Vox Virage DC Richie Sambora
Vox Virage DC Richie Sambora
While the British brand Vox is mostly known for its iconic amplifiers, it was also behind some wildly creative and personal guitar designs — some of which have become true rock classics. The Phantom was seen in the hands of Tom Petty and Ian Curtis, the Teardrop (or Mark VI) remains closely associated with Brian Jones, and the curious Guitorgan — capable of producing Hammond organ-like tones — has appeared with Counting Crows and on countless film soundtracks.
In 2008, Vox revisited its storied past and, alongside a new Phantom with built-in amp and effects, launched a more serious line of professional-grade instruments. The release was backed by endorsements from several high-profile artists, including Prince — who played his HDC-77 on stage numerous times — and Chris Robinson (The Black Crowes), who toured extensively with his Virage. Richie Sambora was also among the lucky few, and this Virage DC, signed by the Bon Jovi guitarist himself, became part of his vast personal collection.
At first glance, the Virage DC looks like a slightly scaled-down ES-335, but its real innovation lies in the pickups — a Vox exclusive developed with Steve Blutcher of DiMarzio. Each pickup features two rails and six pole pieces and can be configured to emulate three distinct pickup styles via a switch: a humbucker using both rails, a single coil using one rail, and a P90 using the six pole pieces. With nine tonal configurations in total, it’s easy to see how a versatile player like Sambora — who can evoke an incredibly wide range of sonic landscapes — would find this instrument invaluable for quickly dialing in the right tone without losing creative momentum.
Richie Sambora – Band: Bon Jovi
In the early 1980s, as American rock was searching for a sound capable of winning over entire stadiums, a band from New Jersey emerged as the very definition of stadium rock: Bon Jovi. At the front of the band, Jon Bon Jovi embodied the charismatic frontman, but it was Richie Sambora, with his guitar and unmistakable flair, who gave the group its emotional and melodic depth.
Richie Sambora never aimed to impress with speed or pure technique. His craft, as a true sonic architect, lies in solos that stay engraved in memory, riffs that support the vocals, and bluesy phrases that stir the soul as much as the speakers. Songs like Livin’ on a Prayer, Wanted Dead or Alive, or Bed of Roses tell the story: behind Bon Jovi’s anthemic energy, Sambora has always been the discreet sculptor of emotion, turning each note into an image, each solo into a narrative.
On stage, he was the perfect counterpart to Jon: while the singer ignited the crowd, Sambora answered with flamboyant licks, vocal harmonies that doubled the lead voice, and an almost mystical aura that made each solo feel like a sacred moment. He remained faithful to a recognizable style while exploring nuances—blues, hard rock, poignant ballads—always finding the right note to serve the song.
And then there is his relationship with guitars, central to his musical identity. Richie Sambora traveled the world with his modified Fender Stratocasters and Gibson Les Pauls, chosen and adjusted with obsessive care. Each instrument tells a story: swapped pickups, refined tremolos, woods worn by years of touring, extravagant multi-neck guitars… His collection is far from a whim; it reflects a musician determined to express each emotion with a precise sound, capable of moving from massive riffs to the most delicate arpeggios.
Relentless, Sambora carried Bon Jovi for decades while building a solo career and collaborating with major artists. A discreet leader, inspired songwriter, and passionate guitarist, he has always placed his talent at the service of the song, never of ego.
One thing is certain: Richie Sambora shaped the sound of Bon Jovi like no one else. With his carefully chosen guitars, his solos etched into memory, and his ability to touch both stadiums and hearts, he remains the melodic soul of the band. A discreet yet essential captain, convinced that the true power of rock lies in emotion and sincerity.
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