I came across this banjo in an estate. I think I have a gold mine, but I do not know anything about banjos. And, I do not want to be taken advantage of at a music store. Any help as far as the value of this would be greatly appreciated.
I know it's a Vega Pete Seeger. It has a brand new head (and two used) and lots of new strings. And, the original Vega brochure from 1969.
The values I find online are all over the place from $2,000 to more than $5,000. And, that is typically just for the banjo, no original replacement parts. Can anyone help me?
Ask 2,600.
Expect to GET 2,200-2,400.
How can anyone guestimate a value just based on those pics?
Sorry to disappoint you....
But you are not sitting on a gold mine...LOL
quote:
Originally posted by Chippy77I came across this banjo in an estate. I think I have a gold mine, but I do not know anything about banjos. And, I do not want to be taken advantage of at a music store. Any help as far as the value of this would be greatly appreciated.
I know it's a Vega Pete Seeger. It has a brand new head (and two used) and lots of new strings. And, the original Vega brochure from 1969.
The values I find online are all over the place from $2,000 to more than $5,000. And, that is typically just for the banjo, no original replacement parts. Can anyone help me?
You stated that it has a new head,
and...new strings. That really has
no discernable value to a buyer.
You need to have someone check
the neck angle and frets. This banjo
may need some set-up work!
Good luck!
John Albert above nailed it.
If it is all original and in excellent playing condition, ask 2500-2600 for it and expect to get about 2000+ for it with a long wait to sell. The extra parts don’t add any real value. One item of concern is the fret wire in the case. Is there an issue with the neck?
Prices you are seeing online are dealer prices which are generally much higher than private sale prices.
Best place to list it for sale is here on this web site. You will find the most potential buyers for that particular instrument.
If you can post better pictures, with the instrument out of the case, full front, full back and the label, clear pictures, many here might be able to revise those numbers.
Not quite a gold mine, but if you didn’t pay much for it, you probably did OK.
Thank you! I will get some better pictures. Is there a fee to sell on this forum/web site? I think y'all all know what you're looking at. I didn't want to go to ebay because of the fees.
Yes, the fee to sell here (last time I sold something) was 2% of selling price or $75, whichever is lower. Rules are posted under the tab on the left side of the screen "Marketplace".
As to your banjo, the added strings and heads don't add a LOT of value, but they can add to attractiveness. 5 Star heads are no longer made and sell for up to $100 to highly motivated buyers. The dirty VegalonWaterproof head is the factory original, and real Vega connoisseurs like to have them. Not unusual for them to sell for over $50.
The original factory hard shell case (apparently, according to the photos) is also a very nice plus. Important to a Vega lover. Hard to find a current manufacture replacement. Someone who really wants one expects to pay several hundred dollars.
The most important photo is of the yellow tape showing the handwritten model number and typed serial number inside the rim. Next would be good clear photos of front and back of the peghead, the back of the neck to display finish/stain wear, if any. You appear to have an original friction 5th string peg, get a photo of that. Then photos around the outside of the pot to show anything good or bad.
Depending on how early it was made (closer to 1960), and if no parts are missing or damaged, you might get a faster sale at the prices suggested above. Or, you might ask a few hundred more dollars.
The market for Pete Seegers isn't huge, so it might take a while. But if yours is really nice and "tasty", you can always reduce price later to move it. Or a motivated buyer might offer you less, and you can negotiate off the listed price on your ad.
Depending on what you paid for it, you may indeed have a "gold mine". With one ounce of gold in it.
Good luck!
I'm not an expert, but I've been watching Vega longneck prices for the last 25 years and have a couple of observations:
1. The market and price for these banjos has fallen due to demographics. Longnecks are highly desirable for those of us who grew up listening to Pete Seeger and the commercial folk groups of the early '60s, like the Kingston Trio, Limeliters etc. That demographic is now at an age where we're often more interested in disposing of things than in acquiring more things. Thus, demand has fallen.
2. Isn't there a hierarchy on value for Vega longnecks (in declining order of desirability and price): (a) early ones with a dowel stick; (b) later Vegas with coordinator rods but made while Vega was still Vega; and (c) Vegas made after Martin bought Vega?
A frosted top 5-star head is worth $75-$100. Better to sell it standalone. If the head on the banjo is also a 5-star, you're better off replacing it with a Remo and selling that one by itself as well. They've become a bit valued since the production stopped.
Edited by - KCJones on 11/04/2024 11:53:02
I have taken a few more pictures. If this helps with a more accurate value prediction, I would greatly appreciate it before I list I try to find a home for it.
Okay; the coordinator rods say it’s not one of the earlier ones; those had dowelsticks, and they command higher prices. So start in the low 2,000s for yoursl, at least based on the recent ones I’ve seen posted. Likely down from there, depending on condition.
Great, you found a good deal at an estate sale. If you don’t play and you’re already making money, why not move it quickly and pass on some good luck, by not seeking top dollar. Pass along some good karma and get it gone quick and let someone else who plays enjoy it for less than “full blown value”.
Price it $1800 plus $150 shipping, and it’ll be gone. And you can move on in life. Guys who like these would really like to be “in one” for $2k Max. It’s gonna cost a lot to ship because of the length of the banjo and case.
Good pics posted above.
That looks to be nearly 100% original, except for the head and strings.
If you list it for sale, condition should be excellent, considering its age.
Is that some finish scraped off on the back of the neck between the 5th string peg and the heel? If so, it should be noted in any ad. Perhaps take a good pic that shows it, in the interest of "full disclosure". It shouldn't impact the sale too much, because the rest of the banjo is very good for an instrument that's nearly 60 years old.
Serial number is A-127783. According to my Vega serial number list, numbers from 124000-130247 fall into the 1964-1970 range.
I have one in the A-125xxx range, from 1965.
So... I'm going to GUESS that the one you have is probably from around 1967 or 1968.
Perhaps someone else in the forum has a Vega PS with a number "that's close".
Edited by - J.Albert on 11/05/2024 06:44:56
quote:
Originally posted by J.AlbertGood pics posted above.
That looks to be nearly 100% original, except for the head and strings.
If you list it for sale, condition should be excellent, considering its age.
Is that some finish scraped off on the back of the neck between the 5th string peg and the heel? If so, it should be noted in any ad. Perhaps take a good pic that shows it, in the interest of "full disclosure". It shouldn't impact the sale too much, because the rest of the banjo is very good for an instrument that's nearly 60 years old.Serial number is A-127783. According to my Vega serial number list, numbers from 124000-130247 fall into the 1964-1970 range.
I have one in the A-125xxx range, from 1965.
So... I'm going to GUESS that the one you have is probably from around 1967 or 1968.Perhaps someone else in the forum has a Vega PS with a number "that's close".
All the Vega's of this era have that finish wear, Bill Nelson's goal of cutting costs used a terrible two in one that comes off with play.
To the OP, building on what Joe Conner wrote, I am sorry but you will likely not get $2k for this. And it will probably take a long time to sell unless it is a bargain.
The reason-- the long neck. This was pretty much a one generation thing and that generation is passing or selling.
Yes it is true, people are ASKING over $2K fo these, but that reflects the bubble of that single generation all fighting over them a decade or more ago. Asking is not getting.
In the future, when looking for quick buck turnovers, avoid tenor banjos, plectrum banjos, and long neck banjos.
Flipping banjos is not the only reason to buy one. If you are flipping, just flip it! Take the first good offer. But, long neck banjos are not totally dead (nor are certain tenors or plecs) for sale to those who are looking for them. Deering and Gold Tone are still listing new models-because they are selling? I figure Taylor Swift will play one on stage soon and I will move the 10 long necks I still have like wildfire.
FYI, the 5-Star head is probably an 11 incher, the correct head would measure 10 15/16"
quote:
Originally posted by Pauls Pretty Good StuffFlipping banjos is not the only reason to buy one. If you are flipping, just flip it! Take the first good offer. But, long neck banjos are not totally dead (nor are certain tenors or plecs) for sale to those who are looking for them. Deering and Gold Tone are still listing new models-because they are selling? I figure Taylor Swift will play one on stage soon and I will move the 10 long necks I still have like wildfire.
FYI, the 5-Star head is probably an 11 incher, the correct head would measure 10 15/16"
Well there you go! Perhaps you could offer the OP $2k, then you could sell it with the other ten when that Swift fad hits. A win for everyone.
quote:
Originally posted by Pauls Pretty Good Stuff
FYI, the 5-Star head is probably an 11 incher, the correct head would measure 10 15/16"
An actual 10 15/16" 5 Star head is worth a fair chunk of change to the right buyer. It's been decades since those were available. I might still have one or two in my basement that are being saved for the right banjos.
This banjo was made in 1967. 127682 was the earliest and 128564 was the latest. "A" stood for Adjustable.
