Tendonitis After Covid Vaccine, Dublin School Nh Student Death, Shooting In Uxbridge Today, Articles V

SF bay area > east bay > for sale > musical instruments - by owner. Remo Frosted Top Banjo Head, 11 Inch Diameter, High Crown (1/2 Inch) $19 USD. Not a fancy top-line model, but still built with the typical extremely high quality components and a simple but . It listed for $1310 in the 1971 VM price brochure and a carved heel was extra. Be safe, be well. About 20 years ago I had it re-fretted , re-finished , and the gold re-plated . ! - Vintage Vega #2 Gp Thank you, Barry, for the information that allow me to buy this banjo with serenity.VIVE le BANJO and the banjo players! ANTIQUE S.S. STEWART UNIVERSAL FAVORITE BANJO with INTERESTING HISTORY C $146.35 Martin did not publish retail prices after 1971, so my guess is that this up scale model sold back then for around $600. It is not clear why Martin initiated this product line. Despite its puzzling serial number, your instrument is a Tu-Ba-Phone Deluxe 5-string. The last SN from Boston was probably #130049, and the Vega Martin logbook in Nazareth starts with SN 130248. The VW tenor 4 stringer was available in the 1963 and 1966 Vega catalogue, but the plectrum model did not appear in the Boston catalogue until 1968 when it listed for $325. . Barry, I have an open back Vega long neck with C F Martin Co logo on the back of the machine head and inside the rim. Martin decal on the back of your peghead and on the inner rim. 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. I gave alot of money for this, just hoping a made a decent deal. Barry. According to the factory logbook, banjo # 481 was one of eleven PS-5 banjos made per Shop Order # 2155 by C.F. Martin purchased the Vega brand in May in 1970 and just before the factory was transferred to Pennsylvania. vega banjo identification. Since that day in 1989, Deering has breathed new life into the Vega name, blending over a century of tradition with Deering's banjo building expertise, to create a range of heritage rich open back and longneck banjos that are as integral to the modern folk sounds of The Avett Brothers as they were to Pete Seegers personal revolution. The Metropolitan Museum of Art in NYC recently showcased an exhibit of pre-1900 Martin guitars. Vega banjo identification - Discussion Forums - Banjo Hangout Thanks for your query, Barry. set of identifying characteristics can be found at http://www.mugwumps.com. The #24 on the tone ring is probably an assembly feature to separate the V-41 parts from its upscale gold-plated cousin the V-45 top of the line banjo. Congratulations on having two vintage VM banjos, and your gracious comments about the Info site are much appreciated. 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. 6. Thanks again for your query, Barry. Your tenor 4-stringer was built in early 1972 per Shop Order 2051. The 10-1/8" diameter rim has a calf skin head and most of it's original . Thought you might enjoy an article in All Frets from my good friend and American Banjo Museum curator, Johnny Baier, An Ode to the Vega VoxId like to think my bad influences have moved him over to the dark side as he is now a happy owner of his own deep resonator tenor with a calfskin head (it sounds fantastic). Martin briefly built a lightweight tenor banjo between 1923-26 to compete with Vega and other manufacturers whose heavier and more popular banjos had greater tone, volume, and sales. The melody banjo was the equivalent of a 4 string mandolin banjo. 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). There is no #1 Martin banjo listed, but banjos #6-8 were Vega Vox-4-T tenors built per Shop Order 2087. Martin sold the Vega brand to the Asian conglomerate Galaxy Trading Company in March of 1979. Andreas- Thank you for the historical narrative on your banjo and the detailed photographs. The neck has crown-and-football inlays and the Martin logo is on the back of the pegboard. Just bought a martin-vega banjo from an old man in North Carolina. VIP is printed on the truss rod cover. Still as wonderful as the day I got it. Galaxy went bankrupt around 1984 and vanished. In general, the Boston made Pete Seeger long neck banjos seem to command a greater collectors` interest than the ones manufactured in Pennsylvania. On the inner rim of the back cover is another Martin logo and the (embossed in white) number 887. I also did replace all of the cheapish plastic knobs with ivoroid ones of much better quality. 2 Tu-Ba-Phone XL long neck. Your 5 stringer is cited only as Item VDX75C in the 1979 TMC catalog where to retailed for $475. 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. I would like to know a little more about it. What Does My Banjo's Serial Number Tell Me? - Deering Banjo Company I love the story. The evolution of the Professional model dates back to the Boston 1963 Vega catalogue that featured the first Pro model banjo that looked like an inexpensive version of the Earl Scruggs model that Vega offered at that time. You are so kind to provide this great info to all of us banjo geeks. From the BRC, Barry. I am wondering what you can tell me about a Vega long neck banjo with Martin stamp on the back of the headstock and inside, serial number 82? Martin Vega banjo #892 should be a long neck open back Folklore Model manufactured in the latter half of 1973 per shop order 2198. Jim, Jim -Thanks for your query. Can you tell me about it? In 1970, C.F. Anders- Thanks for your query. In the 1972 Martin catalogue, the Professional appears identical to yours, but it is absent from the 1976 catalogue. 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. Typically, the number would be preceded with an A (indicating an adjustable truss rod) followed by a six-digit number. It was manufactured in Nazareth, PA, in mid 1973 per shop order # 2154. Accordingly, 1970-1971 was a year of manufacturing transition from Boston to Nazareth. 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. Martin markings, my impression is that it was put together overseas from left-over Martin parts after the Asian conglomerate Galaxy Trading purchased the Vega brand in 1979. The Folk Ranger was a no-frills entry level banjo that Vega made in response to the folk music revival era. The Vega Ultra Vox V is among the rarest of the limited, special order edition banjos made by either Vega of Boston or Martin. Deering now owns the Vega brand, and it is rumored that they may revive the deep resonator design. Hope this helps and thanks again for your post. Although a mystery to me, this top of the line resonator banjo was introduced by C.F. Idoubt it matches the rim, unless they changed from a plectrum to tenor atlast minute. P.S. I was fortunate enough to visit the Needham factory (actually a cement-block garage-like building) in the mid-late 1960s and saw some early VIPs under construction. Today I purchase Vega PS-5, serial number M-130259. Over a period of several years, the Vega line morphed into a uniquely featured Vega Martin instrument. I will trade for a good Octave Mandolin or Bouzouki Many thanks for your efforts. C.F. Martin students believe that it was a market ploy to attract owners of the legendary Martin D-45 guitar to purchase a partner banjo, but the strategy did not succeed. It is collecting dust since i dont play the banjo and I am thinking of passing it on. Jim _Thanks for your query. Thanks for sharing your fascinating banjo with the BRC, Barry. 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. Vega Regent 5 String Banjo (1925) | RetroFret GREAT FORUM. The smaller one has 2 small set screws installed on either side of the rod to adjust the neck heel . 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. $260 USD. Fender Standard Banjo Hardshell Case Black ,, kemenpppa.go.id 4kjzing@8x47evey1 Vega #2 | Genuine Brass Tubaphone Tone Ring | Banjo.com so it does say Martin on the back and its vega on the front. Mark- Thank you for the very helpful series of photos and your kind comments about the website. 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. thanks for the very informative web site C.F. Hello. The banjo listed for $556 in the 1971 price list without case. 1519. Specs are equal to the popular Gold Tone MM-150 with the addition of three extra frets allowing the banjo to tune to EBEG#B. The Vega Company reportedlyintroduced the first wooden sectioned pie resonator in mid 1923 for their Vega Professional 4-stringer. Its mostly been in storage since I purchased it in the late 1970s. I inherited a Vega 5-string resonator banjo and have been trying to find out additional information about it. It turned out the owner had another banjo that also resembled a Vega but had the same lack of Vega ID, turns our the name "W Fawly" was on the wooden center dowel . I received a letter(martin memo) along with my banjo covering head adjustment, plastic Vegalon heads, string action, bridge and nut and neck rod adjustment dated 8/26/71also a warranty card with the phone number 215-759-2837ask for miketelling me to use string type V750.having wanted one all my adult life, this banjo is the pinnacle of my banjo collecting desires. Thank you. VEGA Vegaphone 'Professional' Tenor Banjo $2,328.30 $131.44 shipping or Best Offer 19 watching Vega Style N Tenor Banjo $799.00 $83.00 shipping or Best Offer 20's Bacon/Day/Vega 4 String Banjo Groovers, Oettinger Tailpiece $3,777.77 Free shipping Vintage Vega Wonder Plectrum 4 String Banjo With Hard Shell Case $1,161.96 Was: $1,399.95 Linda- Thanks much for your query and hearing about your three vintage banjos. Of course she did a beautiful job with it including turning its blond color into a brunette! Vega Pete Seeger Model Longneck Model 5 String Banjo (1961), made in Boston, Mass., serial # 100971, shaded maple finish, laminated maple neck and rim, ebony fingerboard, original black hard shell case. 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 5 different stringed instruments that just keep finding me, and I was nervous to take it apart so I could look at the serial number. Greg also originally hand made the round hole Tubaphone tone rings, but now they have a fairly well honed machine manufacturing process. Martin era. 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. What is a spectrum banjo? Hi guys, great website. Very interesting to get to know all this details. Fairbanks Banjos - Serial Numbers and Features by year Fairbanks Banjos SERIAL NUMBERS A.C. Fairbanks - Maker ~1875 - 1880 Sporadic numbers have been found written in the wooden hoops of 5 of these earliest Fairbanks banjos. Vega banjos were marketed in the US thereafter by TMC (Targ & Dinner 20 Century Music Company) via a catalogue published in May of 1979. I have an ornate 5 string Martin Vega banjo with pie-plate style resonator. FAIRBANKS BANJO MANDOLINE. Jack. In that same period, twenty-one VV IV plectrums were manufactured. With appreciation, Barry. Deering purchased the Vega franchise in1989 restoring the line to greatness. Martin upgraded the maple rim to 10 ply after purchasing the Vega/Boston franchise in May of 1970. . Vega Long Neck Banjo $5,399.00 Vega White Oak Long Neck Banjo 11" from $2,599.00 Vega Kingston Trio Tom Dooley Long Neck Banjo $15,599.00 Vega Woodsongs Campfire Long Neck Banjo $2,399.00 Sold Out Vega Professional 19-Fret Tenor Banjo $7,499.00 Vega Kingston Trio Long Neck Banjo $6,299.00 Vega Kingston Trio - Bob Shane Plectrum Banjo Martin made 101 of the PS-5 instruments which listed for $488 without case in the final V/M price list in 1971. it in 1970 through a music store in Norwich , Ct run by Cliff Tidd . MUSCELL Banjo Strings, Handmade Phosphor Bronze 5-String Banjo Strings Ball End - 3 Packs Medium. Vega Martin manufactured twenty-eight V-41 5 stringers, two V-41 tenors, and only one V-41 plectrum banjo. Wooden pot resonator. Another side note, Greg Deering has made two prototype Voxes alreadyI have played one of them, which is basically an identical design to the 1967 Vox I with a paddle peghead and crown inlays. I am assuming someone may have penciled in an extra 1 on yours, but my best guess is that it was made sometime in the last half of 1963 (A12130 was the first banjo produced in Jan 64). From its early Boston beginnings, the Vega Banjo Company made splendidand now vintage instruments, including the Earl Scruggs signature model heendorsed in the 1960s. 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. What can you tell me about the history and value of this one. The Vega No.2 is a banjo made of top grade curly maple stained light amber and buffed to a high gloss. There are different types of banjos and plenty of new terminology for parts of banjos and playing styles. 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. 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. Kudos to Greg Deering who rescued the Vega brand name from extinction in 1989 and restored it to greatness. A sticker inside says The Vega Co. Boston 15, MASS, Patended USA The serial number is A-125394. Rochester NY 14610. I was told by someone at C. F. Martin that they only made 11 of them ( mine is ser # 7 ) . Hopes this helps. Martin in the 1970s (I have sent you the title page illustrating your instrument). Below are more Letters from the BRC Archives. The build quality is quite immaculate, both wood and hardware. What is it worth today, and what did it sell for when new? Vega banjos were then marketed in the USA by TMC (Targ & Dinner Music Company). A few months later, the old six digit number system was replaced with new sequence starting with #2 and progressing sequentially to a four digit number over the ensuing years. The story he told was that it was a distress sale for a friend, and that the banjo was one of 1000 limited editions and had a solid silver tone ring, and was worth at least twice the price. Your site is a great resource for these instruments by the way. Best of luck and thanks for your query, Barry. Banjo SN 1648 is a `Folk Wonder` model (FW-5) which first appears in the Vega (Boston) catalogue in 1961 per my files. Although mostly a collector`s item these days, the current price range of the V-76 is $2.3-5K. gamefowl breeders in texas; 0 comments. Excellent condition. Posts. The distinct disadvantage to having a rare banjo is finding replacement parts. Vintage Vega Style M Tubaphone Banjo 1921 Boston Mass W Case Inlay TU BA PHONE C $1,714.08 Was: C $1,904.53 or Best Offer SPONSORED Banjo made by Tokai T600R T-600R vintage 5 strings acoustic w/ hardcase C $1,021.01 Free shipping or Best Offer Only 1 left! 17,378. 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. Note below the C.F. PA. Cobra hooks first appear circa 1881 on Fairbanks & Cole banjos. Being a low end instrument, the early FR-5 model had no connecting rod. The description of your banjo serial number 916 is curious, and I will offer my theory about the instrument per the information given. The resonator back and sidewall colored engravings are probably the key feature that might bring more value than lessthere were two likely designs at this time a tiffany-style web pattern with a floral vine on the side (first used in 1930) or the late 1940s Indian blanket Art Deco design.I have an original 1948 model that has the older style neck, with the new resonator designso , its a mixed bag during this time as Vega was experimenting with parts off the shelf when banjo sales were extremely low (maybe 20 per year) and their focus was on guitar and ukulule production instead.Pricing for 4 strings (and 5 strings) have dropped considerably over last 2-3 years for vintage banjosVoxes have held more than others. Unless refinished, the decal on the back alsomakes it post-1972. Martin also made 1976 model D-76 guitars to partner the banjo. post id: 7593773670. posted: 2023-02-27 00:34. 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`. It is in excellent condition but missing a resonator thumbscrew with the threaded washer. 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. Your VW-5 resonator banjo is not to be confused with its cousin the open back FW-5 model Folk Wonder which retailed for $280. The C.F. It took me six months to finally commit to purchasing the Vega-Martin VIP that I brought home today from a local music shop. Vega Tenor Banjo and Case, 1920s | Reverb Oops, Something went wrong. 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). Buy VEGA Banjos and get the best deals at the lowest prices on eBay! Vega Banjos Serial Numbers - spheregenerous By early 1971, Martin began to assemble banjos from Boston-made parts in Nazareth using the Vega six digit serial number system prefixed with the letter M for Martin and beginning with Shop Order 2001. It is not to be confused with the metal pie plate or hubcap resonator manufactured by Elton in the 1930`s. It originally came with an arm rest, rotomatic tuning pegs, and a plastic head. 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. Photos are available. Aspiring players also wonder what makes one banjo better than another. Thanks for your post. I have two Ode long neck banjos, and one of them is my daily practice instrument because of its wife-friendly tone. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit, sed diam nonummy nibh euismod tincidunt ut laoreet dolore magna aliquam erat volutpat. I have sent an e-mail to my Vega Vox consultant Dr. Ron and await his comments and appraisal. My estimate is that your VIP-T would likely fetch in the $700-1100 range these days, and maybe a little more, depending on condition and special appointments. Well, this is a hybrid banjo, and doubtful that is a Galaxy banjo. For those interested in the genealogy of banjo manufacturers, I have included a page summarizing some important relationships between manufacturers, . Martin in Nazareth, PA, in 1973. Like the Tubaphone listed above, this banjo needs a neck reset to be a playable banjo mandolin. The parts of your VIP-5 (Very Important Player) banjo # 130056 were probably manufactured in Massachusetts and assembled in Pennsylvania with a yellow data sticker on the inside rim and maybe C.F. It is a somewhat rare bird, as C.F. My suggestion would be to take you banjo down to the local hardware store and cobble together a workable thumb screw (some have collars) and washer combination. All the very best from the BRC, Barry, Thank you, 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. Vega style k mandolin banjo The VIP-T is a nice mid range banjo model, and I have a VIP-5 which has a pleasant mid range tonal response. 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. Do you have any additional information you could share regarding this instrument? In PACTware software. 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. Micky- Thanks for your narrative on your Pete Seeger long neck. After its Martin Guitar era, the Vega brand name ownership was sold overseas, and the banjo line fellinto obscurity. Services; vega banjo identification The majority of the banjoists appear to be holding examples of the regular Vega electric banjos with dot-inlayed fingerboards and dark wood veneered pegheads. Shortly thereafter, the Martin craftsmen went on strike, and banjo parts were shipped overseas for assembly. From the BRC, Barry. what I know about banjos right now I learned from you!! Martin purchased the Vega company on May 5, 197O. It was one of the last batch of fourteen Wonder 5-stringers made in the USA before C.F. I think Ill go look up a local banjo instructor and take a few lessons. To generally confirm that your banjo is a Nazareth built instrument, check for a C.F. S.C.- Thank you for your query to the BRC. THE BRC THANKS YOU FOR VISITING THE VEGA MARTIN BANJO INFO PAGE. 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. I got an old Vega banjo from my father. Data from these logbooks are available per e-mail request from the BRC founder. Your VW-5 resonator banjo is not to be confused with its cousin the open back FW-5 model Folk Wonder which retailed for $280. No markings saying Martin but looks identical to fancy ones I saw in an old Martin sales flyer. Nowadays, the Pro-5 would fetch around $1000-$1500 depending on condition. I know this is a Vega Martin site, however maybe you can help me or know of someone who can provide me with more information about my dads Vega banjo.It is a 1951 Vega vox iv plectrum with with s/n 98786.What does the iv mean? Again, thank youmuchfor your post. The VIP model featured a unique `audio-sonic` bell brass tone ring, a scrolled peg head with ultra filagree pearl work, engraved pearl inlay in the ebony fretboard, a 10 ply maple rim with a heavy notched tension hoop, geared tuners, a walnut finish, and marquetry around the resonator. 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. In the Martin price list of 1971, it is listed at $488 without case. Tim, Tim- Thanks much for your query. Martin workshop logbook, open back Tu-Ba-Phone 5-string banjo SN 1707 was manufactured in Nazareth, PA, in mid 1976. The only serial number is 1120. Martin Company acquired the Vega rights from the Bostonian Nelson Family in May of 1970 and sold the franchise overseas in March of 1979. 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. Martin factory in Nazareth, PA, parts were shipped overseas to Japan and Canada for assembly. Of historical interest, when Martin initiated its own four digit serial number system in 1972 to replace the Vega six digit system, banjos SN 2-5 were the V-45(5) model. 1930 Vega Tenor Banjo - Pure Banjo Retail price was $1300.00 ; I paid $900.00 . The metal parts were chrome-plated. C.F. For reference, the name of the original owner with serial number should be in the Martin Archives. 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. Eric- Thanks for your kind comments about the website and prompt photos. It was advertised to feature a rosewood veneered rim and resonator trimmed in abalone pearl like the C.F. In the meantime, keep on pickin` that Pro-5. Barry. 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. Recently purchased a Vega Vox iv plectrum banjo. Fairbanks Banjos - Serial Numbers and Features by year Martin in Nazareth, PA. The number will be 6-12 digits long depending on what year it was made. 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. Serial # 1795. Fingerboard engraved pearl inlays in the ebony were going through a transition (modernization) as well, from very elaborate designs that they used since the 1920s to to simplified block styles. 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 larger connecting rod inside the pot is a spare part inherited from the Boston days of the Vega company. The PS-5 is not seen in the 1976 Vega Martin catalog but is replaced by the No. In addition to the unusual R-D-136 serial number, the C.F. It listed back then for $345 without to BRCcase. Best wishes with your VIP and thanks again for your post, Barry. 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. Can you tell me what year this banjo was made and what my aunt could legitimately ask for it? From the BRC, Barry. 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! Deering (California) now owns the Vega brand name and produces a `Little Wonder` and `Old Tyme Wonder` 5-stringer not unlike your instrument. Ive taken a number of hi-res photostoo many to attach to email. Here's a bit of description on the various models: This was also the case for their mandolin banjo lines. Thanks again for your post and pictures and kind comments about the website. Categories . "F" Style mandolins have a carved nautilus shaped curl on the upper left-hand bout. 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. . It looks to have some pretty fancy inlays along the fretboard and some nice detail & trim around the wooden drum. Inside your device. Martin V730 StringsVega struny banjo 5str 10-23,10 - 11109713090 It has almost all the hallmarks of a stock model VIP banjo. Barry.