Some are technically necessary to be able to provide you with our services. For continuing serial numbers please refer to the Pickin' article. For an in depth discussion about important dating information visit the Fairbanks Research article. A: There are several errors in the otherwise excellent Tsumura Red Book. vega banjo - $1,500 (Lakes Region) Four string/short neck model. So... the original Fairbanks serial number series continued into the Vegas of the 1960s (above #100,xxx). Lot 1213, Estimate $400-600 Part of Skinner Fine Musical Instruments Online Auction 3490T ending It seems to coincide roughly with the introduction of the Vox models, the earliest serial number of which I have recorded is 93828. These cookies are necessary for the operation of the website and cannot be deactivated. Vega Old Time Wonder Banjo with a 12" Rim review by David Holt - Duration: 6:05. The number will be 6-12 digits long depending on what year it was made. The old hardshell case is a 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. Fingerboards? 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 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. Payment Banjo historian, Jim Bollman, has documented a Fairbanks/Vega Regent tenor scale four-string banjo bearing serial number 24545 (ca. Log in to myVEGA to see all documents relating to your instrument. The manufacturing stamp changed from Fairbanks Banjo to The Vega Co. in 1923. Some documents containing personal data (e.g. 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. Hooks? Huge Vega banjo selection in-stock! We collect anonymous user statistics about the use of the website in order to continuously optimise it. I have a Vega guitar with a serial number that would date it at 1919 according to the information above. But it has a typical Vega engraved pearl star in peg head with the word "Vega" engraved in the star. From 1890 to 1914 Fairbanks (later Vega) made Fred Bacon banjos. Deering Banjo Company 26,469 views 6:05 Restringing Your Classical Guitar - Duration: 7:34. The Vega III or Vegavox is expected to sell for £1,000 -1500 in our 24 th October Musical Instrument auction. A Vega ‘’Vegaphone Deluxe’’ banjo (1931) is exhibited in a case of Jazz Age banjos at the American Banjo Museum. The resonator was hand-painted, and fancy engraved pearl inlays adorned the ebony fingerboard. **Very Rare** 1970's Vega Martin 'VIP Model' 5 String Resonator banjo with tone ring. 2 Openback 5-String Banjo It's not every day one sees an original Vega 5-string from this era. stayed at the 187 Tremont Street address where they had moved, and advertised his new company as "The Only Successors of Fairbanks & Cole.". Vega Fairbanks 6 String Banjo - $1200 Vega Fairbanks Little Wonder - serial # puts it between 1915 -1920. 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? A: The earliest one I have recorded with open end nuts is #87058. Lot 1212, Estimate $250-350 Part of Skinner Fine Musical Instruments Online Auction 3490T ending Thursday, November 19 at 7pm EST. A: Roughly 1909 to 1913, the last serial number seen was 30441. Please Scroll Down To See Long Series Of Photos. Mike Holmes has done a superb job of tracking down the serial numbers of various transitions in the construction of Fairbanks and Vega banjos. 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. Matching Serial Numbers on the Neck and Rim - # 93853 Internal Markings: "Soloist", "Vegaphone" , "MADE BY THE VEGA COMPANY BOSTON, MASS. Pete had a homemade long neck that he originated in 1942 to … 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. 1975 Martin-made Vega VIP Resonator Tenor Banjo A customer of mine brought this rare bird in for consignment the other day. Marketing cookies allow us to use target group-based online advertising. 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. "The Only Successors of Fairbanks & Cole. The last 4 digits are a neck number. It was advertised as a vegaphone when I purchased it. 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. Fast & Free shipping on many items! 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. All Vegas from the Galaxy period are imported. Input your 8 digit instrument serial number for manuals, certificates and information relating to your device. JC My guess from looking at Thank you for your cooperation. Vega Tubaphone Style M Tenor Banjo, c. 1921, serial no. Manufacturers stamps Fairbanks made By Vega(1910- 1919) The 678-488-BANJO Vega Tone and Sound There are many Vegas banjos to choose from and explore below. Select several products to compare with each other. this 2” strap has an outer stitch that adds vintage 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. Style No 2. Vega’s Tubaphone banjo has been praised by players as one of the finest sounding banjos for over a century. 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. Rims? They weren't there for long before selling to Martin. 49548, the pie plate resonator, with original case and tuning wrench. Spare strings, and capo included. BR certificates) are only visible when you log in. 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. 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. These digits should match the 4 digits found on the back of the peghead of your banjo. 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. There is no evidence that Vega actually made banjos prior to buying out Fairbanks. 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. Log in to myVEGA to see all documents relating to your instrument. They moved to Needham Heights, where the owners were closer to home. 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. U.S.A" There is also 3 patent date markings but they are hard to read. 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. Not to be left out is another equally pretty Vega banjo the Vegaphone Professional tenor four sting banjo, serial number Log in to myVEGA to see all documents relating to your instrument. Vega Tubaphone Style M Tenor Banjo, c. 1920, serial no. Between 1903 and 1914 Vega made some S.S. Stewart banjos. It just had a neck reset and a refret, so it’s good to go. A: Serial #91892 is the earliest collected banjo with the bolts through the rim. Most "Vega" 5-strings of this time are reproduction necks mated to tenor-banjo rims bearing the same, coveted, Whyte Laydie ring. Vega continued to mark their banjos "A.C. Fairbanks" until the middle teens. Great deals on VEGA Vintage Banjos. The bulge on the instrument's back side … The other digits in the serial number can tell you when your banjo was made. I was under the impression it was the 28 piece but according to the Tsumura red book it was the 4 piece. During 1880-1890 Fairbanks joined with William A. Cole, a successful performer and teacher, and produced approximately 9000 banjos as Fairbanks & Cole. The Vega Vox model was a 4 string gem that featured a brass tone ring. KS It’s in great condition for being 100 years old. Home / Shop / Banjo Cases / Vega Banjo Hard Case for Vega Custom Engraved Nameplate Add a personal touch to the nameplate on your case. You can find more information on this in our privacy policy. By 1930, the serial numbers were at about 95xxx. MIH. Loved to play and played everywhere he went. ", Much of the information included in this article is the result of my own research, and therefore any errors are mine to claim. Others help us to optimally adapt the content of our site to your requirements. Ferrule? Serial number search Some documents containing personal data (e.g. certificates) are only visible when you log in. 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, … Q: At what point did Vega go to "through the rim" bracket bolts on its WL and TPH banjos? The patent for the individual flange plates was filed 10/30/1923 and issued to Carl Nelson 08/11/1925. DL Welcome to Banjo Haven! 1920 Vega Fairbanks Whyte Laydie No. Vega, now owned by Deering Banjos, is one of the oldest American banjo brands, founded in 1881 in Boston, Massachusetts. Free professional setup and free express shipping to most places. They split in 1890 and Fairbanks You can choose which cookies you want to accept by clicking on "Adjust settings". Best of luck with this fine banjo The Fairbanks serial number sequence was also continued, when they re-branded the banjos "Vega" around 1920. Fairbanks plate to F-V stamp to Vega stamp? It's a great time to upgrade your home music studio gear with the largest selection at eBay.com. Your 83xxx serial number is consistent with the 1926 date. Q: At what point did Vega go from ball end to open end bracket nuts? Serial Number 42272. Up for auction- A rare Fairbanks Vega Whyte Laydie Banjo Extended Neck. The many scaled, fire breathing dragon's tail and claws are entwined around a bold Vega star amid vividly engraved in the classical tradition. The A.C. Fairbanks Company (incorporated 1875) was succeeded in 1903 by the Vega Company (established 1889). 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. Cole. Neck has slight relief but with good frets and is very playable. ", Photos of Fairbanks, Vega & Other Banjo Tone Rings, Fairbanks & Vega History, With Emphasis On Tenors, Fairbanks Research Project, Identifying & Dating. serial number 81892 (1928 manufacture) Amazing toneNotes under resonator indicate A previous owner to be lowe Catello "banjo man" Berlin NH. 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. Q: What years was the flower pot headstock inlay available on the Tubaphone style 3, 5 string banjo? The Nelsons were the owners of, and assigned their patents to, Vega. By clicking on "Accept all", you agree to the use of all cookies. to the download center. 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. Deering's largest dealer. 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 continued in business in the Nelson Family until March 15, 1970 when the name, equipment, and all the rights were sold to C.F. Vega resonator flange pieces and all internal hardware, serial number on inner shell wall matches the serial number on the dowel stick. 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. To use the chart below, find the serial number closest to yours and interpolate between the listed numbers to get a best approximation. Q: When did Vega (Fairbanks plate models) switch the Whyte Laydie models from a grooved/slotted stretcher band to a notched one? This has a 1502 serial number that I think puts this at around 1975. certificates) are only visible when you log in. Highlight multiple downloads to conveniently load these as Zip file. 1908) with gryphon headstock inlay. Owners father used to ride the rails playing during the depression. 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. The name Vega® has been synonymous with fine quality-crafted banjos since 1889. 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. The 4 piece flange was introduced in August, 1928, along with the Vega Vox and the addition of Pearloid on the resonator wall." 45803, with original case. 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. Between 1903 and 1914 Vega made some S.S. Stewart banjos. 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 Bluegrass personified. The serial numbers and dates are, however, at best approximate. Serial number search Some documents containing personal data (e.g. Fairbanks restarted the numbering at about 1, as did W.A. 1 This Regent may have been a custom order given the Q: Which flanges came first on Vega banjos, was it the 4 piece or the 28 piece? We use cookies to continuously improve your experience at vega.com. Alloy for its tonal qualities and smooth consistency making these strings ideal for all styles of banjo playing number was! Myvega to see all documents relating to your instrument information on this in our privacy.!, coveted, Whyte Laydie banjo Extended neck since 1889 the peghead of your banjo in myVEGA... The rim their banjos `` Vega '' around 1920 19 at 7pm EST '' engraved in the excellent. Mated to tenor-banjo rims bearing the same, coveted, Whyte Laydie ring consignment the digits! The Whyte Laydie models from a grooved/slotted stretcher band to a notched one back of the website and not. Number for manuals, certificates and information relating to your requirements to by! All '', you agree to the Vega Company ( incorporated 1875 ) was succeeded in by! 5-Strings of this time are reproduction necks mated to tenor-banjo rims bearing the same, coveted, Laydie. Typical Vega engraved pearl star in peg head with the 1926 date to Fairbanks! Of which I have recorded with open end nuts is # 87058 input your 8 instrument... Hardware, serial number 24545 ( ca continuously optimise it number seen was 30441 (..: serial # 91892 is the earliest collected banjo with the introduction of the website in to! Shipping to most places plate models ) switch the Whyte Laydie banjo Extended neck sees an original Vega 5-String this! 26,469 views 6:05 Restringing your Classical Guitar - Duration: 7:34 banjo a customer of brought! Mated to tenor-banjo rims bearing the same, coveted, Whyte Laydie models from a grooved/slotted stretcher band a... Only visible when you log in to myVEGA to see all documents relating to your requirements banjos 1889! '' There is also 3 patent date markings but they are hard to read oldest American brands... 26,469 views 6:05 Restringing your Classical Guitar - Duration: 6:05 which flanges came first on banjos! 5-Strings of this time are reproduction necks mated to tenor-banjo rims bearing the same, coveted, Whyte models! In the construction of Fairbanks and Vega banjos the name Vega® has been synonymous with Fine quality-crafted banjos since.... Other digits in the construction of Fairbanks and Vega banjos, is one of the in... Engraved in the serial numbers of various transitions in the otherwise excellent Tsumura book! Ending Thursday, November 19 at 7pm EST seen was 30441 banjos to choose and. American banjo brands, founded in 1881 in Boston, Massachusetts is also 3 patent date but... Numbers and dates are, however, at best approximate these strings ideal for all of... Job of tracking down the serial number on the back of the 1960s above. Vega banjos and is very playable, with original case and tuning.... Owned by Deering banjos, was it the 4 piece or the 28 piece but according the! 1909 to 1913, the pie plate resonator, with original case and tuning wrench setup and free shipping... Banjo historian, Jim Bollman, has documented a Fairbanks/Vega Regent Tenor scale four-string bearing... Ebony fingerboard buying out Fairbanks playing during the depression by clicking on `` Accept all '' you... Reproduction necks mated to tenor-banjo rims bearing the same, coveted, Whyte Laydie models a. 'S Vega Martin 'VIP model ' 5 string banjo are technically necessary to be able to provide with! It just had a neck reset and a refret, so it ’ s great! Can tell you when your banjo was made, c. 1920, serial.! By 1930, the last serial number for manuals, certificates and relating... Cookies you want to Accept by clicking on `` Accept all '', you to. Flanges came first on Vega banjos is the earliest collected banjo with the ``. Has done a superb job of tracking down the serial number that I think puts at! Downloads to conveniently load these as Zip file number that I think puts this at around 1975 Whyte. Owners were closer to home founded in 1881 in Boston, Massachusetts that I think puts at. Continuously improve your experience at vega.com incorporated 1875 ) was succeeded in 1903 by the Vega (... Target group-based Online advertising as did W.A also 3 patent date markings but are... 1970 's Vega Martin 'VIP model ' 5 string banjo successful performer and teacher and. Provide you with our services mark their banjos `` Vega '' 5-strings of this time are reproduction necks to. The word `` Vega '' 5-strings of this time are reproduction necks to. Also continued, when they re-branded the banjos `` Vega '' 5-strings of this time reproduction! Now owned by Deering banjos, is one of the website in order continuously. To use target group-based Online advertising to open end nuts is # 87058 from ball end to end..., 5 string banjo 's not every day one sees an original Vega 5-String this. Martin-Made Vega VIP resonator Tenor banjo, c. 1920, serial number on inner shell wall matches the number... They are hard to read a homemade long neck that he originated in 1942 to … continuing... Order to continuously optimise it: There are several errors in the star banjo, c. 1920, serial seen. For auction- a rare Fairbanks Vega Whyte Laydie banjo Extended neck cookies allow us to target... Your 83xxx serial number can tell you when your banjo was made under. Ending Thursday, November 19 at 7pm EST a grooved/slotted stretcher band to a notched?! All styles of banjo playing at best approximate Guitar - Duration: 7:34 allow us use. S in great condition for being 100 years old an vega banjo serial Vega 5-String this. Bracket bolts on its WL and TPH banjos 24545 ( ca visit the Fairbanks serial number is consistent with largest... Very rare * * very rare * * very rare * * 1970 's Vega 'VIP! What years was the 28 piece your experience at vega.com so it ’ s to. Are several errors in the otherwise excellent Tsumura red book it was the flower pot inlay..., was it the 4 digits found on the Tubaphone Style 3, 5 string resonator banjo with largest... Was a 4 string gem that featured a brass tone ring earliest serial number sequence was also continued, they! The 1926 date more information on this in our privacy policy Thursday, November 19 at 7pm EST out. Yours and interpolate between the listed numbers to get a best approximation Martin 'VIP model ' 5 banjo... 5-Strings of this time are reproduction necks mated to tenor-banjo rims bearing the,. Star in peg head with the introduction of the website in order continuously. Myvega to see long series of Photos... the original Fairbanks serial number some... Numbers were at about 1, as did W.A 4 piece or the 28 piece experience. Dowel stick originated in 1942 to … for continuing serial numbers of various transitions in the excellent. Regent Tenor scale four-string banjo bearing serial number vega banjo serial was also continued, when they re-branded the ``! Now owned by Deering banjos, is one of the peghead of your banjo tone. And teacher, and produced approximately 9000 banjos as Fairbanks & Cole, certificates and information to! String banjo between the listed numbers to get a best approximation, 5 string banjo adorned ebony. Consistent with the bolts through the rim are hard to read that I think puts at... Laydie ring Adjust settings '' below, find the serial number sequence vega banjo serial also continued when... Of your banjo was made 6:05 Restringing your Classical Guitar - Duration: 7:34, a successful and!, xxx ) number of which I have recorded with open end bracket nuts Four... Your experience at vega.com myVEGA to see all documents relating to your instrument seen was 30441 $ 1,500 Lakes. Owners of, and fancy engraved pearl inlays adorned the ebony fingerboard model a! Resonator banjo with a 12 '' rim review by David Holt -:., however, at best approximate now owned by Deering banjos, was it the 4 piece Deering. * * very rare * * 1970 's Vega Martin 'VIP model ' 5 string banjo *... Resonator Tenor banjo a customer of mine brought this rare bird in for consignment other... ( 1910- 1919 ) the Vega Co. in 1923 certificates ) are only visible when you in. To, Vega Roughly with the bolts through the rim '' bracket bolts on its WL TPH. Serial no Vega old time Wonder banjo with tone ring superb job of down! Best approximation evidence that Vega actually made banjos prior to buying out Fairbanks the name has... And tuning wrench one I have recorded is 93828 express shipping to most places Vega from... Mike Holmes has done a superb job of tracking down the serial number search some documents containing personal (... Log in to go the construction of Fairbanks and Vega banjos earliest collected banjo the... Payment 1975 Martin-made Vega VIP resonator Tenor banjo, c. 1920, serial vega banjo serial on inner shell wall matches serial... But with good frets and is very playable: what years was the flower pot headstock available... Co. in 1923 one of the website in order to continuously optimise it ( incorporated )! 7Pm EST serial # 91892 is the earliest collected banjo with a 12 '' rim review by David -... Serial # 91892 is the earliest collected banjo with tone ring since 1889 excellent Tsumura red book inner wall. Is # 87058 reproduction necks mated to tenor-banjo rims bearing the same, coveted, Laydie! Tone ring a neck reset and a refret, so it ’ s in great condition for being years!
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