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Bass Man - Posted - 04/26/2012: 19:31:25
My father owned this Martin Vega banjo that he bought new in 76. Supposedly, it is 10/10 in the world. The back of the body has a butterfly inlay ... 2/10 had a butterfly, while the rest had unicorns. The bell brass tone ring and body both match with the serial code 1795. If anyone has any info, I'd appreciate it as I'd like to fully insure it.
This was the bicentennial banjo from Martin. I'll load some pictures tomorrow.
Edited by - Bass Man on 04/26/2012 19:48:47
wuzapicker - Posted - 04/26/2012: 19:45:40
It sounds like you may have a Martin Vega V45. I have read they only made 22 of them. They had a Mastertone flat head tone ring instead of a Vega Tu-Ba-Phone descendant like the VIP model and VOX of the same era. But I have seen them listed for about $4000 used for sale.
I don't follow Vega banjos closely and must rely on those who do. So I may stand to be corrected here. But in the way of researching one's passion banjo brand, one learns about other brands as well.
mikehalloran - Posted - 04/26/2012: 22:07:12
>Supposedly, it is 10/10 in the world.>
No such thing exists the way that you describe it. No Martin built Vega model numbered 10.
It is best to post pictures since, from your description, the banjo cannot be identified.
>This was the bicentennial banjo from Martin<
Nope. The V-76 Bicentennial banjo numbered 76 production plus 16 employee models. The production models had a plaque stating #_ of 76 - this is not found on the employee models.
Post pictures!
The Old Timer - Posted - 04/27/2012: 07:06:47
If it's gold plated and engraved, with a lovely torch inlaid in the peghead, it's a V-45. The nickel plated version was the V-41. Gruhns has one now on their website if you want to look at their photo to compare to yours.
The bcentennial V-76 had 13 small stars inlaid in the fingerboard for the 13 original states, and very different pot design than the V 41 and 45. Actually a more traditional VEGA pot like a VIP. Quite a bit "plainer" than the 41 and 45.
mikehalloran - Posted - 04/27/2012: 09:44:55
The V-76 Bicentennial:
mikehalloran - Posted - 04/29/2012: 07:27:00
Hmmmmm... we never heard back.
I am strongly suspecting that the OP has a Galaxy Vega. They always made some fancy ones for the NAMM shows that show up now and then. I have seen a few of these with Martin labels slapped on over the years. It's easy to tell from pictures, however.
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