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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

What kind of tones can I expect from the Vox Phantom XII's pickups?

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.

Is the Vox Phantom XII suitable for beginners?

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.

What is the neck profile of the Vox Phantom XII like?

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.

Does the Vox Phantom XII have a tremolo system?

Yes, the Vox Phantom XII is equipped with a tremolo tailpiece, allowing for pitch modulation and expressive playing styles.

How does the Vox Phantom XII compare to other 12-string electric guitars?

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.

Garrett Schmelzel

Garrett Schmelzel

Vox Phantom XII Vintage Guitar Demo 1966

Video thumbnail for Vox Phantom XII Vintage Guitar Demo 1966 by Garrett Schmelzel

Vox Phantom XII Vintage Guitar Demo 1966

Garrett Schmelzel

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

  • The built-in battery-operated effects are a standout feature, reminiscent of the innovative Vox Guitorgan, offering unique sound possibilities.

    Source
  • The presence of non-standard tuners or a Bigsby-type tremolo system can help identify a reproduction model.

    Source
  • The Vox Tempest XII is noted for its thick neck, contributing to its distinctive jangly sound.

    Source
  • The Phantom XII and Tempest XII both offer a distinctive 12-string sound, but user preference often leans towards the Tempest for comfort.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The Phantom XII Special and VI Special appear similar, but the XII's 12-string setup offers a distinct tonal richness compared to the VI's configuration.

    Source
  • The Vox Tempest XII's sound can be likened to "It's My Life" by The Animals, showcasing its characteristic jangle.

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User experience

  • Owners highlight the Phantom 12-string pickups, praising them as some of the best single coils, emphasizing their unmatched clarity and tone.

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  • Owners have praised the Tempest XII for its playability and sound, despite occasional clunkiness noted by some players.

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Setup and maintenance

  • Proper setup is crucial; investing time in adjusting the action and intonation significantly enhances playability and tuning stability.

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  • Owners report that the Tempest's neck feels more comfortable and stays in tune easier compared to the Phantom XII.

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Value and pricing

  • 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

  • Some guitars lack serial numbers on the headstock or base plate, which may indicate a reproduction rather than an original.

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  • The Italian-made Vox guitars from the '60s often feature rosewood or ebony fingerboards, with varying possibilities due to production inconsistencies.

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Use cases and applications

  • 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

  • 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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Other

  • The discontinuation of backpads on late production models was due to inconsistent EKO quality control.

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4.5 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 3 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
ralphkj

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
See how Omar Khorshid uses Vox Phantom XII 12-String Guitar

Omar Khorshid

Guitarist, Composer

...
Verified via Photo

Khorshid is pictured here playing a Vox Phantom XII

See how Greg Kihn uses Vox Phantom XII 12-String Guitar

Greg Kihn

Guitarist, Singer

Greg Kihn Band

...
Verified via YouTube

It appears to me that Greg Kihn's main guitar in the 80's for live work was a vintage Vox Phantom 12-String. Just about every live concert from the 80's has Greg playing this guitar for the majority if not the whole entire show. On this live version of Jeopardy we can hear the Vox quite clearly when the choruses kick in.

See how Fernando Nuti uses Vox Phantom XII 12-String Guitar

Fernando Nuti

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via YouTube

The item can be seen at 0:04

J

Jessica Bailiff

Guitarist, Drummer

Clear Horizon

...
Verified via Photo

According to this Guitar Geek rig diagram, Jessica Bailiff used a custom made 12 string guitar. The body for this guitar came from a Vox Phantom XII.

See how Pete Cosey uses Vox Phantom XII 12-String Guitar

Pete Cosey

Guitarist

...
Verified via YouTube

Pete is seen here playing his Vox Phantom XII with Miles Davis. November 3, 1973 in Vienna

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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