I've inherited this Vega Vox when my aunt passed away. Serial number look up dates it to 1952. Looking through this and other sites, prices are all over the map. I'd appreciate any thoughts on a reasonable price to ask for it. More photos upon request.
Thanks!
Aannd, here are the pics.
Pictures are on his home page.
Anyone can put any price they want on an instrument. Ebay and Reverb are loaded with instruments that have not sold due to price. There is no cost to list an item for sale on these sites.
Extremely clean instruments sell faster for higher prices than instruments in average condition. But these instruments have to be in excellent playing condition.
I would suggest taking the instrument to Gryphon Stringed Instruments in Palo Alto CA. International reputation and they are interested in banjos.
quote:
Originally posted by TexasbanjoPictures are on his home page.
These are the pictures:
It's a plectrum banjo.
Take it down to Gryphon in Palo Alto. Call first to make sure someone’s there who knows the tenor market. You’ll get honest and accurate information from people who actually deal with high-end 4-string banjos.
Edited by - Bill Rogers on 06/25/2026 10:27:57
quote:
Originally posted by Bill RogersTake it down to Gryphon in Palo Alto. Call first to make sure someone’s there who knows the tenor market. You’ll get honest and accurate information from people who actually deal with high-end 4-string banjos.
It's a plectrum banjo (22 frets), not a tenor banjo, I would say…
I think these late Vega Vox banjos were pretty popular with the Shakey's Pizza folks. Eddie Peabody (who designed it) was kinda the style most of the Mustache Bar/Pizza Parlor nostalgia people went for.
Can't help with "value" as I am not cued into that world, but sadly that world is very small and getting smaller by the day. Plectrum banjos tend not to be in demand.
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Originally posted by Joel Hooks
Can't help with "value" as I am not cued into that world, but sadly that world is very small and getting smaller by the day. Plectrum banjos tend not to be in demand.
That's true. But among the few plectrum banjoists, the Vegavox stands in high regard.
I owned a tenor Vega Vox 4 with exactly the same headstock, fretboard markings, built in 1956. I bought it in 1986 and played it hard for many years. I listed it at Bernunzio music about 2000 for $4500. It sold for $4000. I believe. The Plectrum version usually cost more than the Tenor. I regret ever selling it, and haven't seen one similar ever since.
I have no idea what they are worth now, because they they are so rare being advertised. The 1920's versions were even more prized.
In 2000 there was a fairly good market. That market has aged out. Shakey’s has been gone for too long.
Very clean looking banjo. Collector grade. Doctors, lawyers, CEOs of corporations often dont play the instruments they collect.
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Originally posted by Banner BlueVery clean looking banjo. Collector grade. Doctors, lawyers, CEOs of corporations often dont play the instruments they collect.
Is there a big collector's market for late 1950s-early 1960s plectrum banjos?
Exactly the question. Even if there are only two or three such banjos, there has to be a competitive market for them before any added collectible value attaches. The relevant players’ market for such instruments seems to be diminishing almost by the week.
There may not be many collectors of banjos such as this. Certainly no investors. If the original owner purely bought it as an investment they should have offloaded it years ago. The fact remains that it is a very nice banjo and some plectrum player will cherish it for years to come.
It appears to be a Vox IV Plectrum in nice condition. You might send as many detailed photos as you can of the instrument (including the interior with the resonator removed to show the tone ring and serial number) and any defects the banjo might have. The send them to to Benunzio's Music in Rochester, New York. They specialize in selling fine old instruments and have a specialty area for banjo. Here is the link: https://bernunzio.com/category/instruments/banjos/ They can provide you with a some possibilities for selling your banjo. The can also give you some guidance on how to ship the instrument if you decide to sell it thru them. This is a high-end plectrum for a serious player or collector.
Edited by - Omeboy on 06/26/2026 01:12:51
If you are into Facebook you could try Vegavox Banjos Appreciation Society
quote:
Originally posted by Joel Hooksquote:
Originally posted by Banner BlueVery clean looking banjo. Collector grade. Doctors, lawyers, CEOs of corporations often dont play the instruments they collect.
Is there a big collector's market for late 1950s-early 1960s plectrum banjos?
These are highly desirable in the Cleveland/Slovenian style polka community. One of the most recorded banjo players uses a Martin made Vega Vox from the late 1970s. The guy's in his nineties now, he still plays out regularly, and there are a lot of people who want to know what'll become of his banjo.
So, yes... A niche market for sure, but we do exist.
quote:
Originally posted by Nic Pennsylvaniaquote:
Originally posted by Joel Hooksquote:
Originally posted by Banner BlueVery clean looking banjo. Collector grade. Doctors, lawyers, CEOs of corporations often dont play the instruments they collect.
Is there a big collector's market for late 1950s-early 1960s plectrum banjos?
These are highly desirable in the Cleveland/Slovenian style polka community. One of the most recorded banjo players uses a Martin made Vega Vox from the late 1970s. The guy's in his nineties now, he still plays out regularly, and there are a lot of people who want to know what'll become of his banjo.
So, yes... A niche market for sure, but we do exist.
Make a offer and buy it. Then flip it to your local market. Win for both.
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Originally posted by Joel Hooksquote:
Make a offer and buy it. Then flip it to your local market. Win for both.
I honestly would, but my funds are tied up in the recent acquisition of an old Gibson L4.
quote:
Originally posted by Nic Pennsylvaniaquote:
Originally posted by Joel Hooksquote:
Make a offer and buy it. Then flip it to your local market. Win for both.I honestly would, but my funds are tied up in the recent acquisition of an old Gibson L4.
If the market is as you say then there is no risk and it would alleviate the strain of the Gibson you just bought from the quick and easy profit.
quote:
Originally posted by Joel Hooksquote:
Originally posted by Nic Pennsylvaniaquote:
Originally posted by Joel Hooksquote:
Make a offer and buy it. Then flip it to your local market. Win for both.I honestly would, but my funds are tied up in the recent acquisition of an old Gibson L4.
If the market is as you say then there is no risk and it would alleviate the strain of the Gibson you just bought from the quick and easy profit.
Can't spend money you don't have.
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