Martin decal on the back of your peghead and on the inner rim. There are some folklore stories why the Seeger banjo was discontinued. Can you tell me what year this banjo was made and what my aunt could legitimately ask for it? From the BRC, Barry. This banjo has all hand-machined bell brass parts to replace the cheaper, more commonly used aluminum alloys used by both Vega and Martin during that era (including coordinator rods, top-tension rim lugs/shoes and bolts), and Kellens other signature upgrades that includes an 1/8 brass shim between the heel of the neck and rim and lacquered, highly polished inner resonator to enhance tone depth and volume projection. Its always inspiring to see someone so dedicated to their craft! I think Ill go look up a local banjo instructor and take a few lessons. What a wealth of banjo information you have.I have a VV IV T tenor SN: M130298 which I purchase used about twenty-five years ago for $2,000. This is an early and very nice example of the classic Vega . thanks for the very informative web site (BTW, foradditional postings select Vega Martin Stories on the homepage menu or enter Vega Martin in the search engine. I live near Portland, Oregon. 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. Informacje o Martin V730 StringsVega struny banjo 5str 10-23,10 - 11109713090 w archiwum Allegro. I have an ornate 5 string Martin Vega banjo with pie-plate style resonator. Your VW-5 with SN 1519 was manufactured in Nazareth, PA, in 1976 per Shop Order 2285. SF bay area > east bay > for sale > musical instruments - by owner. C.F. Inside your device. Dave- Thank you for your kind words about the website and the narrative about your Vega Vox IV tenor banjo. Any insights appreciated along with your understanding of when it was manufactured, components, what it originally sold for and current market value. It originally came with an arm rest, rotomatic tuning pegs, and a plastic head. The 1968 Vega catalogue described the Pro II appointments as including a bell brass tone ring with exclusively designed audio apertures, a ten ply wood rim, a three-piece maple neck, a resonator of curly maple, a notched brass tension hoop, nickel-plated hardware, and a shaded mahogany finish. From the BRC, Barry. The neck has crown-and-football inlays and the Martin logo is on the back of the pegboard. I am a fan of the 27 scale and believe it has much to contribute tone-wise. Nowadays, it might fetch around $750 in the online marketplace. TMC marketed this standard neck Tu-Ba-Phone banjoas item No. Guess I stated it wrong, not really carvings, just in lays. There is a star on the 5th fret. I have two Ode long neck banjos, and one of them is my daily practice instrument because of its wife-friendly tone. 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. Rettberg & Lange(1898-1920) banjos were initially similar to Buckbee-made The tone ring is stamped 24, and the tail piece is stamped 41. Martin acquired Vega. Martin workshop logbook, open back Tu-Ba-Phone 5-string banjo SN 1707 was manufactured in Nazareth, PA, in mid 1976. The Voxes have endured a bit more that others in the market place, however. Data zakoczenia 2022-09-02 - cena 20,90 z The only serial number is 1120. My VIP-5 is SN 1364 and was made about one year after your 5-stringer, and it has a nice mid range tone. 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. Of note, when the Professional 5-stringer was made in Boston in the early 1960`s, it had square MOP inlays with dots on the neck compared to the nicely designed inlays on your fretboard and seen in the 1966 catalogue. Being unable to find anything on the internet, I began to think I had been scammed. I have a vegavox 4 tenor banjo by Martin . Vega serial #s between 99369 and 99686, when the switch from the Vega stamp to printed yellow labels seems to have occured. My estimate is that it might fetch $1800-2000 these days. Im mostly a guitar player. What is a spectrum banjo? Hope this helps and thanks again for your post. My Dad & I went to our music lessons back to back on Thursday evenings during my teen years some 40 years ago. Q: At what point did Vega go from ball end to open end bracket nuts? 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. C.F. 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. Over a period of several years, the Vega line morphed into a uniquely featured Vega Martin instrument. 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). Data from these logbooks are available per e-mail request from the BRC founder. it in 1970 through a music store in Norwich , Ct run by Cliff Tidd . I cant remember exactly when I bought it but I think it was around the early 70s. Your instrument SN 999 was one of five VIP-5 (Very Important Player) banjos was made in Nazareth, PA, in mid 1974 per Shop Order # 2212. On the back side of your device. Id appreciate your comments please & thanks, Linda. Martin did not publish suggested retail prices after 1971, but I would estimate the V-76 sold for around $7-800 with case. Hi there Folks.A few weeks ago i bought a Vega martin 5 string banjo, tubaphone tonering, the screws to attach the shoes to the bracket band go through the bracketband but also through the rim.The banjo is almost in unplayed condition, sounds wonderfull, the original case is also there.serial numer is 1707. Martin built only 31 of the V-41 instruments: 28 of the V-41-5 model like yours, 1 plectrum and 2 tenor 4-stringers. Photos are always welcome, and thanks for your post. A sticker inside says The Vega Co. Boston 15, MASS, Patended USA The serial number is A-125394. Thank-you for your kind words about my website, and all blessings to you and yours this coming holiday season. Because so few Pro-5`s were manufactured in Nazareth, it is difficult to gauge the worth of your banjo these days. 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 Vega Vox model was a 4 string gem that featured a brass tone ring. 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. Where is the serial number on a Vega banjo? In 1979, Martin sold the Vega brand to the Asian conglomerate Galaxy. Martin purchased the Vega brand and briefly marketed the so-called Bobby Joe Fenster banjo which was a thinly disguised Pro-5 endorsed by a fictitious banjoist as a somewhat mirthful marketing ploy. Vega Kingston Trio Tom Dooley Long Neck Banjo, Vega Kingston Trio - Bob Shane Plectrum Banjo, Reutschi | Kruger Bell Bronze Tone Ring(Unplated). In addition to the unusual R-D-136 serial number, the C.F. Martin historian Mike Longworth. I would be grateful if you could inform me when it was made. C.F. For those interested in the genealogy of banjo manufacturers, I have included a page summarizing some important relationships between manufacturers, . On the inner rim of the back cover is another Martin logo and the (embossed in white) number 887. Ive taken a number of hi-res photostoo many to attach to email. 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. According to the C.F. My other theory is that the pot, which bears a C.F. 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. All the best, Barry. No M130097 Model: Wonder 5 St. Do you have a total of these models made under the Massachusetts Vega name? Greg Deering acquired rights to the Vega brand name in 1989 and restored the banjo line to greatness. P.S. This 5-stringer was manufactured circa 1845 in Baltimore, MD, by luthier William Boucher, Jr.. 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. I play it weekly (weakly) on Monday nights at restaurant in Anaheim, California and love its sound. The Item # was VT2NRC. During this transitional period, Boston parts were shipped to Nazareth for assembly, and Martin pre-fixed the traditional six digit Vega serial number with the letter `M`. - ORDERS OVER $199 SHIPPED TO THE CONTINENTAL U.S. Add to cart SKU: 2959 Categories: 5-String Openback Banjos, Banjos, Vega Description Additional information Reviews (1) Shipping, Returns & Exchanges About this Banjo I would like to know a little more about it. Martin decals on the inner rim and back of the peghead. Your banjo was built circa 1964, and the A pre-fix to the serial number means `adjustable truss rod`. Note below the C.F. I was lucky enough to buy one but, as my music and and the type of music I had to play to get work changed, I hardly played this, near mint condition, banjo. I cannot find any pictures remotely close online. From the BRC, Barry, Sir: What kind of info can you give me on a V-76E banjo, Ser. In that same period, twenty-one VV IV plectrums were manufactured. 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. Again, thanks for your post. Ive had several accomplished pickers really make it talk.wish I could!! The Vega name on the head is not with the usual letters and there is no star there either. The resonator was hand-painted, and fancy engraved pearl inlays adorned the ebony fingerboard. Congratulations on having two vintage VM banjos, and your gracious comments about the Info site are much appreciated. This email will be copied to my Vega Vox scholar Dr. Ron for his insights and comments.From the BRC, Barry. 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. The rim is 10 ply maple with a top metal tone ring, nickel-plated metal parts, and a shaded mahogany finish. So cool to have this historical data. Martin D-45 guitar. The metal parts were gold plated and engraved. The last two Vox Vs (serial numbers 1964-1965) were built in 1979, and still exist to this day. Just found you today . The Folk Wonder is an open-back banjo that features a maple neck, a white bound ebony fretboard with pearl dots, and geared pegs in the headstock. It is in pristine condition and is clearly a very high quality instrument. I got an old Vega banjo from my father. My estimate is that your VV IV-T can fetch about $1000-4500 these days depending on the online vendor or estate auction. Thank You used speakers for sale craigslist; pioneer woman carne guisada; vega banjo identification; By . I have original case. fender american professional ii vs ultra. Some C.F. Martin workshop log book, your V-45-5 serial number 327 banjo was manufactured in Nazareth, PA, in early 1973 per Shop Order 2138. This is a super site for banjo players and owners. Barry, Eddie- Thanks for your query and kind comments about the website. It is not seen in the 1970 transitional Vega/Martin catalogue. PA. Bob- Thanks for the remembrance narrative about you and your Dad learning music together- your are a lucky father and son. The smaller one has 2 small set screws installed on either side of the rod to adjust the neck heel . 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. ejemplos de hombres perezosos en la biblia; social juventus porto; china eastern trip report; Hello world! Your instrument is a tenor arch top 4-stringer made in the early 1980`s. 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. Have a bunch of pics I can forward, any particular area to focus on that would help? The Wonder model had a metal tone ring, white fingerboard binding, a heavy notched tension hoop, a 10 ply rim, geared tuners, a 3 piece maple neck, a blackwood fretboard, pearl dots, a resonator with 4 section metal tone flanges, nickel-plated parts, a plastic head, an armrest and shaded mahogany finish. Martin in the 1970s (I have sent you the title page illustrating your instrument). I was disappointed because I badly wanted to see Scruggs models! i replaced the head but it still sounds the same. It is the first martin-vega I have ever seen in person, or had in my hands! It was manufactured in Nazareth, PA, in mid 1973 per shop order # 2154. Your banjo is an off shoot of the classic No. 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. $260 USD. Perhaps a bit more cutting. They are 230, 243, 353, LVII (57?) In the Vega Martin shop files, banjo SN 916 is a VVI-P (Vega Vox Style 1 plectrum) resonator banjo made in 1974 in Nazareth, PA. Plectrum 4 stringers have 22 frets compared to the tenors that have 17 to 19 frets. I bought it in Stockholm, Sweden as a student, so it was not so expensive, as i remembered. Galaxy went bankrupt around 1984 and vanished. From the BRC, Barry. Hello. Thanks! . If this banjo has some more of the early prewar design features, add $1000-1500.Hope this helps, Dr. Ron. Is 887 also a Pro5? It is a Four-String Banjo, Tu-ba-phone Model No. Hope this helps, and thanks again for your post. It was advertised to feature a rosewood veneered rim and resonator trimmed in abalone pearl like the C.F. Maybe, another observant reader will offer a discerning observation for us sometime. 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). The PS-5 is advertised in the 1970 and 1972 Vega/Martin catalogues but is absent from the 1976 catalogue where the No.2 Tu-Ba-Phone XL long neck premieres instead. vega banjo identification. Thanks again for your time & consideration. The label indicates the banjo was made in Needham, MA, but the Vega company was owned by the CF Martin guitar company. 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). William- Thanks for your post. There were forty-six Vega Martin V-45 banjos made of similar design, but the hardware was gold-plated. The tone ring holes are grouped in sets of three rather than equally spaced as on a tubaphone ring. 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. It sounds like your banjo is maybe a hybrid made overseas after 1976-1977 when Vega Martin parts were shipped to Japan and later Canada for assembly.