A comprehensive review of the VOX Pathfinder 10 Practice Amp
(The original article was published by me on Digital Natives - direct URL:
http://digitalnatives.co.za/hardware/vox-pathfinder-10-review/
Frustrated with an amp at home that sounds like a can? This will solve all your troubles. The perfect amp for home and studio.
My eye caught these as new stock came in recently over at Matt's Music. It currently retails for R995 VAT inclusive. Frustrated with an amp at home that has a rather tinny sound to it with no middle I decided to get one (my new amplifier is currently under construction, the woodwork only just commenced)
I had previously only used a reasonably priced Ibanez amplifier for most of my work, but, recently became aware of the tonal deficiencies of my existing amplifier, especially the headphone output which sounds rather like a cheap walkman (and makes it very difficult to get stuff to sound right) And besides, it was time to get some real quality amplification going for a change.
VOX has a long heritage and tradition of being one of the best amplifiers around, and whilst I was initially sceptical as this is a solid-state amplifier, I was pleasantly surprised. For your R995 you get this nice box and its lovely contents:
Design and Construction
Unlike many amplifiers in its class, this is a solid, sturdy amplifier weighing a few kilograms and more than rigid to withstand being taken to school, on the bus and even, I dare say, on the road. Construction and attention to detail is pretty much the same as any VOX amplifier, which is of high quality, handmade finish. The inner core is made from particle board, but using various thicknesses, using thinner sections inside where strength is not an issue. The electronics is hidden in a steel box, which is ideal for screening, and inside the box, is a 6 inch VOX Bulldog loudspeaker.
As can be seen below, the top part, with the controls, is in keeping with the vintage feel of these amplifiers, and looks just fantastic.
The back part, which is open, just like any really good guitar amp, can be seen here
The most amazing thing is that, even the interior of the cabinet is painted nicely.
Tone and Sonic Performance
Of all the amps I have played with, this one is probably the best I have ever experienced. For the first time, I have brought home an amplifier that sounds the same as a Marshall stack back at music school. The tone is pretty awesome, and the overdrive is something to behold. Unlike many other amplifiers, especially ones I've owned and tried, the tone of the sound, is faithfully reproduced on the headphone jack, which doubles as a LINE OUT, meaning that this amplifier could be used for recording or feed into PA systems at small gigs. The overdrive is awesome, again comparable to that of the Marshall stacks used on stage.
I played several riffs with this amp
Roxanne (The Police)
Message in a Bottle (The Police)
Swing, Swing (All American Rejects)
The third riff as listed above, sounded so darn amazing I was really impressed as I was able to harmonize to the song being played on my computer, it sounds really incredible.
Overall Conclusion
For students, and starting out musicians I am going to go out on a limb and say, that they should avoid getting those Roland Cube amps which are so prolific lately, and get this instead. It will help, because first of all good tone is paramount when you are trying to learn songs or even achieve your own signature tone. Secondly, the amp performs the same as the Marshall stack, and thirdly, the headphone output enables late night practice without annoying the neighbours or waking up kids and wife.
