Vox Standard 25 Model 3500 MIJ 1980's - Black

Vox Standard 25 Model 3500
Made in Japan – Matsumoku Factory, c.1980s

A superb example of the Vox Standard 25, built in Japan at the highly respected Matsumoku factory during the early 1980s. This guitar is in very good condition for its age, showing only some light marks and minor dings consistent with careful use over the decades.

It has been through our workshop for a full professional setup and plays exceptionally well. The jumbo frets are clean and shiny, with plenty of life left, making this a very comfortable and responsive instrument for the serious player.

Factory specifications include a maple body finished in black polyester, a bolt-on 22-fret neck, and Vox’s balanced tremolo system. Electronics consist of three DiMarzio FS-1 pickups, selected via a five-way switch. The FS-1s are known for their higher output compared to vintage Strat-style pickups, delivering a punchy, muscular tone with strong mids, excellent clarity, and plenty of drive on tap. Clean tones are full and articulate, while overdriven sounds are thick and authoritative, sitting comfortably in rock, fusion, and early hard rock territory.

The classic Vox paddle headstock, inspired by the company’s 1960s designs, is retained here and fitted with six high-quality sealed machine heads for solid tuning stability.

While the Standard series never chased celebrity endorsement in the way some contemporaries did, these Matsumoku-built Vox guitars have become increasingly sought after by players and collectors who value Japanese build quality, distinctive tone, and understated vintage appeal.

A wonderful and increasingly rare piece of Vox history, offering real character, excellent playability, and unmistakable 1980s MIJ craftsmanship, ready for a new home.