The Legendary History of Vox
The Vox story starts with a young amplifier designer, Dick Denny. In the late 1950s, Dick was working for England’s JMI Corporation and became enthralled with the world of electric guitar. He worked obsessively with other designers at JMI to create an electric guitar amp that could deliver the volume and projection needed by the guitarists of the day. And, as they say, the rest is history.
Rock ’n’ Roll on the Rise
Dick Denny and JMI unveiled the fruits of their labor in January 1958 — the Vox-branded AC1/15. Later, the company shortened the name to the AC15. The amplifier went on to cut numerous classic records and shake countless venues. As the AC15 sound swept through the UK supporting top guitarists, and as the Beatles rose to worldwide stardom, so too did the Vox name.
Vox on the Record
Throughout the decades, Vox has played a leading role in guitar and rock ’n’ roll history. Vox amps have been played by a who’s who of artists, including Queen, the Rolling Stones, Tom Petty, Radiohead, and many others. The telltale Vox chime has defined British rock and is a mainstay in guitar-based music — even in heavier genres where pushing the amp creates pulsating walls of distortion.
Modern Technology, Classic Sounds
Today, Vox carries the classic sound of its legacy amplifiers while taking a forward-thinking approach to new product design. Of course, a sound as classic as the Vox can never go out of style. The legendary AC15 sound lives on in the Custom and Hand-Wired series. But newer designs like the Superbeetle take advantage of Vox’s NuTube technology to provide real-deal tube sound and response in smaller form factors than ever before. Vox’s modeling amplifiers utilize powerful onboard DSP to re-create the essence of multiple classic tube designs and effects.
Vox Effects
Vox has never limited its creative horizons. The company offers a range of exciting effects to go along with its world-class amplifiers. For example, Vox developed the original Wah pedal in 1967, which gave rise to timeless performances by Hendrix and other rock legends. Today, Vox offers a variety of Wahs and many more pedals. The company’s Valvenergy series pedals use NuTube technology to deliver iconic amp sounds right on your pedalboard. Their VXT-1 strobe tuner is one of the most accurate tuning pedals on the market. The Stomplab series pedals deliver seriously impressive amp and effects modeling in small form factors.
Nothin’ Like a Vox
From the beginning, Vox Amplification has existed to help guitarists get the sound they need. Dick Denny’s legacy as one of the most influential amp designers of all time lives on in the Vox family. Each of the company’s amplifiers, effects, and other products continues to provide musicians with the tools they need to reach their true potential. There’s nothing quite like a Vox.
