Summer NAMM 2012: Vox Apache Series Guitars
Weird? Wonderful? Or both!?
The Vox Apache Series has been floating around for the last six months or so at trade shows, but now it looks like the new range of travel-friendly electric guitars is finally due to make its way into the shops.
Featuring revived classic Vox Phantom and tear-drop shape bodies, the new guitars contain an in-built two channel amp, speakers and a drum machine with over 60 patterns to choose from - all powered by six AA batteries.
Vox has taken a bit of a gamble with these quirky designs, but with the recent (and highly popular) trend for retro-style guitars and amps, and a reasonable price (MSRP $299.99 - roughly £194), we suspect they might find a home both within the hotel rooms and outside of the travel guitar market.
For more information, check out the full press release below.
Vox Apache Series press release
The new Series brings back two unique body styles from the classic Vox back catalog: the Teardrop-shape Apache I, and the Phantom-style Apache II. Both have been fitted with onboard amplification and practice features.
Suited for on-the-go practice, each Apache Series instrument is equipped with a built-in, 2-channel amplifier (clean/overdrive) and a pair of three-inch speakers. Volume, Gain, and Tone controls provide a wide range of sounds. Power comes from six AA Batteries, yielding roughly 26 hours of playing time, according to Vox.
Specific to the Apache Series are 66 onboard rhythm patterns, divided into musical genres. Tempo and Level knobs are provided, as well as a Start/Stop button. Of the 66 Patterns, six are extended length "Song" patterns. In addition to providing accompaniment, these patterns are ideal for rhythm training or for backstage warm-ups.
Get the MusicRadar Newsletter
Want all the hottest music and gear news, reviews, deals, features and more, direct to your inbox? Sign up here.
The Apache Series instruments feature basswood bodies, hard maple necks, and rosewood fingerboards. Each is equipped with a single-coil pickup and a set of tuners. Each Model is available in four colors. The Apache I Teardrop models come in White; Seafoam; Salmon Red; and a 3-Tone Sunburst. The Apache II Phantom models come in White; Seafoam; Salmon Red; and Black.
A headphone jack can mute the internal speakers, and an Aux input allows jamming along to an MP3 player, computer tracks, etc. An E-String tuner is also built in to each instrument. All models include a strap and a carry bag.
Pricing and availability:
The Vox Apache I Teardrop Travel Guitar and Apache II Phantom Travel Guitar have a US street price of $299.99 with availability to be announced shortly.
Information taken from official press release, for more visit Vox
Submit a press release: email musicradar.pressreleases@futurenet.com
Connect with MusicRadar: via Twitter, Facebook and YouTube
Get MusicRadar straight to your inbox: Sign up for the free weekly newsletter
Matt is a freelance journalist who has spent the last decade interviewing musicians for the likes of Total Guitar, Guitarist, Guitar World, MusicRadar, NME.com, DJ Mag and Electronic Sound. In 2020, he launched CreativeMoney.co.uk, which aims to share the ideas that make creative lifestyles more sustainable. He plays guitar, but should not be allowed near your delay pedals.
“A unique octave bass fuzz with a built-in, 2-voice ring modulator”: The Maestro BB-1 Brassmaster is a super-rare bass octave fuzz from the ‘70s that sounds great on guitar, sells for $2,000+, and Behringer just made a $69 clone of it
“Maintain a consistently optimal neck setup, playability, and string action, regardless of changing environmental conditions”: Has Furch just made acoustic guitar setups a thing of the past with its new CNR System Active neck?