What is the primary function of the Vox V845?

The Vox V845 is a wah-wah pedal that allows a guitarist to manually sweep a filter across the frequency spectrum. This creates a vocal-like 'wah' sound that can be used to add expression to solos or rhythmic texture to chords.

How does the V845 differ from the V847?

The V845 is designed to be a more affordable and lightweight alternative to the V847. It features a sleek black finish rather than the traditional chrome top, and utilizes a die-cast aluminium housing to reduce weight while maintaining durability.

Which famous guitarists are associated with the Vox wah sound?

The Vox wah effect was famously used by Jimi Hendrix, Jimmy Page, and Eric Clapton. These artists utilized the pedal to create some of the most iconic sounds in rock and blues history during the late 1960s.

What is the typical price for a Vox V845?

The pedal is generally positioned as an entry-level professional unit with a typical retail price around £69.00. This makes it one of the most accessible authentic wah pedals available from a major brand.

Can the V845 be powered by a battery?

Yes, the V845 can be powered by a standard 9V battery. This allows for portability and use in situations where an external power supply might not be available or desired.

Does the V845 support an external power adapter?

Yes, it features a 9V DC power jack, which is compatible with most standard negative-center pedalboard power supplies. This is a convenient feature for players who wish to avoid frequent battery changes.

Is the housing of the V845 durable enough for touring?

The pedal is constructed from rugged die-cast aluminium. While it is lighter than some vintage-style steel pedals, it is built to withstand the rigours of live performance and regular foot operation.

What is the tonal character of the V845?

The V845 is described as having a 'funky' and powerful character. It focuses on the classic Vox frequency sweep, which provides a musical and pronounced filtering effect suitable for various genres.

How do you turn the effect on and off?

The effect is engaged or disengaged by pressing down firmly on the 'toe' end of the treadle. A mechanical footswitch located inside the unit registers the pressure to toggle the circuit.

Can the V845 be used with other effects pedals?

Yes, it is designed to work in a signal chain alongside other effects like the Boss DD-3T Digital Delay or Electro Harmonix Big Muff. It is generally placed at the beginning of the signal chain for the most traditional response.

Is the V845 an analogue or digital pedal?

The Vox V845 is an analogue effects pedal. It uses a traditional circuit design to manipulate the guitar signal, ensuring the warmth and responsiveness associated with vintage wah units.

What finish does the V845 have?

The V845 features a sleek, all-black finish. This distinguishes it from other Vox wah pedals that often feature a chrome-plated treadle, giving the V845 a modern and understated aesthetic.

Gear article

Vox V845 Wah Pedal

The Vox V845 Wah is a compact guitar effects pedal designed to deliver the classic wah-wah sound pioneered by Vox in the 1960s. It features a lightweight, sleek black housing and offers a robust, affordable entry point for guitarists seeking the signature sweep and frequency modulation associated with iconic rock and blues performances.

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Overview

The Vox V845 Wah is a modern interpretation of the original wah-wah pedal developed by Vox in the mid-1960s. Designed to be smaller and more lightweight than its predecessor, the V847, the V845 maintains the core functionality and tonal characteristics that defined the genre. It is constructed from a sleek, black-finished die-cast aluminium, providing durability for stage use while remaining portable. The pedal operates via a standard 9V battery or an external AC adapter, ensuring compatibility with modern pedalboard power supplies.

Historical Context

Vox is widely credited with the creation of the wah-wah effect, which became a staple of rock music during the 1960s and 70s. The V845 is part of the brand's commitment to continuing this legacy, referencing the specific tones utilised by legendary guitarists such as Jimi Hendrix, Jimmy Page, and Eric Clapton. By offering a streamlined version of this historic circuit, Vox aims to make the traditional wah-wah sound accessible to a new generation of musicians without compromising the fundamental sweep and filter character of the original units.

Operation and Tone

The V845 functions by shifting the peak frequency of a band-pass filter across the frequency spectrum as the user operates the foot treadle. When the heel is down, the tone is darker and more resonant; as the toe is pressed, the filter sweeps into higher frequencies, creating the vocal 'wah' sound.

Key features include: * Filter Sweep: A musical frequency range that adds a 'funky' edge to rhythm and lead playing. * Buffered Bypass: Designed to maintain signal integrity within a chain of effects. * Tactile Control: A heavy-duty footswitch located beneath the toe of the treadle allows for easy engagement and disengagement.

Target Audience

The V845 is ideally suited for guitarists who require a classic, no-frills wah effect at a competitive price point. Because of its lightweight construction compared to vintage steel-chassis pedals, it is particularly useful for players looking to reduce the overall weight of their pedalboards. Its simple operation makes it a standard choice for those performing genres ranging from classic rock and blues to funk and psychedelic music.

Comparative Analysis

Within the current market, the Vox V845 occupies a specific niche for affordable, traditional wah pedals. It is often compared to the Dunlop Mick Ronson Cry Baby Wah in terms of its historical lineage, though the V845 typically focuses on the specific 'Vox' frequency sweep. While expression pedals like the Yamaha FC7 are used for controlling digital parameters, the V845 is a standalone analogue effect. For players building a comprehensive pedalboard, it sits alongside utility units such as the Boss NS-2 Noise Suppressor or time-based effects like the Boss DD-3T Digital Delay and Fender Hammertone Flanger.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the primary function of the Vox V845?: The Vox V845 is a wah-wah pedal that allows a guitarist to manually sweep a filter across the frequency spectrum. This creates a vocal-like 'wah' sound that can be used to add expression to solos or rhythmic texture to chords.
How does the V845 differ from the V847?: The V845 is designed to be a more affordable and lightweight alternative to the V847. It features a sleek black finish rather than the traditional chrome top, and utilizes a die-cast aluminium housing to reduce weight while maintaining durability.
Which famous guitarists are associated with the Vox wah sound?: The Vox wah effect was famously used by Jimi Hendrix, Jimmy Page, and Eric Clapton. These artists utilized the pedal to create some of the most iconic sounds in rock and blues history during the late 1960s.
What is the typical price for a Vox V845?: The pedal is generally positioned as an entry-level professional unit with a typical retail price around £69.00. This makes it one of the most accessible authentic wah pedals available from a major brand.
Can the V845 be powered by a battery?: Yes, the V845 can be powered by a standard 9V battery. This allows for portability and use in situations where an external power supply might not be available or desired.
Does the V845 support an external power adapter?: Yes, it features a 9V DC power jack, which is compatible with most standard negative-center pedalboard power supplies. This is a convenient feature for players who wish to avoid frequent battery changes.
Is the housing of the V845 durable enough for touring?: The pedal is constructed from rugged die-cast aluminium. While it is lighter than some vintage-style steel pedals, it is built to withstand the rigours of live performance and regular foot operation.
What is the tonal character of the V845?: The V845 is described as having a 'funky' and powerful character. It focuses on the classic Vox frequency sweep, which provides a musical and pronounced filtering effect suitable for various genres.
How do you turn the effect on and off?: The effect is engaged or disengaged by pressing down firmly on the 'toe' end of the treadle. A mechanical footswitch located inside the unit registers the pressure to toggle the circuit.
Can the V845 be used with other effects pedals?: Yes, it is designed to work in a signal chain alongside other effects like the Boss DD-3T Digital Delay or Electro Harmonix Big Muff. It is generally placed at the beginning of the signal chain for the most traditional response.
Is the V845 an analogue or digital pedal?: The Vox V845 is an analogue effects pedal. It uses a traditional circuit design to manipulate the guitar signal, ensuring the warmth and responsiveness associated with vintage wah units.
What finish does the V845 have?: The V845 features a sleek, all-black finish. This distinguishes it from other Vox wah pedals that often feature a chrome-plated treadle, giving the V845 a modern and understated aesthetic.