VOX Mark III (a/k/a Brian Jones' guitar)

[sir_andrew_of_left_coast]

For those who like the teardrop... it's baaaaaaaack!




http://www.voxamps.co.uk/guitars/

[paologregorio]

I didn't know that BJ's MK III had a fixed bridge. Interesting.

I didn't know that Vox could build those. I thought Phantom Guitar Works had bought the rights to all of the Vox guitar and bass models. Phantom is making these for Vox perhaps? They are made here in the U.S., as are all Phantom guitars.

[sir_andrew_of_left_coast]

Certainly VOX can build them... or, more accurately, have them built.

What PGW has the rights to are the names "Teardrop" AND "Phantom." Thus, 9 years ago when VOX re-issued these two models, VOX called them the Mark III and Mark VI (respectively). This page explains it pretty succinctly:

http://voxshowroom.com/us/guitar/nu_guitars.html


PGW does not make the guitars here in the U.S.; they come from India (although the final assembly/adjustments, pickups, options, and such probably are handled by Jack). So, I doubt VOX contracted him to make these. Instead, I would venture a guess that VOX re-contracted with the same company who made the re-issues in the late-90s... which would be this place:

http://www.tonesmith.com/

[paologregorio]

Excellent. Thanks for the clarification. if they reissued the proposed teardrop bass in the xlucent red, I'd probably buy one to match my Mark XII hollowbody.

[sir_andrew_of_left_coast]

You could always buy it... then have it refinished to match your 12-stringer.

FWIW, there's a solid body prototype bass in red over at North Coast Music... under "Scratch and Dent."

[jingle_jangle]

There's also a used white one just like the above picture on Ebay right now, with a decent price, too. At least, right now...

[sir_andrew_of_left_coast]

Save for the truss rod adjustment & cover and fingerboard inlay...

[sir_andrew_of_left_coast]

Save for the truss rod adjustment & cover and fingerboard inlay...

Dern false advertising...

[lennon211]

I have one of the Vox Mk III Custom's from the original reissue in the late '90's. It can scream when need be, but can also get good and mellow. The bridge pickup sounds like it's being played on high-tension wires, like "The Last Time". The neck nails the "Heart of Stone" rhythm tone perfectly. They are a true acquired taste though, as they can have more twang and treble than a '52 Tele reissue. They're a pain to play sitting down, but standing up, they have great balance. It's a fun guitar, just not a great "main" guitar in my opinion. I am glad to see them back. Also, Vox has reissued the Wyman Bass. Check their website: http://www.voxamps.co.uk and go to the guitar section.

[sir_andrew_of_left_coast]

Matthew:

Does your re-issue Mark III have a zero fret?

[lennon211]

Matthew:

Does your re-issue Mark III have a zero fret?

Nope, no zero fret. The neck is very Fender-ish in feel. It was done in a satin finish for quicker action, but through a lot of play, it's become more of a smooth polish. There is a story behind mine though. When I got into the Vox hunt in '01, Vox had already phased them out and for the most part, there wasn't much to be had. Well, my local Vox dealer had an "in" with a rep who managed to get one of the early ones that was shopped around to the trade shows for people to see and try out. I've never worked to confirm this, and wouldn't know how anyway, but that's the story that I got after I got the guitar about where this one came from.

[sir_andrew_of_left_coast]

Matthew:

Does your re-issue Mark III have a zero fret?

Nope, no zero fret.

The current re-issue does. I guess it's an attempt to make it like the 60s version?

http://www.voxshowroom.com/us/guitar/mk6_head.html

[lennon211]

I didn't know that the new one did. On Vox's website, they only show and say that the Teardrop Bass has the zero fret. There is no mention about it on the Mk III and to me that pic looks like it's just a white nut and no zero fret. If they were making them to truly reflect the '60's models more accurately, then they'd also make them 21 fret necks instead of the Fender-like 22.

[sir_andrew_of_left_coast]

That Mark III image on the VOX site is misleading. It appears to have a small, triangular-shaped truss rod cover... but the new ones don't. The color looks like an Alpine White... but the new ones are more of a Vintage White.

[lennon211]

Where is the trussrod adjustment on these?