Vox AC30: copper and grey panels, Celestion blues and silvers

Mid 1964: serial numbers in the 14000s

Serial number 14592, amp model and number itself machine stamped.

Continued from the page on AC30s with . So far no Super Twins with stray numbers in the 14000s have come to light.

Throughout the 14000s, as in the case of amps with numbers in the 13000s, 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 .

"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 .

Significant component date codes in amps on this page are mostly of mid 1964: 20th week of the year for a blue Hunts electrolyic capacitors; second quarter of '64 ("B/64") for Mullard "mustard" caps.

Transformers are mostly Albions and Parmekos. At this point, Woden (hitherto used more or less exclusively by Burndept) was designing a simplified and cheaper set of transformers for JMI - . Existing stocks had presumably been used up (deliberately run down).

Both Westrex and Burndept used 1/2 watt brown Dubilier resistors during the course of the 13000s, Burndept having dropped its familiar white Eries earlier in 1964. Burndept chassis are always distinguishable however by the flashes of paint (and red stamps) to indicate voicing; the presence of chassis numbers and the cut-outs in the aluminium preamp upright behind all three cage nuts. A page on the voicing colour codes . Notes on chassis numbers .

A detail of serial number 14625 (chassis produced by Burndept). At right, the "T" in red of "TREBLE", and above that part obscured by wires, the chassis number. A clear picture of the number can be found in the entry for the amp towards the end of this page. Also in view underneath the "T" one of the three cut-outs in the aluminium behind the cage nut.

Celestion silver alnicos - the T1088 - designed for JMI in the Spring of 1964 did not wholly supercede the Celestion blue - the T530 - at first. Amps with serial numbers in the 14000s tend to have one or other for quite a while. The earliest date codes known for Celestion silvers are from the middle of May.

New grey control panels, which are also to be found sporadically on amps with numbers in 13000s, were used with increasing frequency towards the end of the 14000s.

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.

If anyone knows of further amps that should be incorporated on this page, .

NEW

Serial number 14010 T - currently in the UK

Chassis assembled by Burndept, number 05733. In the preamp, a mixture of WIMA and Mullard mustard capacitors, the latter with date codes "A/64" and "B/64" = first and second quarters of 1964 for their manufacture. The main preamp filter cap. has "WUT" = 16th week of '64. Thanks to Dean for the pictures.

Serial number 14012 T - currently in the UK

Chassis probably assembled by Westrex; Albion transformers. In the preamp, a mixture of WIMA and Mullard mustard caps, the latter with date codes "A4N" and "B4N" = first and second quarters of 1964.

Serial number 14039 B - currently in Europe

A mixture of Mullard mustard and WIMA coupling capacitors in the preamp. Speakers are Celestion silvers - T1088 - which had come in by May 1964. The mustards have the date code B4N = Blackburn factory, second quarter of 1964. One of the blue Hunts electrolytics has the date code "HWT" = 20th week of 1964.

Serial number 14060 - currently in the USA

Existence recorded by Jim Elyea.

Serial number 14062 B - currently in the UK

Chassis number 07244. Assembled by Burndept. Either Parmeko or Albion transformers. A combination of Mullard mustard and WIMA coupling caps in the preamp.

Serial number 14141 T - currently in Germany

Excellent condition. Chassis number 05873. Assembled by Burndept. Albion transformers.

Serial number 14188 T - currently in the UK

Chassis number 05712. Equipped with Celestion blues.

Serial number 14230 - currently in Denmark

Exported to Denmark early on. See also serial number 14317 immediately below. "Europaisk Musik Import" acted as agent/distributor for Vox in Denmark through to 1970 and probably beyond. Voltage and frequency rating whited out on the serial number plate.

Chassis no. 05976. Transformers are Albions. The Mullard mustard capacitors in the preamp have date codes: "B/64" = second quarter of 1964. One of the blue Hunts electrolytic caps has the date code "WIT" = 13th week of '64. Speakers are Celestion blues. At one time the amp had swivel side stands. Thanks to Finn for the pictures.

Serial number 14259 T - currently in the UK

Serial number 14308 T - currently in the USA

Treble with added Top Boost. The speakers, with terminals on boards between the spokes of the frame, are later (post mid 1966).

Serial number 14309 T - currently in the USA

Chassis assembled by Burndept, chassis number 05901. In the preamp, a mixture of WIMA and Mullard mustard capacitors, the latter with B/64 date codes = second quarter of 1964. The main Hunts preamp filter has "WUT" = 1st week of 1964, and the blue Hunts cathode bypass caps have "WIT" = 3rd week of 1964 for their manufacture.

Serial number 14317 T - currently in Denmark

Probably exported to Denmark early on. In company with serial no. 14230, above, the voltage and frequency rating has been whited out. Speakers are Celestion silvers. The original cover, handsome in orange, still survives.

Serial number 14331 T - currently in Europe

Copper panel. Silver Celestion speakers. The amplifier was exported to Denmark early on - imported by "Europaisk Musik Import", Lille Værløse (a little to the east of Copenhagen) - see also serial number 14230 above.

Serial number 14340 T - currently in the USA

A Treble model with added Top Boost.

Serial number 14358 T - currently in Finland

Chassis assembled by Burndept; chassis number not quite readable. Albion transformers. A mixture of WIMA and Mullard capacitors in the preamp, the latter with 1964 date codes.

Serial number 14359 T - currently in the UK

Chassis assembled by Burndept; chassis number 06307. Albion transformers (?). Dubilier resistors in the preamp. Mullard mustard caps have "A/64" and "B4N" date codes, respectively first and second quarters of 1964 for their manufacture. Blue Hunts preamp valve cathode bypass caps (now removed) have "WST" and "WAT" = 15th and 18th weeks of 1964. The 250uf cathode bypass cap in the power section has "VC" = March 1964.

Serial number 14388 T - currently in Europe

Chassis assembled by Burndept (number not quite readable). In the preamp, Mullard mustard and WIMA Tropyfoil (Tropyfol) capacitors. The Celestion silvers are later replacements - note the terminal boards between the spokes of the frames.

Serial number 14405 T - currently in the UK

Excellent external condition, original stand and footswitch present. Speakers are Celestion silvers.

Serial number 14471 T - currently in the UK

Chassis assembled by Burndept. Albion transformers. A mix of WIMA and mullard capacitors in the preamp.

Serial number 14513 - currently in Europe

Celestion silvers.

Serial number 14537 T - currently in Europe

Chassis assembled by Burndept. In the preamp WIMA and Mustard capacitors, the latter with date codes "A4N" and "B4N" = first and second quarters of 1964. The original silver Celestion T1088s are still in place.

Serial number 14545 - whereabouts unknown

Serial number plate only for the time being.

Serial number 14592 - currently in Europe

Chassis number 05769. Assembled by Burndept. Parmeko transformers. Mullard and WIMA coupling caps. The Mullards have date codes "A4N","B4N" and "B/64" = first and second quarters of 1964. The speakers are Celestion silvers (T1088).

Serial number 14595 T - currently in the USA

Excellent condition externally, nothing of the electronics though.

Serial number 14607 T - currently in the UK

Chassis number 05912. Very few, if any, changes in the preamp. One of the visible Mullard capacitors has the date code "A4N", three others "B4N" = respectively first and second quarters of 1964. Thanks to Mike for the pictures.

Serial number 14625 T - currently in the UK

Superb condition. Chassis number 05751. Parmeko transformers and choke. The Mullard mustard caps have date codes "A4N" and "B4N"(B/64) = first and second quarters of 1964. The main filter capacitor (chassis top) has the date code "VC" = March 1964. The original silver Celestion T1088s are still in place. Thanks to John for the info.

Serial number 14629 T - currently in the UK

Copper panel, Celestion silver alnico speakers.

Serial number 14676 T - currently in the UK

Copper panel; probably Albion transformers. No shots of the preamp. The cabinet has large vents on top. Speakers are silver Celestion T1088s.

Serial number 14678 - currently in Europe

Grey control panel; Celestion blues.

NEW

Serial number 14684 TB

"T" on the serial number plate, as below, serial number 14711, but a Top Boost chassis. Thanks to Hex for the pictures.

Serial number 14711 T - currently in the UK

Chassis assembled by Burndept; Albion transformers; grey panel with integral Top Boost controls. In the preamp, Mullard mustard capacitors with date codes "A/64" and "B4N" = first and second quarters for their manufacture. The main preamp filter cap has the date "WHT" = 12th week of 1964. Silver Celestion T1088s.

Serial number 14712 T - currently in Italy

Serial number 14797 T - currently in the USA

Sold by Heritage Auctions in 2020. Grille cloth probably renewed.

Serial number 14800 - currently in the USA

Existence recorded by Jim Elyea.

Serial number 14832 T - currently in the UK

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A detail of the serial number plate only for the time being. Thanks to Tom for the picture. Interestingly a repro plate was hand-stamped with this very number (as a sort of fiction). The chassis that the repro plate was designed to accompany is much later than the amps on this page though. It can be - entry at the foot of the page.

Serial number 14842 T - currently in the UK

Copper panel. Mullard capacitors with date codes "A/64" and "B4N" = first and second quarters of 1964. The spealer compartment contains one Celestion blue and one Celestion silver, non-original wiring.

Serial number 14864 T - currently in the UK

The chassis, assembled by Westrex, did not leave the factory with this cabinet (or serial number plate). There are 0.047uf caps at C7 and C5. Treble models should have 0.01uf. WIMA signal capacitors in the preamp; gold-coloured TCC cathode bypass capacitors in the preamp.

Serial number 14911 T - currently in the UK

Chassis assembled by Burndept; Albion transformers; grey panel with integral Top Boost controls; still the link voltage selector. Chassis number either 05514 or 06514. In the preamp, Mullard mustard caps with "A4N2 and "B4N" = first and second quarters of 1964.

Serial number 14934 T - currently in the UK

Grey control panel; Celestion silvers. Chassis assembled by Westrex, which is unusual for a Twin. Signal capacitors in the preamp are WIMA Tropyfoil (Tropyfol). The gold-coloured TCC cathode bypass caps have the date code "VF" = June 1964. Note the presence on the chassis of a new-style dome voltage selector.

Serial number 14970 T - currently in the USA

Copper panel; Celestion silvers.

Serial numbers unknown

Serial number 14xxx - currently in Europe

Formerly in the UK, now in Germany

Latest dateable components are the original ECC83s, May 1964. Further pictures .

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