Inherited Vox - Stingray/Symphonic?

[David Sneath]

Hi all.

 

Nice to be here. Drummer, not bassist but a good pal has recommended you guys for some advice.Inherited the bass in the attached photos. My knowledgeable bass buddies can't tell me anything but I believe it may be a Vox Stingray or Symphonic? Built inthe 60s from what I understand. Looks more or less original apart from the pots. Pretty sure the pickups and pick guard are original. Missing a fret or two.

 

Just wondering if anyone knows what this actually is and whether it's worth a proper restoration?

 

Any advice from my rhythm section brethren would be greatly appreciated.

 

Thank you

 

David. 

[BigRedX]

According to the Vox Showroom web site is it a Vox Symphonic Bass and was made some time between 1962 and 1967.

 

Apart from the knobs and missing headstock logos it looks like it's in orginal condition.

[David Sneath]

37 minutes ago, BigRedX said:

According to the Vox Showroom web site is it a Vox Symphonic Bass and was made some time between 1962 and 1967.

 

Apart from the knobs and missing headstock logos it looks like it's in orginal condition.

Thanks @BigRedX. Does that mean it's worth attention?

[Rayman]

I would…. Lovely thing, and deserves to be set up and played. Very cool bass. Stick some Flatwound strings on there…. perfect.

[Burns-bass]

1 hour ago, David Sneath said:

Thanks @BigRedX. Does that mean it's worth attention?

Its not hugely valuable, but worth doing!

[Grahambythesea]

It looks like the one used by the bassist in the Dave Clark 5 back in the day when I think they were sponsored by Vox. Seemed to alternate between one of these and a teardrop bass. Later he moved onto a Fender P.

[Mykesbass]

On 13/08/2023 at 19:03, Burns-bass said:

Its not hugely valuable, but worth doing!

What this man says. Lovely bit of history. A set up, the right knobs and a new decal, and it will be a great thing to keep. 

 

You say there are a couple of frets missing - can't see that in the pictures, but can see one of the markers missing. That's another easy fix.

 

Good luck with the project.

[hooky_lowdown]

I believe these were g plan specials. Bodies and neck made by g plan back in the day.

Edited August 14, 2023 by hooky_lowdown

[Grahambythesea]

21 hours ago, hooky_lowdown said:

I believe these were g plan specials. Bodies and neck made by g plan back in the day.

??? Really, a little more explanation would be interesting.  

[Mykesbass]

21 hours ago, hooky_lowdown said:

I believe these were g plan specials. Bodies and neck made by g plan back in the day.

 

15 minutes ago, Grahambythesea said:

??? Really, a little more explanation would be interesting.  

Blooming fascinating! 

http://www.voxshowroom.com/us/guitar/stroller.html

 

[BigRedX]

There seem to have been a few furniture companies that also made guitars as a side-line.

 

My ex-boss claims to have worked for one here in Nottingham in the early 60s, but I can't find any hard evidence for any having been made here.

[Mykesbass]

33 minutes ago, BigRedX said:

There seem to have been a few furniture companies that also made guitars as a side-line.

 

My ex-boss claims to have worked for one here in Nottingham in the early 60s, but I can't find any hard evidence for any having been made here.

That was what I found with Vox/G-Plan. Nothing about it on the history of G-Plan which I think is a little sad.