Busik - Posted - 03/25/2014:  01:49:08

Hello!

I inherited a banjo, but I don't play, so I wanted to sell it and get it into someone's hands who would appreciate it. I was just wondering if the experts here had any insight into the year or specifics of the model. For example, I'm not sure what the device in the 2nd scan is (a capo?), or whether it's original to the model, etc.  The banjo looks to be in very nice shape, so I'm curious what would be a reasonable price range for it. The only info I have  could be summed up as follows: "VEGA Long Neck 5 string Banjo with hard shell case (SN A-102891)." 

Edited by - Busik on 03/25/2014 02:01:47

charliea - Posted - 03/25/2014:  02:33:29

That one appears to be a 1962.  Asking prices range upwards of $4K.  Two have sold recently on eBay, one for $2,895, the other for $3.450.

From Greylock to Bean Blossom - Posted - 03/25/2014:  02:34:55

Pretty looking banjo! If you check the classifieds on the hangout you might get some information. Here are some longnecks that are listed and the adds have some more information about longnecks.

banjohangout.org/classified/32337

banjohangout.org/classified/41020

this might be a better time to sell since this was the banjo that Pete Seeger used and his recent death seems to have caused a bit of  a revival of things "Pete". I don't know - just a guess.

Ken

Edited by - From Greylock to Bean Blossom on 03/25/2014 02:39:36

dbrooks - Posted - 03/25/2014:  03:22:33

That is very nice looking Vega.  The tubaphone tone ring is very desirable and the hard-shell case is a nice addition as well.  The 5th string capo is an add-on that was and sill is used by many players.  There are quite a few owners of Vega longnecks on the Hangout (including me), and you will hear from them.  This model was a real staple in the folkie days.  Here's a web site with some history you may enjoy:

lazyka.com/linernotes/OddsAndE...eeger.htm

David

the-fish - Posted - 03/25/2014:  08:46:10

Yup. That's a nice banjo! Very nice

The Pope - Posted - 03/25/2014:  10:51:33

The fifth string capo is a Walt Pittman or clone of same. It has the yellow tag which is a plus. 

mikehalloran - Posted - 03/25/2014:  11:34:51

If the case is a Lifton, it should say so on the front of the pick box. An original Lifton case with a Vega badge adds to the value and should be advertised as such. It appears to have a vintage case, though, a plus.

The tailpiece is probably not original. Those broke easily and this banjo has the later, sturdier, Waverly adjustable replacement that Vega would have supplied.

Show a side view of the arm rest and I can tell if it's likely to be OE. Those also broke easily and are often replaced.

The Vega-Pitmann capo may be original. It was often written on the label if it was. Is anything written on the label? 

Edited by - mikehalloran on 03/25/2014 11:44:00

Busik - Posted - 03/26/2014:  00:21:06

First off, thanks you all for your informative replies; I appreciate your taking the time to provide some much-needed information. I'll take some more pics and post them for any clarification they'll provide, as well as answer some specific questions. I'm adding an additional pic to this reply.

I just had a two questions:

1) I noted comments saying "yellow tag is a plus," "Vega badge adds to the value," and mikehalloran asking if anything is written on the label. I'm assuming that these all refer to the yellow label located inside the head of the banjo (pictured in third scan)?

2) Is this banjo a Pete Seeger model? I wasn't sure if Vega produced other long-neck models around the time of this banjo's serial number.

mac1588 - Posted - 03/26/2014:  07:14:59

Your banjo is definitely the Pete Seeger model. Vega made one other long-necked banjo, the SS-5 Folklore model. This was a less expensive option to the Pete Seeger, and it had a less fancy peghead, a rosewood fingerboard rather than the ebony on the Seeger, and no bracket band . Most importantly, it did not have the Tubaphone tone ring.

mikehalloran - Posted - 03/26/2014:  08:57:46

What Mac says.

Although Vega was making long necks on a custom basis from the mid-'50s, once they got Pete Seeger's permission in 1957, your banjo was called the PS-5, Pete Seeger Model. Even if the label was missing, there is no doubt. These labels sometimes fall out as in the case of mine.

Besides the PS-5, there was the SS-5 Folklore, a much plainer long neck, and the Xcel (also spelled Excel, Exel and Excell), a deluxe version of the PS-5 with a blonde neck, Kroll 5th peg, Grover Rotomatic tuners the 5th peg moved up a fret. The Xcel was first made for Alex Hasseliv of the Limeliters and was based on a custom made for Erik Darling in the 1950s.when he replaced Pete Seeger in The Weavers.

I have a blonde PS-5 with all of the custom features of the Excell except for the 5th peg position. Mine has the Lifton case with both the Vega and Lifton badges. Even though mine has all the other features, the standard 5th peg position makes it a Pete Seeger - we think as my label is mostly missing.

Busik - Posted - 03/26/2014:  13:53:26

mikehalloran,

Included are some scans of the arm rest and bridge. There wasn't any writing on the label that specified the Vega-Pitmann capo.

J.Albert - Posted - 03/26/2014:  15:15:27

I'll guess that the armrest is original.

That's a VERY nice example of this model.

One thing of importance:
If you sell it and ship it, take the time to learn how to PACK the banjo for shipping first. It's far too easy to break the neck during shipment through improper packing !!

rexhunt - Posted - 03/26/2014:  15:15:37

I always thought the Pitmann capo had a scalloped bar made for the banjo's scale length.

Rex

mikehalloran - Posted - 03/26/2014:  19:08:47

quote:

---

Originally posted by rexhunt

I always thought the Pitmann capo had a scalloped bar made for the banjo's scale length.

Rex

---

The Vega-Pitmann is straight. I have one in its original box. It says Vega-Pitmann on the box.

The Pope - Posted - 03/27/2014:  09:49:52

The scalloped bar capo was another brand but I can't remember right now. (CRS) 

Busik - Posted - 03/28/2014:  01:19:42

Thanks again everyone for your responses. Much appreciated. I listed on eBay and will hope for the best.

stevie63 - Posted - 03/28/2014:  20:37:40

Nice looking Seeger with the friction 5th it appears and ebay pics look like it has the block VEGA logo. I own a 1965 Ps-5 with same block (bold) logo and the yellow label intact which if fact describes it as "Seeger with Capo" Looks like a very clean example.

pastorharry - Posted - 03/28/2014:  23:26:34

Nice Vega PS-5 I have linked this thread to the long neck group.

davidwigal - Posted - 03/29/2014:  20:09:08

Is this the one?

ebay.com/itm/Vega-Pete-Seeger-...488137585

DaveInCA - Posted - 03/29/2014:  22:34:41

Yep.

kalstras - Posted - 03/30/2014:  05:02:22

Lucky man, I would learn to play on it first? You may end up keeping this as an investment too? I hope you placed a high reserve on it :O

mikehalloran - Posted - 04/01/2014:  09:09:25

>I'll guess that the armrest is original.

Actually, it is not. The original arm rests have two posts that are held by two curved loop brackets. They are adjustable up, down and sideways. It was not unusual for one of the posts to come un-soldered. Also, the chrome plating tended to wear through showing the brass underneath ("brassing"). An original is hard to find. Elton sold a version of this and may have made the original but the Vega ones are unmarked.

My PS-5 is at the Museum of Making Music show that opened last Friday. I'll see if I have a picture of the arm rest.

Ahhhh... Here's a couple of pictures I found on the internet:

I think that I have another branded Elton somewhere - I may have sold it, however.

Edited by - mikehalloran on 04/01/2014 09:09:58

mikehalloran - Posted - 04/01/2014:  09:12:14

quote:

---

Originally posted by The Pope

The scalloped bar capo was another brand but I can't remember right now. (CRS) 

---

Those were earlier versions of the Pitmann. They were fitted individually. Vega and ODE used them. The Vega-Pitmann was later and could be installed by the player.

Ha! I hadn't noticed the tuner buttons before. While the Elton pancake tuners are probably original, someone adapted some classical guitar butterfly buttons. I wouldn't touch them - part of the mojo of the banjo, IMO.

Except for a few non-original parts that no one should mind, that PS-5 is in what I call  Mary Poppins Condition. You know, "Practically perfect in every way!".

Edited by - mikehalloran on 04/01/2014 09:20:29

The Old Timer - Posted - 04/01/2014:  15:29:41

Is there nothing handwritten on the yellow tape, beneath the serial #? Normally there would be, but it could be faded away by enough sunlight I suppose. It should specify the model, in words or code letters.

I've seen other Seegers (not Excels) with the Rotomatic guitar tuners on the peghead, I think (but I might be wrong).

I agree, very nice, and if the case is original Lifton you've got a $4000+ item there.

Glad to see someone mentioned the armrest. I have the same changes to my Scruggs and Osborne models, those Elton armrests are for the BIRDS.

Joe Connor - Posted - 04/03/2014:  19:23:09

The bidding just ended and this banjo sold for $2,615. That seems like a very good price. Did anyone in here get it?

giweb - Posted - 04/03/2014:  20:30:31

Yes, I got the Pete Seeger Vega Long Neck! Always wanted one, gave up and bought a Bacon Long Neck folk model a couple of years ago. I just joined the BanjoHangOut group last month asking for help replacing tuners on the Bacon. Group has been extremely friendly and helpful. I sent the seller Geoff Stellings banjo packing and shipping instructions. Hope it arrives 100%. Again I have the group to thank for helping me find a good price to bid. It went to my max! That was a few thousand more than my retirement budget is comfortable with. Soup and crackers for a few months, but I'll have my dream banjo at last! The banjo has found a good home. Thanks again to my new found banjo enthusiasts.

mikehalloran - Posted - 04/04/2014:  04:50:03

When you get what you want, the price fades into nothing. I've never thought of this before but i paid more for my PS-5 than any other stringed instrument I owned. Only my wife's piano cost us more. 

giweb - Posted - 04/04/2014:  06:33:09

You are so correct! I hereby join you as my PS-5 just became my most expensive stringed instrument. Can't wait to enjoy it. I sent the seller Stellings packing and shipping tips and some extra money for insurance and packing materials.

I really appreciate all the advice and Vega, Seeger, long neck history links the Hangout members have sent. Hangout members were very helpful to seller as well. He is a guitar teacher and inherited the PS-5 and other instruments from a student. THANKS TO ALL!