These were the very first pickups used by Vox, replaced by the V1 below in the early 1960s. They appeared on the SB1, SB2 and first versions of the Vox Stroller, Vox Shadow, Vox Duotone and possibly others. They are slightly wider than the Vox V1 pickups, and interestingly made to imperial measurements (compared to the metric dimensions of the V1) perhaps suggesting a different manufacturer. Accurately dating the guitars on which they were fitted is very difficult, but they were possibly used from the late 1950s up until early 1963, probably continuing on lower-end Vox's even after the V1 was introduced.
These were some of Vox's earliest pickups, and were fitted to all the early solid-body models: Vox Stroller, Vox Shadow, Vox Clubman and some early Vox Phantom guitars. They were also fitted to early solid-body basses (see Vox bass pickups). British-made, with a simple single coil, and no polepieces. The presence of the VOX logo was not universal, some guitars had one or more plain pickups.
Have a listen to some soundclips of Vox guitars and basses equipped with this pickup here
This single coil pickup was used in a number of UK-produced (JMI) models; all but the earliest example of the Vox Ace, Super Ace and Consort, Phantom and Mark VI (teardrop) guitars; generally from mid/late 1963 onwards. It was also fitted to newer UK models produced after this time, such as the New Escort and Marauder guitars.
When mounted, it can be quite difficult to differentiate these British pickups from the Italian equivalent (below), however from the rear they are completely different, with the UK V2 having a rounded trangular shaped black plastic underside, as opposed to the purely rectangular Italian pickup.
Vox part number 09-1026-0.
As fitted to the Vox Vox Delta, Invader, Cheetah, Ultrasonic, Star Stream, Grand Prix, Saturn, Aristocrat and Viper.
The final Vox guitars of the sixties were generic models produced in Japan, fitted with Japanese components. As used on the VG6 and VG12 electric guitars.