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Vox VBM-1 Brian May Special
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Vox VBM-1 Brian May Special

Solid-State Combo Guitar Amp from Vox

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iamqman iamqman
Published on 04/11/11 at 13:56
One of the most influencial guitarists in the world and one of the most sought after tones that has ever existed. Brian May has captured so many guitarist's ears long after the time he first made his home made guitar with his father. He has a world renown guitar tone that has been speculated for years on how to achieve this wonderful and unique sound.

Brian used a combination of things to get his sound. One of these pieces of gear was a Deacey amp. This is a unique amp circuit that was used to boost other amps. It was created in the early 1970s using an amplifier found in a skip by Deacon and a treble booster, constructed by May. Also used was an amplifier circuit board stationed into a Hi-Fi speaker cabinet, powered by a 9-volt battery. The amp was used along with May's Red Special guitar and his treble booster.

UTILIZATION

The new Brian May Special features controls for Gain, Tone, and Volume, as well as a High/Low Gain switch (the original sported no controls whatsoever!). A Booster output allows the Booster section of the Brian May Special to drive another amp, in the same manner May employs live when he uses his Treble Booster to overdrive his AC30s. The Brian May Special also has an Emulated Recording/Headphone jack and an External Speaker jack.

As a final flourish, and further evidence of the incredible attention to detail in this amp, VOX has incorporated two "battery simulation circuits," one each for the Booster and amp sections, to precisely duplicate the novel quality lent to the original Deacy system by its battery power sources. The result is a unique-sounding, compact combo that can be used for practicing, recording or driving another amp.

VOX VBM1 Specs

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Output Power: 10 Watts (RMS)
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Speaker: 1 x 6.5" custom-voiced, full-range speaker
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Inputs: Input jack
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Outputs: Booster Output, External Speaker, and Headphone/Recording Line Out.
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Controls: Gain, Tone and Volume. Gain (High/Low) push switch, Power switch (with LED)
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Dimensions: 330 (W) x 273 (H) x 170 mm (D)/13" (W) x 10.75" (H) x 6.7" (D)
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Weight: 5.6kg /12 lbs


SOUNDS

Used with a Fender Strat and a Gibson SG. This was used by my friend in a recording situation with the speaker simulation out directly into a recording program. The tone was so impressive that it has made me want to get one just for this purpose. The amp it so cool and useful for certain plugs or lead lines and solos in recordings.

OVERALL OPINION

Even though this unit is made in China it is a must for me to own when in a recording situation. There are times when I want a nice vintage Brian May- esque lead tone and this one does it very well when plugged directly into a recording booth.

These units are discontinued so you will have to find one on the used market. I think you can find them for around $70. I would recommend anyone buy this amp and use it for recording purposes. Not much more than some Boss pedals and it great for direct recording.