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In your e-mail, you mention being told when acquiring the instrument that it was a prototype design. 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). Please try again. How much would it be worth? very carefully, I did and its four digits # 1450. it looks very good to me as far as the condition, its just old and kind of dirty. 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. Thanks for the photo of your Vega/Martin Pro-5 banjo. I dont know much about banjos because Im a guitar man myself. The peg head engraving and paint motif matched the resonator. Martin Company acquired the Vega rights from the Bostonian Nelson Family in May of 1970 and sold the franchise overseas in March of 1979. Like the Tubaphone listed above, this banjo needs a neck reset to be a playable banjo mandolin. The differentiating feature is the deeper resonator than the VIP/Pro II/Osborne/Scruggs Mk II/Bobby Joe Fenster standard resonator modelsnot quite as deep as the Vox and not top tension (standard hook and nut with Pro II flanges). In the Martin price list of 1971, it is listed at $488 without case. Best of luck and thanks for your query, Barry. - ORDERS OVER $199 SHIPPED TO THE CONTINENTAL U.S. Add to cart SKU: 2959 Categories: 5-String Openback Banjos, Banjos, Vega Description Additional information Reviews (1) Shipping, Returns & Exchanges About this Banjo The only serial number is 1120. My personal suggestion, however, is to preserve it as a tangible keepsake of the priceless moments spent with your father years ago. And recently I installed a new Elite head, which made a wonderful difference. It may have been removed some time before I got it. Your banjo appears to be a hybrid assembled sometime in the 1980`s after C. F. Martin sold the Vega franchise overseas to the Galaxy conglomerate in 1979. All the best from the BRC, Barry. Location. It listed back then for $345 without to BRCcase. Ive owned one for 30 yrs though I dont play it very well. The Pro II model was advertised in the 1966 Vega catalogue with an up-graded and fancy mother of pearl inlay pattern as seen on your banjo. My Dad left me a Martin VegaIm thinking I want to pass it on to someone wholl play it and care for it more than I can. This uniquestyle resonator was verypopular for many years, and it still hasvalue as a vintage part. Identification: "A" Style mandolins were symmetrical and shaped like a teardrop. Data zakoczenia 2022-09-02 - cena 20,90 z Do you know how many tenor V41 banjos were made? The inside of the banjo is also blank except for the painted serial number 2207. The banjo shown here (serial number M130316) was the second Ultra Vox V built in 1971, shortly after C.F. Be safe, be well. I have had the opportunity to do this only once for a friend who traded some vintage parts with me for an old flange that I had by serendipity on my workshop shelf. Martin made 101 of the PS-5 instruments which listed for $488 without case in the final V/M price list in 1971. The use of a brass band on the wood rim also appeared on some models at this time, to improve sound.What would be more telling is the peghead (where strings are attached) design at the time as they were in the process of changing from a scrolled shape to paddle peg head. The new longneck was design to match the original neck in style and looks while also using some of Vega's Pete Seeger model as influence. No M130097 Model: Wonder 5 St. Martin Vega Banjo Strings Features: Tin-plated steel core is responsive, lively, and resilient Nickel alloy wrap wire is consistently smooth and tonally flexible for a variety of playing styles 4-string tenor gauge is mellow and warm and accents low to midrange frequencies Tech Specs Number of Strings: 4 String Material: Tin-plated Steel What can you tell me about the history and value of this one. Photos of the banjo might possibly shed some light on the mystery, if you are so inclined. Yes, the VVI banjos have the same inlay pattern as the VM Pro (Professional) 5 string model. The VIP-T is a nice mid range banjo model, and I have a VIP-5 which has a pleasant mid range tonal response. Hello, I have enjoyed reading your posts on Vega-Martin banjos. Martin stamp. Martin- Thank you for your query and very useful photos. Also, Deering uses a 3-ply 1/2 rock maple rim, compared to the 5/8 10-ply rim typically found in most Martin Nazareth produced Voxes in the 1970s. Is has a hard case with blue interior. I actually picked up a banjo that had a resonator that was sitting on the shelf in that 1970-72 period as Martin was transitioning and shutting down the factory there. The openbacks are made entirely of white oak and feature a midnight maple fingerboard and peghead overlay. 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. 2 for $4149. It did not have a tone ring or simply a steel ring like the Wonder, to keep the cost down. Of note, banjo SN 136 manufactured in 1972 was a Vega Vox I plectrum and not a 5-stringer like yours. Tony Trsichka wants Greg to make a 5-string model, much like Vega did on very rare occasions in the late 1950s/early 1960s. He wanted to buy it! All the very best from the BRC, Barry, Thank you, Barry. What A great and informative site .. Reverb Homepage Contact Support 539673d7daac40d5a6fd870a259b9813 Shop Gear Categories Brands Shops Deals and Steals Price Drops 0% Financing New and Popular Handpicked Collections Sell on Reverb He on his banjo and me with my guitar. Martin upgraded the maple rim to 10 ply after purchasing the Vega/Boston franchise in May of 1970. 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. Ive attached a photo of that Coat of Arms resonator next to my Vox Vit was a spare they had made for Eddie Peabody. This is a beautiful banjo! Not quite as universally imitated as, say, Stradivari's violins or Martin's dreadnought guitars, but close. The tone ring is stamped 24, and the tail piece is stamped 41. The banjo listed for $556 in the 1971 price list without case. 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). Services; vega banjo identification Categories . I really appreciate your orientation. ), though, as said earlier, neck and rim look a lot like Martin quality. I have sent an e-mail to my Vega Vox consultant Dr. Ron and await his comments and appraisal. A nice banjo- enjoy. Hope this helps and thanks again for your post. From the BRC, Barry. Guess I stated it wrong, not really carvings, just in lays. After the original owner, Jack Mistretta, passed away in 1998, this banjo found its way to Japan, where noted jazz-banjoist, Ken Aoki, featured it for many years in his touring act. Of course she did a beautiful job with it including turning its blond color into a brunette! The tiny screws adjacent to it are an adaptation by the Vega franchise to afford fine-tuning of the side-to-side alignment of the neck. Nam liber tempor cum soluta nobis eleifend option congue nihil imperdiet doming id quod mazim placerat facer possim assum. Of note, the PS-5 had the `famous Vega Tube-a-phone tone ring rim`, a 3 piece ebony fingerboard, pearl dots, a neck-tension rod, nickel-plated rim parts, a shaded mahogany neck, and a 10 ply maple rim. Despite showing its age as a workhorse performance instrument with extensive wear-and-tear, a friend of mine in San Diego purchased this one-of-a-kind banjo in Vega and Martin history in 2007 and had it beautifully restored to its current condition by the American Banjo Hall-of-Fame member, Renee Karnes. The Vega 1961 flyer and 1963 catalogue describe that the Earl Scruggs model had a sunburst finish on the resonator. Martin also made 1976 model D-76 guitars to partner the banjo. An example of one of these 4-stringers from the 1920`s is still in the C.F. 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. I am a fan of the 27 scale and believe it has much to contribute tone-wise. A couple of years ago I started to develop increased interest in clawhammer style, and with all the lessons available online nowadays, finally Im finding myself back on the tracks. Cited in the Vega price list of 1971, the last one VM published, the retail price tag was $488 without case. John, John- Thank you much for your kind words about my website and letting my readers share in your joy of procuring a VM Pete Seeger long neck 5-stringer (PS-5). While published accounts indicate that only 18 plectrums and 3 tenors were made in this series, Martin company officials have shared information from current records that one-third were simply shop orders that were never actually completed in the post-strike period. Thank you. ), Wim- Congratulations on procuring such a lovely vintage instrument. Although the genesis of your SN and date of manufacture are a puzzlement, it is no mystery that you own a lovely vintage Martin banjo. The Martin Co. sold the Vega franchise to the Asian conglomerate `Galaxy Trading Company` in 1979, and thereafter Vega banjos were manufactured in South Korea. Im not very knowledgable about banjos so please forgive my terminology. It is a Four-String Banjo, Tu-ba-phone Model No. Martin, but I do not detect such an identifying decal near the serial number on the interior of the rim. Vega/Fairbanks open-back banjo designs are exemplary classics. Can you identify this rare Vega Martin banjo just by the peghead markings? Martin was winding-down its banjo production, the metal engraving was subcontracted to Liberty Banjos. !Gary, Gary- Thanks for your query. 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. Vega serial #s between 99369 and 99686, when the switch from the Vega stamp to printed yellow labels seems to have occured. For a chuckle, see the latest home page entry for BJF details. Have a great weekend as well. It is a beauty. 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. SF bay area > east bay > for sale > musical instruments - by owner. About 20 years ago I had it re-fretted , re-finished , and the gold re-plated . This did include the instalment of a Fiberskyn head to mellow down the tone somewhat, of a geared 5th string tuner, and of a (very nice) tailpiece to replace the chrome plated Waverly (everything else nickel). These were used on the Wonder, VIP,Folklore, etc (non-Pro II, V-45, V-41 styles). Thanks so much! I knew nothing about it until I found this site. Im mostly a guitar player. 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! The V-45(5) featured a heavy one-piece flat head tone ring of brass so popular among Bluegrass pickers. Where is the serial number on a Vega banjo? 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. Thanks you for this great site. Martin upgraded the maple rim to 10 ply after purchasing the Vega/Boston franchise in May of 1970. In the Martin log book, the last six digit (Vega) serial number was 130392 in 1972 after which began the Martin digits. After 20 years, the wear and tear on a refinished instrument may reduce the value further. With hard case. Your aunt`s banjo sounds like a stock model, so I would estimate that it would fetch $400-$700 on the open market. 22 frets. Wow, I glad to find your website! Martin did not publish suggested retail prices after 1971, but I would estimate the V-76 sold for around $7-800 with case. Can you tell me what year it was made and by whom? Martin built 561 VW-5 banjos in the 1970`s.You can learn more about this VM instrument by browsing my website for the postings on 6-19-21 and 1-16-21, or just enter the word `wonder` in the search engine. model serial number 1990. Martin, and the line was discontinued in 1975. 403.80. The larger connecting rod inside the pot is a spare part inherited from the Boston days of the Vega company. I have a Vega V.I.P. The last Vega Martin banjo manufactured in Nazareth, PA, was SN 1969 as reportedly documented by a letter of authentication signed by C.F. 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. If someone could help her post it on eBay, it would probably get a decent price and a good home. Deering purchased the Vega franchise in1989 restoring the line to greatness. Maybe, another observant reader will offer a discerning observation for us sometime. Having read the posts above I see that this is most likely not the case! 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. By history, C.F. In the Vega Martin price list of 1971, the last publication in which VM retail prices were cited, the VM-5 was listed at $345 without case. From the BRC, Barry, Sir: What kind of info can you give me on a V-76E banjo, Ser. Retail price was $1300.00 ; I paid $900.00 . Martin built only 31 of the V-41 instruments: 28 of the V-41-5 model like yours, 1 plectrum and 2 tenor 4-stringers. In the Martin SN files, banjo #1302252 manufactured in 1971 is designated as a BJF-5 (Pro) style instrument. Buy VEGA Banjos and get the best deals at the lowest prices on eBay! Many thanks and keep pickin & grinning. Your comments about the color tone differences of Vega/Boston vs. Martin/Nazareth resonator banjos are curious, and I do not have an accurate answer for it. Martin historian Mike Longworth. Your Vega Wonder (VW) plectrum banjo SN 129 was one of six `VW-Plec` 4 string banjos made in Nazareth, PA, by C. F. Martin per Shop Order #2105 in mid 1972. It`s a sweet long neck, and I wish I had one. Barry. The finish was shaded mahogany, and the metal rim parts were nickel plated. 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? Thanks from the BRC, Barry, Hi Barry! VINTAGE VEGA TENOR BANJO, 1930, RESONATOR, 19 FRET, CLEAN. ANTIQUE S.S. STEWART UNIVERSAL FAVORITE BANJO with INTERESTING HISTORY C $146.35 You banjo parts were probably shipped in 1977 to Japan for assembly where all serial number assignments were in disarray. It originally came with an arm rest, rotomatic tuning pegs, and a plastic head. 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. It looks like a well-preserved and fun mid range banjo waiting to be enjoyed by an appreciative musician like yourself. Fairbanks and Vega banjo numbers are consecutive, and have no DIRECT relationship to the model, or production date. Your VW-5 with SN 1519 was manufactured in Nazareth, PA, in 1976 per Shop Order 2285. Martin did not develop or cultivate such a banjo line, a dozen such BJF-5 entries are recorded in their shop files from 1971-1972. Can you tell me more like age and value? What a wealth of information! Martin Vega Banjo Strings Features: Tin-plated steel core is responsive, lively, and resilient Nickel alloy wrap wire is consistently smooth and tonally flexible for a variety of playing styles Medium gauge for full-bodied tone and strong midrange response Tech Specs Number of Strings: 5 String Material: Steel Winding Material: Nickel Alloy Recently purchased a Vega Vox iv plectrum banjo. C.F. In general, the Boston made Pete Seeger long neck banjos seem to command a greater collectors` interest than the ones manufactured in Pennsylvania. The F-VIP is first mentioned briefly on a front page of the 1970 Vega Martin catalogue, and it retailed for $490 in the VM price list of 1971. The melody banjo was the equivalent of a 4 string mandolin banjo. The V-41 was available by special order only, and it listed back then for $850. In my files, the PS-5 is seen in a Vega (Boston) flyer in 1961 where it lists for $309. 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. Id like to echo previous comments and thank you for a great, great website, chock full of useful information. I have a vegavox 4 tenor banjo by Martin . In my files, the PS-5 model first appears in a 1961 Vega product flyer from Boston, but it may have been manufactured there starting in 1958. On the neck, there usually should be a pencil written serial number at theheel where it meets the rim (at least all my Martins have one there). Hope this helps and thanks again for your post. It retailed for $775 and was probably assembled from parts left over from Nazareth, PA. Neck and rim look a lot like made by Martin craftsmen, and it arrived set up perfectly. Im assuming this is the serial number, which would put me right next to Mark, who owned #888 in previous comment 6. Thanks again for your post. The Folk Ranger was a no-frills entry level banjo that Vega made in response to the folk music revival era. Lastly, the banjo could be cleaned-up and refitted at a local music shop, or referred by the shop to a nearby luthier for repairs; and you would have a workable starter banjo for taking some exploratory music lessons. Martin Vega Banjo 5-Strings, Medium Gauge (V740) Check Price at Amazon. It appears to be serial number 231 (engraved). Your site is a great resource for these instruments by the way. The C.F. They are on the second and 3rd strings and allow that Buck Trent kind of thing. Remo Frosted Top Banjo Head, 11 Inch Diameter, High Crown (1/2 Inch) $19 USD. Hope this helps and best wishes from the BRC, Barry. Hope this helps and thanks for your post. Vega Regent Model 5 String Banjo (1925), made in Boston, Mass., natural varnish finish, laminated maple rim and neck, ebony fingerboard, black hard shell case. Im hoping I can find a V41 pot. Jon- Thanks much for your kind comments about the website. It sounds like your banjo is maybe a hybrid made overseas after 1976-1977 when Vega Martin parts were shipped to Japan and later Canada for assembly. The Style K was Vega's least expensive banjo-mandolin, not having a "tone ring" installed, unlike the pricier Tu-Ba-Phone and Whyte Laydie models. Thats a lot of information! C.F. After its Martin Guitar era, the Vega brand name ownership was sold overseas, and the banjo line fellinto obscurity. Thanks for letting us see this fascinating and unique instrument. Barry. It has no rod in the drum. The tailpiece does not look original, but the dual connecting rods are typical of the Martin design. fender american professional ii vs ultra. There were forty-six Vega Martin V-45 banjos made of similar design, but the hardware was gold-plated. On PLICSCOM menu under 'Information'. I have a seperate label thats still in the case showing the serial # 1199. These days, the Wonder would sell for $700-$1000 depending on condition. Im happy to find Banjorehab as it is the first site Ive seen to have useful information on Vega-Martin banjos. By the mid 1960`s, it was usually manufactured with a connecting rod. Vega banjos were marketed in the US thereafter by TMC (Targ & Dinner 20 Century Music Company) via a catalogue published in May of 1979. The banjo features a rim and resonator rosewood veneered with white binding, The tone ring was brass, and there was abalone pearl around the back edge of the resonator. Tom- Thank you for the prompt and detailed photos of your instrument. It is a top-of-the-line banjo that was paired with the reissued D-45 Martin guitar as a marketing strategy. It is not clear why Martin initiated this product line. i replaced the head but it still sounds the same. 1921 Vega Style L Whyte Laydie Mandolin Banjo. Tim, Tim- Thanks much for your query. Fender Standard Banjo Hardshell Case Black ,, kemenpppa.go.id 4kjzing@8x47evey1 Martin in the 1970s (I have sent you the title page illustrating your instrument). C.F. Thank you so much!! In excellent condition and ready to play. Close study of the flange can sometimes reveal, however, that it is left-over Vega hardware from the Needham Heights factory. It listed for $1310 in the 1971 VM price brochure and a carved heel was extra. Its a Vega VIP with the Martin Co. logo on the back of the peg head. I cant find that picture, but Ill see if I can locate it, as someone else may have sent it to me playing the banjo out at afestival in Arizona. First let me thank you for this amazing well of information! I bought a Vega Martin 5 string some time in 2000. Good luck and thanks again for your post. The serial numbers for the overseas-produced instruments were in the 2000+ range in sequence with the last official VM banjo manufactured in Nazareth, PA, which bore #1969. I then discovered my Vega VIP Martin 1972 model #1766, a beautiful banjo which I have played for the past 12 years. The C.F. Aspiring players also wonder what makes one banjo better than another. The 1971-72 VM log books show 22 VIP banjos (most 5-stringers with a few tenor and plectrums) bearing the 6 digit Boston serial numbers, and thereafter the SN`s convert to digits #1 through #1969. Maybe, the R-D prefix stands for Research and Development. Martin acquired Vega. Your VW-5 would fetch $700-$1000 these days. . Martin made 101 of the PS-5 instruments which listed for $488 without case in the final V/M price list in 1971. Just found you today . The PS-5 is not seen in the 1976 Vega Martin catalog but is replaced by the No. 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. The banjo had a 3 piece maple neck and a signature tubaphone tone ring clearly shown in the pictures that you provided. From the BRC, Barry. The label indicates the banjo was made in Needham, MA, but the Vega company was owned by the CF Martin guitar company. It is not seen in the 1970 transitional Vega/Martin catalogue. After Martin purchased Vega in 1970, the factory transitioned from Needham Heights to Nazareth, PA. By that time, parts were being shipped to Canada and Japan for assembly, and record keeping soon deteriorated and serial numbers were inconsistent. Good luck, thanks much for your post, and great to hear from you again, Barry. Here's a bit of description on the various models: This was also the case for their mandolin banjo lines. Thank-you for your kind words about my website, and all blessings to you and yours this coming holiday season. When C.F. I have a Vega Martin five string that my father special ordered around 76-77 Supposedly it was #10 of 10. It is important to note that there are exceptions to every rule and the following is only a general guide for identifying Gibson "A" Style mandolins. Vega Martin models (1970-1979) are less of a collector`s item and fetch about half that price range. Although mostly a collector`s item these days, the current price range of the V-76 is $2.3-5K. This workshop numbering system continued uninterrupted to #2355 in 1977 when the banjos went overseas for assembly. Congratulations on having two vintage VM banjos, and your gracious comments about the Info site are much appreciated. $260 USD. Any insight would be greatly appreciated. Cobra hooks first appear circa 1881 on Fairbanks & Cole banjos. 0 bids. The Wonder series of instruments featured a metal tone ring, white fingerboard binding, a heavy notched tension hoop, a 10 ply rim, a 3 piece maple neck, a blackwood fingerboard, pearl dots, an armrest, and a factory-installed resonator with four section metal tone flanges. (#26) Dr. Ron about " Vega Vox V: The Vega Martin Apogee of 4 String Banjos", A Lone (Pre Vega Martin ) Banjo at the Art Museum, https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/14ES67V1VHbMR-GfbQpvWWGD1RUJrtyTv?usp=sharing. The year 1970-1971 was a time of transition of tools and parts from Boston to Nazareth, PA. Again, thanks for your post. Do you know anything of the type of banjo, year of manufacturing and value today? Martin also made 1976 model D-76 guitars to partner the banjo. Your mellowed 1963 SR-5 sold for $400 in the 1963 Vega catalogue, and it was advertised to feature a brilliant tone back then. 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. Your tenor 4-stringer was built in early 1972 per Shop Order 2051. C.F. There are 13 stars on the banjo fretboard, and there should be a plaque on the back of the headstock. Deering now owns the Vega brand, and it is rumored that they may revive the deep resonator design. Go online to `Images for Vega Folk Ranger banjo and enjoy (but don`t confuse your FR-5 with its cousin the Folk Wonder model FW-5). Martin began shipping parts overseas for assembly. It retailed for $345 in the 1971 Vega Martin price list. He is credited with being one of the first banjo-builders to install side brackets with hooks to adjust the tension of the head. There is a star on the 5th fret. Vega Kingston Trio Tom Dooley Long Neck Banjo, Vega Kingston Trio - Bob Shane Plectrum Banjo, Reutschi | Kruger Bell Bronze Tone Ring(Unplated). bouffant scrub cap pattern. Deering (California) now owns the Vega brand name and produces a `Little Wonder` and `Old Tyme Wonder` 5-stringer not unlike your instrument. Landis- Thanks for your post. Fairbanks & Cole 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. June 7, 2022; homes for sale by owner in berwick, pa . Deering now owns the Vega line and offers open-back Tubaphones in their inventory. I have an ornate 5 string Martin Vega banjo with pie-plate style resonator. Martin built only 101 PS-5 long necks. The Pro model initially featured a Tube-a-phone tone chamber rim which evolved into a tone ring with exclusively designed audio apertures machined into a dogbone/barbell configuration. Martin workshop log book, your V-45-5 serial number 327 banjo was manufactured in Nazareth, PA, in early 1973 per Shop Order 2138. The Seeger endorsed 5-stringer had the famous Vega Tube-a phone tone ring, a three piece ebony fingerboard, pearl dots, a neck-tension rod, a 10 ply maple rim, and a brass bracket band and notched tension hoop. With appreciation, Barry, S.C.-Thank you for the prompt and detailed photos of your banjo. C.F. I recently had a luthier friend do setup on it and he found the pot metal rim flange to be broken and wont allow me to have the head at proper tension. Great sound and in excellent condition. 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. . Congratulationsand, welcome to the VegaVox family! Your VM-5 Wonder banjo SN 720 was manufactured in 1973 per Shop Order 2181. I recently took my Dads 4 string banjo out of storage after approximately 25 years since his passing. 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. Hello and thank you so much for your hard work and dedication. Hopes this helps and thanks again for the detailed pictures. These three top-of-the-line instruments were sent to Japan for assembly.