Derek Underdown, designer of iconic Vox Amplifiers has passed away aged 92

Derek Underdown, chief engineer for Vox amplifiers during the swinging sixties, lived in Aylesbury in the latter part of his life.

He died this week after a short battle with Covid-19 at the Freemantle Court care home in Stoke Mandeville.

An integral figure in the Vox’s history, he helped design the iconic sound of the Rolling Stones, The Beatles, The Shadows and Hank Marvin, to name but a few.

During his prestigious career Mr Underdown was responsible for the original design of Vox amps and also the UniVox instrument, among other engineering feats.

Because of his work, he often had to travel, working in Italy for six months and later the family moved to Hong Kong also New York and Alabama in the United States over a busy period.

Toni Standing, Derek’s daughter paid tribute to her father, she said: “My dad worked on some of the original designs of Vox amplifiers at Jennnings in Dartford.

“I remember vividly from my childhood when we went back stage at the Royal Albert Hall as he was helping the bands organise their Vox equipment before the gig.

“I don’t remember exactly but I definitely saw the the Beatles, the Rolling Stones and the Shadows and even sat on Hank Marvin’s knee!”

Because of his work, Derek often had to travel and the family moved to Hong Kong, Italy and also Alabama in the United States over a busy period.

Toni added: “My dad helped Jim Elyea with the research and writing of The VOX Book, the JMI years.

“There were many emails and some visits to California involved. He was a big part of the history of Vox.

The book launch was held at History for Hire in North Hollywood, where the venue was turned into a replica of the Cavern Club in Liverpool, where the Beatles made their name in the UK.

And Toni said how even in his later years Mr Underdown put is engineering skills to good use.

She said: “He was a great trouble shooter and even after he retired, he was able to solve a problem for Sussex University, gaining his name on a their patent.

“He inspired many, there were many comments on my Facebook post from all over the world paying tribute to him, he was a wonderful man.”

Last year Queen guitarist Brian May sent him a birthday card to celebrate his life and achievements in the music industry.

Toni said: “My son Paul takes after him playing drums with White Tips, like his Grandaddy and he and my daughter Gillian have his technical mind.

“He considered my husband Nick his son, as I was an only child.

“He will be sorely missed by us all.

“I would like thank everyone at my dad’s care home for looking after him the past few years. They made the end of his life so much better.”