This book covers the entire 30 year history of the company and includes the musicians, including the shadows, the beatles and brian may who made the company famous. Many vox products have been modified or canablized over the years so accurate dating can be impossible. I always considered that the fawn amps were much classier than the black version. Its the one that fueled the brit invasion of the 1960s enjoy thanks for watching and take good care. Based on the classic ac30 design, the allnew, tubedriven custom series ac30c2 offers numerous uptodate enhancements, delivering the most versatile ac30 design in vox history. The vox ac30 was originally introduced in 1959 at hank marvins request as the big brother of the fifteen watt 15 w ac15 model, voxs original flagship amplifier, because the ac15 was not loud enough with the screaming fans at cliff richards concerts. So, plugging a guitar into the handwired ac30h2 heritage combo, made to celebrate voxs fiftieth anniversary, expectations are going to be well, high.
Vox specifies a 10watt rating for the resistor and ensures that it gets plenty of air. The vox story by david peterson and dick denney this is a must have for all fans of vox amps. Anyhoo, alan always had a variety of amps available, mainly vox of course, and i ended up buying a 1966 ac50 that had been put into an ac30 cabinet. A guide to the vox ac30 valve amplifier, originally intended for service engineers but also popuplar with vox enthusiasts, the guide contains a wealth of technical information, schematics,new component layouts, photographs and historical information the vox ac30 guide welcome to the vox ac30 guide website. Dorothys threecolour litho print showcases the history of the iconic british guitar amp, spanning its inception in 1959 courtesy of hank marvins. Vox pop the story of dick denney and the ac30 amp youtube. In july of 1962 two young lads from liverpool would acquire their very first vox amplifiers, an ac15 twin and a top boost equipped ac30 twin. Tips and tricks for getting the most out of your vox ac30. My name is steve russell and i try to help john run his website. If you have not had time to read this a service engineers guide to the vox. The vox company got its start when thomas jennings formed jennings musical instruments after wwii, selling accordions and other music gear.
Reverb birchstolec offered the first version of the ac30 combo that included reverb as an option. Abebooks, an amazon company, offers millions of new, used, and outofprint books. The full history of the company in its many manifestations is covered, as well as information on the various amp, guitar and keyboard models produced, along with their better known users. Vox custom ac30c2 30w 2x12 tube guitar combo amp black. There is a book called the vox years by jim elyers not sure how you spell it which gives all the details and history of vox amps from 1968 to 1970. The company is most famous for making the vox ac30 guitar amplifier, used by the beatles, the rolling stones, the kinks, the yardbirds, queen, dire straits, u2 and radiohead, the vox continental electric organ, and a series of innovative electric guitars and bass guitars. I feel that this reissue of the ac30 has real historic significance. Images of bands using the amp on stage and in the studio.
One of the most widespread backline fixtures from the late 50s onwards, the vox ac30 continues to rack up popularity points worldwide. The vox customer ac30c2 tube amp and all vox custom amps can use the optional vox footswitch, allowing you to turn the reverb and tremolo effects on and off as you continue to play. Vintage vox ac30 serial numberdate help my les paul forum. There are charts which show coverings, tables that show ampcab speaker combinations, wire colors for mains cables, eriedubilieriskra resistors, handle and cloth variations and more. In 2004, vox created the custom classic series, and production was moved to china at some point thereafter. The story of a c1961 vox ac30 combo amplifier hi folks. The vox factory in dartford was only about 10 miles from where i grew up and by the time i was aware of that it was an amp sale and repair shop run by an exemployee of vox by the name of alan pyne. See the book beatles gear and recording the beatles. The el84 limits are 12 watts and 2 watts, respectively, so the ac30 actually exceeds the. Introduced to the world in 1959 as a big brother to the ac15, the vox ac30 is widely lauded for its jangly, chiming high end. An upandrising band named the beatles began using vox amps exclusively, and the rest, as they say, is history. The vox ac30 custom valve guitar amplifier vox amps.
Twelve years in the making, it is a very big book, and im not just talking about its physical sizealthough at 9. We recently looked at the allvalve big brother of these combos, the ac30c2 and were very impressed indeed, so to get you in the mood, heres what we thought. While royston was working through the uk bankruptcy courts, a number of former jmi executives were able to cut a deal with the bank to resume production of vox. Pictures of surviving amps, from the single channel smallbox ac50 to the late large box version. Known as the sound that powered the 1960s british invasion, the vox ac30 combo amp has been an icon for decades. Dick denney wasnt the only one that heard something special in the ac15. Plate and screen dissipations are 335v50ma 17w and 310v5ma 1. Id look for an earlier amp, possibly a later 1960s post jmi a vox product amp with the double rows of cooling vents and definitely original silver vox alnicos. A service engineers guide to the vox ac30 valve amplifier. The guide has new schematics, layout drawings, photographs and parts lists for the vox ac30,vox ac15,vox ac10,and the vox ac4. The finest example of the history of vox amplifiers bar none. Dallas musical industries acquired an inventory of printed circuit ac30 amps with large air vents as part of the purchase of vox from birchstolec.
It is refreshing to go somewhere in conway where i can talk to an actual fan as opposed to someone just trying to make a buck off the fans. Since then, the ac30 has remained the choice of the worlds most accomplished artists who have come to rely on its unique voice to amplify theirs. Based on the classic ac30 design, the exciting new ac30c2 offers two channels normal and top boost. Outwardly no different from an ac30 except the control panel was a little different, but almost twice the power.
They named their new venture vox sound equipment ltd. Years and models according to the vox history no longer available in english, only german on their webpage and online research. Vox ac30 silver jubilee circuit analysis amp books. If you want a more precise date, jim elyea is the guy you want to look up. Textbooks have been slow to incorporate black humanity in their slavery narratives. Oct 27, 2012 i would certainly recommend this book to anyone interested in vox amps and musical instruments. Just change the tubes from time to time, other than that its a real work horse. Here is a quick history of the valve lineups excluding the el84s as they are in every one of these amp models. A service engineers guide to the vox ac30 valve amplifier stephen grosvenor. It sounds absolutely gorgeous and i bitterly regret over and over again selling my 1960s one. The guide has new schematics, layout drawings, photographs and parts lists for the vox ac30, vox ac15, vox ac10,and the vox ac4. With excellent bright crisp cleans and classic rock distortion, the ac30 continues to thrive in the gear world. Lots of great photos and info on it and all of the jmi vox products in jim elyeas vox amplifiers, the jmi years. Theres also quite a bit on the history of these amps, including design.
Been gasing real hard for a vintage vox ac30 from the sixties lately. Vox is a musical equipment manufacturer founded in 1957 by thomas walter jennings in dartford, kent, england. The atmosphere is great and you never know what crazy movie is going to be going on in the lobby. First the most expensive one a ac30 from 1963, which i understand is the most sought after production year. I play indie psychedelic rock, and im leaning towards the vox because it would suit my needs best. Vox mini superbeetle 25 guitar amplifier 1x10 celestion superbeetle amp 1963 vox ac15 twin. Sixty years later, the diamond cloth and gold detailing is as striking as it ever was, reminding any gearhead or even casual audience of its perpetually iconic status.
I have a great deal for the fender on craigslist, so the two would be the same price for me. The vox showroom vox ac30 top boost and ac30 top boost. Before marshall, orange, hiwatt, or any other beloved british amps hit the scene, vox was there, defining in a very authentic sense the sound of the british invasion. Feb 15, 2014 1964 jmi vox ac30 top boost demo john mayer strat using an hd500 for tube drive and reverb.
This time ill be discussing a very popular amplifier from vox, the ac30. Many great artists such as edge of u2, chris shiflett of foo fighters, brian may of queen and many more have used this amp. Not many people are familiar with the original vox company and how. If you like to read a service engineers guide to the vox ac30 valve amplifier pdf online good, means the same to me. Vox musical equipment wikipedia republished wiki 2. I have the time now, so here is my interesting vox denny story. The vox custom ac30c2 provides an effects loop for incorporating your favorite effects into your sound. Dec 16, 2008 a good guitar and an ac30 can be the quickest trip to tone heaven you can take. Recognized as one of the great music industry originators, vox has survived over 30 years in the worlds toughest market under five changed of ownership. Feb 05, 2018 there is a book called the vox years by jim elyers not sure how you spell it which gives all the details and history of vox amps from 1968 to 1970. The company is most famous for making the vox ac30 guitar amplifier, used by the beatles, the rolling stones, the kinks, the yardbirds, queen, dire straits, u2 and radiohead, the vox continental electric organ, the vox wahwah pedal used by jimi hendrix, and a series of innovative electric guitars. This book is a world history book as well as a vox history book. They made history when they released the original ac15 and ac30 around 1960 and whether youre an ac15 owner looking for some extra power, or a new convert to the world of vox amps, any of these vox ac30 amplifiers is a fantastic choice for achieving that vintageauthentic.
Nov 28, 2011 i have the vox ac30 cc2x, it has the blue speakers, made in china. It is one of the classic most recognisable british amps to this day. Vox ac30tb and ac30tbx amplifiers the vox showroom. Built like a tank, the jmi ac30 was hand wired on tag strips fastened to a sturdy steel and aluminum chassis. If you have a vox amp, are restoring a vox amp, are interested in vox amps servicing a vox amp, or are going to sell, list, or trade a vox, going to auction or collecting voxsthen you must have this book. The history for hire press has just published vox amplifiers.
Were looking at the vox ac30, one of the most iconic guitar amps. Discussion in amps and cabs started by taller, sep 3, 2015. A service engineers guide to the vox ac30 valve amplifier pdf online. The company is most famous for making the vox ac30 guitar amplifier, used by the beatles, the rolling stones, the kinks, the yardbirds, queen, dire straits, u2 and radiohead, the vox continental electric organ, the vox wahwah pedal used by jimi hendrix, and a series of innovative. Certain to become the definitive book on the subject, vox amplifiers also sets. View all results for vox ac30 at sweetwater the worlds leading music technology and instrument retailer. Regarding bill wymans ac30, his was a regular ac30 twin guitar amp covered in fawn rexine covering material. Today i am happy to share with you a spotlight for the book vox by author. Jun 18, 2014 the vox guitar amplifierand the ac30 model in particularhas played a storied role in popular music history. A brief but interesting history of possibly the most iconic tube amplifier ever made. The vox ac30 was originally introduced in 1959 at hank marvins request as the big brother of the fifteen watt 15 w ac15 model, vox s original flagship amplifier, because the ac15 was not loud enough with the screaming fans at cliff richards concerts. Vox brian may special amp vbm1 10w combo recording amplifier w 14 ts iob.
A fawn, and later black, ac30 was what everyone aspired to in those days. Perhaps the most iconic amplifier in vox s pedigree, the ac30 earned its place in history as the amplifier that powered the british invasion. A service engineers guide to the vox ac30 valve amplifier pdf. I have always had a soft spot for fawncovered vox amps, as they were the standard piece of professional gear back in the very early 1960s at the time that i was playing in my first bands. If youre into vox amps and their history and the bandsartists that used them, youll love all 682 pages of this book.
Boasting 30 watts, two 12 celestion speakers, four inputs, and two channels normal and vibrato, the ac304 twin was a hit amongst rock n rollers in london, and quickly established vox as the most desired amplifier in all of britain. He has authored 24 books on recording, music, the music business. Social creature, by former vox religion reporter tara isabella burton, is what happens when a theologian with a fantastic vintage wardrobe writes a book. The vox story by dick denny and david petersen has a good dating list by features in the appendices and the book vox amplifiers the jmj years. The ac306 was produced in four different versions, as documented by vox service schematics for the amp. A complete history of the legend guitar history david petersen, dick denney on. Dec 16, 2008 the history for hire press has just published vox amplifiers. It isnt cheap but is the most comprehensive book on vox amps.
How history textbooks reflect americas refusal to reckon with slavery. The list below shows the preamp and rectifier line up. Parmekos are to me the least desirable of the transformer manufacturers vox used. The guide was originally intended for the use of service engineers, however it has also proved to be very popular with vox ac30 owners and enthusiasts. These stolec era ac30 amps were liquidated in a 1974 vox catalog printed by dallas. Through no fault of vox, royston filed for bankruptcy in 1968. Vox experimental amp used by the beatles during sgt. History vox amplification begins with dick denney, a young amplifier. Under dc conditions the cathode resistor carries the current of two triodes, so its effective. Heres the inside story from its beginnings as an offshoot of the jennings. Here is a quick look at the different models and my recommendation on the two best versions to buy. Ac30 input voltage selector telecaster guitar forum. Originally brought to market in 1958, the ac30 was considered a big brother to the vox companys uptilthen flagship amp, the ac15. The story of vox and the vox ac30 amplifier is one that not many people know.
To many, the most celebrated ac30 was the top boosted 1964 model manufactured by vox under the original jmi ownership. Not quite a bible sized which incidentally does exist type book in terms of pages and weight but is more than satisfactory to explain how this brit company started from nothing and became very big with its ac30topboost model. Because the vox name has been used by such a variety of companies in. In terms of tone control, it is split into three sections volume, tone, and vibrato. This stunning vox ac30 cutaway print documents the entire history of. Before long, vox was embraced by many of the top britishinvasion bands, and the ac30 played an important role in their sound. The ac30c2 is the most versatile ac30 in vox history. Vox ac30c2 limitededition twotone 30w 2x12 tube guitar. A complete history of vox ac30 is a story for another day, but korg bought vox in the early 90s and these reissues became some of the most consistent, well puttogether, and sought after versions of the amplifier. The amplifiers and other equipment pictured on this page represent part of an exceptional collection of vintage vox amplifiers, vox, wem and meazzi echo and reverb units, and other equipment and accessories that is offered for sale. David petersen, dick denney, brian may introduction really liked it 4. The 1964 ac306 treble amp shown at left and above is a mint condition example of this model from the north coast music collection.
The legendary history of vox amplification our story. Its the one that fueled the brit invasion of the 1960s enjoy. Plug into this custom series guitar amp and youll hear what we mean. The evolution of the iconic amp brand, from the ac30 and beyond. The vox ac30c2 combo amp offer numerous uptodate enhancements, delivering the most versatile ac30 design in vox history. Vox is a musical equipment manufacturer founded in 1947 by thomas walter jennings in dartford, kent, england. Different drive pedals, guitars and a bit of wetdry too duration. More often than not when it comes to amplifiers, that name is vox. Rough tolex, no topboost, cutouts for black vents and silver celestions adds up to mid 1964. Also called the ac30 4, it featured one 12inch goodmans 60watt speaker and two channels with two inputs each, which explains the 4 in the model designation. Heres the inside story from its beginnings as an offshoot of the jennings organ company. Im having trouble deciding between the vox ac30c2 and the fender twin reverb 65 reissue. Nov 20, 2017 he was hearing a more mellow sound perhaps.
Vintage vox amplifier collection the vox ac30 guide. The story of the vox ac30 amplifier bobby owsinskis music. They made history when they released the original ac15 and ac30 around 1960 and whether youre an ac15 owner looking for some extra power, or a new convert to the world of vox amps, any of these vox ac30 amplifiers is a fantastic choice for achieving that vintageauthentic chime and warm tube tone. Im not sure how many watts are delivered, but this thing can really crank. History deserves to be remembered recommended for you. A complete history of the legend and vox amplifiers, the jmi years are hardly available in stores or online auctions. The vox ac30 is a guitar amplifier manufactured by vox. On the used marked here in scandinavia northern europe i have a few to choose from. Later that year, the group would emerge from the studio with a song called love me do and change the world of popular music forever. This is the story of a little vox experiment that led to some of the most iconic guitar tones in rock history. Basic theory a 21stcentury approach to understanding preamp, power amp, and power supply design fundamentals of guitar amplifier system design a structured methodolody for crafting an awesome guitar amplifier. The vox ac30 is one of the most legendary guitar amplifiers in history, having been used by everyone from the beatles and the yardbirds to nirvana and radiohead since it was introduced in the late 50s.
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