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Average Price: $605

Standard/Professional

$300

$801+

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Description

The Vox Berkeley II guitar amplifier head is a true relic from the golden era of rock 'n' roll, offering both vintage charm and explosive sound. Originally designed to pair with a 2 x 10-inch cabinet, this amplifier head brings a classic vibe with its authentic retro aesthetics. With a production run from 1966 to 1967, it has become a sought-after piece for collectors and musicians who crave that iconic Vox sound.

This amplifier head is all about delivering that crystalline, jangly tone that Vox is celebrated for, thanks to its 18-watt power output. It features a straightforward control panel with options for Volume, Treble, Bass, Reverb, Speed, and Depth, allowing you to shape your sound with precision. Whether you're chasing the signature tone of the '60s or crafting your own unique voice, the Berkeley II is versatile enough to accommodate a range of musical styles.

Its compact design makes it an ideal companion for both studio sessions and live performances. The Vox Berkeley II takes you back in time, yet stands firm in today's music scene, making it a perfect blend of vintage warmth and modern usability.

Key Features:

  • 18 watts of power
  • Controls: Volume, Treble, Bass, Reverb, Speed, Depth
  • Vintage design aesthetic
  • Originally paired with a 2 x 10-inch cabinet
  • Ideal for both studio and live performances

Product specs

Brand Vox
Model V1081 Berkeley II Super Reverb 18-Watt Guitar Amp Head
Finish Black
Year 1966 - 1967
Made In United States
Categories Guitar Heads
Built-In Effects Built-In Effects
Color Family Black
Direct Output No Direct Output
Effects Loop No Effects Loop
Electronics Solid State
Impedance 4 ohms
Number of Channels 1 Channel
Number of Inputs 3 Inputs
Output Power (Watts) 18
Power Tube Type None
Reverb Spring Reverb

FAQs

What type of electronics does the Vox Berkeley II amplifier use?

The Vox Berkeley II amplifier is a solid-state amp, meaning it does not use tubes for amplification, which provides a distinct tonal character and reliability compared to tube amps.

Does the Vox Berkeley II have built-in effects?

Yes, the Vox Berkeley II features built-in spring reverb, allowing for classic reverb effects without needing an external pedal.

How many inputs does the Vox Berkeley II amplifier have?

The Vox Berkeley II amplifier has three inputs, providing flexibility for connecting multiple instruments or using different input configurations.

What is the output power of the Vox Berkeley II amplifier?

The Vox Berkeley II amplifier delivers 18 watts of output power, suitable for small gigs and practice sessions.

Does the Vox Berkeley II amplifier have an effects loop?

No, the Vox Berkeley II amplifier does not include an effects loop, which means effects pedals will be placed before the amp input.

solidbodyguitar

solidbodyguitar

Vox Berkley II solidstate

Video thumbnail for Vox Berkley II solidstate by solidbodyguitar

Vox Berkley II solidstate

solidbodyguitar

solidbodyguitar

Video thumbnail for Vox Berkeley II Head and cab. by SteveWalsh730

Vox Berkeley II Head and cab.

SteveWalsh730

SteveWalsh730

Video thumbnail for Vintage 60s Vox Berkeley II AMP by Southern Music Company

Vintage 60s Vox Berkeley II AMP

Southern Music Company

Southern Music Company

Video thumbnail for Amplificador Vox Berkeley II made in USA  - Transístor de Germânio / Germanium Transistor by Pedrone Amplificadores

Amplificador Vox Berkeley II made in USA - Transístor de Germânio / Germanium Transistor

Pedrone Amplificadores

Pedrone Amplificadores

Reviews

Owner Insights

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

Features and functionality

  • The stand for the Vox Berkeley II, no longer in production, significantly affects room acoustics, enhancing the amp's sound delivery.

    Source
  • The Vox Berkeley II is noted for its distinct chimey Vox tone and a fantastic tremolo feature, although it may lack in low-end frequencies.

    Source
  • The amp integrates a tuner switch that plays an E note, a distinctive and cool vintage feature.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Reverb issues may stem from dirty leads in the spring tank; gentle cleaning can resolve signal problems without heavy maintenance.

    Source
  • Failing capacitors or transistors are likely culprits for hum issues, rather than pots, making maintenance potentially complex.

    Source
  • The construction of the amp complicates repairs, with users noting the difficulty of accessing internal components.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Owners highlight the amp's clean, clear highs, growly mids, and carrying lows, making it versatile for various musical styles.

    Source
  • Despite potential repair challenges, the amp is valued for its aesthetic and tonal appeal when functioning well.

    Source
  • Seen used by the Beatles at Shea Stadium, highlighting its historical significance and performance pedigree.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • A user acquired an all-original unit, including vintage speakers, for $300, underscoring its appeal as a valuable vintage find.

    Source
  • Prices for the Vox Berkeley II can be highly unpredictable in local unadvertised auctions, potentially offering bargain opportunities.

    Source

User experience

  • Enthusiasts appreciate the amp's character both in tone and aesthetics, describing it as well-used and loved, adding to its vintage charm.

    Source
  • This amplifier can keep up with a reasonable drummer, making it suitable for smaller gigging scenarios.

    Source

3.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 1 Rating

5 star
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1 star
mbowie4321

Classic looks, takes some effort for good tone

I've always loved the trapezoidal looks of the American made Vox amps. Yes, the Beatles only used them on the final U.S. tour in '66, but they used solid state gear to record in the mid 60's and it sounded great. This amp is old (or vintage) paired with it's cab it looks fantastic. All the detail you'd ever need is on the Vox Showroom site. It plays fine (and foot-switch works and they are hard to find), but has a bit of a hum and needs tweaking (which I'm told can be done). It is loud and bright.

jimmarchi1

they didn't use a as much of the vox conquerors and defiants as you think, they used more of the hybrid amps (revolver, sgt pepper, parts of mystery tour) as well as a blonde fender bassman 6G6B, a slmer zodiac, a selmer treble 'n bass and ender dual shomans... deluxe reverbs and the bassman 50 came ina round white album... the solid state voxes were a passing thing as mucha s the ac30s and ac15. People think of those amps, but a lot of teir vox tones on the records are ac50s, ac100s and those UL hybrid voxes... for some reason we all see them with ac30s or with conquerors though!

mbowie4321

Yes, it's hard to know exactly what was used when and yes they didn't stick with it (maybe some use during '66/'67). I guess the point being at the time anyway tubes were not revered like now (solid state was the go-go future! Satellites and all that). Anyway, mine sounds good and looks great. It could sound better with a bit of love.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how J Mascis uses Vox Berkeley II

J Mascis

Singer, Guitarist

Dinosaur Jr

...
Verified via Pinterest

Sold on Reverb.com in 2017.

Vox Berkley II Head Cabinet (empty) & loaded Cabinet owned By J Mascis

See how Scott Holiday uses Vox Berkeley II

Scott Holiday

Guitarist

Rival Sons

...
Verified via Guitarplayer

"The first track you hear is a ’66 Telecaster into a mid-’60s Vox Berkeley, which is a solid-state Vox with reverb. It’s a weird-sounding amp, but of course it can’t be all bad because the Beatles used it. The sound of that amp, that guitar, and the weird reverb was really dark and strange."

See how John Jorgenson uses Vox Berkeley II

John Jorgenson

Guitarist

Mark Knopfler’s Guitar Heroes

...
Verified via Premierguitar

This PG article lists the gear John Jorgensen used on the CD titled „Gifts from the flood”. The list includes this item too.

Album Usage

The Vox Berkeley II has been featured on the following albums:

Genre Usage

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

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Vox Berkeley II, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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1
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1
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1
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Fender Jazzmaster Solid Body Electric Guitars
1
Boss DD-2 Digital Delay
Boss DD-2 Digital Delay Delay Effects Pedals
1
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1

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