Pricing and availability

* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

Description

The Vox Apache I Bass is an electric bass guitar with a unique blend of retro aesthetics and modern functionality, making it an ideal choice for both stage performances and intimate jam sessions. This bass combines the charm of vintage Vox design with contemporary features that cater to today’s diverse musical styles. It features a built-in amplifier, allowing you to play without the need for external equipment, a distinctive trait that sets it apart in the realm of electric basses. Additionally, the Apache I Bass comes with a headphone output for silent practice, ensuring your late-night sessions remain neighbor-friendly.

With its short-scale neck, the Apache I Bass is designed for comfort and ease of play, making it accessible to both beginners and seasoned bassists. The bass is equipped with dual pickups, offering a range of tonal possibilities to suit various musical genres. The intuitive control layout provides seamless adjustments to volume and tone, allowing you to tailor your sound to perfection with minimal effort.

Key Features:

  • Built-in amplifier for portable convenience
  • Short-scale neck for comfortable playability
  • Dual pickups for versatile sound options
  • Headphone output for silent practice
  • Retro Vox design with modern functionality
  • Intuitive control layout for easy sound adjustments

Product specs

Brand Vox
Model Apache 1 Bass
Finish Sunburst
Year 2010s
Categories 4-String Basses
Active / Passive Pickups Passive Pickups
Active Preamp Active Preamp
Body Shape Non Cutaway
Color Family Brown
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Fretboard Material Rosewood
Number of Frets 21
Number of Strings 4-String
Pickup Configuration S
Right / Left Handed Right Handed

FAQs

What kind of tone can I expect from the Vox Apache I Bass with its passive pickups?

The Vox Apache I Bass delivers a warm and classic tone typical of passive pickups, making it suitable for a variety of genres, especially rock and blues.

Is the Vox Apache I Bass suitable for beginners?

Yes, the Vox Apache I Bass is suitable for beginners due to its straightforward design and manageable playability, making it easy to learn on.

How does the active preamp in the Vox Apache I Bass enhance its sound?

The active preamp in the Vox Apache I Bass provides additional tonal shaping options and increased output, offering a more versatile sound palette for different styles.

What is the neck profile like on the Vox Apache I Bass?

The neck profile of the Vox Apache I Bass is designed to be comfortable and easy to play, accommodating both beginner and experienced bassists.

How many frets does the Vox Apache I Bass have, and what material is the fretboard made from?

The Vox Apache I Bass features 21 frets and a rosewood fretboard, offering a smooth playing experience and a rich tonal quality.

Life 411

Life 411

Vox apache bass with built in amp

Video thumbnail for Vox apache bass with built in amp by Life 411

Vox apache bass with built in amp

Life 411

Life 411

Video thumbnail for 2012 Vox Apache-1B Bass Guitar With Drum Machine by keyboard resource

2012 Vox Apache-1B Bass Guitar With Drum Machine

keyboard resource

keyboard resource

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Vox Apache I Bass.

Features and functionality

  • The Apache I Bass includes built-in beats that are considered quite cool, enhancing its appeal for travel or practice sessions without additional equipment.

    Source
  • The Apache I Bass features 7 knobs and switches, which include Volume, Distortion, Tone, and Treble/Bass Boost, with some switches remaining undefined by users.

    Source

Build quality

  • The neck of the Apache I Bass is notably thick, described as being similar to a baseball bat, which may affect playability for some users.

    Source
  • The Apache I Bass includes a concealed battery compartment under a snap-on cushion that powers onboard Fuzz and Treble/Bass Booster circuits.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Prices for the Apache I Bass significantly vary, with some listings reaching $599+shipping, particularly from Japan, while past sales in the U.S. were around $250.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The bass's integrated drum machine and amp make it a desirable option for road trips, providing a compact and convenient setup for on-the-go practice.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • The Apache I Bass features a spoke wheel truss rod adjustment, a rarity in older bass models, facilitating easy neck angle adjustments.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The design and aesthetic of the Apache I Bass is reminiscent of the 1960s style seen in bubble gum rock movies.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Vox Apache I review | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

The Vox Apache I bass guitar offers a unique blend of retro style and modern, self-contained functionality with its built-in amp and drum machine. While it brings a lot of fun and portability, its awkward body shape for seated playing and somewhat underwhelming guitar sounds can be drawbacks. The lack of an external power supply option also limits its versatility. Overall, it's more of a novelty instrument than a professional tool, great for casual jamming on the go but not for serious performances.

4.5 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 2 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Laurie Vincent uses Vox Apache I Bass

Laurie Vincent

Singer, Guitarist

Slaves

...
Verified via YouTube

The Bass can be seen at 0:59 in the video, Laurie plays this on 'Shine my shoes with a dirty vest'

See how Fernanda Aparicio uses Vox Apache I Bass

Fernanda Aparicio

Bassist, Composer

Vilevo

...
Verified via Instagram

In an Instagram post by basslinger_vintage, Fernanda Aparicio is seen playing a Vox Apache I Bass Salmon Red live.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

More Vox Electric Basses

Rickenbacker 4003

$2,499.00 - $2,899.00

# 3

Rank

Paul McCartney Cliff Burton Jason Newsted
187 artists using
Gibson EB-3

$359.00 - $2,250.00

# 16

Rank

Josh Homme Billy Corgan Flea
108 artists using
Rickenbacker 4003S

$1,999.99 - $2,599.00

# 19

Rank

John Lennon Mike Rutherford Jack Bruce
22 artists using

Accessories & Related Items

Community setups

Similar

Gear Guides