GEAR REVIEW
NEW VOX BOBCAT V90 PURRS | Eric Dahl
KEY FEATURES
• Lightweight Semi-Hollow
• Comfortable Neck Profile
• Tune-o-matic bridge
• Soapbar pickups x 2
VOX is a giant in the music industry predominantly known for their uniquely voiced tube amplifiers , but they have also made innovations in guitars and basses . Recently VOX reintroduced a few favorites from the 1960 ’ s , the Bobcat V90 and S66 . [ WM ] received the V90 at our offices for this review . The guitar is available in Black , Sunburst and Cherry Red . Frequently in a worship or praise music situation you are faced with guitarists playing the same brand or style of instruments which doesn ’ t add to tonal diversity .
The VOX V90 is a semi-hollow body guitar which gives it a more open air and chimey tone than a solid body instrument . Like harmonies in vocals , I believe that different guitars with varied pickups add to the richness of sound when a band is playing together .
The look and vibe of this guitar has a retro flair but with modern player requirements added . The soapbar pickups have vintage looking plastic casings while the pickups themselves have a real pop to them when plugged in . Utilizing the two volume and tone controls , I was able to pull a variety of sounds from twangy rockabilly to rock and jazz . Since the body has a dual cutaway access all the way up the neck is a breeze . The neck profile is slimmer and reminiscent of other 60 ’ s era guitars . The Tune-o-matic bridge makes intonation of the V90 simple and accurate and it is bolted into the body , so it won ’ t slide around on the top .
The large inlayed VOX logo at the top of the headstock is a classy ‘ chic ’ and I ’ m a fan of the open-gear tuners . I was surprised how light the VOX was for a semi-hollow body guitar since the center block usually adds mass and weight . The company got around that with the V90 by using a weight-relieved Spruce block in the center of the body which still helps alleviate the feedback experienced with fully hollow guitars .
The body is comprised of Maple plywood with a Mahogany neck and Ebony fretboard . Electronics are straight forward , and the selector switch allows you to toggle between both pickups or each individually . The metal control knobs felt substantial and sturdy in my hands . The vintage styled binding , pickguard , neck inlays and trapeze bridge all add up to a guitar that doesn ’ t just blend in with everyone else ’ s on stage .
The VOX V90 guitar is one that you don ’ t want to put down once you start playing it . Thanks to the lighter body and slim neck you could play multiple services or shows with this guitar and never be worn-out or tired from the weight of it . Add the tonal options of a semi-hollow body guitar with unique style and tone at much less the price of other guitars in this same style and you have a Bobcat that purrs . VOX has done a stellar job focusing on the details with this new V90 . They have a created a playing machine that is fun and is also eye catching . Count me as impressed with this latest VOX guitar offering !
MAP $ 1,399.99 ( includes hardshell case )
www . VoxAmps . com