To me this makes sense. I think "there's got to be a reason why this is still around" because it's not it's looks. That's actually why I tried the Vox amps in the first place, and ended up walking out with one.
Can't buy Vox...just because of its ugly logo
- Thread starter grritz
- Start date
Every time I look at a Vox amp — either in the store on in a catalog — I’m turned off.
Yes, I know Vox has a history of making great amps (and other gear), but I’m sorry: I just can’t get past that u-g-l-y logo. It looks plastic-y cheap. And a logo like that just makes me think that the amp itself is cheaply made.
And that brings me to the larger question: How much does looks factor into your decision to buy or not buy gear? I have to admit it’s an important part of my thinking: If I can’t like the design of something, I won’t buy it.
It’s the same reasoning/emotional reaction that goes into some people buying or not buying a Porsche vs. a Ferrari or a Chevy pickup vs. a Ford
How about you? Please let’s not let this thread become hijacked by pix of ugly guitars, but…is there a piece of gear you just can’t learn to like because of its looks?
If bagpipes are played through an amp , it would be a Vox.
They just look bagpipy.
StratoMutt
Dr. Stratster
I'm a total Martin slut and could not agree more.
One is a Gibson copy of sorts with the old style Gibson headstock script spelling out "The Martin" instead of The Gibson. No way I'd be interested in that.
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I personally like the way Vox amps look, classic. They were designed in the late 50's/ early 60's, a very stylish period in time. Look at the way people dressed back then or the cars that were designed. Lots of good taste to go around.
In contrast, most of the things that are designed today look sterile, like they were designed by accountants.
Ever meet a beautiful woman and find out she has a rotten personality, the next time you look at her she does not appear so attractive. Then meet a rather plain looking woman with a great personality, the next time you see her she seems so much more attractive.
Amps, or other gear can be the same. Looks, functionality, and tone are all part of the total package. Vox amps sound great, if they didn't I might find them ugly as well.
One last thought, when I was putting my guitar/ music lounge together I considered the color I would be painting the walls. I have a Fender amp in yellow tweed, an Orange amp in orange tolex (obviously), a Marshal (black and brass), and my Vox ac15c1 (black with brass trim). So what would be the best background color to show off my amps, navy blue seemed to be the obvious choice with forest green coming in second.
I went with navy blue and all of my amps look great.
If you don't like the look of Vox amps, just paint your room a different color!
In contrast, most of the things that are designed today look sterile, like they were designed by accountants.
Ever meet a beautiful woman and find out she has a rotten personality, the next time you look at her she does not appear so attractive. Then meet a rather plain looking woman with a great personality, the next time you see her she seems so much more attractive.
Amps, or other gear can be the same. Looks, functionality, and tone are all part of the total package. Vox amps sound great, if they didn't I might find them ugly as well.
One last thought, when I was putting my guitar/ music lounge together I considered the color I would be painting the walls. I have a Fender amp in yellow tweed, an Orange amp in orange tolex (obviously), a Marshal (black and brass), and my Vox ac15c1 (black with brass trim). So what would be the best background color to show off my amps, navy blue seemed to be the obvious choice with forest green coming in second.
I went with navy blue and all of my amps look great.
If you don't like the look of Vox amps, just paint your room a different color!
davidKOS
not posting these days
I've read the whole thread, and I do understand your point. I don't want gear that I find aesthetically unattractive either - unless it plays and sounds SO good I don't care anymore.
Everyone has their POV on this subject, ranging from both extremes.
Here's my take, similar to a couple of posts:
Not a bad idea! Others have that idea, just remove the plastic log. Keep it, though, like the ashtray for your Tele or the covers on your P bass.
And the idea that until you USE one, especially at rehearsal or a gig, you'll never know if it's for you.
As for myself - i prefer the sound of classic Fender amps with 6L6 or 6V6 tubes, so I am not a Vox or Marshall fan - never owned any of those amps. I ahve owned some Peavey workhorses, despite the less-than-cool looks - but they delivered year after year no matter what.
Try it and then decide what to do.
Kind of veering off the thread, but in regards to Peavey, as a sound company there is one line that has been more ubiquitous than any other statement. I’ve seen a million tech riders. And the one thing that is the most common is the line “NO PEAVEY”.
So you have to wonder, just how much of that is actual sound concerns or does that name just personify cheap and Fugly?
I will admit I’m guilty of not buying Yorkville gear for the longest time based on the name alone. I mean it might as well say Mr Haney and be made in Green Acres
. But I finally started buying it because it was good gear and their analog processors are actually brilliant. They’ve been very reliable and most of their upper end stuff had high end Italian drivers inside.
So you have to wonder, just how much of that is actual sound concerns or does that name just personify cheap and Fugly?
I will admit I’m guilty of not buying Yorkville gear for the longest time based on the name alone. I mean it might as well say Mr Haney and be made in Green Acres
. But I finally started buying it because it was good gear and their analog processors are actually brilliant. They’ve been very reliable and most of their upper end stuff had high end Italian drivers inside.SalvorHardin
Senior Stratmaster
No! I'll leave it at that. I'd be single if judged on my looks.
Every time I look at a Vox amp — either in the store on in a catalog — I’m turned off.
Yes, I know Vox has a history of making great amps (and other gear), but I’m sorry: I just can’t get past that u-g-l-y logo. It looks plastic-y cheap. And a logo like that just makes me think that the amp itself is cheaply made.
And that brings me to the larger question: How much does looks factor into your decision to buy or not buy gear? I have to admit it’s an important part of my thinking: If I can’t like the design of something, I won’t buy it.
It’s the same reasoning/emotional reaction that goes into some people buying or not buying a Porsche vs. a Ferrari or a Chevy pickup vs. a Ford
How about you? Please let’s not let this thread become hijacked by pix of ugly guitars, but…is there a piece of gear you just can’t learn to like because of its looks?
SalvorHardin
Senior Stratmaster
I'll take a couple if it gets crowded.
BelairPlayer
Strat-Talker
That’s mostly on account of it being plastic-y and cheap.
It looks plastic-y cheap.
Nerd
Strat-O-Master
This tread title and its statement is whole level up silly
Danny D
Senior Stratmaster
Beautiful looking amps you have there!
Frank Roberts
Strat-Talk Member
- May 3, 2006
- 93
“Can't buy Vox...just because of its ugly logo”
You are letting your visual aesthetic rule in an audible medium. Your choice. I’d call that the MTV effect.
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Why Thank-you.
I've been a fortunate lad over the years to enjoy a love-hate relationship with amps.
They love to hate me and I hate to let them go to new homes.
There's a 72/3 SF Quad Reverb behind those twins, waiting for grillecloth and cosmetic finishing.
and I didn't show the SC120R.
edit: I htink the pics can upload now
This thing has 6 bottles. e34L jj's and it is a frickin monster.
Papa Legba
Strat-Talk Member
I like the Vox logo I think it looks classic
SIngles Forever
Senior Stratmaster
it's for the rest of us.
More like tone logo.
Houdi Elbow
Strat-O-Master
I 'm with you on the Dean headstock. I' ve been gassing for a Dean Michael Scenker vee for a while now. Still in two minds, but damn it, that headstock is soooooo ugly.
As for the Vox logo, it wouldn't put me off buying a Vox amp at all. As long as the amp suited me, I'd go with it. Looks iconic I reckon.
Microkorgi
Strat-Talk Member
Wouldn't stop me from getting a vintage Connie though. 
