The Vox APC-1: A Guitar That’s Stirring the Pot in the Music World

In the ever-evolving world of guitars, Vox has dropped a bombshell that’s turning heads and raising eyebrows. Enter the Vox APC-1, a guitar that seems to have time-traveled from the ’60s with a trunk full of modern tech. This isn’t just a guitar; it’s a one-man-band packed into a quirky, eye-catching package. But, like pineapple on pizza, it’s causing quite the stir in the guitar community.

The Vox APC-1 – A Glimpse into the Future or a Blast from the Past?

The Vox APC-1, set to be a traveler’s delight, comes in three vibrant colors and seems to have borrowed its body shape from Vox’s vintage archives. But don’t be fooled by its retro looks; this guitar packs a punch with modern features that have guitarists scratching their heads in wonder and amusement.

It’s not just about the strings and pickups; the APC-1 boasts a built-in amp, effects unit, and a drum machine. Yes, you read that right – a drum machine in a guitar! Vox claims it’s the perfect jam-packed guitar for any setting, from your living room to the great outdoors. And with a 180° wide-directional speaker, it’s designed to ensure you’re always in the sweet spot of sound, which is great unless you’re trying to hide your bad playing from your cat.

Vox APC-1: Specs and Features

• Body Shape and Material: Borrowing from the Vox Apache II, the APC-1 sports a Teardrop body made from poplar. This retro design is not just for looks; it’s also about providing a comfortable playing experience.
• Unique Speaker System: One of the standout features is its Tektonic Audio wide-directional speaker, coupled with two passive radiators. This setup aims to offer superior sound quality, addressing common issues like inadequate bass and feedback problems in previous speaker-equipped guitars.
• Integrated Rhythm Machine: The APC-1 comes loaded with a rhythm machine that includes 33 patterns across 11 genres, plus a metronome. This feature turns the APC-1 into a self-contained jamming machine, perfect for solo musicians.
• Onboard Effects: The guitar incorporates built-in effects such as chorus, tremolo, delay, and reverb, with intensity adjustable via a control knob. These effects borrow some of their characteristics from the Vox Mini Go modeling amp, ensuring quality and versatility.
• Neck and Fretboard: The guitar has a maple neck topped with a purpleheart fretboard. Purpleheart is known for its strength and durability, making it a great choice for a travel guitar.
• Scale Length: It features a 610mm scale, balancing playability and comfort, especially for those on the go.
• Bridge and Pickups: The APC-1 is equipped with a hardtail bridge and two humbuckers, providing stable tuning and a range of tonal possibilities.
• Additional Features: It also includes an in-built tuner, tap tempo button, an auxiliary input, and a headphone out. The guitar can be plugged directly into a DAW or amplifier via a quarter-inch output.
• Power Source: Running on six AA batteries, the APC-1 prioritizes portability, although it does miss out on the convenience of rechargeable batteries.
• Color Options: The guitar will be available in vibrant orange, blue, and red, offering options to suit different aesthetic preferences.
• Collector’s Appeal: With its distinctive design and features, the APC-1 could well become a collector’s item in the future, much like its vintage Vox Apache II predecessor.

The Vox APC-1 is not just a guitar; it’s an all-in-one music creation station. It’s designed for musicians who want versatility and creativity on the go. Whether it’s for street performances, outdoor jamming, or simply experimenting at home, the APC-1 offers a range of features that encourage musical exploration. Sure, it might raise some eyebrows with its unconventional approach, but it’s definitely pushing the boundaries of what a guitar can be.

The Community Chimes In

The Vox APC-1 has certainly sparked a lively debate among guitar enthusiasts. One X-user expressed a fondness for unique guitars and seemed eager to try it out, reflecting a sense of curiosity and openness to innovation. Another user pointed out its potential as a great asset for buskers and street musicians, highlighting the all-in-one convenience it offers. However, not everyone is sold on the concept. Some X-users are hesitant, with one mentioning it looks a bit toy-like, questioning if the built-in speaker might compromise the guitar’s authenticity. Another user playfully quipped about its gimmicky appearance but acknowledged that music is indeed about fun and experimentation.

This mix of reactions paints a vivid picture of the guitar community’s diverse perspectives. Whether it’s viewed as a groundbreaking innovation or a quirky novelty, the Vox APC-1 is undeniably a conversation starter, evoking a ‘love it or hate it’ sentiment among players. It’s clear that this guitar, with its unique blend of features and design, is not just another instrument, but a topic of lively discussion in the guitar world.

A Tech-Packed Wonder or a Gimmicky Toy?

Kenny from Vox, in a YouTube video, introduces the APC-1 with a sparkle in his eye that says, “I can’t believe we made this, but here we are.” He highlights its wide-directional speaker that’s resistant to feedback – because the last thing you want is your guitar screaming at you in the middle of a heartfelt ballad.

It comes with built-in effects like chorus, tremolo, delay, and reverb, because why settle for a plain guitar sound when you can sound like an alien spaceship landing? The rhythm machine offers 11 genres, so whether you’re into R&B, metal, or polka (hey, no judgment), this guitar’s got you covered.

However, in a world where everything is rechargeable, the APC-1 runs on six AA batteries, accessible at the back. It’s like powering a Tesla with a hamster wheel – an odd choice for such a futuristic guitar. But hey, maybe Vox is just keeping it old school.

5 FAQs About the Vox APC-1

1. When will the Vox APC-1 be available for purchase? The Vox APC-1 is expected to be available within the next two months.

2. What makes the Vox APC-1 unique compared to other guitars? Its advanced technology, built-in effects, and wireless connectivity set it apart from traditional guitars.

3. Can the built-in effects be customized? Yes, the built-in effects can be easily controlled and customized via an intuitive interface.

4. Does the Vox APC-1 require external pedals? No, the guitar includes built-in effects, eliminating the need for external pedals.

5. How is the sound quality of the Vox APC-1? The guitar is designed to deliver rich, dynamic tones with clear and articulate sound.

Availability and Anticipation

While the Vox APC-1 is not yet available for purchase, it is expected to hit the market within the next two months. The anticipation surrounding its release is palpable, with many guitarists eager to get their hands on this innovative instrument.

Stay tuned for more updates and be ready to explore the future of guitar playing with the Vox.

Is It Worth the Hype?

The Vox APC-1 is certainly a conversation starter. It’s a guitar that refuses to be just a guitar, much like that one friend who insists on being the center of attention at parties. Will it become a staple in the guitarist’s arsenal or end up as a curious collectible? Only time will tell.

But one thing’s for sure – the Vox APC-1 is a bold statement in a market that often takes itself too seriously. Whether you love it or hate it, you can’t ignore it. And for those daring enough to embrace its eccentricity, it could be the start of a musical adventure that’s anything but ordinary.

So, what’s your take on the Vox APC-1? Innovative genius or a guitar having an identity crisis? Share your thoughts, and let’s keep the conversation going!

Check out the Vox APC-1 on the Vox website.

Other Vox products on Get My Guitar.

For even more unique looking guitars please check out our recent review of the awesome Aeroband Guitar.