1980's Vega Mandolin information

[cooperjack]

I have a Vega mandolin I bought new in the early 80's and need information if anyone can help. I have been told that Martin owned Vega during this time, and that this is a Martin/Vega. I however have no clue. I do know that everyone that see's and plays it wants to buy it. It is a F body and looks like a Gibson. If you have any information on this I would really appreciate it. Thanks.

[swain]

I don't have much info except that I also have a F style Vega, tobacco sunburst. Bought it used about 15 yrs ago and have it on the bench right now for a fret job. If you want to sell yours, I don't know what people are offering you, but I paid about $500 and have been very happy. Worth at least twice that, to me anyway. I am new to the forum, and when I figure out how to post pics, I will do so. Info had been very hard to find on the post-war ones, other than what you already mentioned.

[cooperjack]

Thanks.... Your description of yours sounds like mine! Tobacco burst with tortoise pick guard, gold tuners etc, pearl trim. I bought mine new in the early 80's so it is almost 30 years old, but looks brand new. If memory serves me correct, I paid almost $700 plus traded a nice yamaha guitar for it. Anyway, you are correct,.. I also feel it is worth twice that amount and everyone that plays it, wants it. I just cannot seem to find much information about it. Since my post, I did find one website that said Vega was owned by Martin during the 80's so this may be the reason for its #1 quality. I had been told that in the past so it was nice to find proof. Thanks again for your reply.

[allenhopkins]

Martin bought the Vega Co. in 1970, to acquire a banjo line; they sold Vega in 1979. I have seen '70's flat-top guitars marked "Vega" with a star inlay on the headstock. My memory isn't detailed, but I wonder if they could have been made by Levin in Sweden, since Martin owned Levin in the '70's. However, for some reason I got the impression that these Vegas were made in Holland...this may just be the "fog of age."

Apparently the "Vega" trademark got licensed to several different firms during the '80's, before Deering Banjos bought it in 1989. Currently Deering makes a line of Vega banjos. So a 1980's vintage Vega instrument could have been made by a variety of manufacturers. I'm going to speculate -- without a shred of evidence -- that it's Asian-made and imported by a distributor who had rights to the "Vega" nameplate during the period between Martin and Deering. Post some pics and one of the real experts may be able to ID it.

[MikeEdgerton]

They were Pacrim instruments. Martin was importing their Shenandoah line at the same time. They imported mandolins and banjos with the brand name on it. They were most likely made for them by one of the larger factories building for the trades at the time.