Vox Phantom Formerly Owned by Phil Volk

Phil “Fang” Volk (b. 1945) played this circa 1962 – 65 Vox V210J Phantom IV electric bass guitar with a Fender Precision Bass neck between 1965 and 1967 with Portland, Oregon band Paul Revere and the Raiders.  

The Raiders were one of the most successful Pacific Northwest Garage Rock and Psychedelic Pop bands of the 1960s, with hits such as “Kicks,” and “Just Like Me.” They were the first American band to be endorsed by British amplifier and guitar maker Vox, who provided Volk with this bass. While stylish, Volk found the instrument initially a challenge, saying: “The Vox Phantom was awful. The neck was as big as a two by four. If you look at some pictures you'll see that I put a Fender Precision neck on it. I had to have it custom fitted into the slot where the neck goes. And sure enough, after doing that, I could play the thing, and it really had a good feel to it.”  

Volk added in black electrical tape to the back of the Vox’s body the word “FANG,” which was his nickname in the band, due to his grin and prominent canine teeth. During the Raiders’ high-energy performances, he would flash his signature grin and flip his bass over to reveal his nickname to the screaming crowds of teenage fans.