*1961*
The first Vox guitar were now on sale. The Stroller and the Clubman. These were low cost budget models made for Vox by a furniture maker, and were comparable to other similar models available at the time. *1962*
Not content with making low cost guitars that looked like American imports, Tom Jennings decided that a more original design of higher quality was needed. After teaming up with Italian guitar maker, EKO to provide the necks, one of Vox’ most famous guitars appeared in late 1962. With a trapezoid shaped body it was named the Vox Phantom. Also in 1962, AC30’s started to be made covered in black vinyl as well as the usual blonde vinyl and the Beatles start a long a prosperous association with Vox taking delivery of some new AC30s. *1963*
The Phantom was now very successful and used by many top artist of the era including the Dave Clark Five and the Hollies. *Late 1963*
Vox produce the Phantom Mk III guitar. Completely different in shape to the early Phantom guitar, this rounder, lute shaped instrument went on to become Vox’s most famous guitar shape. Soon it was simply known as the “Teardrop†guitar. The very first hand built example was used and made famous by Rolling Stones founder member Brian Jones. Semi-acoustic guitars were also very fashionable and the Vox Victor was made in the style of a Hofner and the Vox Verithin that was more like a Gibson 335. The black coloured AC30s were now very popular and soon the blonde coloured ones were phased out and a new Vox amplifier arrives, the AC50. *1964*
The success of the Vox guitars meant that the range would expand. And soon there were not only 6-string lead and 4-string bass version of the Phantom and Teardrop but 12-string versions. Also by 1964 Vox were making a short scale 12-string guitar know as the “Mando†guitar because of its mandolin style attributes. -Excerpted from "The Vox Story" by Peterson & Denny
