PRODUCED: 1962–64 (UK) 1965-69 (Italy)

ORIGIN: UK & Italy

TYPE: Solid asymmetrical pentagonal body, 4-string

BODY: Sycamore

NECK: Sycamore (very early models) or maple, bolt-on, 20 medium frets

SCALE LENGTH: 864mm (34-inch)

FINGERBOARD: Rosewood or ebony with white dot inlays

HARDWARE: Chrome cover over 4-saddle raised tail bridge, open gear tuners

PICKUPS: Two single-coil units with 4 pole pieces and chrome surrounds initially then white plastic

CONTROLS: Volume, tone and three-position pickup selection lever switch

FEATURES: Capstan-style truss rod adjuster at body end of neck, most models had a pointless finger rest set near the neck, some headstocks matched body colour

FINISHES: Polyester Black or White although some other colours are known to exist

COMMENTS: It was president Tom Jennings who commissioned the London Design Centre to produce a unique body design for Vox in 1961 and the Phantom was born. Initially the bass version was built in the UK but production was soon sub contracted to EKO in Italy although, unlike today, these models sold at a higher price.

Amazingly when first introduced the Phantom sold for more than a Fender Precision in the UK! The Italian-built models also included a Gretsch style removable padded back cushion with pop-on studs.

Earliest versions had Phantom on the headstock not Vox and as much of the body was covered by a similarly shaped white scratchplate the colour was largely unimportant. The pickups were modelled on the original Fender P-Bass design and worked surprisingly well as a pair. Sadly the Phantom IV has atrocious balance but the good solid sound and unique appearance are still appealing.