Innovation and an Unmistakable Sound

It's always been pretty business

Vox Amplification stands as an influential force in the realm of musical amplification, renowned for its innovation and unmistakable sound. From its humble beginnings to shaping the rock 'n' roll landscape, Vox has left an indelible mark on the world of music. In this article, we delve into the rich history of Vox Amplification, highlighting its iconic creations, including the legendary wah wah pedals that have become synonymous with expressive guitar solos.

Birth of Vox Amplification

The story of Vox Amplification begins in the late 1950s when Thomas Walter Jennings, an electronics enthusiast and entrepreneur, founded Jennings Musical Industries (JMI) in the United Kingdom. Jennings, a former radio engineer, had a passion for music and a deep understanding of electronics, which drove him to explore the possibilities of creating better amplifiers for musicians. JMI initially focused on manufacturing amplifiers and organs. In 1958, they introduced the AC15 amplifier, which would prove to be a significant milestone in the company's history. The AC15 featured a single 12-inch speaker and utilised vacuum tubes, offering musicians a warm and expressive tone that quickly gained popularity.

The AC15's success inspired Jennings to push the boundaries further, leading to the development of what would become one of the most iconic amplifiers in music history: the Vox AC30. Introduced in 1959, the AC30 featured two 12-inch speakers and was powered by four EL84 tubes, delivering a unique sound that set it apart from competitors. It offered a blend of rich harmonics, dynamic response, and a distinct "jangly" chime that became synonymous with the British Invasion sound of the 1960s.

Vox Amplification quickly gained a reputation for quality and innovation, attracting the attention of influential musicians of the era. Artists such as The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, The Kinks, and countless others embraced the Vox sound, cementing its place in the music industry. The AC30 became the amplifier of choice for these bands, propelling Vox into the spotlight and solidifying its status as a leading amplifier manufacturer. The success of Vox Amplification extended beyond the British music scene. American musicians also recognised the exceptional qualities of Vox amps, and the brand gained a strong foothold in the United States. Vox amplifiers became synonymous with the "British Invasion" sound that defined the 1960s and shaped the course of popular music.

The innovative design, distinctive tone, and endorsement from renowned musicians contributed to Vox's rapid growth and worldwide recognition. With its expanding product line, Vox continued to refine and expand its amplifier offerings, introducing various models catering to the evolving needs and preferences of musicians. Today, Vox Amplification remains an iconic brand in the music industry, beloved by professionals and enthusiasts alike. The legacy of their amplifiers, from the AC15 and AC30 to modern incarnations, continues to inspire musicians, enabling them to create unique sounds and push the boundaries of musical expression.

Through Thomas Walter Jennings' passion for electronics, his commitment to quality, and his drive to innovate, Vox Amplification emerged as a pioneering force, leaving an enduring impact on the world of music. From the small workshop where it all began to the global stage, Vox continues to shape the sound of generations of musicians, solidifying its place as a true legend in the realm of amplification.

The Advent of Wah Wah

In the mid-1960s, Vox Amplification made another groundbreaking contribution to the world of music with the creation of the iconic wah wah pedal. The origins of the wah pedal can be traced back to the efforts of Brad Plunkett, an engineer working at Jennings Musical Industries (JMI), the company behind Vox.

Plunkett, driven by a desire to provide guitarists with new and exciting tonal possibilities, developed a circuit that would alter the frequency response of the guitar signal. This circuit allowed for a distinctive filtering effect, which mimicked the sound of a human voice saying "wah wah." The result was a pedal that could dynamically sweep the tone, providing guitarists with a whole new level of expressiveness.

The first wah wah pedal to emerge from Vox was named the Vox Clyde McCoy Wah Wah, paying homage to the renowned trumpet player Clyde McCoy. The pedal featured a rugged enclosure, a rocker foot treadle, and a potentiometer that controlled the sweep of the effect. It quickly gained popularity among musicians who sought to add a unique vocal-like quality to their guitar solos and improvisations.

One of the pivotal moments for the wah wah pedal came when Jimi Hendrix, the legendary guitarist, incorporated it into his playing. Hendrix's innovative use of the pedal, showcased prominently in songs like "Voodoo Child (Slight Return)," helped catapult the wah wah into the spotlight, and it became synonymous with his signature sound. Other influential guitarists like Eric Clapton, Jimmy Page, and David Gilmour also embraced the wah wah pedal, further solidifying its place in the pantheon of iconic guitar effects.

Too good to just advertise it once!!

As the popularity of the wah wah pedal grew, Vox continued to refine and expand its offerings. The original Clyde McCoy Wah Wah was succeeded by various models, including the Vox V846, which featured improved circuitry and durability. Vox's wah pedals were known for their expressive and smooth operation, allowing guitarists to control the effect seamlessly with their foot while playing.

The impact of the wah wah pedal went beyond the realm of rock music. It found its way into funk, blues, and jazz, becoming an essential tool for guitarists across genres. Its distinctive sound and ability to evoke emotion and intensity made it a beloved effect that has stood the test of time. Today, the wah wah pedal remains a staple in the pedalboards of guitarists worldwide. Its distinctive sweep and expressive qualities continue to inspire musicians, providing a means of adding a touch of vocal-like expression to their playing.

The birth of the wah wah pedal at Vox Amplification represented a significant milestone in the history of guitar effects. Through the ingenuity and innovation of Brad Plunkett, Vox created a pedal that forever changed the landscape of guitar playing. The wah wah pedal's ability to infuse the guitar with a human-like voice unleashed a new level of creativity and expression, leaving an indelible mark on the world of music.

That's the stuff

Vox Amplification's journey from its early beginnings to becoming a global icon is a testament to its commitment to innovation and dedication to crafting exceptional sound. From the revolutionary AC30 amplifier to the iconic wah wah pedals, Vox has left an indelible mark on music history. As the company continues to push boundaries and inspire musicians, the unmistakable Vox sound remains a defining element in the ever-evolving world of music.

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Vox V847 Wah-Wah Pedal: legendary effect that shaped the course of music history. With its vintage-inspired design and updated features, the V847 delivers the iconic wah sound that guitarists have come to love, while incorporating modern enhancements for enhanced performance and durability. The V847 features a rugged die-cast construction, ensuring years of reliable use on the road or in the studio. Its smooth and responsive operation allows for precise control over the sweep, allowing guitarists to shape their sound with unparalleled expression. The pedal also includes true bypass switching, eliminating signal loss when the effect is disengaged. With the V847, Vox continues its legacy of delivering top-quality wah effects, providing guitarists with the tools to unlock a world of dynamic and emotive tones.

Vox MSB50 Mini Superbeetle Bass Amp: A rock band from Liverpool caused such a world-wide sensation in the 1960s that they had a dramatically transforming effect not only on the music industry but also on lifestyles. The VOX MINI SUPERBEETLE is a compact-sized revival of the stack amps that they used on their first tour of the United States, and has been acclaimed by numerous guitarists thanks to the full-fledged sound generated by Nutube and its outstanding looks that also let the unit function as interior décor.

Vox AC30C2 Custom Combo Amp:  Introducing the Vox AC30C2 Custom Combo Amp—your ultimate ticket to tonal nirvana! This bad boy is a rock 'n' roll beast, delivering sonic bliss with a side of British charm. With its iconic vintage design and ear-pleasing sound, the AC30C2 is like a time machine that transports you straight to the golden era of rock. Pumping out 30 watts of pure tube-driven power through its twin 12-inch Celestion speakers, this amp roars with authority, ensuring your riffs have the perfect blend of clarity and grit. The AC30C2 boasts a versatile control panel that lets you dial in everything from sparkling cleans to gritty overdrives with ease. It's like having a sonic playground at your fingertips! Whether you're shredding on stage, recording in the studio, or just jamming in your garage, the Vox AC30C2 Custom Combo Amp is your trusty companion, ready to unleash a tonal tsunami that will have everyone nodding their heads and raising their devil horns in approval. Get ready to rock like a true guitar god!

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