Original Vox AC30 - 1960’s - Top Boost Circuit - Original Bulldogs - Vibra Trem

Very reluctantly selling our Original Vox AC30 - 1960’s vintage. As a producer/engineer and guitarist I’ve recorded, owned and played many of these amps. The 60’s original British-made ones just have the tone and feel that is incomparable to any of the later models. Anyone who has tried them instantly recognises this. There are not many of these left anymore.

We bought this off a well known American producer several years ago. I believe before he bought it, it belonged to the ‘Hunter’s and Collectors’ Mark Seymour. Cosmetically its a little rough, it bears the scars of a real working life in rock’n’roll (see photos), but it sounds AMAZING! I never have to do anything to the sound, just plug in and it’s instant gold.

Very sad to list this, but hoping it will go to a good home and continue to bring joy to it’s new owner. Honestly, from my point of view this is that particular amp that just has it, it’s the one’ , ‘the holy grail’, Instant inspiration! Nothing compares to the sound! If I didn’t need the funds for another project right now, there is no way I would part with it...

During the time we’ve had it, it has been carefully looked after in a pet-free, air-filtered professional studio. Recently I had it serviced by the top-notch guys at Clingan’s. It was missing a handle which they replaced. At some point in its life, someone has installed an double power outlet in the back (see photo) which is super handy. There is a lead for the vibra-trem but I don’t have the pedal. The handle and the power outlet are the only things that are not original as far as I know (see below for some other notes on its features).

Feel free to ask any questions.

If you’re a guitar player, collector or producer who appreciates and insists on TONE then this is for you.

Happy bidding!

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This listing has excited a lot of interest among fellow Vox enthusiasts and some have been kind enough to share their knowledge regarding this amp and its possible history. I’m not an expert in the dates and history of the models or the Vox company so I can’t guarantee the accuracy of this information, but I thought I’d add these observations to the description:

It looks like you have a bit of a hybrid here. The VSL speakers would be from 1968 or 1969, as is the faceplate on the control panel. JMI Vox (the original makers of the ac30) filed for bankruptcy in 1968 and were briefly taken over by VSEL or Vox sound equipment Ltd. This was later shortened to VSL before they too went bankrupt in 1969/70. The original AC30s have "A JMI product" on the face plates, which was changed to "A Vox product" (like on your amp) after the change in owners. All early 60s AC30s had red control panels. The early amps had 3 ventilation grills on the top, like yours, but the later VSL ones usually had 6. The VSL amps usually had the American style Vox logo, and yours has the earlier one. The rear panel on your amp looks to have been home made, with the added vent to keep it cool. So it could be a later amp and speakers in an early cab. Very cool sounding amp still.