Serial number 13016, amp model and the number itself now machine stamped.

Continued from the page on AC30s with serial numbers in the 12000s. Also encompassed below, Super Twins with numbers in the main AC30 sequence - Super Twins (and Super Twin Reverbs) by this point had a sequence of their own beginning at number 2500.

Throughout the 13000s, as in the case of amps with numbers in the 12000s, one finds three models: the "Treble", designated with a "T" on its serial number plate; "Normal" voicing designated by an "N", and Bass designated "B". All three had their own schematics, in order: OS/056, OS/065 and OS/057. Some notes on the treble circuit, which was new in 1964, can be found on this page.

"TB" - also stamped on the plate - indicates that the amp was fitted with the Top Boost circuit.

Documents relating to the AC30 in 1964 are being assembled here.

At present, the only component date codes visible in amps on this page are those of the Mullard mustard capacitors in serial number 13556 - "A4N" and "B4N" = first and second quarter of '64.

Note that no Woden transformers are pictured on this page. As in 1963, the company had a sort of "summer recess" from AC30s. Date codes "CV" to "GV" (March to July inclusive) do not exist. It is well to bear in mind though that at some point during this hiatus Woden was evidently commissioned by JMI to come put with a new set of transformers with a simplified internal construction. The earliest of these have August date codes ("HV") and a revised set of part numbers. See this page. Burndept, the only contractor to use Wodens up to this point, moved over to units made by Albion.

Chassis made by Burndept are easily identifiable. They have: flashes of paint (and legends in red) to indicate voicing; stamped chassis numbers; and cut-outs behind all three cage nuts on the front lip of the preamp. A page on the voicing colour codes can be found here. Notes on chassis numbers have been assembled here.

Detail of serial number 13763 (chassis produced by Burndept). At right, the chassis number; stamped voicing (and colour code); and the cut-out in the aluminium behind the cage nut.

From early 1964, most Twins have Burndept-made chassis; those produced by Westrex were generally (though not invariably) alloted to Super Twins.

As mentioned at the head of this page, serial number plates are normally machine stamped. The voicing - "N", "T" or "B" - is still hand stamped, however.

Where component date codes are concerned, speakers consistently have the latest - i.e. later than any of those on the electronic components used in chassis. An overview of AC30s with dated speakers can be found on this page.

The page on AC30s with serial numbers in the 11000s, is here, and the page on serial numbers in the 12000s here.

AC30s with serial numbers in the 13000s seem slightly thinner on the ground than others from 1964. If anyone knows of further amps that should be incorporated on this page, do let me know.

Serial number 13015 B - only the plate

This plate was added by an ebay seller to a Super Twin box from late 1962. Inside the box, a much later chassis.

Serial number 13016 B - currently in Europe

Serial number 13031 - currently in Europe

Chassis assembled by Burndept; chassis number 06138. A mixture of WIMA and Mullard mustard capacitors in the preamp, the latter with date codes "A4N" and "B4N = first and second quarters of 1964 respectively. Speakers are now Goodmans Audiom 51.

2024: further pictures show the Albion mains transformer and choke, and Woden output transformer with date code "JV" = September 1964 for its manufacture. A pair of Celestion blues has now been put in, red and black wiring.

Serial number 13098 TB - currently in the UK

Chassis assembled by Burndept; chassis number 05135. Still with its original cover, with "VOX" in cursive script. The amplifier has a grey control panel with integral top boost. Albion transformers. The Mullard mustard capacitors in the preamp have the date code "A/64" and unusually "14N" - both signifying the first quarter of 1964. The original GZ34 rectifier valve survives with the date code "B3K2" = 2nd week of November 1963.

Serial number 13099 TB - currently in the UK

Chassis assembled by Burndept. Albion transformers. A mixture of WIMA and Mullard capacitors in the preamp.

Serial number 13104 T

Apparently the empty cabinet and serial number plate only, the former recovered and now with double-pin corner protectors and 1970s handles.

Serial number 13169 T - currently in the UK

Perhaps the original cabinet, but with enlarged vents and added double-pin corner protectors. A species of Top Boost added on the back panel.

Serial number 13171 T - currently in the UK

Bought new at Yardley's in Birmingham in 1964 and still in superb condition. Thanks to John for the pictures.

Serial number 13240 - currently in the UK

As serial number 13273 (below), a Super Twin with a serial number in the Twin sequence.

Serial number 13267 B - currently in the UK

Chassis number 04886. Copper control panel; Albion choke and mains transformer. The output transformer is a replacement from a later AC30. The Mullard mustard capacitors in the preamp have the date code "A4N" = January 1964.

Serial number 13270 B - currently in the USA

Sold by Heritage Auctions in 2019. Silver Celestions. The vinyl is black dimpled. Top Boost added later on the back panel.

Assembled by Burndept; chassis number 04901. Bass voicing. Excellent condition. In the preamp, Mullard mustard capacitors with date code "A/64" = first quarter of 1964. A Top Boost module added later to the back panel. The amp has a factory replacement mains transformer, a Woden with date code "LY" = November (not December as previously stated) 1967. Heavy textured vinyl on the cabinet. Thanks to Will for the pictures.

Serial number 13273 T - currently in Europe

A Super Twin, its number in the main AC30 Twin sequence.

Serial number 13343 B - currently in the UK

Box, speakers, serial number plate, and original burgundy cover, thick plasti-leather, no VOX logo. The chassis pictured with the amp is a new build (repro copper-coloured top boost panel.

Serial number 13354 B - currently in Europe

Copper panel. Cabinet covered in basketweave vinyl, vents on top no longer present. One of the Celestion blues replaced.

Serial number 13360 B - currently in the UK

Chassis produced by Westrex; Albion transformers. Factory-added Top Boost on the back panel. WIMA capacitors in the preamp. The main preamp filter cap has the date code "UG" = July 1963.

Serial number 13400 - currently in the USA

Existence reported by J. Elyea.

Serial number 13485 TB - currently in the UK

Serial number 13492 TB - currently in the USA

Sold by Heritage Auctions in 2019. Blue Celestions. The grey panel chassis, with its dome voltage selector, is likely to be a replacement for the original.

Serial number 13493 TB - currently in Holland

Chassis number 05263. Grey panel with integrated Top Boost. The Celestion blue has the date code "FG" = June 1962. The silver alnico has the code "AL" = January 1966. Thanks to Pim for the pictures.

Serial number 13554 T

Serial number plate on a refurbished cabinet (repro brown grille cloth, double-pin corner protectors. The chassis now in the box - Top Boost not Treble - is from late 1966 / early 1967 - red Lemco signal capacitors, Woden transformers with late 1966 date codes.

Serial number 13556 T - currently in the UK

Albion transformers and brown Dubilier resistors, so the chassis assembled by Westrex for Vox. Note the mustard capacitors in the preamp - date codes are "A4N" and "A/64" = first quarter of 1964, and "B4N" = second quarter of 1964. Different pics of the amp appear on the page dedicated to AC30 covers.

Serial number 13554 T - currently in the UK

The chassis is a later substitution (Woden transformers with August 1966 date codes, red Lemco caps in the preamp).

Serial number 13572 TB - currently in the UK

Just the serial number plate, sold on ebay some time ago.

Serial number 13639 N - currently in the UK

Serial number 13641 N

Silver Celestion T1088s certainly from this point

Late May 1964 and later

The earliest silver Celestion T1088s that have come to light so far have late May 1964 date codes. It is possible that the speakers in AC30 Twin serial number 13270 (above) are original, but the wiring has been altered, so one cannot tell for sure. The earliest definite instance at present is serial number 13666.

Serial number 13666 T - currently in the UK

Chassis assembled by Burndept. Parmeko transformers. In the preamp, Mullard mustard capacitors with "A4N" and "B4N date codes = first and second quarters of 1964 for their manufacture.

Serial number 13702 B - currently in the UK

Chassis assembled by Westrex; Albion transformers. In the preamp, which is in good original order (only one replaced component), WIMA capacitors. The main preamp filter has the date code "UG" = July 1963. Speakers are Celestion silver alnicos.

Serial number 13706 B - currently in the UK

The top part of a combo, sawn away to leave the section containing the amplifier. Link voltage selector. No further details at present.

Serial number 13707 B - currently in the UK

Chassis number 06047; Parmeko transformers. In the preamp, the Mullard mustard capacitors have the date codes "A/64" and "B/64" = first and second quarters of 1964. The speakers, which probably originally came with chassis, have codes of 1964 too. The cabinet is a later (from an Anniversary edition AC30). Note that the serial number plate indicates that the voicing is "Bass", and the chassis gives "Treble". Accompanying the amp is a page, on the face of things from Dick Denney, but with details relating to the chassis that are slightly wide of the mark. The signature on the page and on the amp certainly look v. like Denney's, but it is hard to be sure. Thanks to Simon for the pictures.

Serial number 13763 TB - currently in the UK

Chassis number 05195. Grey panel, top boost integral. Transformers are Albions. The Mullard mustard capacitors have the date codes "D3N", "A/64", and "I4N", respectively last quarter of 1963 and first quarter of 1964.

Serial number 13860 TB - currently in the UK

Chassis assembled by Westrex; copper panel with integrated Top Boost controls. In the preamp, various TCC capacitor date codes: "UF" and "UJ" = June and September 1963 for their manufacture. Celestion silver T1088s in place. Thanks to James Stevenson for the images.

Serial number 13872 TB - currently in the UK

Chassis assembled by Burndept, number 05217. Basketweave vinyl, brown grille cloth. Grey control panel with integral Top Boost controls. In the preamp a mixture of WIMA and Mullard capacitors, some of the latter with "A4N" date codes = first quarter of 1964. Blue alnico speakers. Thanks to Brian for the info.

Serial number 13918 B

Double-pin corner protectors added to the cabinet; also a sort of trapezoid logo. In the speaker compartment, recent production Celestion blues.

Serial number 13939 L

The plate of AC30 Lightweight ("Lightweight Thirty" or "Transistor Lightweight"), serial number 13939. The cabinet has brown grille cloth and the amplifier section (a T60, fully solid state) a link voltage selector.

Serial number 13966 T - currently in the UK

Chassis number 05681. One of the Mullard mustard capacitors has the date code "B/64" = second quarter of 1964. The box has been refurbished.

Serial number 13993 T - currently in the UK

Relatively small pictures, so no component date codes known at present.

Serial numbers unknown

On to serial numbers in the 14000s.

Back to serial numbers in the 12000s.