Keep in mind that a model made in 1985 could have bought by a customer in 1986. we have tried to date the models and this for production. Our Supermatch valves come with test certificates. The EL84’s are all matched and there is one matched ECC83S for the phase splitter position. We have made complete replacement valve kits for these Vox AC 30 versions and there is a link in the time line below for each kit. Usually only one so using four enabled the output power to be quoted as 30 watts. Back in 1960 this was a common cheap valve found in record players.

I don’t believe any of the Vox products are made today by Marshall perhaps excepting the hand wired AC30’s.Įvery valve Vox AC30 ever made has four EL84’s. Outside of the UK, Marshall products were distributed by Korg so there already was a close business relationship. Sounds like heresy but it made good business sense. At the start of Korg production Marshall built the VOX amps. Kong being a leading Japanese keyboard maker, no had a UK product line so has a challenge manufacturing the amps. Eventually, a big UK music distributor called Dallas Arbiter ( they used to be the Fender importer until Fender set up their UK operation) bought out the rights and starting making a few amps, and then Korg bought out the rights. The Vox AC30 was designed and made original by JMI (Jennings Musical Industries). They have done an excellent job of collating all the info. A good source for all the Vox AC 30 vintage amp schematics is Vox themselves and you can have a look by clicking here . I have been looking at all the schematics since 1960 and so far there are ten different valve line-ups in these amps, so clearly there have been a lot of changes along the way. There are solid state, semiconductor based versions and I only going to look at the “real AC30’s” and by that I mean the valve ones. You can still buy A new Vox AC30 today so the same amp has been in production for 55 years ! It will soon be heading for its pension.īut is it the same amp? The big answer is no. Quite a diverse set of music styles which reinforces this amp’s versatility and enduring qualities. The Vox AC30 users include, The Shadows, The Beatles, Rory Gallagher, Brian May ( Queen). Here is a quick look at the different models and my recommendation on the two best versions to buy. It sounds absolutely gorgeous and I bitterly regret over and over again selling my 1960’s one. It is one of the classic most recognisable British amps to this day. The Vox AC30™ has been around since 1960.

Vox ac30 history