Vox Phantom replicas
I can identify with your Phantom passion. I had looked for a white Phantom VI since seeing Paul Revere and the Raiders on the old TV show "Where the Action Is".
I played a Vox Clubman and a Fender P-Bass through a USA Vox Essex amp in a British Invasion band called Stix 'n' Stones in Califonia in 1966-67. I remember seeing the Phantom VI in the music store in a color like Surf Green; weird shape, weird color. They were priced at $349.95. Not many sold as a US Fender Strat was going for about $275 at that time!
I kept looking off and on since then, but the nice ones were over $700 by the mid-90's (Japanese collectors were buying lots of unusual-looking guitars in the States and running prices up). I'd find a Phantom 12-string or a bass now and then, and plenty of Mark teardrops, but never a 6-string Phantom.
Last year I seriously considered buying a one-of-a-kind Vox USA prototype made by Phantom Guitar Works for the 1997 NAMM show. You'll recall that when the Vox amp line was launched about that time, some of the brochures featured new Vox guitars. The instrument program was cancelled , but Rhodes music had offered this guitar for the last few years, last time I saw it they were asking $1600. Only problem was it's RED. I tried to contact Phantom Guitar Works in Oregon to see about a white "factory refinish" but the 'phones weren't being answered.
Someone must have been looking out for me because just a few months later (this past March) I was doing a show in Santa Clara, California. Driving down El Camino Real I saw a funky little store called Starving Musician I'd driven past for a good 10 years when working Northern California. This time I went inside.
For a small store they had hundreds of instruments, not just on the walls but hanging from the ceiling. Half the inventory was basses, which was cool for me 'cause that's my main groove. After 20 minutes of browsing, I noticed a familiar WHITE shape at the end of one row. YES, a Phantom VI clone with "Eastwood" on the headstock.
It felt and played acceptably, neck was straight, Chinese Bigsby-licensed trem, beautiful finish, $269.95! For that price it wouldn't have to play, I'd hang it on my office wall for decoration!
It was brand-new, yet had no serial number, instruction booklet, warranty card, nothing. I thought to myself, "Phantom Guitar Works holds the rights to this body shape for the US market, this is a total bootleg and they'll probably be put out of business next month and I'd better grab this!"
Now that I've had more time to play this guitar, I'm thrilled with the set-up and playability. I had a chance to compare it side-by-side with a rack of Phantom products at Ed Roman Guitars in Las Vegas and the East wood was so much nicer there was no comparison. I've since found reviews that say the Eastwood is much better than the original British and Italian Voxes, and I have to agree.
Perhaps I was doubly lucky on the set-up because Starving had a black Phantom IV bass that played like crap.
If you're still seeking an Eaqstwood, Google Starving Musician and this California store's website will come up. Back in March they told me they had a few assorted models. Good luck!
