VOX PHANTOM GUITAR PLUS
VOX PHANTOM GUITAR PROFESSIONAL
VOX PHANTOM GUITAR SERIES

The Phantom was now equipped with three Vox V.2. Vox replaced both the Phantom I and II with one new six string Phantom model that would take advantage of these new components. JMI made a major revision to their guitar line in 1963, largely made possible by their development of vastly improved pickups, bridges and tremolo units. The Vox Phantom Guitar - UK Production 1963-68

Vox also noted that the Standard tremolo unit was intended for guitars with flat (non radiused) fret boards. Vox described the Standard tremolo unit as having a roller bearing for smooth action. The 1962 Vox Phantom I and Phantom II were equipped with the Vox 'Standard' Tremolo unit. Even though Vox claimed these individual switches enhanced the frequency response of the Phantom II, it was the three position rotary pickup selector switch from the Phantom I that was incorporated into all later Phantom guitar production. While the Phantom I guitar was equipped with a three position rotary pickup selector, the Phantom II featured three on/off slide switches, one for each pickup. single coil pickups with 'bar type' magnets and chrome covers. Like most of the other models in the 1962 Vox range, the Phantom I and Phantom II guitars were equipped with Vox V.1. Like the Stratocaster, the Phantom I and II had three single coil pickups, a three position pickup selector, a vibrato arm, a bolt on neck and a contoured back. It is reasonable to assume that the popularity of the Fender Stratocaster in the UK would encourage Vox to incorporate 'Strat' like features into the design of the Phantom. These instruments featured a satin black polyester finish and were assembled at JMI in the UK using bodies, necks and hardware purchased from various outside suppliers.

VOX PHANTOM GUITAR PLUS

JMI introduced two Phantom guitars, the 'Phantom I' and 'Phantom II' plus the Phantom Bass in the 1962 Vox catalog.

The Vox Phantom I and Vox Phantom II - UK Production 1962-63 Either way, it was through these efforts that the legendary, 'coffin shaped' Vox Phantom guitar body shape was born. Others claim that the design for this proposed 'top of the line' Vox guitar was drafted in-house at JMI. In his 1991 book, 'The Vox Story,' JMI lead engineer Dick Denney reported that JMI entered into a contract with the London Design Centre in 1962 to suggest a unique body profile that would be developed into a new pro-quality guitar model. It was decided that this new deluxe guitar model should feature a body shape that would be unique, iconic and immediately recognizable as a Vox instrument.

VOX PHANTOM GUITAR PROFESSIONAL

Vox then moved on to design a professional grade guitar. Vox would not be likely to attract the professional musician with these models. These early Vox models had inexpensive ferrite 'bar magnet' pickups and necks that lacked an adjustable neck truss rod. The body shapes of these early Vox guitars resembled those from Fender in America. Click here to see a JMI magazine ad from 1961 featuring some of these early Vox guitar models. Others featured bodies and necks manufactured for Vox by Stuart Darkins Ltd, a UK furniture maker.

VOX PHANTOM GUITAR SERIES

Vox entered the guitar market in 19 with a series of student grade instruments with names such as the 'Stroller' and 'Clubman.' Some of these earliest guitars were built for Vox by Guyatone in Japan. V209 Vox Phantom Guitar - Made for Vox by Eko, Recanati Italy - 1965

Vox phantom guitar