Pricing and availability
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Description
The Vox Phantom XII 12-String Guitar is an iconic masterpiece that marries vintage charm with modern playability. This distinctive instrument, with its unique five-sided body shape, captures the spirit of the 1960s, a time when Vox was at the forefront of guitar innovation. Designed for those who crave both aesthetic appeal and sonic depth, the Phantom XII is equipped with three single-coil pickups that deliver a rich, resonant sound perfect for jangly pop, surf, and rock genres. Its twelve-string arrangement offers a lush, full-bodied tonal palette that enchants musicians and audiences alike.
Crafted originally in England and later in Italy, the Phantom XII boasts a legacy of craftsmanship and quality. Its retro styling is not just for show; the design enhances comfort and playability, ensuring that this guitar is as much a joy to play as it is to behold. The blend of vintage allure and practical functionality makes the Vox Phantom XII a standout choice for both collectors and active players looking to expand their musical horizons.
Key Features:
- Unique five-sided body shape
- Three single-coil pickups for versatile sound
- Twelve-string configuration for rich tonal depth
- Originally crafted in England and Italy
- Distinctive retro styling for enhanced comfort and playability
Product specs
| Brand | Vox |
| Model | Phantom XII |
| Finish | Black |
| Year | 1966 |
| Categories | 12-String Electric Guitars, Solid Body Electric Guitars |
| Body Shape | Non Cutaway |
| Body Type | Solid Body |
| Bridge/Tailpiece Type | Tremolo Tailpiece |
| Color Family | Black |
| Fretboard Material | Ebony |
| Neck Construction | Bolt-On |
| Number of Frets | 22 |
| Number of Strings | 12-String |
| Pickup Configuration | SSS |
| Right / Left Handed | Right Handed |
FAQs
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What kind of tones can I expect from the Vox Phantom XII's pickups?
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The Vox Phantom XII features a single-coil SSS pickup configuration, delivering bright, jangly tones ideal for genres like rock, pop, and folk, reminiscent of the 1960s sound.
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Is the Vox Phantom XII suitable for beginners?
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While the Vox Phantom XII offers iconic tones, its 12-string configuration and unique body shape may present a learning curve for beginners. It's more suited for players with some experience seeking a distinct sound.
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What is the neck profile of the Vox Phantom XII like?
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The Vox Phantom XII has a bolt-on neck construction with an ebony fretboard, providing a smooth playing experience. The neck is designed to accommodate the 12-string setup, offering comfort for complex chord voicings.
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Does the Vox Phantom XII have a tremolo system?
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Yes, the Vox Phantom XII is equipped with a tremolo tailpiece, allowing for pitch modulation and expressive playing styles.
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How does the Vox Phantom XII compare to other 12-string electric guitars?
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The Vox Phantom XII stands out with its distinctive non-cutaway body shape and classic 1960s design. Its single-coil pickups provide a unique tonal character that differentiates it from other 12-string models.
Videos
Garrett Schmelzel
Vox Phantom XII Vintage Guitar Demo 1966
Vox Phantom XII Vintage Guitar Demo 1966
Garrett Schmelzel
Reviews
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Vox Phantom XII 12-String Guitar.
Features and functionality
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The built-in battery-operated effects are a standout feature, reminiscent of the innovative Vox Guitorgan, offering unique sound possibilities.
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The presence of non-standard tuners or a Bigsby-type tremolo system can help identify a reproduction model.
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The Vox Tempest XII is noted for its thick neck, contributing to its distinctive jangly sound.
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The Phantom XII and Tempest XII both offer a distinctive 12-string sound, but user preference often leans towards the Tempest for comfort.
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Comparisons
User experience
Setup and maintenance
Value and pricing
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It's crucial to authenticate the guitar; originals can be worth significantly more than £1,500, while reproductions are a bit less valuable.
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Build quality
Use cases and applications
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Joining specialized communities like the "Vintage Vox Guitars of the 1960s" group can provide valuable insights and authentication help for unique models.
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Mods and upgrades
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Some users consider replacing original pickups with Strat pickups for a different sound, but it's advised to keep the originals for authenticity.
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4.5 out of 5
Based on 1 Review and 3 Ratings
344
The coolest guitar I ever owned
Really cool guitar that turned heads, not the best player or most useful, but that is missing the point. Would have kept mine if they weren’t worth so much.
Preferred Settings + Usage:
Whatever amp you’re plugging into, make sure it has a drippy spring reverb, and saturate it with a tiny amount of drive or boost. Or use loads of fuzz…
Artist usage
Add artist
In the Reverb video "How to Stack Fuzz and Drive Pedals," J Mascis of Dinosaur Jr. discusses using the Vox Phantom XII 12-String Guitar, mentioning he needed it for touring but found it challenging to keep in tune.
In the Kreativsound article "Chemical Brothers – Tom Rowlands – In Studio," it is noted that Tom Rowlands of The Chemical Brothers uses a Vox Phantom XII 12-String Guitar to craft their distinct sound, setting their music apart from typical electronic compositions.
Featured in this late 1966 Vox ad.
Quietly-spoken Brian praises VOX equipment; the Stones use all VOX amplification. Brian features a VOX Mk. Xll 12-string Guitar as well as the Mando Guitar and the VOX 2-Manual Continental Organ. Together with the VOX research team, Brian created the VOX Bijou Guitar, responsible for that sitar sound of the Stones' latest recording. He says, adamantly: "Sound is all-important to me. And so is progress. VOX gives me 100 per cent progressive sound."
In this 1965 photograph, Dave Davies is seen with a Vox Phantom XII with a whammy bar.
Picture from a concert uploaded on the 18th of June 2017.
He can be seen playing it throughout this video.
In this Shindig performance, Graham Nash is seen playin a Vox Phantom XII at 2:05.
In this live performance of "Look Through Any Window" on Sunday Night at The London Palladium, 1965, Tony Hicks plays a Vox Phantom XII, clearly seen at 1:35.
Throughout the mid-1960s, around 1965-1966 or 1967, Hicks mainly play the Vox Phantom XII, in several songs, and live/mimed TV performances. It is used briefly in Evolution with songs such as You Need Love and many more. Hicks would retire the guitar by the late 1960s, as he is not seen playing the Vox after 1968.
In this video, Peter can be seen playing a Vox Phantom XII 12-string guitar.
You can see Sergio explaining where and why he got the white Vox Phantom XII, starting at minute 0:34.This guitar was also used for the music video of Azul, from Zoé's Aztlan record.
According to Immergluck's website, he uses the 1966 Vox Phantom XII 12-string guitar.
Album Usage
The Vox Phantom XII 12-String Guitar 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 Phantom XII 12-String Guitar, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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