FUZZ effect in vintage VOX guitars

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Ro S
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FUZZ effect in vintage VOX guitars

Post by Ro S »

Hi -

I'm interested in the fuzz (labelled "distortion") effect found in the some of the VOX guitars of the late 1960s which had built-in effects, e.g. 'Starstream', 'Grand Prix' models.

Which type of fuzz do people think it sounds like :?:

Even better, does anyone know anything about the exact circuit? I was wondering if was same circuit that was used in either a Vox stompbox or plug-in unit from around the same time?

The sound of the fuzz circuit of the Vox Starstream and Grand Prix guitars can be heard on these video demos on Youtube:
1.) at 1min 7 secs and also at 3min 5 secs:
2.) at 1min 30sec:
3.) at 1min 40secs:

thanks
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Dingus
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Post by Dingus »

Well you posted this on FSB as well, and that's exactly where I'd ask.
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PorkyPrimeCut
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Post by PorkyPrimeCut »

I've got a Vox Ultrasonic.

As far as I know it's pretty much identical to the Starstream except for the body shape.

I'm pretty sure the distortion effect is a ToneBender circuit although I'm not sure which one (MkI, MkII...)

It's in storage at the moment as I'm moving flat but when I get chance I can have a look inside & see if I can get a shot of the circuitboard.

It's a fucking great guitar!!!
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Doog
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Post by Doog »

Wow, that palm wah thing is pretty cool, even if noisy-as-fuck in operation.
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PorkyPrimeCut
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Post by PorkyPrimeCut »

Doog wrote:Wow, that palm wah thing is pretty cool, even if noisy-as-fuck in operation.
..and annoying-as-fuck to use!

You can see what they were doing back then, trying to innovate & come up with new twists on old ideas. To be honest though, the palm wah probably works better as a bottle opener!

It sounds great, you just get an audible volume drop when you turn it on.

The combination of distortion, repeater & treble boost is really all you need.
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