Vox Pathfinder 10 Combo

Price Paid: 75 (Euro)

Features: 9
Very basic features. Gain, Volume, Bass, Treble, overdrive switch, Headphone/Line out jack. I use this amp for playing in my appartment and don't miss anything.

Sound Quality: 10
I have an Epiphone Les Paul and like fuzz wah style blues. The amp's clean mode is really excellent, but I did't like the overdrive. To harsh for my taste. But trying a tube overdrive pedal (Kampo 901, Tube Works clone) with the amp in overdrive mode worked wonders! I am totally satisfied with the tonal flexibility and characteristics now! Sweet tone, more sustain and harmonics, more...chaos to shape with your fingers, I would day. I used a POD before, but from a tonal point of view, for my ears, it is no match for this amazing little amp in combination with a tube pedal! My favourite POD amp models were Mesa Boogie (+Wah), Fuzzbox (+Wah) and for the "cleaner stuff", Blues Tweed. I have the feeling, that the vox now gives me all of these. Strange...

Reliability: N/A
Have it for 2 days. Did't break down yet ;).

Customer Support: N/A
Did't deal with the company yet.

Overall Rating: 10
I have been playing guitar for about 10 years but bought the Epi Les Paul half a year ago. I experimented a bit with the POD to get an overview of the tonal qualities of different amp models, but somhow, I was not satisfied by the fact, that the POD is not a real amp. So I tried the vox, because I only needed a low wattage pratice amp. I was so amazed by this litte amps brilliant clean tone, so I got it. The overdrive is ok, but it get's even better, if you use a tube overdrive pedal.

I must say, I am not an amp expert and don't play very loud. For me, tonal characteristics are more important than volume.
If you are looking for a low wattage practive amp, try out this little guy at a local store and see, if you like it. If you don't like the overdrive, don't miss to try a tube overdrive with the vox in overdrive mode!

For 75 Euro + 59 Euro for the tube pedal...an amazing deal!

Submitted by georg at 12/01/2005 15:23

Price Paid: US $70 clams

Features: 10
The features of this amp are very basic and have been described already. I give it a nine, because the only thing I wish it had is a reverb.

Sound Quality: 10
I generally play blues, and original classic rock sounding music. My guitars include an Epiphone SG, an Oscar Schmidt hollowbody and an old Kingston hollowbody. I'm a big Peter Green fan, and try to mimic his style as best as I can.

This is my practice amp and the one I carry with me when I travel. When I jam with my band, I use a Vox AD30VT. I don't gig.

The P10 sounds incredible, especially for a 70-dollar solid-state amp. It has as close to a tube sound as I've ever heard from a solid state amp. The clean channel is just amazing, and the overdrive is not bad either. I seriously believe it's the best sounding amp you're gonna find for under 100 bucks. In fact it sounds better than a lot of more expensive units.

With the Kingston plugged in, it really has an early electric-blues sound. The SG sounds a bit muddy through it, but I'm pretty sure that's more the guitar (and cheap pickups) than the amp. My buddy played his SRV Strat through it a couple weeks ago and it REALLY came to life.

Sound quality - for a 70-dollar amp, it's perfect.

Reliability: 10
Only had it a month or so, but so far, so good.

Customer Support: N/A
Haven't needed it yet.

Overall Rating: 10
I've been playing off and on for about 20 years, usually by myself, but more recently with a band. This is the second Vox I've bought, but it won't be the last. If it were stolen, I'd definately buy another one. For the money, it can't be beat.

Submitted by Cousin Eddie at 11/22/2005 16:04

Price Paid: US $79

Features: 7
I bought my Pathfinder 10 in early '02 as a birthday present to myself. I didn't really need it, but it looks so cool and the price was so cheap that I couldn’t resist. As it turns out, for a $79 10-watt solid state amp, it’s a pretty darn good li’l amp!

I mainly use it as a late-night practice amp, and for that purpose it works extremely well. It’s certainly not loud enough to use in gig situations, or with a drummer. But it’s more than powerful enough for the living room. The headphone jack is also a nice feature for those REALLY late night practice sessions!

I also like the attention to detail that went into the cosmetics. It has the same vintage basketweave tolex and brown diamond grillecloth found on AC30s, as well as the white piping and gold fascia strip. The golden logo on the face is just like the one on an AC30, but smaller. It looks like a baby AC30, and is gorgeous. This amp is worthy of just being used as a decoration.

Sound Quality: 7
I play ‘60s music and ‘60s-inspired music mainly, so a Vox is a no-brainer for me. But how does the P10 stack up against the mighty AC30? Well, we’re really talking apples and oranges here of course. That said, the P10 is clearly voiced to emulate the chime and sparkle of its big brother, and, for what it is, it does a fine job. It definitely sounds like a Vox.

The P10 really excels at sparkly clean tones. My Rickenbackers especially love it (especially with the requisite compressor stomp box), as do any hollow or semi-hollow guitars. My Tele sounded a bit harsh - the bite of the bridge PU was a bit too much for it to handle with the tone knob at 10, but with the treble rolled off a bit it sounded fine. I find that the best tone comes with the master volume ALMOST dimed – which fattens and warms the tone ever so slightly. I keep the tone knobs set the same as on my AC30 – treble at 3/4th up, bass at 1/3rd – and get a similar tonal balance.

The distortion channel (accessible by a push button) sounds very… transistor-like. Harsh and buzzy and not very musical. I never use it. Not being a distortion guy, I have no idea if a distortion pedal would yield better results. Generally speaking, this amp sounds excellent when played clean, but once it starts to break up, its tone leaves a lot to be desired. But that’s transistors for you!

The little speaker sounds a lot fuller than I had expected. It has a nice tonal range from deep bass to glassy treble, and never sounds tinny or wimpy. I especially appreciate the label on the sticker, which essentially repros the Vox “bulldog” design found on the gold Oxford speakers installed in US-made Vox amps in the ‘60s. Nice touch, Korg!

Reliability: 10
I have had no issues with reliability, and it appears to be solidly built.

Customer Support: 10
I've never dealed directly with Vox/Korg, but Vox VP Mitch Colby makes himself available on several internet forums.

Overall Rating: 8
I’ve been playing since 1977, and have owned several Vox amps over the years, including a Royal Guardsmen, Cambridge Reverb, AC50, and a rare tube Berkeley. I also owned an ’85 AC30, and currently use an AC30 TBX as my main amp.

If this were stolen, would I buy another? Probably. It’s probably the best practice amp available for under $100.

What I love about it: Its classic Vox cosmetics, the richness of its clean tones, its portability (light as a feather).

What I dislike about it: Crummy overdrive.

What I wish it had: the ability to run off of batteries, like the old Vox Escort.

Submitted by beatcomber at 11/18/2005 14:08

Price Paid: US $49.99

Features: 10
I just bought this thing I am sure it was made this year in 2005. It has 2 channels both gain and clean. Headphone jack, line out, bass and treble. I did not buy this for for features and the relative simplicity is O.K. I bought this amp to play over at my parents after my lesson, or on a rainy day when visiting. For being such a small put it under the bed amp it has pretty good volume. It fit the bill for my inteneded use.

Sound Quality: 9
I use the amp with 490/498 PU's and I play most anything, mostly blues. When I bought this amp, I did not even play it or any other small amp. I did not figure to like such a small solid state amp having owned one before only to sell it and buy a class A tube. Then, the above need came up and I just bought what was cheap. However, I was supprised, the amp is quiet, has tone and good volume. I don't want to tell anyone that the amp it as good as a hand wired, vintage Fender, et. al. However, the amp has a good range of sound even pretty good bass response for such a small unit.

Reliability: N/A
2 year warranty, except for the speaker which has 90 days. Looking at the unit, it seems very well made.

Customer Support: N/A
Too new to rate customer support, I kind of doubt that I will be speaking to them, this thing may get one hour of use per week.

Overall Rating: 10
Playing about 5 years. I own a Faded LP, one acoustic and a Gibson GA-5. I plan to keep gear to a minimum, although at some point I'll have a bigger amp and another guitar set for slide (I think that I will need one) maybe not. There is nothing about this amp that I do not like or additional features that I find necessary. If lost or stolen, I will want this unit. This was a happy acccident and I was able to cut a pretty good deal.

Submitted by RLB at 07/30/2005 17:38

Price Paid: US $70.00

Features: 9
Pretty cut and dry. On/Off, Headphone/Line Out, Volume, Bass, Treble, Overdrive/Clean Button, and Gain. I got this amp so I could play in my apartment. My Fender Blues Jr is ok for the this, but I think I need new tubes so I found this just in time. I kind of wish it had reverb, but that changes the price of the amp, I imagine. I had an old Danelctro Corned Beef Reverb pedal I used with my old portable pignose. I like the VOX much better. This is a solid state amp, 10 watts, and has 6.5 inch speaker. Very portable.

Sound Quality: 8
I play blues, rock, and southern rock mostly when I plug in. I use a 1999 Fender American Standard Strat. I've got the volume, treble, and bass set at 10 0'clock and the gain at about 8 o'clock. If you crank it all the way it doesn't sound that great. It's got a great sound where I have the settings and I also use an Ibanez TS7 Tubescreamer to round out the sound. I use that with all of my amps.
I read a few reviews before I purchased the VOX and a lot of folks really like the clean channel. On my amp the volume really drops out and I have to turn everything up to hear it. There may be a problem, but I don't really use the clean channel all that much anyway.

Reliability: 9
So far, so good.

Customer Support: N/A
N/A

Overall Rating: 9
I've been playing for about 10 years now and I've had a few amps. I have the VOX, a Fender Blues Jr, and my favorite, a Fender Deluxe Reverb Reissue. My VOX is very cool and I love how user friendly and portable it is. This amp sounds great with single coils and humbuckers. I plugged a Les Paul into it at the store as well and it sounds sweet! This is a great apartment/dorm amp and a great amp for everyone from beginner to professional.

Submitted by MisterMullens at 07/23/2005 21:50

Price Paid: US $79

Features: 9
This has very basic features but they are self explanitory and all do their jobs reasonably well. THe line out switch is great as you can use it like a head but be careful what you use it with ( more Later)

Sound Quality: 10
I use all my guitars with this amp and also a bass when i'm recording. that mean that there are singal coils of various brands and types as well as humbuckers. I saw this in Sam Ash several years ago and tried a few guitars through it. since the guitars were ones i already owned i was basically testing the amp while stringing a salesman along (good fun). I love this sound. great sounds for my tone ( i subscribe to the philosophy that tone it mainly in your fingers) the clean channel sounds really clean and brittle until you turn up the gain. with gain and level at 12 'o clock it comes to life and sounds warm and "dare i say it???" tubey. setting the EQ is your own business but the EQ is flexable enough to accomodate almost everyone i've met.

Now the line out feature which makes this amp either a head or DI box. As a DI box this amp is realy good although i prefer micing it up for which this amp is also well suited. as a head for powered speakers it is variable. It sounded great through my princeton 65's 12 inch celestion but crappy thruogh my old PEAVEY STUDIO 40 . And great thruogh my behringer. so if you have a good cabinet it can be used that way to. on it's own it is loud enough for the ocasional jam or tiny gig.

Reliability: 10
I've had this amp for years and it has fallen down stairs twice. (both times i made the mistake of asking someone to carry it for me although hoe it could be to much for them is beyond me.) still works perfectly and the extra dings just make it look really cool.

Customer Support: N/A

Overall Rating: 10
I love this amp as a small recording demo or practice amp. since i like the clean tone of my GMX 212 better i wont use it as a head anytime soon but it is great to know the option is there. it has never let me down and when i need an amp somewhere for rehearsal or wqhatever i usually bring this and it typically blows the 20 watt amps away. loud and great sounding for a good price. " who could ask for anything more"

Submitted by Matt at 07/08/2005 22:21

Price Paid: 77 (EURO)

Features: 10
This little "Monster" Rocks Out,Pops Out,New Waves Out,Technos Out..exc..exc..!!!Yeah! For years I had my backbone hurted gigging around clubs,pubs abd small arenas with tube amps such as Fender Super Reverb,Marshall JCM 800 and..Vox (ac30)...most of the time I was unsatisfied since to have that "groovy" tone you're searchin'for you have to crank up the tubes to 8...never to say everybody asked me to fall down those "great garbage "..or those "coffins" ,if you prefere!!!
This time I'll make them see,I'll have my revenge,you bet!
I use custom made telecasters,strats,ES 335,Les Paul Custom,Epiphone Casino and a 12 string electric (yes, a Fender'65 "hockey" headstock replica made from a friend of mine...he's a great liuther)..I also use tons of pedals such as old EHX (Electric Mistress,Bad Stone,Memory Man,MicroSynth) MXR (Dyna Comp,Phase 90,Analog Delay,Distortion +)...I also use old Roland analog guitar Synthesizers (GR 300-GR 100-GR 700) as well the ultimate GR 33 digital)
The pathfinder is fantastic: 1 main in( clean or distorted),treble bass,gain and volume,1 headphone/line out...what else you could ask for from a 77 euros amp?

Sound Quality: 10
The sound is amazing,unbelievable from such a little cheaper amp..so rich and hi-fi! but wait...it doesn't sounds hi-fi as many could intend...it sounds as a tube hi-fi! Brilliant and Deep,crucnchy if you like (just press the overdrive switch )...I didn't use it as a distrortion,since I prefere my old MXR distortion + and a Maxon 808...I turned the overdrive switch and put the gain to 10...not bad I can say,it sounds as the infamous 60's-70's "Mosquitos Fuzzes"...sometimes that's the ice on cake if you play Acid rock or Cream,Beck,yardbirds...I prefere the overdrive to 4-5...very "Revolver",very Beatles..as well as very "Stones"..I can't Get no duh duh duh...
My favourite is the Clean...as I told you before I prefere to use pedals to obtain my sounds...I also play a bit of Jazz with ny ES 335...the clean sound fits jazz very well

Reliability: 3
I bought my 2nd pathfinder 10 combo just yesterday (I have a Morley Tripler so that I could use both them )..I am sure my next gig in a local pub people will ask why I bring "2 radios" on stage..laugh,laugh,and kidding me if you like...I'll have my revenge as soon I'll begin to play with my "radios"!!!

Customer Support: N/A

Overall Rating: N/A

Submitted by Radioman at 06/03/2005 06:27

Price Paid: 70 (euro)

Features: 10
one clean, one hot channel. one input, one (headphone) output. volume, high, low and gain controls
it's a practice amp and a very reasonable priced one - what more could i ask for? i know there are others out there at the same price with tons of features but they all sound CRAP!
where do i use a practice amp - at home. it has MORE than enough power for that task. i could manage to get thrown out of my flat easily if i turned it up!!
everythings there, therefore it's a...

Sound Quality: 10
my guitars: 92' mex tele, 02 mex fat strat (with **** floyd rose trem), ibanez pf200 (les paul copy), ibanez artcore (semiaccoustic)

the amp is not noisy except for full blown overdrive mode, but that's no surprise. clean means really clean here.

the thingy does everything from clean to very distorted. not really a heavy metal sound, you need a bit more boost for that.

i play a lot of different styles, from rock, punk to funk and a bit jazz. this baby has many great sounds and with some fx you get even more out of it

Reliability: 10
i don't do gigs.

i have no idea how reliable it is, it's brand new - but it looks as if it could last for some time.

you could gig with it in smaller venues as it can be pretty loud!

Customer Support: N/A
no idea about vox

warranty is 2 years

Overall Rating: 10
i play for more than 30 years

i'd buy it again or at least think about it if it was lost

i love that it's small and has such a good sound. i had some other practice amps and really, they all were shit. this is the first small amp i dare to call "amplifier". and it's not at all pricey. great buy

i'm happy with it as it is.

Submitted by Michael at 02/17/2005 03:53

Price Paid: 66 (Euro)

Features: 10
It does all It ays on the advertisement

Sound Quality: 9
I play blues, hendrix style, and I have two more amps: A Rocktron rampage 80 wich is about the most unreliable motherf**ing amp I´ve ever had (and that is a shame because it sounded wonderfull before the transformer melted down in the middle of a live blues jam) and a crate gx212 that is just too loud for home practice or small venues. But my vox? My vox is the piece of gear I love the most, I couldn´t belive my ears whem I gave it a full blast with my yamaha pac311 ms fitted with gibson HB. five minutes out of the box and I fell inlove.
From clean to mild overdrive it smells like valve tubes, about higher gain settings? hey, a 6.5`` speaker doesn´t do miracles. I´d say that up until 7 on the gain knob it REALLY surprised me.

Reliability: 10
I´ve only had it for one week but hey, like my 1991 Ford Fiesta, simple things don´t fail. I´ll risk to give it a TEN.

Customer Support: N/A
haven´t needeed it yet, but I did place a question about the use of the line out four days ago. lets wait and see.

Overall Rating: 10
been playin for 12 years now and I´ve had many practice amps (Legends, Johnsons, Soundkings and s**t like that) and I was almost giving up on finding a cheap and good sounding "less than 10 watt, less than 100 euro" amp(1 euro is about the same as 1,2 $us) to feed my unger for the ultimate "solid state pretending to be valve circuitry" blues tone, but now it´s here! And it doesn´t give you any back diesease!

Submitted by pedro cabral at 02/11/2005 17:34

Price Paid: 77,00 (Euro)

Features: 10
I fell in love with this little VOX amp. I'm not the one, that would normally write such reviews but I was so surprised about this little VOX baby, that I had to.

Of course this amp was sold as a practice and recording amp but I just played a little gig with it on last saturday. I purchased it last friday and was familiar enough with it to play a gig on saturday.I guess there is no need to say that this amp is relatively basic. But they did the basics very well. This 10 Watt solid state amp has one input jack and an output jack for headphones or recording consoles. One gain, mastervolume, bass and trebble knob as well as a push button for distorted, more heavy sounds.

Believe it or not, this 10 watt, 6.5 inch speaker amp has more power than some much more expensive and larger amps. The styling is absolutely cool and original, looks like it's bigger brother the legendary VOX AC30. Some guys where kidding and laughing at me, when I plugged my little baby into the powerline at the above mentioned gig. They asked me why I brought a radio with me. Later on, when we played some songs, they wasn't ableto shut their mouth, they couldn't believe that this smart amp was that loud and good sounding.

Sound Quality: 10
I play a pre CBS Fender Telecaster build around '72, '73 with it's original pick up's. I play different music styles, from rock to country etc. . This amp is not noisy on the clean setting. It has a brilliant clean sound, in my ears it sounds typically british. Especial the combination of my Telecaster and this amp gives me a sound like the Rolling Stones, Beatles etc. on the clean setting. Distortion is also OK.

Reliability: N/A

Customer Support: N/A
Never had to deal with them.

Overall Rating: 10
I had some very large gear in the past (I play guitar since around 25 years)cabinets and all these stuff, also had an expensive Fender amp, that sounded pretty good. But this one is my favourite now. Very easy to carry from one place to another, enough power for practice, jamming or play smaler gigs and a very clean and brilliant sound, that of course can be varied to crunchy or total distorted and anything between.

I am an absolute VOX fan now. I compared the sound directly with a Marshall practice amp that had 5 more watt (don't remember the exact name), I would never change my little VOX into a Marshall. My friend who own this Marshall, tested the VOX with his Les Paul copy and was so surprised about the good sounding pathfinder, that he's thinking of selling his Marshall amp and also purchase a VOX.

Sorry for my bad english !

Submitted by Matthias at 11/15/2004 03:07