My primary banjo is a very early 1970's Martin Vega 5 string Wonder banjo made with leftover parts from the original Vega factory (noticeable as they're engraved with the Vega name where the later Martin Vega parts were not.) As a backup and sometimes trade-off to it, I use a hearts & flowers Vega 5 string that was produced during the often mysterious Vega era when they were produced or imported by Galaxie (the era after Martin sold the name and brand rights of the Vega name to Galaxie...which was the era before Deering later bought up the rights to the Vega brand and name.) The only reason I even learned about this Galaxie made Vega era was I called Mr. Deering himself who helped me identify who made the particular model. He recommended I buy, for one because it was selling so inexpensively and two, he was hoping that all the previous Galaxie Vega models would get sold and out of the American music stores so only Deering Vegas would be in them. The story itself makes the Galaxie Vega a keeper...it's actually a pretty good banjo, although the Martin Vega I have is comparatively more awesome.

QM