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The Vega Vox model was a 4 string gem that featured a brass tone ring. I inherited a Vega 5-string resonator banjo and have been trying to find out additional information about it. I own Martin Vega Wonder serial no. 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. Rochester NY 14610. I would be grateful if you could inform me when it was made. The number is painted on the bottom not pressed in the wood. The Vega Regent is one of the classic 5-string banjos of the Vega line. On the back side of your device. Being a low end instrument, the early FR-5 model had no connecting rod. Accordingly, 1970-1971 was a year of manufacturing transition from Boston to Nazareth. Hello, The Folk Wonder model does not appear in the 1972 or 1976 Vega Martin catalogues, but its resonator version the `Wonder` model does. In general, the Boston made Pete Seeger long neck banjos seem to command a greater collectors` interest than the ones manufactured in Pennsylvania. 17,378. Prices subject to change without notice. I then discovered my Vega VIP Martin 1972 model #1766, a beautiful banjo which I have played for the past 12 years. Any ideas on contacts for such a beast? Thanks from all of us! These were used on the Wonder, VIP,Folklore, etc (non-Pro II, V-45, V-41 styles). 1972 Vega Banjo. Martin made 101 of the PS-5 instruments which listed for $488 without case in the final V/M price list in 1971. Your PS-5 Pete Seeger long neck # M-130259 was assembled in Nazareth in early 1971 per Shop Order 2012. I would love some photos of your V-45 to upload with this post. $260 USD. What is it worth today, and what did it sell for when new? Im assuming this is the serial number, which would put me right next to Mark, who owned #888 in previous comment 6. The open back Folk Wonder 5-stringer does not appear in the 1976 Vega/Martin catalogue where the Vega Wonder resonator series is still advertised. 22 frets. 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. Where to find your serial number. Vega De Luxe Electric Plectrum Banjo - Gruhn Guitars The Vega era PS-5 banjos sell for up to $3-4K these days. 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; Although a mystery to me, this top of the line resonator banjo was introduced by C.F. From the BRC, Barry. After the original owner, Jack Mistretta, passed away in 1998, this banjo found its way to Japan, where noted jazz-banjoist, Ken Aoki, featured it for many years in his touring act. vega banjo identification - Pamela Hudson Is this an old genuine Vega in the lower price class, Sten- Thanks for your query about the FR-5 banjo. I think Ill go look up a local banjo instructor and take a few lessons. The rim and shoe screws/washer are likely homemade/cut down and tone ring is not Galaxy stock, but more of a Gibson knockoff. Data from these logbooks are available per e-mail request from the BRC founder. VIP is printed on the truss rod cover. Your VW-5 model Vega Wonder banjo SN 721 was manufactured in Nazareth, PA, in late 1973 per Shop Order 2181. 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). Ive had several accomplished pickers really make it talk.wish I could!! In 1970, C.F. Have a restful weekend and be well, Barry. The larger connecting rod inside the pot is a spare part inherited from the Boston days of the Vega company. So, your banjo is likely either a late 1963/early 1964 model (Vega model years ran from Oct 1st-Sept 30th at the time, much like automobiles). 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. Thank you so much!! My Dad left me a Martin VegaIm thinking I want to pass it on to someone wholl play it and care for it more than I can. They all had yellow serial number stickers. Answer: Tu-Ba-Phone 5-String made 1978-1979. 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. Vintage Vega Banjo - musical instruments - by owner - sale I have found it helpful over the years. Both of these models had block mother of pearl inlays, with fewer inlays appearing on the new scaled-down Pro fretboard. wyoming seminary athletic scholarship; Tags . The first SN#720 I know is a VW-5 because it has the original hang tag. So there are gaps at the high end of each thousand series -- since Fairbanks 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. 96.90 postage. Then by ink its written Folk Ranger. There is no #1 Martin banjo listed, but banjos #6-8 were Vega Vox-4-T tenors built per Shop Order 2087. 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. Greg Deering acquired rights to the Vega brand name in 1989 and restored the banjo line to greatness. 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. 1969, probably initially at the 40 Leon Street factory the Needham Heights (just before the sale to Martin). Hope this helps and thanks again for your post. ), Wim- Congratulations on procuring such a lovely vintage instrument. 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. 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. Be safe, be well, keep on picking. Martin upgraded the maple rim to 10 ply after purchasing the Vega/Boston franchise in May of 1970. Please try again. I have a vegavox 4 tenor banjo by Martin . The banjo featured a bell brass audio-sonic tone ring, different from the tubaphone tone ring, and a ten ply maple rim. My Vega VIP has the Martin decal on the back of the headstock. It is not seen in the 1970 transitional Vega/Martin catalogue. Thanks again. Hope this helps and best wishes from the BRC, Barry. 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. Serial # 1795. Your Wonder-5 string banjo #(Martin)130097 was made in Boston in early 1971 after C.F. If there is any other interesting information about the instrument you care to share from the Martin log book, I would be most appreciative. It appears in the transitional Vega/Martin product list of 1970 and lastly in the 1972 Vega Banjo Catalog (The CF Martin Organization). 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. Thanks for the great information on this page. Serial number assignment and record keeping fell into disarray from 1977 to 1979. In the final VM 1976 catalogue, the F-VIP is displayed in full advertising detail. Can you identify this rare Vega Martin banjo just by the peghead markings? Martin did not publish suggested retail prices after 1971, but I would estimate the V-76 sold for around $7-800 with case. New and Used Vega Banjos for Sale Search Agent: Get notified when new ads meet your criteria! Any clues? Barry, Marc- Thanks much for the prompt and telling photos. Vega/Fairbanks open-back banjo designs are exemplary classics. By my count, twelve VV IV-tenor banjos were built in Nazareth with the last one, #1678, in 1976. 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. On the inner rim of the back cover is another Martin logo and the (embossed in white) number 887. Bob- Thanks for the remembrance narrative about you and your Dad learning music together- your are a lucky father and son. I recently took my Dads 4 string banjo out of storage after approximately 25 years since his passing. Hey, Ive got a Martin Vega Tubaphone 5 string banjo sn# 1603 that I acquired in the mid-1980s. fender american professional ii vs ultra. 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. Vega Tenor Banjo and Case, 1920s | Reverb I tried to find your email address at your Banjo homepage without any success. It listed back then for $345 without to BRCcase. The highly ornate Vega Vox IV banjo with serial number #1969 was the final officially documented banjo manufactured by C. F. Martin in Nazareth, PA. , circa 1978-79. Unbeknownstto most 5 string aficionados, the Martin Guitar Company manufactured Vega banjos from 1970 through 1979. 10" Rim. Jim _Thanks for your query. It is mentioned again on a back page of the 1972 catalogue. 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. In a 1971 price list, the FW-5 sold for $345. I appreciate having some of the history around my banjo and will cherish it even more knowing it is somewhat rare. It originally came with an arm rest, rotomatic tuning pegs, and a plastic head. Martin V730 StringsVega struny banjo 5str 10-23,10 - 11109713090 Look for decals and a serial number on the interior of the rim to help document its story. The label indicates the banjo was made in Needham, MA, but the Vega company was owned by the CF Martin guitar company. It listed for $1310 in the 1971 VM price brochure and a carved heel was extra. Im now forced to sell several beloved instruments but have no idea how to price this gem. This banjo was made by the Vega Company in Boston, Massachusetts, around 1922. Martin made 76 commemorative V-76 banjos in 1976 to celebrated the bicentennial of the USA. I has Vega and a single star on the front of the headstock. It is veryinteresting that it has the non-ebonized finish on the peghead cap, whichcoincided with the move production to Nazareth (adopting stained rosewood asthey used on the guitars). 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! Martin purchased Vega in May of 1970, and production transitioned from Boston to Nazareth, PA. 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. If you could give me your thought about what its worth, I would appreciate it. Do you have any information on it? 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. There are some folklore stories why the Seeger banjo was discontinued. Thanks for posting the information on Martin mage Vega banjos. So cool to have this historical data. Is has a hard case with blue interior. Could you tell me where it was built and what its value is today ? Jack. # 1713? The PS-5 is advertised in the 1970 and 1972 Vega/Martin catalogues but is absent from the 1976 catalogue where the No. Hope this helps, and I am sending you the circa 1978 C. F. Martin Tubaphone model promotional flyer . sir- need some help. $5000 would be a reasonable number if in good conditionit could have brought $7500 a few years ago. model serial number 1990. Vega Banjo Identification - azgardcn The melody banjo was the equivalent of a 4 string mandolin banjo. The back of the peghead of these rare banjos is imprinted with a C.F. I would send pictures but was not sure just where to post them. I was told by someone at C. F. Martin that they only made 11 of them ( mine is ser # 7 ) . Martin manufactured only 33 VW-plectrum banjos. Martin built 561 VW-5 banjos in the 1970`s.You can learn more about this VM instrument by browsing my website for the postings on 6-19-21 and 1-16-21, or just enter the word `wonder` in the search engine. Shortly thereafter, the Martin craftsmen went on strike, and banjo parts were shipped overseas for assembly. 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). 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). Heres a link to a .zip file you can download. Also, the banjo has some ornate details carved in it. Martin historian Mike Longworth. Bill's Banjos The fascinatingwooden pie (sectioned) resonator is probably inherited from the Boston era Vega inventory. Barry- Thanks for your queries and subsequent photos that promt me to revise my initial response. Hopes this helps. tone ring that you have. I have a Vega V.I.P. The long-neck No. Wooden pot resonator. In the meantime, thanks again for your post. 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. There are no other identification markings on the instrument and it definitely does not say Martin anywhere. The serial number is stamped in the wooden rim below the Martin decal. 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. Your VW-5 would fetch $700-$1000 these days. Its mostly been in storage since I purchased it in the late 1970s. Fairbanks and Vega banjo numbers are consecutive, and have no DIRECT relationship to the model, or production date. Martin D-45 guitar. The metal parts were gold plated and engraved. my Martin/Vega PS5 #481 is about a month into my possession. If someone could help her post it on eBay, it would probably get a decent price and a good home. It appears to be serial number 231 (engraved). 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. Vega - Elderly Instruments Posts. Have a great weekend as well. Do you know how many tenor V41 banjos were made? The serial # is 448. vega banjo identification C.F. Martin V740 Strings Vega strun banjo 5-strunowego RETRO 10-23,10 Martin in the 1970s (I have sent you the title page illustrating your instrument). Martin acquired Vega. Tim, Tim- Thanks much for your query. Serial numbers became unreliable during that era. 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. SOLD Vega Earl Scruggs Banjo and Original hard case Price: $695.00 USD a 1969 Earl Scruggs on rim inside :TRB 13746 . i replaced the head but it still sounds the same. 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`. When C. F. Martin took over Vega in 1970, they dropped the A-xxxxxx serial numbers and replaced it with M-xxxxxx series, until starting a new four digit numbering system in 1972 at the Nazareth factory. Martin files indicate that only one Scruggs Mark II banjo and only one Scruggs Soloist banjo were manufactured at the Martin factory in Nazareth, Pennsylvania, in the 1970`s. There are 13 stars on the banjo fretboard, and there should be a plaque on the back of the headstock. The Vega name on the head is not with the usual letters and there is no star there either. 7. Published by at 30, 2022. If you want a more Bluegrass sound, try a 5-Star head from Stew Mac. 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. They differed from ukulele banjos in that the uke banjos typically had smaller rims. Be safe, be well. The seller advertised it (in 2016) as verified by BRC made in 1976 in Nazareth. I apologize for using this email to reach you, but I have a banjo question I hope you can help me with. Vega Martin SN 1199 is one of five VIP-T (tenor) banjos made per shop order # 2233 in late 1974 in Nazareth, PA. Your site is a great resource for these instruments by the way. Your banjo may be a hybrid from that era. 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. As C.F. Not a fancy top-line model, but still built with the typical extremely high quality components and a simple but . Great sound and in excellent condition. If this banjo has some more of the early prewar design features, add $1000-1500.Hope this helps, Dr. Ron. Vega Banjos for Sale, New and Used - banjobarn.com These data were generously provided to the BRC founder in 2000 by the family owned Martin Guitar department of history. It has the famous Vega `Tu-Ba-Phone` tone ring and notched tension hoop both made of bell brass, an ebony fingerboard, and a 10 ply maple rim. These three top-of-the-line instruments were sent to Japan for assembly. Martin in Nazareth, PA, in 1973. It retailed for $345 in the 1971 Vega Martin price list. The 10-1/8" diameter rim has a calf skin head and most of it's original . 2 Tu-Ba-Phone XL long neck. Identification: "A" Style mandolins were symmetrical and shaped like a teardrop. I have an ornate 5 string Martin Vega banjo with pie-plate style resonator. Martin & Co. Organisation, NEEDHAM, MASS. Vega banjos were then marketed in the USA by TMC (Targ & Dinner Music Company). This uniquestyle resonator was verypopular for many years, and it still hasvalue as a vintage part. 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). Vega banjos were marketed in the US thereafter by TMC (Targ & Dinner 20 Century Music Company) via a catalogue published in May of 1979. The description of your banjo serial number 916 is curious, and I will offer my theory about the instrument per the information given. Greg also originally hand made the round hole Tubaphone tone rings, but now they have a fairly well honed machine manufacturing process. Barry. Barry, My Vega VIP 5-string has S/N 2316 painted inside the rim, which I presume means it was assembled by Galaxy in Asia. 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. If in poor condition, Ive seen them sell as low as $3000-4000. From the BRC, Barry. This classic and ornate Vega series dates back to the 1920s but did not appear in the 1970 and 1972 Vega Martin catalogues. Do you know anything of the type of banjo, year of manufacturing and value today? In your e-mail, you mention being told when acquiring the instrument that it was a prototype design. An example of one of these 4-stringers from the 1920`s is still in the C.F. The rhinestones on the flanges, tension bolts, and peghead differ from Peabodys prototype and the later Martin production Vox V models. Bob. Thanks again for your post and pictures and kind comments about the website. Hello. I have a vegavox 4 tenor banjo by Martin . Vega Regent 5 String Banjo (1925) | RetroFret Your T-2 instrument SN 1603 was one of five Tu-Ba-Phone 5 string banjos manufactured in Nazareth, PA, in 1976 shortly before the big luthier strike that compelled C. F. Martin to ship parts overseas for assembly. Subject: Help with ID of Vega Banjo please. I have two 1930 Vegaphones and an earlier Tubaphone conversion, and this VIP is certainly able to hold up its weight tone wise. I play it weekly (weakly) on Monday nights at restaurant in Anaheim, California and love its sound. ANTIQUE S.S. STEWART UNIVERSAL FAVORITE BANJO with INTERESTING HISTORY C $146.35 Give it a try and good luck. Deering (California) now owns the Vega brand name and produces a `Little Wonder` and `Old Tyme Wonder` 5-stringer not unlike your instrument. 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 smaller one has 2 small set screws installed on either side of the rod to adjust the neck heel . Any idea where I might find one? The banjo had a 3 piece maple neck and a signature tubaphone tone ring clearly shown in the pictures that you provided. 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 Life & Times of the Pete Seeger 5-string Folk Banjo - 1958 - 1970. Martin upgraded the maple rim to 10 ply after purchasing the Vega/Boston franchise in May of 1970. Fairbanks Banjos - Serial Numbers and Features by year A part of the C.F. My VIP-5 is SN 1364 and was made about one year after your 5-stringer, and it has a nice mid range tone. Theres precious little information about these instruments online. 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). It is a VEGA MARTIN tenor 4 string on which is written a number: 1040 .On the handle, it is engraved VIP and the back of the handle, there is the CF Martin logo.I want to know the date of construction , its positioning in the range of tenor banjos and possibly the price it may be worth now .Thank you in advance and best wishes !Bernard, BRC Banjo Replies:June 1, 2016 at 2:33 pm, Bonjour Bernard- Your VIP (Very Important Player) tenor banjo serial number 1040 was one of three VIP-T banjos manufactured by C.F. Martin manufactured 100 Pro-5 banjos including the temporary Bobby Joe Fenster variation. With hard case. 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 tone ring holes are grouped in sets of three rather than equally spaced as on a tubaphone ring. Remo Frosted Top Banjo Head, 11 Inch Diameter, Medium Crown (7/16 Inch) $19 USD. Again, thanks for your post. Martin decal on the back of your peghead and on the inner rim. (BTW, foradditional postings select Vega Martin Stories on the homepage menu or enter Vega Martin in the search engine. The last one was produced in early 1975 despite being their very first banjo made that year. A previous owner had deeply scratched a Social Security number into its heel. I cant remember exactly when I bought it but I think it was around the early 70s. All the best from the BRC, Barry. Like my dad, I am a musician and physician and treasure his professional and avocational memorabilia. Also, I can send pictures, if this would help, or just be fun! In 1979, Martin sold the Vega brand to the Asian conglomerate Galaxy. Because so few Pro-5`s were manufactured in Nazareth, it is difficult to gauge the worth of your banjo these days. It is in pristine condition and is clearly a very high quality instrument. 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. From its early Boston beginnings, the Vega Banjo Company made splendidand now vintage instruments, including the Earl Scruggs signature model heendorsed in the 1960s. 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). I orderedit in 1970 through a music store in Norwich , Ct run by Cliff Tidd . This is an early and very nice example of the classic Vega . C.F. By history, C.F. As your banjo bears no C.F. 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. 1969, probably initially at the 40 Leon Street factory the Needham Heights (just before the sale to Martin). Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. I was told by someone at C. F. Martin that they only made 11 of them ( mine is ser # 7 ) . Deering now offers the Tubaphone No. The earliest reported is F&C #1000. Deering owns the Vega brand name nowadays, and its T-2 lists for $4149. Therefore it became dissembled. TH, Tom- Thanks for your query. P.S. The rim is 10 ply maple with a top metal tone ring, nickel-plated metal parts, and a shaded mahogany finish. Published by at 16 de junio de 2022. 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 back of the headstock is blank. This is a super site for banjo players and owners. Further investigation related to your comments in the abovefirst paragraph might shed some light on the wood tone finish differences. From the BRC, Barry, I inquired on Banjo Hangout about information on a Vega banjo acquired from a friend. The highly ornate Vega Vox IV banjo with serial number #1969 was the final officially documented banjo manufactured by C. F. Martin in Nazareth, PA. , circa 1978-79. 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. First let me thank you for this amazing well of information! For a chuckle, see the latest home page entry for BJF details. It was recommended by Bob Smakula that I send some photos to you and that you might have more information. Martin logbook, banjo SN 1450 was an entry level Wonder model 4 string plectrum banjo made in 1975. This fascinating collection of vintage stringed instruments chronicles luthier C.F. Depending upon condition, it is probably worth somewhere around $750 these days. In excellent condition and ready to play. 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. Thanks Again! I have photos.Serial No. vega banjo identification - Aviator Land vega banjo identification - pamelahudson.net Please take detailed photos of your banjo inside and outside. Thanks for your very kind words about the BRC website. John, just an old Missouri banjo picker transplanted in Arizona. Knowing the history of an instrument adds so much to the enjoyment of owning and playing it. This is a beautiful banjo! According to the factory logbook, banjo # 481 was one of eleven PS-5 banjos made per Shop Order # 2155 by C.F. In May of 1970, C.F.