I am always on the lookout for gear that punches above its weight class and represents good value for money. I've been hearing since around 1999 or 2000 about the inexpensive solid state 15 Watt Vox Pathfinder series amps. The general consensus among end users I've spoken with has been that Vox had created a winner. The actual new selling price of this amp was a remarkably low $120 with on board reverb until the model was discontinued in 2013.The fact that professional touring musicians like Feist and Holly Golightly use these amps every night on stage certainly gave me the impetus to want to give these amps a look. A few weeks ago, I had the opportunity to trade for a Vox Pathfinder 15 and decided to go for it.
After a few weeks of playing this amp regularly, I have put it through its paces-and have to say I am pleasantly surprised. Starting with appearances, it looks like a classic Vox amp-which to me is a very desirable feature and unexpected on an inexpensive amp.
The operation of the amp itself couldn't be simpler- it is set up like a familiar single channel class A tube amp. You have self explanatory gain and volume controls with a foot switchable volume/gain boost function, a surprisingly useful two band EQ consisting of treble and bass controls, tremolo speed and depth controls and a reverb level knob. (15R)
Simply dial in the amount of gain you desire, set your volume, treble/bass and FX levels and off you go! The boost feature and tremolo can both be foot switched with the optional stereo footswitch. (Sold Separately) The volume is surprisingly loud for a solid state 15W RMS unit-this amp should work fine for rehearsals and small gigs unless you are working with a very hyperactive drummer. The tone is all Vox-clean at low volume then that classic "chingy" chime and more grit as the gain and volume is increased. As with all solid state amps, it does get a bit "grainy" or "fizzy" at ultra high gain levels-so I would not recommend this amp for harder edged musical styles. The tremolo and reverb are useful effects and also unusual to find in this price point.
The tone of this amp is surprisingly good through the stock Vox "Blue Bulldog" speaker. If incredibly tube like dynamic vintage classic rock sounds are your thing, this amp is surprisingly tasty. I find I prefer to engage the boost, set the gain, crank the volume of the amp to the desired level and work the guitar volume knob and vary my pick attack to get more or less break up and volume. For me, engaging the boost for solos didn't work as intended because I found the boost to be substantially louder than the base tone regardless of gain level. The boost feature also got too muddy for my taste when switched on at very high gain levels.
Using the on board 8 ohm extension speaker output to play through a 12" cab opens up the sound of this amp considerably. You also have an on-board line out you can use through the P.A.which is an extremely useful and absolutely unheard of feature in any amp this inexpensive. There is also an on-board headphone jack for quiet practice.
All in all, this is a dynamite sounding and surprisingly versatile little amp that is far more useful than its humble price point would suggest. If you have a use for a grab and go combo as a go to practice, rehearsal or small gig amp, I don't believe you'll regret buying this one. It doesn't just sound good for $120. It sounds good period...and that explains why it has found its way onstage with nationally touring musicians who could use any gear at all-but choose this little marvel..After playing mine, its easy to understand why. If you are considering one of these as you read this, just buy the damned thing already!
Simply dial in the amount of gain you desire, set your volume, treble/bass and FX levels and off you go! The boost feature and tremolo can both be foot switched with the optional stereo footswitch. (Sold Separately) The volume is surprisingly loud for a solid state 15W RMS unit-this amp should work fine for rehearsals and small gigs unless you are working with a very hyperactive drummer. The tone is all Vox-clean at low volume then that classic "chingy" chime and more grit as the gain and volume is increased. As with all solid state amps, it does get a bit "grainy" or "fizzy" at ultra high gain levels-so I would not recommend this amp for harder edged musical styles. The tremolo and reverb are useful effects and also unusual to find in this price point.
The tone of this amp is surprisingly good through the stock Vox "Blue Bulldog" speaker. If incredibly tube like dynamic vintage classic rock sounds are your thing, this amp is surprisingly tasty. I find I prefer to engage the boost, set the gain, crank the volume of the amp to the desired level and work the guitar volume knob and vary my pick attack to get more or less break up and volume. For me, engaging the boost for solos didn't work as intended because I found the boost to be substantially louder than the base tone regardless of gain level. The boost feature also got too muddy for my taste when switched on at very high gain levels.
Using the on board 8 ohm extension speaker output to play through a 12" cab opens up the sound of this amp considerably. You also have an on-board line out you can use through the P.A.which is an extremely useful and absolutely unheard of feature in any amp this inexpensive. There is also an on-board headphone jack for quiet practice.
All in all, this is a dynamite sounding and surprisingly versatile little amp that is far more useful than its humble price point would suggest. If you have a use for a grab and go combo as a go to practice, rehearsal or small gig amp, I don't believe you'll regret buying this one. It doesn't just sound good for $120. It sounds good period...and that explains why it has found its way onstage with nationally touring musicians who could use any gear at all-but choose this little marvel..After playing mine, its easy to understand why. If you are considering one of these as you read this, just buy the damned thing already!
