Welcome to the world of electric guitars, where the debate over pickup types continues to rage on. Among the numerous options available, Vox Coax pickups stand out for their unique tone and versatile sound. If you're considering upgrading your axe or diving into the realm of pickup swaps, read on to discover what makes Vox Coax pickups a top choice.
Vox Coax pickups are known for their clear, articulate tone that maintains balance across frequencies. This has led them to be favored by many musicians across various genres, from blues and rock to jazz and fusion. But what sets them apart from other pickups, and why should you consider them for your guitar? Let's delve into the details and explore the secrets behind the Vox Coax.
The Vox Coax Design: A Closer Look
The secret behind the Vox Coax pickup lies in its design. Unlike traditional humbuckers or single-coils, Vox Coax pickups feature a unique configuration with two coils stacked on top of each other. This design, known as a stacked humbucker, offers certain advantages in terms of sound and versatility.
The coils in a Vox Coax pickup are wound separately and polarized differently. This design allows for two distinct tonal options in a single pickup. By utilizing a push-pull coil-split switch, you can access the pickup's true single-coil sound alongside its hum-cancelling stacked mode. This level of tonal flexibility makes Vox Coax pickups a worthwhile investment for guitarists seeking a wide range of sounds from a single pickup.
The Sonic Advantage: Stacked vs. Traditional Humbuckers
When it comes to tone, stacked humbuckers like the Vox Coax offer advantages over traditional humbuckers. The separate coils in a stacked humbucker allow for a more dynamic response, making them excellent for both clean and overdriven tones. This is due to the individual coils interacting with each other, creating complex harmonics and enhancing sustain.
One of the key differences you'll notice with Vox Coax pickups is their clarity and articulation. Stacked humbuckers often deliver a more focused midrange, which can help your guitar cut through a dense mix. This makes them an excellent choice for players seeking a balanced, warm tone with plenty of detail. Additionally, the coil-split option on Vox Coax pickups allows you to accessed single-coil-like tones, providing even greater tonal versatility.
Versatile Suitors: Vox Coax Pickups for Various Guitar Styles
Vox Coax pickups are favored by a wide range of guitarists due to their adaptability. The clear, balanced tone and dynamic range make them suitable for numerous styles and applications. Here's a quick rundown of some genres and players that have found success with Vox Coax pickups:
- Blues and Rock: The midrange focus and dynamic response of Vox Coax pickups make them an excellent fit for blues and rock guitarists seeking a warm, harmonically rich tone with plenty of sustain.
- Jazz and Fusion: The coil-split option on Vox Coax pickups opens up new tonal possibilities for jazz and fusion players, allowing them to achieve single-coil-like tones for clean, chord-melody passages while still having access to hum-cancelling, stacked humbucker tones for lead lines.
- Hard Rock and Metal: While Vox Coax pickups offer a more balanced tone than traditional humbuckers, they can still deliver the power and aggression needed for harder rock and metal genres. The coil-split option also comes in handy for adding a touch of sparkle and clarity to lead lines.
Examples of notable guitarists using Vox Coax pickups include George Lynch, Warren DeMartini, and Michael Landau, demonstrating the versatility of these pickups across various styles and genres.
Installing Vox Coax Pickups: What to Expect
Installing Vox Coax pickups involves the same process as swapping any other pickup in your guitar. Whether you're upgrading the pickups in your current axe or building a new guitar from scratch, the process is relatively straightforward. Before diving in, let's discuss some aspect you should consider when installing Vox Coax pickups.
One key consideration is the pickup mounting system. Vox Coax pickups use a modern mounting system that requires no screws or springs, making the installation process more straightforward and efficient. Additionally, Vox Coax pickups come with pre-wired leads, simplifying the wiring process and reducing the risk of potential issues. However, before you get started, ensure that your guitar's pickup routing is compatible with the Vox Coax pickup dimensions.
Potting and Noise: What to Expect from Vox Coax Pickups
Like many modern pickups, Vox Coax pickups are potted, a process that involves filling the pickup's coil with a wax or epoxy mixture to reduce microphonics and noise. This results in a quieter, more consistent tone with less hum and buzz. While potting can slightly affect the pickup's dynamic range and responsiveness, the benefits generally outweigh the drawbacks.
When it comes to noise, Vox Coax pickups are designed to minimize hum and buzz, thanks to their stacked humbucker configuration. However, it's essential to keep in mind that no pickup is entirely immune to noise, and factors like playing dynamics, instrument construction, and amplifier choice can also impact the overall noise floor. In most cases, Vox Coax pickups provide a excellent signal-to-noise ratio without sacrificing tone or dynamics.
Expert Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Vox Coax Pickups
To unlock the full potential of your Vox Coax pickups, consider the following tips from experienced guitarists and luthiers:
- Experiment with pickup heights and pole piece Adjustment: Vox Coax pickups come with individually adjustable pole pieces, allowing you to fine-tune the pickup's magnetic field and affect the string's response. By altering the pickup height and pole piece position, you can customize the pickup's output and tone to suit your playing style and musical needs.
- Consider your guitar's woods and construction: The tone and dynamics of your guitar's body and neck play a significant role in shaping the overall sound of your Vox Coax pickups. Woods like maple, mahogany, and alder pair particularly well with Vox Coax pickups, offering a balance of warmth and clarity.
- Explore different capacitor values: Changing the value of the pickup's tone capacitor can help you fine-tune the high-end response of your Vox Coax pickups. Experimenting with different cap values can help you achieve the perfect balance between warmth and sparkle in your tone.
By taking these tips into account, you'll be well on your way to maximizing the tonal potential of your Vox Coax pickups. Don't be afraid to experiment and explore; the time you invest in dialing in your guitar's tone will be rewarded with richer, more dynamic playing experiences.
Embrace the journey of discovery that comes with upgrading your guitar's pickups. Vox Coax pickups offer a wealth of tonal possibilities, making them an excellent choice for guitarists seeking clear, articulate, and versatile sound. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting your musical journey, Vox Coax pickups are worth your consideration. So go ahead, dive in, and let your creative spirit soar as you unlock new sonic horizons with your Vox Coax-equipped guitar. Happy playing!