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Description

The Vox Starstream XII is an electric guitar that seamlessly blends contemporary versatility with a nod to classic design. Created for musicians seeking to explore a wider tonal palette, this extended range guitar is equipped with a unique array of features that cater to both traditional and avant-garde players.

Its defining characteristic is the integration of the AREOS-D system, allowing guitarists to access an extensive range of electric, acoustic, and synth-inspired tones at the flick of a switch. This digital signal processing system enhances the Starstream XII's capacity to adapt to any playing style or genre, making it a perfect companion for experimental artists and session musicians alike.

The ergonomic body shape and well-balanced design ensure that even during extended playing sessions, comfort remains uncompromised. The neck, crafted for smooth playability, complements the instrument’s versatile sound capabilities, making it suitable for both intricate solos and rich chordal work.

Key Features:

  • AREOS-D system for a diverse range of tones
  • Extended range for greater musical expression
  • Ergonomic body design for enhanced comfort
  • High-quality pickups for dynamic sound output
  • Versatile control layout for easy tone manipulation
  • Durable construction for reliable performance on stage and in the studio
Derek See

Derek See

1967 Vox Starstream XII presented by guitarsagogo.blogspot.com

Video thumbnail for 1967 Vox Starstream XII presented by guitarsagogo.blogspot.com by Derek See

1967 Vox Starstream XII presented by guitarsagogo.blogspot.com

Derek See

Derek See

Video thumbnail for Vox Starstream XII Electric Guitar Ebay Item number: 300451624919 Demo by IplayMusic2

Vox Starstream XII Electric Guitar Ebay Item number: 300451624919 Demo

IplayMusic2

IplayMusic2

Video thumbnail for Rig of the Week # 17: 1968 Vox Starstream XII w/ 1960s Magnatone M10 Demo by Thunder Road Guitars

Rig of the Week # 17: 1968 Vox Starstream XII w/ 1960s Magnatone M10 Demo

Thunder Road Guitars

Thunder Road Guitars

Reviews

Owner Insights

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

Setup and maintenance

  • Tuning can be challenging, but some owners find it manageable with careful attention; others report it holds tuning well despite being a vintage model.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • Built-in effects like distortion and tremolo are praised, though the wah is considered less usable.

    Source
  • The top knob and switch on the Vox Starstream XII are used to boost bass and treble, while the lower knob controls a distortion effect, and another offers a reverb/echo feature.

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  • There are switches for a wah effect and an E-note tuner, powered by an internal battery, indicating early active effect technology.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Compared to Rickenbacker 12-strings, the Vox is less popular but offers unique tonal qualities.

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User experience

  • The guitar's weight distribution and neck design may lead to neck-dive issues, affecting playability.

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  • One owner purchased the Vox Starstream XII primarily as a collectible inspired by its use by Alex Turner, particularly valuing its association with The Last Shadow Puppets.

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Use cases and applications

  • Primarily recommended for studio use rather than live performances due to its unique sound and handling characteristics.

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  • The guitar suits jangly 60s garage rock, aligning well with its unique tonal character for that genre.

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Build quality

  • The teardrop body includes a weight-reducing cavity, which impacts balance and ergonomics significantly.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 16 Ratings

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Artist usage

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See how Alex Turner uses Vox Starstream XII

Alex Turner

Guitarist

Arctic Monkeys

...
Verified via YouTube

Used to record "Do I Wanna Know?" and for each live performance of it. Alex Turner has been seen using the Vox Starstream in many notable performances, such as Austin City Limits 2013 and Live at the Red Bull Sound Space at KROQ, the latter seen in this 2013 video. It was also used for a live performance "Crying Lightning" on March 5, 2018 at The Hollywood Forever Cemetery and for some live performances of "Cornerstone" in 2022 (https://youtu.be/O4biHn4ZpGk). The story of the Starstream's acquisition and initial use on AM was given by producer James Ford in this August 1, 2013 NME interview.

What was your favourite moment recording the album?

It was actually when ‘Do I Wanna Know?’ came together, I just remember thinking, ‘This sums up what we’re trying to do’. It felt kind of heavy – and heavy in mood as well. It had a weight to it that I really like. I remember when that came together being really excited, and seeing the picture crystallise in front of me a little bit of where we going. It was one of the first ones we got done, and it was that thing of it coming together – I could see the end call from that point onwards.

That riff was written on Alex’s 12-string Vox guitar, right?

Yeah. I remember when we bought it, I’ve got a picture of Alex playing it when we did the previous album [‘Suck It And See’]. He found it at the end of that record, and we never really used it on it. But I remember it quite distinctly, because it’s got these effects built into the guitar and I think he actually bought it as a bit of a joke. But I think it actually turned into a bit of an inspirational instrument! A lot of the riffs were written on that particular guitar.

Tom Rowley also plays the guitar for "one for the road"

See how The Chemical Brothers uses Vox Starstream XII

The Chemical Brothers

Music Producer

The Chemical Brothers

...
Verified via Synthtopia

The Chemical Brothers are shown using the Vox Starstream XII in their studio, as highlighted in Synthtopia's article "The Chemical Brothers Studio Will Make You Drool."

See how Dean DeLeo uses Vox Starstream XII

Dean DeLeo

Guitarist

Stone Temple Pilots

...
Verified via Twitter

Dean DeLeo is associated with a '68 Vox Starstream XII, as mentioned in a tweet by STPRobertDeLeo.

See how Robert DeLeo uses Vox Starstream XII

Robert DeLeo

Guitarist, Bassist

Stone Temple Pilots

...
Verified via Twitter

Robert DeLeo shares on Twitter that he starts his day with his '68 Vox Starstream XII, indicating his personal use of this extended range electric guitar.

See how Anton Newcombe uses Vox Starstream XII

Anton Newcombe

Singer, Guitarist

The Brian Jonestown Massacre

...
Verified via Photo

In this photo, Newcombe can be seen playing a Vox Starstream XII.

See how Jason Pierce uses Vox Starstream XII

Jason Pierce

Singer, Guitarist

Spacemen 3

...
Verified via Photo

J. Spacemen can clearly be seen playing a Vox Starstream XII. The partially visible headstock says it all, it has two parallel lines of tuners, which are to be on the twelve string version only. I just can't attach two pictures. There is also a picture where the headstock is fully visible, it only has the guitar captured, not both Spaceman and the guitar.

See how Jarvis Cocker uses Vox Starstream XII

Jarvis Cocker

Singer, Guitarist

Pulp

...
Verified via YouTube

Jarvis Cocker has been playing the Vox Starstream XII as of festival performances promoting his new project, JARV IS...

See how Spacemen 3 uses Vox Starstream XII

Spacemen 3

Music Producer

Spacemen 3

...
Verified via YouTube

In the live performance video of Spacemen 3 at Forum Enger, Germany, on May 6, 1989, the band can be seen using a Vox Starstream XII electric guitar.

See how Fernando Nuti uses Vox Starstream XII

Fernando Nuti

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via Photo

Fernando Nuti's Vox Starstream XII is featured in a photo from his instrument collection, uploaded by a user on Lagoonar.

See how Tyler Fogerty uses Vox Starstream XII

Tyler Fogerty

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via Photo

In this Premier Guitar article from May 20, 2021 (https://www.premierguitar.com/artists/hearty-har-interview), PG has images of Tyler Fogerty and his preferred guitar, a Vox Starstream XII teardrop, sitting in his studio with his brother Shane and his favored guitar. Later in this article, a live performance image is provided of their band Hearty Har showing Tyler using his Vox Starstream XII teardrop guitar. Tyler also has a 6-string version of the Vox Starstream he uses in both studion and live according to PG. Tyler and Shane are sons of John Fogerty of legendary fame with Creedance Clearwater Revival (CCR) and a solid solo career.

There is also a 25-min YouTube video of a live Heart Har session on "Scenes Live Sessions" (https://youtu.be/wnvTo_2lRO8) where Tyler is performing with his Vox Starstream XII. This YouTube video clip is all accessible in the PG article.

Used With

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

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