Description
VOX “Winchester”, right-handed, guitar with two pickups, red solid body with chambered enclosure covered in black tolex made circa 1962. Our love for the unique really takes hold with this guitar. It’s definitely a one-of-a-kind. Our best guess is this guitar started out life as a left-handed VOX Ace (or possibly Super Ace) with two pickups (or possibly 3) and a red solid body. It appears to have been partially cut up with with part of the side added to the end. Then, a hollow enclosure was created around the body and covered in a black tolex type material. The pickups are the same as used in 1962 on the Ace and Super Ace. The pickguard is a left-handed Ace or Super Ace pickguard that’s been cut to fit the body. And, a piece of Vox amp material covers the center pickup hole. The tremolo might be from slightly later but it appears to be a 1960s style. The pickup controls/toggles turn them on/off and are also located on the upper bout. The jack along with the volume and tone control are located on the upper side of the body. Finally, a metal plate was stamped with the Winchester Custom name along with Jennings Musical Instruments and a serial number. So the question becomes who made it. Based on the plate, it’s possible it was a project by a Vox employee using extra parts from the factory. It’s made in the style of Les Paul’s Plank, LaBaye’s 2×4 SIX, Bo Diddley’s Gretsch “Twang Machine”, or it’s an homage to the painfully rare Vox Winchester made at the factory; which almost none exist. When it was made is anyone’s guess. It could be from the early 1960s or possibly later in the 1970s, But, whomever made it did a very good job considering it’s a Frankenstein guitar.
The guitar plays very well and the electronics work correctly. The two toggle switches are on and off for each pickup or both together. The pickups are very strong and have a unique tone. The neck is clean, bold, and slightly raw sounding. The bridge is very twangy and raw. Both together are more balanced and clean sounding. This is the kind of guitar that gets attention when played live or in the studio. You can play it on your lap or with a strap standing. It’s definitely a fun guitar to play and will work for a variety of styles that need a bold, unique tone.
CONDITION:Description from VintageSilvertones.com
This guitar is what it is, a composite of a Vox guitar(s) and various parts. It’s in very good playing condition.
TUNERS:
The all original, open back, six individual, Vox period-correct early 1960s tuners are in proper working order.Description from VintageSilvertones.com
NECK:
The neck is straight with 22 frets, and a 25.25″ scale. It has a rosewood fretboard and the frets, marked by circular, mother-of-pearl inlays, are in good condition. But three have been replaced: one with white plastic, one with wood, and one with a very pearloid look. The action is fast. The VOX logo on the headstock is a sticker but looks to be correct for an early run of the Ace/Super Ace necks. Description from VintageSilvertones.com
PICKUPS:
Two extremely strong sounding, single-coil pickups with three position selector switches, one volume and one tone control. The two toggle switches are on and off for each pickup or both together. The pickups are very strong and have a unique tone. The neck is clean, bold, and slightly raw sounding. The bridge is very twangy and raw. Both together are more balanced and clean sounding. All electronics work properly. Description from VintageSilvertones.com
The Dimensions are:
Overall length: 41.5″Description from VintageSilvertones.com
Body width: 6″
Body thickness: 3.00″ with neck 3.4″Description from VintageSilvertones.com
Scale: 25.25″
Width of the nut: 1.6″ (depth: 0.93″ approx.)
String height at 12th fret: 0.063″Description from VintageSilvertones.com
Weight: 7.9 poundsDescription from VintageSilvertones.com
