V251 Guitar Organ Prototype
On loan to The Met
This work of art is currently on loan to the museum.This experimental instrument, the first guitar-controlled organ-synthesizer, was invented by Vox engineer Dick Denny in 1964. Featuring circuitry from the Vox Continental organ in the body of a Vox Phantom guitar, the V251’s guitar and organ sections can be used separately or simultaneously. This prototype was given to John Lennon of the Beatles. Although the instrument did go into production before similar examples by rival companies Burns London and Watkins Electric Music, it was ultimately unsuccessful.
Technical Description:
Maple body and neck, rosewood fingerboard; 25 in. scale; white finish; bolt-on neck with diamond inlays (some missing); silver script "Phantom" logo on headstock; two single-coil pickups with L-R pickup blend, volume, and tone knobs, internal Vox Continental organ parts with on/off switch, six-position "organ contrast" knob, separate 1/4 in. and DIN outputs for guitar and organ; nickel bridge, tuners, and knobs, chrome-plated Hank Marvin signature vibrato; large white pickguard with black border and "VOX" logo on upper bass bout
Technical Description:
Maple body and neck, rosewood fingerboard; 25 in. scale; white finish; bolt-on neck with diamond inlays (some missing); silver script "Phantom" logo on headstock; two single-coil pickups with L-R pickup blend, volume, and tone knobs, internal Vox Continental organ parts with on/off switch, six-position "organ contrast" knob, separate 1/4 in. and DIN outputs for guitar and organ; nickel bridge, tuners, and knobs, chrome-plated Hank Marvin signature vibrato; large white pickguard with black border and "VOX" logo on upper bass bout
Artwork Details
- Title: V251 Guitar Organ Prototype
- Artist: Vox
- Artist: The Beatles
- Date: 1964
- Medium: Maple, rosewood, nickel, chrome, plastic
- Dimensions: Length: 41 in. (104.1 cm)
Width: 11 in. (27.9 cm)
Depth: 1 5/8 in. (4.1 cm)
Weight: ~12-14 lbs. - Classification: Electrophone
- Credit Line: Courtesy of Curtis Schenker
- Curatorial Department: Musical Instruments