No. 5 VOX LIGHT GAUGE
Distributed by Rose-Morris & Co, (Contact Details)
Set sampled: VOX Light Gauge 010 set. Price approx £2.99 per set.

Despite the very British associations of the Vox name, Vox strings are actually made in the USA — emanating, no doubt, from one of the many string making plants over there which supply numerous 'own brand' lines. The set we sampled comprised the 'Light Gauge' type, running from 010 through 013, 017 (plain) to 026, 036 and 046 (wound). Initial impressions were that these strings held their tuning extremely well. We fitted them to a Gibson and then, in a hurry put the guitar away without even bothering to stress the strings and play them in. It was some weeks later that the Gibson came back out of its case and the Voxes were still 100% in tune — not a bad recommendation.

We then gave the guitar several lengthy sessions and still the strings held their tuning well. Furthermore, although they dulled a little, they remained quite a 'hard' sounding string with a lot of guts in the tone — although they weren't the easiest 010 gauge that we've come across from a bending point of view. Perhaps they were a shade 'tough' in that respect.

Nevertheless, the Voxes had that rewarding quality of hardness in sound which made them seem as if they lasted a lot longer than other 'softer' sounding strings we've tried. From that point of view they seem to be excellent value for money as they really do 'last'.

Probably the best description would be to call this set a good hard rock and roller's string with a long life, plenty of 'balls' but not too much subtlety in them. For the asking price they appear to represent very good value for money and are worth a try. They feature hexagonal cores, wound with nickel plated steel windings and struck us as a very good, if rather taut string. Other sets in the range include 008s, 009s and 011s. Vox strings should be pretty easy to find and are a definite brand to try.