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#1
10-25-2005, 05:42 AM
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An Old Vega Banjo
Ok, so its *sorta* related to acoustic guitars.
 I just had a banjo given to me. After a quick net search its definately a 1923 Vega Tubaphone Style M banjo. Its a 4 string, not a bluegrass banjo. But it has had a resonator put on it at some point, which is a pre war "Elton" resonator (what looks to be maple). It needs cleaning up, as it hasn't been played in about 40 years or maybe more. But everything original is on it except for a bridge. My question is, where would I go to get better info on these and maybe a feeling of if they have any value. AND I need to find out which kind of bridge to buy for it. The bridge on my 5 string looks too high (as well as, of course, having too many string slots). Thanks! mike 
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#2
10-25-2005, 08:16 AM
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Contact Jim Grainger. He is the man - a good guy and knows banjos.
http://www.customfret.com
__________________
Jack E. 1953 Martin D18 2004 H&D DM 2012 Martin CS D28-12
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#3
10-25-2005, 08:26 AM
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The Vega Style "M" banjo was the lowest grade Vega with the TubaPhone tone ring. And, your banjo has value just because of that tone ring. The most valuable M models are those having a 10 15/16" or 11" head on the pot.
Style M tenors seem to go anywhere from $700 to $1,000. Most folks buy them just for the pot assembly with the tone ring, and then convert them to 5-string with a replacement neck. I've seen the pot assembly alone go for $800. If you decide to convert it, be sure to save the original neck. Mac Carter
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1935 Martin 0-18 1935 Martin 000-28 1937 Martin 000-18 1938 Martin 00-17 1952 Martin 0-18T 1961 Martin 00-21 2003 Martin 00-18VS UMGF Custom 1960 Vega Pete Seeger longneck 5-string banjo And others.... Administrator Emeritus, The Unofficial Martin Guitar Forum
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#5
10-25-2005, 08:42 AM
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Mike,
Those old Vegas are normally just fine with the standard height 5/8" bridge. There are several brands available at Stewart-MacDonald: http://www.stewmac.com/shop/Bridges,...o_bridges.html Mac Carter
__________________
1935 Martin 0-18 1935 Martin 000-28 1937 Martin 000-18 1938 Martin 00-17 1952 Martin 0-18T 1961 Martin 00-21 2003 Martin 00-18VS UMGF Custom 1960 Vega Pete Seeger longneck 5-string banjo And others.... Administrator Emeritus, The Unofficial Martin Guitar Forum
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#7
10-25-2005, 08:51 AM
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Mike,
You might also check out Elderly. They have a ton of different style banjo bridges - a much larger selection than Stew-Mac. http://www.elderly.com/accessories/full_list?cat=BPBG Mac
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1935 Martin 0-18 1935 Martin 000-28 1937 Martin 000-18 1938 Martin 00-17 1952 Martin 0-18T 1961 Martin 00-21 2003 Martin 00-18VS UMGF Custom 1960 Vega Pete Seeger longneck 5-string banjo And others.... Administrator Emeritus, The Unofficial Martin Guitar Forum
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#9
10-25-2005, 09:22 AM
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The Grover Pats and the Grover Presto tailpiece could certainly be original equipment on your banjo. Vega used both Grover and Planet tuners back then, usually geared but I'm not sure about Style M.
Mac
__________________
1935 Martin 0-18 1935 Martin 000-28 1937 Martin 000-18 1938 Martin 00-17 1952 Martin 0-18T 1961 Martin 00-21 2003 Martin 00-18VS UMGF Custom 1960 Vega Pete Seeger longneck 5-string banjo And others.... Administrator Emeritus, The Unofficial Martin Guitar Forum
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#10
10-25-2005, 08:08 PM
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Quote:
You might be pleasantly surprised (if you don't intend on keeping it, or converting it yourself) what that might fetch on Ebay. Just a thought. 
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"It takes all kinds to make a world...including the kinds who think only their kind belong in it." (unknown) "Next To the Word of God, music deserves the highest praise." (Martin Luther) 1992 Taylor 855 2000 Deering Sierra 2009 Recording King RD-16SN ~ "utility" 2009 Martin HD-28
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