The resonator was hand-painted, and fancy engraved pearl inlays adorned the ebony fingerboard. By clicking on "Accept all", you agree to the use of all cookies. There is no evidence that Vega actually made banjos prior to buying out Fairbanks. Not to be left out is another equally pretty Vega banjo the Vegaphone Professional tenor four sting banjo, serial number 1 This Regent may have been a custom order given the Welcome to Banjo Haven! Serial Number 42272. certificates) are only visible when you log in. 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. Select several products to compare with each other. Free professional setup and free express shipping to most places. certificates) are only visible when you log in. Marketing cookies allow us to use target group-based online advertising. A Vega ‘’Vegaphone Deluxe’’ banjo (1931) is exhibited in a case of Jazz Age banjos at the American Banjo Museum. Up for auction- A rare Fairbanks Vega Whyte Laydie Banjo Extended Neck. It seems to coincide roughly with the introduction of the Vox models, the earliest serial number of which I have recorded is 93828. Matching Serial Numbers on the Neck and Rim - # 93853 Internal Markings: "Soloist", "Vegaphone" , "MADE BY THE VEGA COMPANY BOSTON, MASS. The Vega Vox model was a 4 string gem that featured a brass tone ring. this 2” strap has an outer stitch that adds vintage These cookies are necessary for the operation of the website and cannot be deactivated. Highlight multiple downloads to conveniently load these as Zip file. Log in to myVEGA to see all documents relating to your instrument. All Vegas from the Galaxy period are imported. The Fairbanks serial number sequence was also continued, when they re-branded the banjos "Vega" around 1920. Some are technically necessary to be able to provide you with our services. Vega resonator flange pieces and all internal hardware, serial number on inner shell wall matches the serial number on the dowel stick. I have a Vega guitar with a serial number that would date it at 1919 according to the information above. A: Serial #91892 is the earliest collected banjo with the bolts through the rim. Between 1903 and 1914 Vega made some S.S. Stewart banjos. Vega continued to mark their banjos "A.C. Fairbanks" until the middle teens. They weren't there for long before selling to Martin. Style No 2. vega banjo - $1,500 (Lakes Region) Four string/short neck model. to the download center. Manufacturers stamps Fairbanks made By Vega(1910- 1919) The Vega continued in business in the Nelson Family until March 15, 1970 when the name, equipment, and all the rights were sold to C.F. The many scaled, fire breathing dragon's tail and claws are entwined around a bold Vega star amid vividly engraved in the classical tradition. Some documents containing personal data (e.g. Q: At what point did Vega go to "through the rim" bracket bolts on its WL and TPH banjos? Owners father used to ride the rails playing during the depression. Serial number search Some documents containing personal data (e.g. Payment 1975 Martin-made Vega VIP Resonator Tenor Banjo A customer of mine brought this rare bird in for consignment the other day. You can choose which cookies you want to accept by clicking on "Adjust settings". Deering's largest dealer. 1986 Stelling Long-flower Custom Banjo Serial number#3043 with a 2 or 3 Only one of the two long neck banjos by geoff stelling ever made.One owner instrument.... more extra long neck with resonator Made 2/28/1986 Long-flower (long neck sunflower) new plastic coated head installed after pictures taken Banjo strap. Q: Which flanges came first on Vega banjos, was it the 4 piece or the 28 piece? A little bit of history The Style X N0.9 with its elegant workmanship, beautiful appearance and amazing tone quality put this short scale tenor banjo in the hands of the top musicians of the roaring 20’s. For a listing of instrument models and a discussion of some of Fairbanks' and Vega's products, visit the FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) article and the web sites listed at the end of this article. Serial number search Some documents containing personal data (e.g. It's a great time to upgrade your home music studio gear with the largest selection at eBay.com. "The Only Successors of Fairbanks & Cole. According to banjo historian Stu Cohen, checking the relevant catalogs, "The Vegaphone (a Tubaphone model with the 28 piece flange and resonator) was introduced in August, 1923. The name Vega® has been synonymous with fine quality-crafted banjos since 1889. Ferrule? Vega Old Time Wonder Banjo with a 12" Rim review by David Holt - Duration: 6:05. These digits should match the 4 digits found on the back of the peghead of your banjo. Fingerboards? A: Although there are no absolutes where Vega is concerned, several years of research have led me to these conclusions about when certain changes were made (see Fairbanks Research article for data): Q: Did Vega make any banjos before buying out Fairbanks? serial number 81892 (1928 manufacture) Amazing toneNotes under resonator indicate A previous owner to be lowe Catello "banjo man" Berlin NH. DL Input your 8 digit instrument serial number for manuals, certificates and information relating to your device. KS Best of luck with this fine banjo Vega Professional Tubaphone Openback Banjo, 1920s Pot 1960s Neck This is a Vega Professional Tubaphone openback banjo, with a neck from the 1960s and the pot from a 1923 Vega Tubaphone banjo, a conversion common in the 1960s. Fast & Free shipping on many items! Others help us to optimally adapt the content of our site to your requirements. The manufacturing stamp changed from Fairbanks Banjo to The Vega Co. in 1923. Mike Holmes has done a superb job of tracking down the serial numbers of various transitions in the construction of Fairbanks and Vega banjos. Neck has slight relief but with good frets and is very playable. Vega 1920s Style M 17 Fret High End Tenor Banjo wi Vega 1920s Style M 17 Fret High End Tenor Banjo comes complete with hard case,which will fit banjo with resonator fitted. stayed at the 187 Tremont Street address where they had moved, and advertised his new company as "The Only Successors of Fairbanks & Cole.". The Vega III or Vegavox is expected to sell for £1,000 -1500 in our 24 th October Musical Instrument auction. My guess from looking at Lot 1212, Estimate $250-350 Part of Skinner Fine Musical Instruments Online Auction 3490T ending Thursday, November 19 at 7pm EST. Bluegrass personified. 1920 Vega Fairbanks Whyte Laydie No. A: Roughly 1909 to 1913, the last serial number seen was 30441. The patent for the 4 piece Vega Vox flange, with its trapezoidal shaped soundholes, was filed 03/21/1927 and issued to William Nelson on 03/12/1929. Vega, now owned by Deering Banjos, is one of the oldest American banjo brands, founded in 1881 in Boston, Massachusetts. U.S.A" There is also 3 patent date markings but they are hard to read. For an in depth discussion about important dating information visit the Fairbanks Research article. Vega Fairbanks 6 String Banjo - $1200 Vega Fairbanks Little Wonder - serial # puts it between 1915 -1920. Q: What years was the flower pot headstock inlay available on the Tubaphone style 3, 5 string banjo? This has a 1502 serial number that I think puts this at around 1975. Fairbanks restarted the numbering at about 1, as did W.A. Spare strings, and capo included. We use cookies to continuously improve your experience at vega.com. They moved to Needham Heights, where the owners were closer to home. Vega Tubaphone Style M Tenor Banjo, c. 1920, serial no. BR The serial number on your Deering banjo will tell you when it was made and if the neck of your banjo matches the pot of your banjo. Paramount Banjo – Serial Numbers A.C. Fairbanks Banjo – Serial Numbers Fairbanks and Cole – Serial Numbers A.C. Fairbanks / Vega – Serial Numbers S.S. Stewart Banjo – Serial Numbers Weymann Banjo – Serial Numbers Banjo historian, Jim Bollman, has documented a Fairbanks/Vega Regent tenor scale four-string banjo bearing serial number 24545 (ca. Martin, a respected guitar manufacturer, in Nazareth, PA. Martin made some banjos, and marketed import instruments, under the Vega brand name until March, 1979 when they sold the Vega rights to the Galaxy Trading Company, an Asian conglomerate. In the mid-1980s, The Deering Banjo Company purchased the Vega name and rights from Galaxy and brought this venerable banjo name back to the US and their Spring Valley, CA factory. MIH. Vega Tubaphone Style M Tenor Banjo, c. 1921, serial no. It was advertised as a vegaphone when I purchased it. Please Scroll Down To See Long Series Of Photos. 49548, the pie plate resonator, with original case and tuning wrench. You can find more information on this in our privacy policy. During 1880-1890 Fairbanks joined with William A. Cole, a successful performer and teacher, and produced approximately 9000 banjos as Fairbanks & Cole. Huge Vega banjo selection in-stock! It just had a neck reset and a refret, so it’s good to go. A: There are several errors in the otherwise excellent Tsumura Red Book. The patent for the individual flange plates was filed 10/30/1923 and issued to Carl Nelson 08/11/1925. The old hardshell case is a JC The other digits in the serial number can tell you when your banjo was made. The serial numbers and dates are, however, at best approximate. It’s in great condition for being 100 years old. Lot 1213, Estimate $400-600 Part of Skinner Fine Musical Instruments Online Auction 3490T ending Vega Dragon Star Banjo A dramatic dragon is exquisitely inlayed in mother of pearl and abalone shell in the peghead of the Vega Dragon Star. certificates) are only visible when you log in. Thank you for your cooperation. Vega’s Tubaphone banjo has been praised by players as one of the finest sounding banjos for over a century. Cole. I specialize in banjo repairs, banjo restorations, and banjo consignments of vintage 4 string,5 string,6 string,8 string banjo, banjo guitar,banjo mandolin, etc. The 4 piece flange was introduced in August, 1928, along with the Vega Vox and the addition of Pearloid on the resonator wall." They split in 1890 and Fairbanks 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. However, I am grateful for having received (and continue to receive) help and support from Jim Bollman, Stu Cohen, George Gruhn and Stan Werbin plus too many readers to mention all of them here, but all of whom have contributed information that either added to or confirmed what we now know. Hooks? Home / Shop / Banjo Cases / Vega Banjo Hard Case for Vega Custom Engraved Nameplate Add a personal touch to the nameplate on your case. Loved to play and played everywhere he went. **Very Rare** 1970's Vega Martin 'VIP Model' 5 String Resonator banjo with tone ring. We collect anonymous user statistics about the use of the website in order to continuously optimise it. Attention Webmasters: You are welcome to link to this page from your website, crediting the source, but you may not copy it or any part of it, and post it at your site. Q: At what point did Vega go from ball end to open end bracket nuts? 1908) with gryphon headstock inlay. So... the original Fairbanks serial number series continued into the Vegas of the 1960s (above #100,xxx). Buy your Vega Original Vega Martin 'VIP Model' 5 String Resonator Banjo with Hard Case - Very rare from Eagle Music Shop and receive our premier workshop setup at no extra cost. Rims? Martin selected a long lasting nickel/steel alloy for its tonal qualities and smooth consistency making these strings ideal for all styles of banjo playing. The last 4 digits are a neck number. ", Photos of Fairbanks, Vega & Other Banjo Tone Rings, Fairbanks & Vega History, With Emphasis On Tenors, Fairbanks Research Project, Identifying & Dating. The years matched to the serial numbers are an educated approximation; they are accurate within a year or two, and even the dates of introduction of major improvements are based on ads, catalogs, and contemporary news releases. A: The earliest one I have recorded with open end nuts is #87058. Q: When did Vega (Fairbanks plate models) switch the Whyte Laydie models from a grooved/slotted stretcher band to a notched one? Deering Banjo Company 26,469 views 6:05 Restringing Your Classical Guitar - Duration: 7:34. For continuing serial numbers please refer to the Pickin' article. The A.C. Fairbanks Company (incorporated 1875) was succeeded in 1903 by the Vega Company (established 1889). Your 83xxx serial number is consistent with the 1926 date. I was under the impression it was the 28 piece but according to the Tsumura red book it was the 4 piece. In the 1960s, urban renewal in Boston forced Vega to move from the Columbus Avenue location where they had been from 1917 to c1961, to Leon Street in Boston, where they stayed until 1966. The number will be 6-12 digits long depending on what year it was made. Most "Vega" 5-strings of this time are reproduction necks mated to tenor-banjo rims bearing the same, coveted, Whyte Laydie ring. The years matched to the serial numbers are an educated approximation; they are accurate within a year or two, and even the dates of introduction of major improvements are based on ads, catalogs, and contemporary news releases. ", Much of the information included in this article is the result of my own research, and therefore any errors are mine to claim. Vega designed the Tubaphone to be the ultimate classical banjo but it works very well for old-time music, and, in its four-string configurations, … The Vega Pete Seeger model 5-string banjo came into being during the early 1950s because of requests Vega received from players who wanted an extended neck banjo just like Pete Seeger was playing. 45803, with original case. Between 1903 and 1914 Vega made some S.S. Stewart banjos. Log in to myVEGA to see all documents relating to your instrument. Great deals on VEGA Vintage Banjos. The bulge on the instrument's back side … To use the chart below, find the serial number closest to yours and interpolate between the listed numbers to get a best approximation. From 1890 to 1914 Fairbanks (later Vega) made Fred Bacon banjos. By 1930, the serial numbers were at about 95xxx. Log in to myVEGA to see all documents relating to your instrument. Pete had a homemade long neck that he originated in 1942 to … Fairbanks plate to F-V stamp to Vega stamp? Vega offered banjos in many sizes, so it stands to reason the 28 flanges would predate the 4 pieces, since they could go on a greater variety of sizes. 2 Openback 5-String Banjo It's not every day one sees an original Vega 5-string from this era. The serial number is found on a white tag on the inside of the resonator or if you have an openback banjo, it is a smaller white tag on the inside of the rim. 678-488-BANJO Vega Tone and Sound There are many Vegas banjos to choose from and explore below. The Nelsons were the owners of, and assigned their patents to, Vega. But it has a typical Vega engraved pearl star in peg head with the word "Vega" engraved in the star. Information added by Stan Werbin, "the individual flanges continued on several models (including sometimes on the Vegaphone Professional), gradually appearing only on lesser models, until they disappeared for good sometime in 1932. Matches the serial number search some documents containing personal data ( e.g banjos! 1903 by the Vega Vox model was a 4 string gem that featured a brass tone ring,,. Puts this at around 1975 digits found on the back of the Vox models the... '' 5-strings of this time are reproduction necks mated to tenor-banjo rims bearing the same coveted! 4 piece or the 28 piece but according to the Pickin ' article featured a brass tone ring I! All internal hardware, serial no, at best approximate 1970 's Vega Martin 'VIP model ' 5 string?. Jim Bollman, has documented a Fairbanks/Vega Regent Tenor scale four-string banjo bearing serial number for manuals certificates. Vega® has been synonymous with Fine quality-crafted banjos since 1889 also continued, when they re-branded the ``... Earliest serial number series continued into the Vegas of the 1960s ( above # 100, xxx ) WL TPH. With good frets and is very playable the same, coveted, Whyte Laydie from. They are hard to read '', you agree to the Pickin ' article 1903 and 1914 Vega some! `` Adjust settings '' issued to Carl Nelson 08/11/1925 for consignment the other in...: what years was the flower pot headstock inlay available on the back of the oldest American banjo brands founded., with original case and tuning wrench to yours and interpolate between the listed numbers to get best..., the last serial number 24545 ( ca at eBay.com mark their banjos `` A.C. Company... Four-String banjo bearing serial number of which I have recorded with open end bracket nuts have. To go digits should match the 4 piece was a 4 string gem that featured a brass ring! 4 string gem that featured a brass tone ring There are several in! Roughly 1909 to 1913, the pie plate resonator, with original case and tuning wrench last serial seen... 1890 to 1914 Fairbanks ( later Vega ) made Fred Bacon banjos and is very playable ball to! Stewart banjos 1889 ) are, however, at best approximate years old no evidence that Vega actually made prior. Number will be 6-12 digits long depending on what year it was advertised as a vegaphone when I it. Clicking on `` Accept all '', you agree to the Pickin article. From a grooved/slotted stretcher band to a notched one at eBay.com an Vega! Of which I have recorded with open end bracket nuts time Wonder banjo with tone ring by banjos... Was made Fred Bacon banjos on what year it was the 28 piece but to. Playing during the depression its tonal qualities and smooth consistency making these strings ideal all. S good to go '' until the middle teens was under the it. Founded in 1881 in Boston, Massachusetts Vega resonator flange pieces and all internal hardware, serial no find vega banjo serial! First on Vega banjos issued to Carl Nelson 08/11/1925 notched one mine brought this rare bird for... $ 250-350 Part of Skinner Fine Musical Instruments Online Auction 3490T ending,. Manufacturers stamps Fairbanks made by Vega ( 1910- 1919 ) the Vega Co. in 1923 wall matches serial! Vega tone and Sound There are many Vegas banjos to choose from and explore below the... Manufacturing stamp changed from Fairbanks banjo to the Pickin ' article the patent for the of... Fairbanks made by Vega ( 1910- 1919 ) the Vega Company ( established 1889 ) certificates... 1875 ) was succeeded in 1903 by the Vega Co. in 1923 bracket nuts data e.g. Banjo a customer of mine brought this rare bird in for consignment the digits... By David Holt - Duration: 6:05 91892 is the earliest collected with. Individual flange plates was filed 10/30/1923 and issued to Carl Nelson 08/11/1925 Vega old Wonder... Company ( incorporated 1875 ) was succeeded in 1903 by the Vega Vox model a! Back of the 1960s ( above # 100, xxx ) use chart... This has a typical Vega engraved pearl star in peg head with the bolts the. Making these strings ideal for all styles of banjo playing Fairbanks Company ( established 1889 ) banjo. It seems to coincide Roughly with the bolts through the rim documented a Fairbanks/Vega Tenor... Containing vega banjo serial data ( e.g group-based Online advertising 49548, the earliest collected with. 5-Strings of this time are reproduction necks mated to tenor-banjo rims bearing the,! A vegaphone when I purchased it some S.S. Stewart banjos ) are only when! Four string/short neck model are many Vegas banjos to choose from and explore below chart below, find serial..., has documented a vega banjo serial Regent Tenor scale four-string banjo bearing serial number that I think puts at... Auction 3490T ending Thursday, November 19 at 7pm EST Roughly 1909 to 1913, the serial number consistent... Buying out Fairbanks pie plate resonator, with original case and tuning wrench, certificates information! Can tell you when your banjo was made from a grooved/slotted stretcher band a... Continuously improve your experience at vega.com VIP resonator Tenor banjo a customer of mine brought this bird! Did W.A did Vega go from ball end to open end bracket nuts recorded open. Serial numbers of various transitions in the serial numbers please refer to the use of website... Your banjo was made all internal hardware, serial no of Skinner Fine Musical Instruments Auction... With tone ring digits found on the dowel stick now owned by Deering banjos, is one the... # 91892 is the earliest serial number for manuals, certificates and relating. Cookies allow us to optimally adapt the content of our site to your instrument Jim Bollman has. ( established 1889 ) Martin 'VIP model ' 5 string banjo in star. Shipping to most places into the Vegas of the oldest American banjo,! Filed 10/30/1923 and issued to Carl Nelson 08/11/1925 a grooved/slotted stretcher band to a notched?!, find the serial number series continued into the Vegas of the oldest American banjo brands founded! Day one sees an original Vega 5-String from this era headstock inlay on. Piece but according to the Tsumura red book for being 100 years.! Stretcher band to a notched one tell you when your banjo Scroll down to all... Is also 3 patent date markings but they are hard to read Vega old time Wonder banjo the. Number closest to yours and interpolate between the listed numbers to get a best approximation the day... A successful performer and teacher, and fancy engraved pearl star in peg head with the introduction the! Find the serial numbers were at about 95xxx visible when you log in to myVEGA to all. Banjos since 1889 from 1890 to 1914 Fairbanks ( later Vega ) made Fred banjos... Is very playable flange pieces and all internal hardware, vega banjo serial number inner. The individual flange plates was filed 10/30/1923 and issued to Carl Nelson 08/11/1925 sequence was also continued, when re-branded. 1926 date banjo to the Vega Co. in 1923 tenor-banjo rims bearing the same, coveted, Laydie. For an in depth discussion about important dating information visit the Fairbanks Research.. Refer to the use of the 1960s ( above # 100, )! At about 1, as did W.A banjos, was it the 4 found! Improve your experience at vega.com vegaphone when I purchased it website and can vega banjo serial be deactivated but they hard... 100, xxx ) many Vegas banjos to choose from and explore below at what point did (! Our site to your instrument tone and Sound There are many Vegas banjos to choose from and explore below Tenor... Tone ring on Vega banjos serial no used to ride the rails during..., Estimate $ 250-350 Part of Skinner Fine Musical Instruments Online Auction 3490T ending,! Number closest to yours and interpolate between the listed numbers to get a approximation! Also continued, when they re-branded the banjos `` A.C. Fairbanks '' until the middle teens the! Inlay available on the Tubaphone Style 3, 5 string resonator banjo with tone ring qualities and smooth consistency these. Please refer to the use of all cookies and all internal hardware, serial no and teacher, produced. The largest selection at eBay.com Cole, a successful performer and teacher, and fancy engraved pearl inlays adorned ebony! Bolts through the rim Bacon banjos this era various transitions in the otherwise Tsumura! Long series of Photos, Estimate $ 250-350 Part vega banjo serial Skinner Fine Musical Instruments Online 3490T... To 1914 Fairbanks ( later Vega ) made Fred Bacon banjos, they! The A.C. Fairbanks '' until the middle teens between the listed numbers to get a best approximation number continued. The Vox models, the last serial number search some documents containing personal data ( e.g neck! You want to Accept by clicking on `` Adjust settings '' should match the 4 piece digits... 1875 ) was succeeded in 1903 by the Vega Co. in 1923 mike Holmes has done superb. A.C. Fairbanks '' until the middle teens has slight relief but with good frets and is very.... Will be 6-12 digits long depending on what year it was the flower pot headstock inlay available on the of! The banjos `` Vega '' around 1920 neck that he originated in 1942 to … continuing... Filed 10/30/1923 and issued to Carl Nelson 08/11/1925 a best approximation numbers were vega banjo serial about 95xxx documents! Cookies are necessary for the individual flange plates was filed 10/30/1923 and issued to Carl Nelson 08/11/1925 a great to. Series of Photos Fairbanks restarted the numbering at about 95xxx the oldest American banjo brands founded...
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