VOX Symphonic Bass - Need help

[electricfruit]

Hi folks, am new to the forum. was referred by a bass player friend of mine.

I've recently come into posession of a VOX Symphonic Bass
s.no 69573.

It's a P-bass styled, 4 String bass.

It has a Fender shaped body, and from what i can see has a 2 tone sunburst thing going on.

There are 2 knobs (tone and volume), controlling the single 4 pole pickup.

The pickguard covers most of the front of the body of the bass.

The tuning pegs are the clover style tuners.

The headstock is Fender-esque. and has a string tree.
On the front of the headstock, is the detailing of "VOX SYMPHONIC BASS"
with a slightly worn triple trapezoid JMI logo, with the words "Dartford, Kent" On the back of the headstock, near the E string tuning peg is the serial number, debossed into the wood. and another decal "Made in England"

The fretboard is rosewood, the neck I suspect is maple.

Will attach pictures soon... I can't find neither my card reader nor my camera's cable.

I do believe its more than 25 years old, but would really like to verify its authenticity.

[iamthebassman]

Contact North Coast Music.

[iamthebassman]

Also
http://voxshowroom.com/equipment/ind...l#bass guitars

[Thornton Davis]

These were made in the UK by Stuart Darkins & Co. around 1961-63. Darkins were basically a furniture manufacturer, they had no expertice in guitar making which meant they could only make solid body guitars and basses with simple electronics. They basically copied the Fender Stratocaster and Precision designs.

JMI moved their guitar/bass production to Italy in 63 to Eko where they could and did make a variety of semi-acoustic electrics, solid body electrics along with acoustic guitars that could wear the VOX nameplate. In addition, Eko could incorporate the VOX designed "built-in effects" and unconventional body shapes that would make their instruments unique.

In my 40 plus years of playing bass and owning many basses, I've yet to come across a Vox Symphonic Bass. I have photos of it in printed catalogues, but that's all. I don't think there are very many of them around anymore. Depending on it's condition, you might have yourself a rare find.

I look forward to seeing the photos of it.

TD

[electricfruit]

iamthebassman: thanks for the info! i've emailed them!

TD: WOW!

now i'm reaaaaally excited.
the condition of the bass is circumspect at the moment. its been resting it its hard case for the better part of 25 years at least.

i havent even plugged it in to try it out yet.
there are some very visible aging on the body and the white pickguard has yellowed with age as well. the neck looks and feels brilliant tho!

the hardware is relatively well preserved. with the pots turning smoothly and the 1/4" input jack shows only minimal muckiness.

the finish on the body is wat can be expected of slowly aged sunburst bodies....

now where in capt jack sparrow's name is my card reeaddder!!!

[kitcar765]

pictures?

[Pan]

Hi . . I grew up in the Dartford, Kent area and remember meeting Tom Jennings a few times. Vox and Rotosound were local companies within 3 miles of each other. Never remember meeting Denny - I think Tom was on his own by the late 60's?

Back then, Fenders were expensive and hard to get.
If you can see the pic, my '68 jazz is there (why did I sell it?) and also a Vox Symphonic with a Precision neck (the neck fit easily).
I made a hash of the Vox finish and the scratchplate had a fabric-style finish. I remember it fondly as I do Vox amps and cabs. I think Jim Marshall and Jimi someone hastened the demise of Vox as well as Mr Townshend and Hi-Watt and Orange etc. Happy daze.

I wouldn't worry about the serial number, I only ever saw 1 or 2 Symphonics and I lived there. You might have the only one left?

[electricfruit]

pictures soon,
just got back from a short trip.
AND i found my camera cable :P

thanks for being patient guys