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