This brochure produced by JMI in the UK features a number of entirely British-built Vox guitars, aimed at the UK guitar market. Just a few short years later Vox would struggle to cope with worldwide guitar demand, but at this pre-beat boom stage, these early versions of some better known instruments were only produced in very small numbers.
The Vox Phantom was first available in late 1962, and the early versions shown here were subtly different from the majority of instruments shipped later in the 1960s. Firstly there were two versions, both only available in black finish, the Phantom I and Phantom II, with differing electronics; the Phantom II had three tone switches which "introduce harmonic coverage hitherto unheard in the field of electric guitar music". Note also that these guitars are fitted with three standard Vox V1 pickups; by mid 1963 the two models had been replaced by just one, the Phantom (although later dubbed the Phantom 6 or Phantom VI to distinguish it from 12-string and bass models) with pickups upgraded to the Vox V2 units with exposed pole pieces.
Also shown on this page is another high end Vox six string model, the Vox Consort (The Vox Escort is covered here). The early versions of the Consort had similar 'tone switches' to the early Phantoms, but was also redesigned in mid-1963 in a similar vein to the Phantom, losing the tone switches and having pickups upgraded to the V2 units. The interesting electronics on this model are described as follows: This quality guitar has three pickups ensuring that full beauty of tone is captured. There are four tone and volume controls and five switches giving every possible variation of tone from bass to sharp brilliance.
One bass model, the Phantom is also shown here. To provide for to-days critical requirements, the Phantom Base (sic) meets the exacting demands of the professional bassist
$2695
$1190
£750
£379
€1853
€299
€2000