Vox Tear Drop Ex Bill Wyman – The Rolling Stones

Among the legendary instruments that helped shape the history of music are iconic designs that have left a lasting imprint. In a landscape defined by the sleek lines of Stratocasters, the rounded curves of Les Pauls, and the generous outlines of ES models, one original and surprising shape stands out: the famous “Teardrop.” VOX guitars have made their mark on history with innovative designs that never went unnoticed. The Teardrop and the Phantom, both designed in the 1960s, quickly captivated musicians around the world. These transgressive shapes broke the mold and played a key role in the British rock invasion, with the biggest English bands embracing teardrop-shaped guitars. Among them, the then up-and-coming Rolling Stones helped make this shape legendary.

This Vox Teardrop bass offered by Matt’s Guitar Shop is the very one Bill Wyman used for recordings and tours with the Rolling Stones from 1966 to 1968.

When Vox released the Phantom and Teardrop (officially named the Mark) in the early 1960s, the instruments caused a revolution. They broke all previously accepted norms in the electric guitar world, introducing an astonishing, original, and instantly recognizable shape. The guitar version of the famous Teardrop was quickly adopted by musicians on the British rock scene, as was the bass counterpart. The Rolling Stones and the Teardrop share a closely linked history. The young band helped elevate the model to icon status during the 1960s: Brian Jones quickly took to the white-finish guitar specially made for him, while Bill Wyman made the Teardrop his bass of choice and even had a signature model named after him.

In August 1965, Vox launched the Wyman Bass, a semi-hollow Vox Teardrop named after the Rolling Stones’ bassist. It was officially branded as the “Wyman Bass,” as shown on the bass’s headstock. The exceptional instrument offered by Matt’s Guitar Shop is the very bass that Bill Wyman played between 1966 and 1968 on numerous recordings and live performances. This Vox Teardrop is immortalized in several vintage photographs of the band on stage or in the studio, while its deep and round tones helped define the Stones’ early hits. It comes directly from Bill Wyman’s personal collection.

This 1965 Vox Wyman Bass features a hollow flamed maple body in the iconic teardrop shape with a sunburst finish. Two control knobs, a toggle switch, and an input jack are all mounted on a chrome plate affixed to the body’s top. It also sports a natural maple neck. The chrome pickguard bears the Vox brand, and the instrument’s headstock reads “Wyman Bass.” Few instruments have played such a vital role in the birth of one of music’s greatest legends… For the Rolling Stones, look no further—it’s at Matt’s Guitar Shop!

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