Joshua- Send me some detailed photos of your banjo inside and out. After Martin sold the Vega line to Galaxy in 1979, this generic mother of pearl pattern remained the same in the VIP model but had double-stripe engraving on it. 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. Identification: "A" Style mandolins were symmetrical and shaped like a teardrop. Despite its puzzling serial number, your instrument is a Tu-Ba-Phone Deluxe 5-string. gamefowl breeders in texas; 0 comments. Although the Martin Company did not manufacture Vega banjos till a century later, a solitary banjo from the mid 19th century is appended to the exhibit to display parallel innovation in the instrument because of its increasing popularity during that era. Great information and even better advice. The Vega serial number files still available do not specify the specific models of banjo manufactured in Massachusetts. Thanks so much! Q: At what point did Vega go from ball end to open end bracket nuts? Thats a lot of information! Deering now owns the Vega brand, and it is rumored that they may revive the deep resonator design. Vega Banjo Identification Professional Had Black. Photos are always welcome, and thanks for your post. 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. I have a Vega Martin five string that my father special ordered around 76-77 Supposedly it was #10 of 10. 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). So there are gaps at the high end of each thousand series -- since Fairbanks I would be grateful if you could inform me when it was made. With the original Hardshell case and the rare Earl Scruggs Tuners or de- tuners if you will. 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. Barry. I appreciate having some of the history around my banjo and will cherish it even more knowing it is somewhat rare. Martin purchased the Vega brand in May in 1970 and just before the factory was transferred to Pennsylvania. The first SN#720 I know is a VW-5 because it has the original hang tag. Look for decals and a serial number on the interior of the rim to help document its story. In 1970, C.F. Is this an old genuine Vega in the lower price class, Sten- Thanks for your query about the FR-5 banjo. Barry, I want to thank you very much for the research on my Vega. i replaced the head but it still sounds the same. Ive taken a number of hi-res photostoo many to attach to email. I have two theories about your instrument. Vega Martin SN 1199 is one of five VIP-T (tenor) banjos made per shop order # 2233 in late 1974 in Nazareth, PA. With appreciation, Barry. Im hoping you can check both in your archives and tell me the going prices. The Vega era PS-5 banjos sell for up to $3-4K these days. (BTW, foradditional postings select Vega Martin Stories on the homepage menu or enter Vega Martin in the search engine. It is not seen in the 1970 transitional Vega/Martin catalogue. Eric- Thanks for your kind comments about the website and prompt photos. 96.90 postage. My estimate is that your vintage instrument is worth $1500-1700. FAIRBANKS BANJO MANDOLINE. 2 for $4149. Martin manufactured 100 Pro-5 banjos including the temporary Bobby Joe Fenster variation. Home; Meet Darlene; ISI Mission; What is Coaching? Data zakoczenia 2022-09-02 - cena 20,90 z 1972 Vega Banjo. Jack. Tuned 1-1/2 steps lower than a standard 5-string banjo, the Maple Mountain Series MM-150LN is set up for the best singing keys. So heres my question. This uniquestyle resonator was verypopular for many years, and it still hasvalue as a vintage part. It retailed for $775 and was probably assembled from parts left over from Nazareth, PA. 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. I do not know anything about banjos but the label inside the rim says VEGA of Boston. I would like to know a little more about it. 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. Martin decal photographed on the back of the VIP Vega peg head. vega banjo identification. Nowadays, the Pro-5 would fetch around $1000-$1500 depending on condition. Photos of the banjo might possibly shed some light on the mystery, if you are so inclined. I cant remember exactly when I bought it but I think it was around the early 70s. 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. 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. There are no other identification markings on the instrument and it definitely does not say Martin anywhere. Vega Tenor Banjo and Case, 1920s | Reverb My personal suggestion, however, is to preserve it as a tangible keepsake of the priceless moments spent with your father years ago. 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. 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. The distinct disadvantage to having a rare banjo is finding replacement parts. After a loooong wait I finally got it in 1971 . I have a vegavox 4 tenor banjo by Martin . 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. 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. Aside a changed bridge it remained un-modified and rarely played until about two years ago, as by the time I had bought it, I more and more began concentrating on the guitar. Replacing a broken flange on a rare and vintage instrument is a tough task. 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. Your VW-5 model Vega Wonder banjo SN 721 was manufactured in Nazareth, PA, in late 1973 per Shop Order 2181. The serial # is 448. Not a fancy top-line model, but still built with the typical extremely high quality components and a simple but . 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. 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. GREAT FORUM. A total of 101 PS-5 instruments were manufactured in Pennsylvania. bouffant scrub cap pattern. Martin & Co. Organisation, NEEDHAM, MASS. Barry, Marc- Thanks much for the prompt and telling photos. First let me thank you for this amazing well of information! The back of the peghead of these rare banjos is imprinted with a C.F. The rich heritage of Vega was derelict for 5 years until Deering rescued it by acquiring rights to the brand name in 1989. 2 Tu-Ba-Phone XL long neck premieres instead. Where is the serial number on a Vega banjo? - chroniclesdengen.com Each of the men is posed in front of a Vega model 131 amplifier, identical to the unit which remains with the banjo today. C.F. used speakers for sale craigslist; pioneer woman carne guisada; vega banjo identification; By . Categories . safety tips; prohibited items; product recalls; After a loooong wait I finally got it in 1971 . He is credited with being one of the first banjo-builders to install side brackets with hooks to adjust the tension of the head. It is in excellent condition but missing a resonator thumbscrew with the threaded washer. Hope this helps and thanks again for your post and e-mails, Barry, Lynne- Thanks for your query. Hello, The ebony fingerboard was on a mahogany neck, and a butterfly adorns the back of the resonator. I think Ill go look up a local banjo instructor and take a few lessons. Bob- Thanks for your query and kind words about my website. Barry. When C.F. The neck has crown-and-football inlays and the Martin logo is on the back of the pegboard. Serial number 115831 on a yellow strip built in Boston Mass.Wondering when it might have been built? 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). In the Martin log book, the last six digit (Vega) serial number was 130392 in 1972 after which began the Martin digits. 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. Vega Tenor Banjo and Case, 1920s | Reverb Oops, Something went wrong. The last Vega Martin banjo manufactured in Nazareth, PA, was SN 1969 as reportedly documented by a letter of authentication signed by C.F. Is it possible to tell me what model or style and year it was built also the value? It was one of the last batch of fourteen Wonder 5-stringers made in the USA before C.F. The tailpiece does not look original, but the dual connecting rods are typical of the Martin design. 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). Any insight would be greatly appreciated. The retail price for this banjo in the 1970 catalogue was $488 without case, and Martin did not published price lists after 1971. Where to find your serial number. The mahogany neck had an ebony fingerboard with distinctive inlays including the peg head. 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. 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. Family owned since 1972, Elderly Instruments is a music store specializing in new, used & vintage guitars, banjos, mandolins, ukuleles and more. vega banjo identification - americanuzbekistan.org This banjo was made by the Vega Company in Boston, Massachusetts, around 1922. The well preserved CFM decals on the rim and back of the peg head clearly document that the parts were made in Nazareth, PA, circa 1974. P.S. The `41` engraved on the tailpiece no doubt refers to the model V-41 designation. I told her to leave cause i thought they were taking advantage of her because of her age. Hey, Ive got a Martin Vega Tubaphone 5 string banjo sn# 1603 that I acquired in the mid-1980s. Martin acquired Vega. Heres a link to a .zip file you can download. Vega banjo identification - Discussion Forums - Banjo Hangout Remo Frosted Top Banjo Head, 11 Inch Diameter, High Crown (1/2 Inch) $19 USD. The Vega Company reportedlyintroduced the first wooden sectioned pie resonator in mid 1923 for their Vega Professional 4-stringer. 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, and the line was discontinued in 1975. The Pro-5 does not appear in the 1976 Vega Martin catalogue. 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. 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 for your post and happy pickin`, Barry. Deering Banjo Company now owns the Vega brand, and you might contact them regarding a custom device if you want parts within the historic Vega lineage. After Martin purchased Vega in 1970, the factory transitioned from Needham Heights to Nazareth, PA. The resonator was hand-painted, and fancy engraved pearl inlays adorned the ebony fingerboard. SF bay area > east bay > for sale > musical instruments - by owner. The rhinestones on the flanges, tension bolts, and peghead differ from Peabodys prototype and the later Martin production Vox V models. 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. 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. 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). Thanks for your query, Barry. Deering now offers the Tubaphone No. nike nationals track and field backpack; 0 comments. 1969, probably initially at the 40 Leon Street factory the Needham Heights (just before the sale to Martin). But with original Whyte Laydie banjo rims being in demand for converting to 5-string instruments, this one is an ideal candidate. Original MRSP $1310 without case (carved neck was also extra). From the BRC, Barry, Barry, i have an extended neck (25 fretts) Vega/Martin banjo with a serial number of 80. Would appreciate any information you can provide to verify the model and any original cost/current value. This workshop numbering system continued uninterrupted to #2355 in 1977 when the banjos went overseas for assembly. I have a vegavox 4 tenor banjo by Martin . Martin factory in Nazareth, PA, parts were shipped overseas to Japan and Canada for assembly. Buckbee(1861-1897) banjos can frequently be identified by their Banjos with pegheads like that shown in the first picture below are usually made by Buckbee. It originally came with an arm rest, rotomatic tuning pegs, and a plastic head. Rettberg & Lange(1898-1920) banjos were initially similar to Buckbee-made 0 bids. For Sale - Vega Earl Scruggs Banjo and Original hard case The serial number is stamped in the wooden rim below the Martin decal. I was told by someone at C. F. Martin that they only made 11 of them ( mine is ser # 7 ) . Good luck and thanks again for your post. 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. Wow! It is the first martin-vega I have ever seen in person, or had in my hands! The PS-5 is advertised in the 1970 and 1972 Vega/Martin catalogues but is absent from the 1976 catalogue where the No. C.F. 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 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. Comparison of Best Banjo Strings Top Picks 2023 Reviews I have sent an e-mail to my Vega Vox consultant Dr. Ron and await his comments and appraisal. They all had yellow serial number stickers. 28 de mayo de 2018. model serial number 1990. This instrument debuted in 1952, and featured a single cutaway body, a distinctive "fire stripe" tortoiseshell pickguard, and a pair of thin blade-style pickups . ). Inside your device. Like the Tubaphone listed above, this banjo needs a neck reset to be a playable banjo mandolin. I have a Martin Vega Banjo, #324. 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. As C.F. Serial numbers became unreliable during that era. 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. Thanks you for this great site. Martin built only 101 PS-5 long necks. By my count, Martin made 16 V-45 banjos that were 5-stringers, 3 plectrums (V45-P), and one (V45-T) tenor model. By that time, parts were being shipped to Canada and Japan for assembly, and record keeping soon deteriorated and serial numbers were inconsistent. vega banjo identification. The Item # was VT2NRC. Hope this helps and thanks again for your post. Martin V740 Strings Vega strun banjo 5-strunowego RETRO 10-23,10 Is 887 also a Pro5? Thanks for sharing your fascinating banjo with the BRC, Barry. Again, thanks for your post. I have had the opportunity to do this only once for a friend who traded some vintage parts with me for an old flange that I had by serendipity on my workshop shelf. Id appreciate your comments please & thanks, Linda. This is an early and very nice example of the classic Vega . 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. Vega Banjos for Sale, New and Used - banjobarn.com Vega Tu-ba-phone Banjo | National Museum of American History Martin also made 1976 model D-76 guitars to partner the banjo. Nowadays, it might fetch around $750 in the online marketplace. Because so few Pro-5`s were manufactured in Nazareth, it is difficult to gauge the worth of your banjo these days. Hope this helps, and thanks again for your post. 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; Vega #2 | Genuine Brass Tubaphone Tone Ring | Banjo.com My estimate would be that this rare and exotic bird might fetch around $1800 or more these days. Banjoman- C.F. Thank You My Dad & I went to our music lessons back to back on Thursday evenings during my teen years some 40 years ago. Informacje o Martin V730 StringsVega struny banjo 5str 10-23,10 - 11109713090 w archiwum Allegro. In the Martin price list of 1971, it is listed at $488 without case. This is a stock neck off a Martin-made tenor from that erathe fingerboardblock inlay is what would be found on only the Vox I or Pro. Vega Banjo Identification - azgardcn The Vega No.2 is a banjo made of top grade curly maple stained light amber and buffed to a high gloss. Although the genesis of your SN and date of manufacture are a puzzlement, it is no mystery that you own a lovely vintage Martin banjo. The circa 1978 brochure that I sent you confirms that your instrument is a Tu-Ba-Phone Deluxe 5 stringer. Im not very knowledgable about banjos so please forgive my terminology. I then discovered my Vega VIP Martin 1972 model #1766, a beautiful banjo which I have played for the past 12 years. vega banjo identification. The Voxes have endured a bit more that others in the market place, however. The only serial number is 1120. Could you tell me where it was built and what its value is today ? Here's a bit of description on the various models: This was also the case for their mandolin banjo lines. Both of these models had block mother of pearl inlays, with fewer inlays appearing on the new scaled-down Pro fretboard. In general, the Boston made Pete Seeger long neck banjos seem to command a greater collectors` interest than the ones manufactured in Pennsylvania. Hope this helps, and all the best picking, Barry. Posts. Your 5 string model was featured in the subsequent 1979 TMC Vega catalogue as an instrument similar to old style Vega Tu- Ba-Phone No.9.. banjo, and it listed then for $1250. 2 classic model. The Vega banjos in the TMC catalogue were identified by serial numbers only with no model titles or nicknames. (They are NOT a 'coded' format.) My estimate is that it might fetch $1800-2000 these days. The Pro model initially featured a Tube-a-phone tone chamber rim which evolved into a tone ring with exclusively designed audio apertures machined into a dogbone/barbell configuration. Excellent condition. Can you identify this rare Vega Martin banjo just by the peghead markings? These days, the Wonder would sell for $700-$1000 depending on condition. I cant find that picture, but Ill see if I can locate it, as someone else may have sent it to me playing the banjo out at afestival in Arizona. 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`. vega banjo identification - Pamela Hudson 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. New and Used Vega Banjos for Sale Search Agent: Get notified when new ads meet your criteria! Deering owns the Vega brand name nowadays, and its T-2 lists for $4149. 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. 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. John- Thank-you for the detailed photos. Mark- Thank you for the very helpful series of photos and your kind comments about the website. 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. Age differences in the instruments might alsoalter the wood tones. 26" Scale Length Serial: #21601 Condition: Excellent Case: gig bag Price: $Reduced Price $1395.00 Read More Gatcomb | Lansing Model #325 Index: 10566 Maker: Gatcomb Year: 1890's Notes: Vega Pete Seeger 5-string Folk Banjo - 1958-1970 - The Canada Site It is not to be confused with the metal pie plate or hubcap resonator manufactured by Elton in the 1930`s. There is no evidence that Vega actually made banjos prior to buying out Fairbanks. 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. 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. $260 USD. Roger- Thanks for your challenging follow-up query. The banjo listed for $556 in the 1971 price list without case. it has five strings and if you would be so kind let me know something about it and if someone you know wants to play it, I guess it would be better off with them; or I will go take lessons I suppose. All the very best from the BRC, Barry, Thank you, Barry. I will trade for a good Octave Mandolin or Bouzouki It did not have a tone ring or simply a steel ring like the Wonder, to keep the cost down. No markings saying Martin but looks identical to fancy ones I saw in an old Martin sales flyer. Thanks from the BRC, Barry, Hi Barry! I have recently acquired from Florida another VEGA Martin VIP model #845, which sounds totally different than the other 2, almost a rich full old timey sound yet with a resonator. so it does say Martin on the back and its vega on the front. The C.F. The Ranger sold for $125 in 1961 and $158 in 1966. There are 13 stars on the banjo fretboard, and there should be a plaque on the back of the headstock. Thanks again for your query. The Eddie Peabody Model was actually made by Vega of Boston from 1966-ca. Hi guys, great website. Although C.F. Banjos were simply stamped 'The Vega Company' From 1913, the firm started using style designations instead of names: * The banjorine (or banjeaurine) was a 5 string banjo, but with a shorter neck like a banjolin It would have been around this time that Tenor Banjos first appeared, as the Tango craze hit America between 1910 and 1914. In your e-mail, you mention being told when acquiring the instrument that it was a prototype design. The use of a brass band on the wood rim also appeared on some models at this time, to improve sound.What would be more telling is the peghead (where strings are attached) design at the time as they were in the process of changing from a scrolled shape to paddle peg head. I have two Ode long neck banjos, and one of them is my daily practice instrument because of its wife-friendly tone. C.F. Linda- Thanks much for your query and hearing about your three vintage banjos. And recently I installed a new Elite head, which made a wonderful difference. 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 workshop logbook, open back Tu-Ba-Phone 5-string banjo SN 1707 was manufactured in Nazareth, PA, in mid 1976. Id like to echo previous comments and thank you for a great, great website, chock full of useful information. Neck and rim look a lot like made by Martin craftsmen, and it arrived set up perfectly. 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. MUSCELL Banjo Strings, Handmade Phosphor Bronze 5-String Banjo Strings Ball End - 3 Packs Medium. It retailed for $345 in the 1971 Vega Martin price list. sir- need some help. Save This Search Your search returned 20 results View Sold and Expired Ads Matching Your Search Enjoy. Vega/Fairbanks open-back banjo designs are exemplary classics. Of course she did a beautiful job with it including turning its blond color into a brunette! - 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 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. Thereafter, C. F. Martin installed a serial number decal on the inner rim beginning with #2 and on through #1945. About 20 years ago I had it re-fretted , re-finished , and the gold re-plated . Thanks again for your time & consideration. Your description of your FR-5 sounds like you have a genuine Boston-made Folk Ranger. The description of your banjo serial number 916 is curious, and I will offer my theory about the instrument per the information given. Your instrument is a tenor arch top 4-stringer made in the early 1980`s. 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. 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 instrument was a special order for banjoist, Jack Mistretta, from Grand Rapids, Michiganwho happened to be a friend of Eddie Peabody. I am a fan of the 27 scale and believe it has much to contribute tone-wise. Your VW-5 would fetch $700-$1000 these days. The Pro-5 model had an improved bell brass tone ring (alas, not silver) with exclusively designed audio apertures, a thick 10 ply wood rim, a double-tension neck rod, a notched brass tension hoop, nickel plated parts, a mahogany shaded finish, and white binding. Idoubt it matches the rim, unless they changed from a plectrum to tenor atlast minute. Banjo SN 1648 is a `Folk Wonder` model (FW-5) which first appears in the Vega (Boston) catalogue in 1961 per my files.
Saint Nathan Catholic, Great Pyrenees Border Collie Mix, Spiritual Uses Of Crude Oil, Mark Elliott Funeral, Articles V