Vox AC30: copper panels
Mid to late 1963: serial numbers in the 7000s
"Dimpled" or "pebble" vinyl.
Continued from the page on AC30s with serial numbers in the 6000s. Amps on this page are mostly covered in black dimpled ("pebble") vinyl. Number 7109B may have been one of the last in beige.
During the course of 1963, Tom Jennings continued the process of trade-marking the name and design of the AC30 Twin - a process that had been set in motion in February. Further details can be found on this page.
As in early 1963, JMI continued to contract out the assembly of AC30 chassis to Burndept Electronics in Erith and Westrex in North London. Later, in early 1965, Jennings would move into Burndept's building in Erith - the "West Street Works".
A sure sign of production by Burndept is the presence of a stamped serial number on the chassis in front of the output transformer, or on the aluminium upright of the preamp chassis.
Detail of serial number 6097. Chassis numbers begin at 1000, but they were not used in any particular order.
Also indicative of production by Burndept at this stage is the presence of Woden transformers with handsome green shrouds. The earliest batches date from autumn '62.
On the mains transformer above, "66309 & J/82" is the Jennings part number (for re-ordering). The transformers were specially made for JMI and do not figure in amps made by other makers. The date code is "AU" = January 1963.
The Woden part numbers were, in order: mains transformer no. 66309; output transformer no. 66310; and the choke no. 66311.
Other chassis were assembled for Vox by Westrex in North London (Dollis Hill). For certain batches of AC30, Westrex used dark brown 1/2 watt Dubilier resistors, rather than the white Eries employed by Burndept. It is too early to say whether from time to time Westrex also used Wodens.
Cabinets, as has been mentioned, are mostly covered in dimpled or pebble black, sometimes charcoal, vinyl. By serial number 7316 back boards have radiused corners rather than square.
It is perhaps worth noting that while most of the cabinets were fitted with plastic handles, some still had old-style leather (serial numbers 7061, 7167 and 7260).
Speakers continue to be the Celestion blue (alnico magnet, Celestion part no. T530). As before, serial number plates are hand stamped. In the 7400s, a type of plate with "AMPLIFIER" rather than "VOX AMPLIFIER" at its head was introduced, doubtless as a temporary measure, the known bounds at present being 7404 to 7443. A similar situation arose in the low 11000s.
Serial numbers 7431 and 7433.
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 5000s, is here, and the page on serial numbers in the 6000s here.
If anyone knows of further early copper panel AC30s that should be incorporated on this page, do let me know.
Serial number 7005 - currently in the USA
Smooth black covering. One of the potentiometers has the date code "AK" = January 1963. One of the blue Hunts preamp valve bypass capacitors has the date "SWH" = 51st week 1962.
Serial number 7016 N - currently in the UK
Black dimpled vinyl, fine woven brown grille cloth, and original Celestion blues in place. Thanks to Richard for the pictures.
Serial number 7040 - currently in the USA
Existence recorded by Jim Elyea.
Serial number 7061 B - currently in Europe
Chassis number 01689. The Woden transformers have date codes "AU" and "HU" = January and August 1963.
Serial number 7086 N - currently in the USA
Serial number 7086N. Original condition on the left; published condition on the right (vinyl restored in some way). Note the tell-tale marks on the grille cloth. A stand has been added. Note the new-style plastic handle = from early 1963. One of a series of amps produced between 1962 and 1965 in coloured vinyl.
Serial number 7109 B - currently in the UK
At one time painted black, now brought back to the original beige. The Woden transformers have the date code "AU" = January 1963. The Celestion blue speakers are later, having date codes "12EJ" = 12th May 1964; and "15FJ" = 15th June 1964.
Serial number 7132 B - currently in the UK
Serial number 7138 - currently in the UK
Serial number 7138 sadly no longer exists. The cabinet, chassis, and speakers were, subsequent to the amp's sale on ebay, re-sold separately. Cabinet with dimpled vinyl and plastic handles; the chassis (as can be seen) has Woden transformers and choke with "AU" date codes = January 1963.
Serial number 7162 N - currently in the USA
Serial number 7167 N - currently in the UK
A nice Super Twin amplifier section. Dimpled black vinyl. Factory top boost. Thanks to Sean for the pictures.
Serial number 7205 B - currently in the UK
Chassis assembled by Westrex; Albion transformers. Heavily textured vinyl on the cabinet. Round footswitch still present. Original speakers look to be in place. Pulsonic cone code is 15H1777 = early/mid May 1963. See the page on Pulsonic cones in Celestion blues.
Serial number 7260 N - currently in the UK
Assembled by Westrex; Albion tranformers. Good overall condition. Textured black vinyl, square corners to the back boards, brass vents on top of the cabinet. The original leather handles have been replaced with 1970s Rose-Morris era moulded plastic handles (large VOX logo). In the preamp, WIMA red-print signal caps, and Hunts and gold-coloured TCC cathode bypass caps.
NEW
Serial number 7289 B - currently in the UK
In company with serial numbers 6056B and 9664B, BASS runner directly beneath the logo. The amp still has a number of its original yellow-print Mullard preamp valves. Further details to come.
Serial number 7290 - currently in the USA
Existence recorded by Jim Elyea.
Serial number 7292 N - currently in the UK
Sold on ebay.uk some time ago. Original round footswitch still present.
Serial number 7298 N - currently in the USA
Currently (September 2020) here. The chassis, made by Westrex, looks older than the cabinet (back boards with rounded corners) and its serial number plate. A number of the original black WIMA Tropydur caps survive. Resistors are white Eries.
Serial number 7316 N - currently in Europe
Dimpled black vinyl. Currently (April 2020) here.
Serial number 7324 N - currently in the UK
Serial number plate and screws only (sold on ebay).
BACK PANELS (normally) NOW HAVE ROUNDED CORNERS
Serial number 7360 N - currently in the UK
Now split up and sold (or being sold) off as separate items (cabinet, chassis, speakers). Chassis assembled by Westrex. Albion transformers. WIMA signal capacitors in the preamp. The main preamp filter cap has the date code "UE" = May 1963. Cabinet refurbished with reproduction beige vinyl and Rose-Morris era Vox grille cloth. The back panels have rounded corners. The cabinet (no speakers or chassis) was sold on ebay in December 2021, the chassis is on offer currently (late Dec. 2021) on Reverb.
Serial number 7400 B - currently in the UK
Radiused corners to the backboards top and bottom. Thanks to Gordon for the pictures.
Serial number 7403N - currently in the UK
Chassis assembled by Westrex; Albion transformers. Top boost added. The amp was purchased second hand in the early 1970s through an advert in "Melody Maker". Price: £60. In the early 2000s the amp was serviced by Eric Snowball of E.S.E. Music in Maidstone. At some stage in the amp's life, a replacement (slightly later) cabinet was provided - probably with the Celestion T1088 pictured. Chassis, footswitch, Celestion blue, upper backboard with dimpled vinyl, Top Boost unit, serial number plate, and cover are original to 7403. The amp is still in excellent working order. Thanks to Paul for info and pictures.
Serial number 7426 N - currently in the UK
Chassis assembled by Westrex. Dimpled black/charcoal vinyl; Albion transformers. Note the serial number plate - "AMPLIFIER" alone instead of "VOX AMPLIFIER" at its head.
Serial number 7431 B - currently in Europe
As above, "AMPLIFIER" rather than "VOX AMPLIFIER" at the head of the serial number plate. The original Celestion blues look to be in place (wiring untouched).
Serial number 7433 N - currently in the UK
A Super Twin amplifier section. Chassis assembled by Westrex. As above, "AMPLIFIER" rather than "VOX AMPLIFIER" at the head of the serial number plate.
Serial number 7443 N - currently in Europe
Chassis assembled by Westrex. Cabinet, now missing its original handles, covered in dimpled vinyl. Rounded corners to the back panels. In the preamp, TCC capacitors with date code "UC" = March 1963 for their manufacture. Top Boost added (probably at factory) on the upper back. One of the original Celestion blues remains; the other is now a later silver T1088. Thanks to Timo for the pictures.
Serial number 7447 N
The plate only, removed from its amp and cabinet.
Serial number 7475 B - currently in the Netherlands
The original red vinyl cover still extant. Vinyl is black pebble (dimpled).
Serial number 7514 (?) - currently in the UK
Chassis number 02468. Dimpled black/charcoal vinyl. The chassis assembled by Burndept Electronics for Vox - note that the chassis number is stamped on the aluminium upright of the preamp.
Serial number 7521 B - currently in the UK
Dimpled vinyl. Rounded corners for the back boards.
Serial number 7565 - currently in the USA
Existence recorded by Jim Elyea.
Serial number 7626 N - currently in the UK
Chassis assembled by Westrex; Albion transformers. The Celestion silvers are later replacements. The preamp is in superb original condition. Signal capacitors are gold-coloured WIMA, electrolyics are TCC. Significant date codes are "UC" on one of the cathode bypass caps, and "UG" = August 1963 on the main preamp filter. The original round footswitch is present. On the cabinet, rounded corners for the backboards (the upper having been reworked slightly). Thanks to Stuart for the pictures.
Serial number 7631 N - currently in the UK
Chassis assembled by Westrex; Albion transformers. In the preamp WIMA capacitors. One of the gold-coloured TCC cathode bypass caps has the date code "UE" = May 1963. The original speakers are still in place.
Serial number 7703 N - currently in the UK
Sold in early December 2020. The amp belonged to Bernie Marsden. Note that the cabinet's back boards have square corners.
Serial number 7732 B - currently in the UK
Chassis assembled by Westrex; Albion transformers. Cabinet covered in dimpled (pebble) vinyl, brass vents on top. There are rounded corners to the back boards. The upper board has new openings (covered with mesh) to aid ventilation. The original speakers and footswitch are present. The main preamp filter capacitor (now replaced) has the date code "UE" = May 1963.
Serial number 7752 - currently in the UK
Vinyl covering, probably black originally, painted over with gloss black paint. Below, a second set of pictures, most of the covering and paint stripped off. The vinyl remains on the upper back board, which has rounded corners. Probably Albion transformers (certainly not Woden). The voltage selector has been removed and its hole blanked off.
Serial number 7770 N - currently in Europe
Textured black vinyl. The Celestion blues have been rewired.
Serial number 7776 B - currently in the USA
Recently (March 2021) sold by Heritage Auctions.
Serial number 7834 B
Textured black vinyl. The Celestion blues have been rewired.
Serial number 7836 B
Cab restored with basketweave vinyl and new reissue brown grille cloth.
Serial number 7856 B - currently in the UK
Only the box is really relevant here as the chassis has been replaced with a Vox valvetronic amp. Dimpled black/charcoal vinyl.
Serial number 7862 B - currently in the UK
Chassis assembled by Westrex. The transformers are Albions. Note the presence of the new style "egg" footswitch.
Serial number 7865 - currently in the USA
Existence recorded by Jim Elyea.
Serial number 7892 N - currently in the UK
Simply the box (still good and solid), and the original serial number plate.
Serial number 7906 N - currently in the USA
Cabinet is a Rose Morris Colletor's Edition, but with the back-board of the cabinet that originally housed serial number 7906. The original Celestion blues and the amp's footswitch are also present.
Serial number 7917 N - currently in the UK
Chassis assembled by Westrex. Albion transformers. Mullard mustard signal capacitors in the preamp, visible date codes D3N and A4N = last quarter of 1963 and first quarter of 1964. Cabinet in dark grey textured vinyl. Rounded corners to the back panels. Signed by Dick Denney for John Beer, the amp's former owner.
Serial number 7925 N - currently in the UK
The amplifier section of a Super Twin. Black "dimpled" or "pebble" vinyl. Chassis assembled by Westrex. Mains transformer replaced. The gold-coloured TCC bypass caps in the preamp have the date code "UC" = March 1963. One of the pots has the date code "AK" = January 1963.
Serial number 7935 B - currently in the UK
Exterior shots only. Patches of the original (thick) vinyl have peeled away on the upper back panel - fairly common with this type of covering.
Serial number 7951 B
Textured black vinyl, brass vents on top of the cabinet. The original speakers and footswitch survive. The metal bracket of the centre handle (all three are moulded plastic) is broken at one end.
NEW
Serial number 7955 B
October 2024: amp broken up and various bits, including the serial number plate, put on ebay individually.
Serial numbers unknown
Serial number unknown - currently in the UK
Chassis assembled by Westrex, and in good order electronically. The cabinet was evidently recovered some time ago, covering the holes for the centre handle. The back boards have square corners. The rounded infills at front are likely to have beenremoved when the cab was renovated. The slider board is new. Given that the footswitch is of the new "egg-shaped" type, it may be that the new-style plastic handles are original.
Serial number unknown - currently in the UK
Chassis number 1518. Further pictures and details of component date codes etc. can be found on this page.
Serial number unknown - currently in the UK
Chassis number 01697. Woden transformers with date codes "AU" and "HU" = January and August 1963. See serial number 7061 above, which has chassis 01689.
Serial number unknown - currently in the UK
No serial number plate. Chassis number 2001, still stamped on the plinth. The Woden transformers have the date codes "JU" and "KU" = September and October 1963. Thanks to Robert for the pictures.