Vox AC-30/6 Twin Tube Amplifier, c. 1981
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Vox AC-30/6 Twin Model Tube Amplifier, c. 1981, made in Dartford, Kent, England, serial # 25292, black tolex covering finish.
One of the most revered of all amplifiers, the Vox AC-30 was literally THE sound of the UK Beat Era and the US British Invasion and is still one of the world's most popular amps among those who prize tone above all. JMI (Jennings Musical Industries) of Dartford, Kent could hardly keep up with the demand as the Beat Boom took England by storm; the players of the time used a number of now-classic guitars but nearly all owned -- or coveted -- an AC-30.
Almost a decade after the end of JMI, Rose Morris bought the Vox operation from Dallas Arbiter in 1978. They would continue to manufacture Vox amplifiers before selling the brand to KORG in the early 90's. Based on the serial number range and back plate styling, this Rose Morris-era amplifier was likely made between 1980-82.
Conceived initially as a response to Fender's Twin amplifier, the AC-30 Twin was a complete overhaul of its single-speaker predecessor. The Twin overhaul featured a completely redesigned chassis, abandoning the old top-and-bottom format that had proven problematic as touring musicians threw cables and sundry in the back where the fragile tubes were mounted upright. The new version was a part-aluminum, part-steel construction containing everything at the top of the cabinet including the tubes, much like Fender amps of the day, these were mounted front-ward in the chassis and had accompanying vents on the top of the cabinet. Three handles were fitted at the top; anyone who has carried an AC-30 up (or down) narrow club stairs appreciates this feature!
The AC-30 Twin was essentially the earlier AC-15 with twice as many EL84 power tubes and doubling up the speakers, along with a couple other changes to accommodate the higher power rating. This particular amp is a faithful continuation of the late 60's AC-30/6 version of the Twin model, featuring Dick Denny's brainchild 6-input/3-channel design; one channel labeled normal, one brilliant and one vib/trem, as well as Vox's signature Top Boost circuit, comprising of bass, treble and cut controls. Similar to the late 60's amps, this AC-30 sports a grey etched escutcheon panel, oversized black plastic vent louvres and black diamond grill cloth. Running four EL84 power tubes into two Vox-branded 12" ceramic Bendix speakers, this AC-30 puts out around 30 watts, true to its name.
Height is 20 in. (50.8 cm.), 27 in. (68.6 cm.) width, and 10 in. (25.4 cm.) .
This particular AC-30 is a generally well-preserved period example (40 years on now!) with moderate overall wear. The dark 'basketweave' cabinet covering shows just some scuffing and light wear, mostly on the lower areas. The "Vox Sound LTD" back plate is well-intact, sporting the black-and-gold Rose Morris-era aesthetics and reading the serial number 25292 on a paper label. The etched grey escutcheon top panel is very clean with minimal disturbance and retaining all original knobs. The grille cloth appears original, and only shows very minor wear and no notable tears or staining. The three original plastic handles are present, and their hardware shows moderate signs of corrosion.
Electrically, the amp is nicely original and largely untouched. The transformers all appear original to the amp. The two 12" Vox-branded ceramic Bendix speakers are original and still sport their original cones, which show moderate signs of repair/patching, but currently sound and work great. The speakers both bear the markings 125-217. The amp has received our typical maintenance and servicing, including replacement of all electrolytic capacitors, install of a grounded 3-prong power cord, cleaning of all sockets pots and jacks, biased to spec and any minor but necessary replacement of out-of-spec components.
Please note that this amp has been adapted for US use, hardwired for 115V and should ONLY be plugged into a grounded US outlet. Although a product of the early 1980's, this AC-30 Twin still delivers the classic '60s sound, which has become a lifetime favorite of many guitarists since! Excellent - Condition.
One of the most revered of all amplifiers, the Vox AC-30 was literally THE sound of the UK Beat Era and the US British Invasion and is still one of the world's most popular amps among those who prize tone above all. JMI (Jennings Musical Industries) of Dartford, Kent could hardly keep up with the demand as the Beat Boom took England by storm; the players of the time used a number of now-classic guitars but nearly all owned -- or coveted -- an AC-30.
Almost a decade after the end of JMI, Rose Morris bought the Vox operation from Dallas Arbiter in 1978. They would continue to manufacture Vox amplifiers before selling the brand to KORG in the early 90's. Based on the serial number range and back plate styling, this Rose Morris-era amplifier was likely made between 1980-82.
Conceived initially as a response to Fender's Twin amplifier, the AC-30 Twin was a complete overhaul of its single-speaker predecessor. The Twin overhaul featured a completely redesigned chassis, abandoning the old top-and-bottom format that had proven problematic as touring musicians threw cables and sundry in the back where the fragile tubes were mounted upright. The new version was a part-aluminum, part-steel construction containing everything at the top of the cabinet including the tubes, much like Fender amps of the day, these were mounted front-ward in the chassis and had accompanying vents on the top of the cabinet. Three handles were fitted at the top; anyone who has carried an AC-30 up (or down) narrow club stairs appreciates this feature!
The AC-30 Twin was essentially the earlier AC-15 with twice as many EL84 power tubes and doubling up the speakers, along with a couple other changes to accommodate the higher power rating. This particular amp is a faithful continuation of the late 60's AC-30/6 version of the Twin model, featuring Dick Denny's brainchild 6-input/3-channel design; one channel labeled normal, one brilliant and one vib/trem, as well as Vox's signature Top Boost circuit, comprising of bass, treble and cut controls. Similar to the late 60's amps, this AC-30 sports a grey etched escutcheon panel, oversized black plastic vent louvres and black diamond grill cloth. Running four EL84 power tubes into two Vox-branded 12" ceramic Bendix speakers, this AC-30 puts out around 30 watts, true to its name.
Height is 20 in. (50.8 cm.), 27 in. (68.6 cm.) width, and 10 in. (25.4 cm.) .
This particular AC-30 is a generally well-preserved period example (40 years on now!) with moderate overall wear. The dark 'basketweave' cabinet covering shows just some scuffing and light wear, mostly on the lower areas. The "Vox Sound LTD" back plate is well-intact, sporting the black-and-gold Rose Morris-era aesthetics and reading the serial number 25292 on a paper label. The etched grey escutcheon top panel is very clean with minimal disturbance and retaining all original knobs. The grille cloth appears original, and only shows very minor wear and no notable tears or staining. The three original plastic handles are present, and their hardware shows moderate signs of corrosion.
Electrically, the amp is nicely original and largely untouched. The transformers all appear original to the amp. The two 12" Vox-branded ceramic Bendix speakers are original and still sport their original cones, which show moderate signs of repair/patching, but currently sound and work great. The speakers both bear the markings 125-217. The amp has received our typical maintenance and servicing, including replacement of all electrolytic capacitors, install of a grounded 3-prong power cord, cleaning of all sockets pots and jacks, biased to spec and any minor but necessary replacement of out-of-spec components.
Please note that this amp has been adapted for US use, hardwired for 115V and should ONLY be plugged into a grounded US outlet. Although a product of the early 1980's, this AC-30 Twin still delivers the classic '60s sound, which has become a lifetime favorite of many guitarists since! Excellent - Condition.