Vox USA Korg-Era Vintage Reissue Guitars

1998-2001

In the late 90's Vox came out with some USA made reissue guitars, a mando guitar (called the mini-12), a couple versions of the teardrop (the Mark III), and a phantom (the Mark VI) .  They were advertised on the North Coast Music website, who were also the sponsor of the great Vox Showroom reference site.  I had bought some cabinets and parts from NCM, and I recall they were also a Rickenbacker dealer.

I was certainly familiar with the Vox guitars, but given that the originals were made in Italy (and the UK), I assumed they weren't of the best quality.  But when I saw the USA versions I took the plunge and bought a Brian Jones style (AKA white) teardrop - the Mark III Custom.  I loved it!  I'm not sure how it compares to a vintage Vox, but from what I've read it's a replica in the looks department, not in the feel (or sound) department.  I'd compare it to a strat in terms of feel and sound.

After I bought my teardrop I picked up a mando guitar (the Mini-12), and then a Mark VI, and then a prototype Mark XII, which was a 12-string teardrop that didn't go into production, and then a (probably) NAMM teardrop that had a peacock feather finish.

These USA guitars are great.  I later learned that were more properly "assembled in USA" - necks were made in Canada (Godin necks), and most of the other parts and the assembly was completed in MN, USA.  Vox made around 700 of these USA guitars and they come up for resale from time-to-time...

More info from the Web:

Vox Showroom:

• VOX USA behind the scenes story/history

• VOX USA Mark III Custom

• Vox USA Mark VI 

• Vox USA Mark XII Prototype

• Vox USA Mini-12