VOX / Phantom

The Vox Phantom is an electric guitar, originally released in 1962 by the Jennings company. It is unique for its distinctive, pentagonal shape, which became part of the iconic representation of the British Invasion. Originally made in England, manufacturing was later relocated to Italy.

Features of the Vox Phantom included 2 or 3 single-coil pickups, open-back tuners, and a Tune-o-matic bridge inspired by similar Gibson bridges. Later models included a Bigsby-inspired tremolo, designed by Vox's founder, Thomas Jennings. It included a round leather-coated pad on the back for comfort while playing. A 12-string version, the Phantom XII, was also made. It was capable of operating in stereo with a special cable which connected to two ampflifiers simultaneously.

The guitar shared many of the practical problems of similar unusually shaped-guitars, such as Gibson's Flying V. Its unusual shape made it difficult to play sitting down, and its polyester finish scratched easily at its corners.

Numerous copies of the Vox Phantom's distinctive five-sided body design were manufactured, by companies such as Teisco and Kawai under the Domino brand name. Contemporary copies are also manufactured by companies such as Eastwood Guitars and Jay Turser.

Vox was purchased by the Korg Corporation in 1992. In 1998, the Phantom was reissued, built using modern components and American hardwoods.