Vox AC30: beige cabinets and copper panels

Late 1961-1962: serial numbers in the high 4000s and the 5000s

An early copper panel.

As noted on the previous page - - the assembly of AC30/6 chassis was contracted out by JMI to Westrex (works in Dollis Hill, North London) in the Spring of 1961. Production of the AC30/4, which was electronically very different, remained at 115 Dartford Road until the model was phased out in the early winter of '61.

With the phasing out of the AC30/4 came (1) an expansion of the AC30 range - new "Super Twin" amplifiers with separate amplifier and speaker sections (see the announcement reproduced a little way down this page), and (2) new copper control panels to replace the older black. This last was simply a cosmetic change. The first copper panel AC30s are no different either electronically or in terms of components and construction from the last of the black panel amps. Note the presence early on of white EL84 sockets and a "ghost" cut-out for the , features also of black panel chassis.

From late 1961 to autumn 1962, Westrex remained the main assembler of AC30/6 chassis - a key indication of a Westrex production being red dye on the solder joints, daubed on by the inspector to indicate that the joints were good. A certain number of chassis were, however, made at Dartford Road, the production of AC30/4 there having come to an end.

In the autumn of '62, JMI contracted Burndept Electronics (Erith) to assemble AC30/6 chassis. Demand was growing. The assembly of chassis at Dartford Road came to an end at this point.

The three principal formats of AC30/6 from JMI promotional literature, mid 1962: the Twin, the Super Twin I, and Super Twin II. Note that the Super Twins are in black. Prices can be found .

Components and cosmetics

Early cabinets were made by the P.A. Glock companay, which was based in Crayford, little more than a mile up the road from the Jennings works in Dartford. During the course of 1962, the covering (rexine) was normally beige or one of two types of black - smooth or dimpled (pebble pattern). Back boards continue to have square corners. Handles were for the most part of brown or black leather, though for Super Twins ribbed black plastic was sometimes used.

As far as grille cloth is concerned, brown was the norm almost invariably. One occasionally finds in these early runs brown with fine gold thread woven in, however.

The transformers in the earliest copper panel amps were generaly Albions or Haddons. The OT is JMI part no. OH083/DHT; mains is OH114/DHT. Albion chokes were PE241/DHT. Albion generally did not put its name on the transformers in 1962. A Radiospares choke was generally used with Haddon mains and output units through to late '62. For more, .

Click as ever for larger images. Albion mains transformer, part no. OH114; output transformer OH083.

In autumn 1962, Woden was contracted to produce transformers too. These were used exclusively in amps assembled by Burndept fro JMI. A large batch with August and September '62 date codes ("HT" and "JT") had been bought in by the time serial number 5650 (below) came to be made. A second batch - presumably a second order rather than part of a large initial batch - has November '62 date codes ("LT")

Preamp coupling capacitors were at first black WIMA Tropydurs, as used in the black panel AC30/4s and AC30/6s. A little way into the run of copper panelled amps gold-coloured WIMA Tropyfoil (Tropyfol) were evidently specified (to Westrex first and later Burndept, the companies contracted to assemble AC30 chassis).

On the left, an early copper panelled chassis, black WIMA Tropydur capacitors still in place. On the right, serial number 5650, gold WIMA Tropyfoil (Tropyfol). Generally, the black WIMAs were replaced in shotgun manner (i.e. at one fell swoop) with Mullard mustard caps or grey Radiospares polythene early on - in the late sixties / early seventies. Wholesale replacement of preamp caps is often (though not always) indicative of an early AC30 chassis if there is nothing else to go by.

The new gold WIMA Tropyfoil (Tropyfol) had evidently come in by around serial number 5300 (and probably before).

Serial number plates are hand stamped, bass amps designated with a "B", normal with "N"; speakers are, as standard, Celestion alnico blues (T530), 8 ohms each, the two wired for 16 ohms total impedance.

There are some really excellent Super Twin AC30/6s on this page (separate amplifier and speaker cabinet). These came in at the end of 1961 as the announcement below, sent out in October, indicates. Small numbers may have had black panels - see for instance .

Announcement sent out in October 1961. The full page .

Adam Faith on stage, NME Poll Winners concert, April 1962, photo by Harry Hammond, his archive now in the .

Faith's band and The Shadows had pre-production or early production versions of the speaker cab. Notice the full cloth front, as in the first adverts. Later beige speaker cabs had split fronts (certainly by April 1962). See this page for more on .

The pages on AC30/4s and AC30/6s with black panels, serial numbers in the 4000s, are and .

If anyone knows of further early copper panel AC30s that should be incorporated on this page, .

Serial number 4835 N - currently in Finland

The chassis currently in the cabinet is later - green Woden transformers with date codes "MU" = December 1963 (so production in early 1964). It is possible though that the original chassis also had a copper panel. The cabinet has been expertly refurbished. The date of the speakers is unknown.

Serial number 4843

A section of the back panel and front of the cabinet only known at present. The cabinet is later - dimpled black vinyl, corner protectors, and black metal vents. The chassis has added top boost. No pictures of the control panel are to hand. In all probability, black - a late one. A slim possibility though that it is very early copper. The serial number is definite.

Serial number 4872

Recorded by Jim Elyea as having a copper panel. No further details of the amp available at present. Serial number 4873, however, is recorded as having a black panel.

Serial number 4917 N - currently in the UK

Excellent condition. Chassis assembled by Westrex; copper panel; Haddon transformers; sealed-up mis-positioned cut-out in the chassis for the rectifier valve; rectangular vibrato trimmer pot on the preamp tagboard. The date code on the tone cut pot is "FI" = June 1961. The speakers, with 1963 date codes, are later replacements.

Serial number 4950

Recorded by Jim Elyea (p. 539) - assigned to January 1962.

Serial number unknown - high 4000s or low 5000s

A Super Twin amplifier section, vinyl originally beige. Copper panel; Haddon transformers; sealed-up mis-positioned cut-out in the chassis for the rectifier valve; rectangular vibrato trimmer pot on the preamp tagboard. The only date code known at present is that of the main preamp filter capacitor - "YWW" = 1st week of 1961. Square corners at the rear of the amp. The back board is lacking. Attached to the mains cable in the preamp, the original (undated) JMI inspection tag, initialed "BAH" (?).

Serial number 4955 N - currently in the UK

A strange assemblage. The box is later: radiused corners for the backboards and basketweave vinyl, except for the lower board which has smooth slightly dimpled vinyl. Its corners may originally have been square. The double-pin corner protectors are later additions. The serial number plate presumably belongs with the copper panel chassis. One of the pots has the code "CJ" = March 1962. The preamp is likely originally to have had black WIMA Tropydur caps, all replaced relatively early on with grey Radiospares polythene/propylene caps.

Serial number 4981 N - currently in the UK

With its original green cover. The blue Hunts capacitor (underchassis) has the date code "WD W" = 18th week of 1961. Transformers are Albions. One of the pots has the date code "FI" = June 1961. The main Hunts preamp filter capacitor has "HSW" = 25th week of 1961. Expertly restored by John Chambers - . Note the white EL84 sockets and the fully rectangular vib/trem trimpot. There are feint signs too of the mis-positioned hole for the rectifier valve.

Below, additional pictures from the sale of the amp, Spring 2021. The main preamp filter capacitor has the date code "HSW" = 25th week of 1961. The Celestion blues have RIC 1DJ cones. For other examples, .

NEW

Serial number 4988 N - currently in the UK

Thanks to James, a couple of shots of the cabinet of AC30 serial number 4988N (chassis no longer present), probably ready for sale in early 1962. Along with serial numbers 4981, 5002, and perhaps also 4995, the amp has Celestion blues dated 22nd December 1961. Note that whoever stamped the gaskets at Celestion on this day got the letters for year and month reversed. The code should be "22MF". This happened on other occasions too. The cone codes are "RIC 1DJ" and "RIC 1DO".

Serial number 4989 B - currently in Germany

An early AC30 Super Twin amplifier section. Possibly the original black covering. Sold at some point by Freedmans of Leytonstone (London). The main Hunts filter cap in the preamp has the date code "HSW" = 25th week of 1961; the smaller blue bypass cap has "HWW" = 21st week of 1961. Note that amps covered in black often had black plastic corner protectors added later. Amps covered in beige had none.

Serial number unknown - currently in the UK

Recently sold in the UK (by Houlgate and Gardiner, auctioneers), an early 1962 chassis assembled by Westrex in a later cabinet. The chassis has Albion transformers, a rectangular trimmer for the Vib/Trem, and the phantom hole for the rectifier valve. Pink and yellow wires for the 6.3v feeds in the preamp - note serial number 4981 above.

Serial number 4996 - currently in the UK

Published in "Guitarist" magazine, October 2017 (issue 425). The speakers have been out at some point - note the non-uprightness of the "VOX" labels.

Serial number 4997

Recorded by Jim Elyea as having a copper panel (p. 193).

Serial number 5000 N - currently in the UK

Speakers replaced and preamp tagboard modified some time ago. The serial number is reliably said to be 5000.

Serial number 5002 N - formerly in Italy, now in the UK

An early Super Twin, grille cloth replaced, and probably an old recovering. Perhaps originally a Super Twin II. Note the twin speaker sockets (connectors made by Geloso). The speakers in the cabinet are from late December 1961. In the power section: the main Hunts filter cap. has the date code "HSW" = 25th week of 1961. The blue Hunts 32uf cap. underchassis has "WYW" = 10th week of 1961. AC30/6 schematics indicate a 8uf underchassis; but most amps have 32uf. The Welwyn 22K resistor has the date code "SE" = May 1961.

Original serial number high 4000s / low 5000s - currently in Japan

Recently sold by "Howl Guitars" in Tokyo, an early Super Twin amplifier section, beige cloth, early 1962. The amplifier chassis, made by Westrex, has Haddon transformers, the earliest type of copper panel, white EL84 sockets, and the phantom cut-out for the rectifier valve. The serial number plate, with its three long panels and peculiar attempt at hand stamping, a later addition to this amp however.

Serial number high 4000s / low 5000s - currently in the UK

The chassis is similar in general aspect to that of serial number 5002 - a phantom cut-out for the rectifier valves, white EL84 preamp sockets, and the early form of vib/trem trimpot (fully rectangular rather than part rectangular part rounded). The cabinet's backboards have square corners (again, an early characteristic). It may be that the cab was recovered at factory with basketweave - the vinyl on the backboards is pebble pattern. Thanks to Marc for spotting the details. The serial number plate, with non-standard screws, is a later addition.

Serial number unknown - currently in the UK

Serial number just too difficult to make out unfortunately. "John" incised on the plate. Albion transformers. Few changes to the amp. In the preamp, numbers of original black WIMA Tropydur capacitors remain. One of the Celestion blues has the date code "24EG" = 24th May, 1962. Pictures from .

Serial number 5021 N - currently in Europe

Currently . Covering originally beige. Original Albion transformers in place.

Serial number 5025

Existence recorded by Jim Elyea.

Serial number 5027

Sold on ebay.com in 2014.

Serial number 5048 N

Serial number 5048N, owned by Bill Wyman from 1962-2020 - bought by him before he joined the Rolling Stones. Pictures from Julien's Auctions. The catalogue entry - - states that the amp was built in February 1962. Although no point of reference is given (speaker date codes perhaps?), this seems right. Serial number 5002N has speakers with date codes of late December 1961, so *final* assembly - i.e. the making ready of number 5002 for sale - is likely to have been in January/February '62.

Serial number 5080 N - currently in the UK

The cabinet, covered in basket-weave vinyl, had at one time new-style plastic handles. Difficult to tell from the available photos, but the back-boards appear to have rounded corners. Plate and chassis would seem to go together though.

Serial number 5110

Existence recorded by Jim Elyea.

Serial number 5156 N - currently in the UK

Super Twin amplifier section serial number 5156N (probably early 1962) has just come to light. The chassis has the phantom cut-out for the rectifier valve. Four black WIMA Tropydur capacitors remain in the preamp. Thanks to David for the picture and info. Further pics to follow.

A picture taken after recovering and thorough renewal of the electronics. The handle is a new addition too.

Serial number 5161N

Sold on ebay some time ago. The seller's blurb reported the serial number as being 5161N, the date codes of the speakers 16th July 1964.

Serial number 5169 N

Chassis assembled by Westrex. Transformers are Albions. Celestion blues with RIC codes. The cabinet, now recovered in basketweave, originally had black vinyl. Thanks to Kevin for the pictures.

Updated

Serial number 5199 B - currently in Germany

Recovered and regrilled, the box with an added plastic handle.

Serial number 5204 N - formerly in Germany

Pictures from 2006. A Super Twin amplifier section with its original footswitch. Transformers are Haddons. No back panel Top Boost. Registered also on the page on .

Serial number 5215

Existence recorded by Jim Elyea.

Serial number 5219N

A Super Twin, original speakers probably still in place. Cabinet vinyl originally beige but painted black. Corner protectors added.

Serial number 5225 N - currently in the UK

Albion transformers in place. The red dye on the solder joints is NOT original. One can see flecks on the bodies of replaced components in at least a couple of instances. The resistors look as though they are from Radio Spares. White Eries are normal in 1962. For the brown Dubilier resistors used later on by Westrex, see serial number 6038 .

Serial number 5238 N - currently in the UK

An AC30 Super Twin amplifier section with Top Boost on the back panel. Thanks to Marc for the picture.

Serial number 5311 N - currently in the USA

A nice Super Twin with top boost on the back panel. Transformers are Albions. In the preamp, there are several black WIMA Tropydur capacitors still in place. The blue Hunts capacitor in the second but last picture has the date code "YAH" = 9th week of 1962.

Serial number 5320 N - currently in Italy

Sold (or perhaps repaired) by Alan Pyne, who took over 119 Dartford Road in the 1970s. The transformers look like Haddons, but no picture at present showing the labels. The red dye on the solder joint is typical of Westrex, the company that did a good deal of assembly work for JMI though to early 1965.

Serial number 5327 N - currently in the UK

Good and well used, with original footswitch. Probably from May/June 1962. Chassis assembled by Westrex; Albion transformers. The tone pot has the date code "DJ" = April 1962. The Celestion blues have cone code RIC 1 JC (possibly JL). Note the ribbed black PVC handle on the amplifier section (as serial number 5002). Serial number 5327 is also illustrated on the . Thanks to Jim for the pictures.

Serial number 5329 N - currently in the USA

An early Super Twin with original cover for the amplifier section. Transformers made by Albion: OT is part no. OH083/DT; mains is OH114/DT; and the choke PE241/DT. An add-on top boost circuit has been added (controls on the amp's back panel).

Serial number 5355 N - currently in the USA

A Super Twin head. Good to see some of the original black WIMA Tropydur capacitors still in place - date codes for August and November 1961 are visible. The original footswitch is present too.

Serial number 5356 N - currently in the USA

Painted black at some point, as many beige amps were, but skilfully restored. The serial number is easily legible but extremely worn.

Serial number unknown - currently in the USA

A fantastic early twin, pictures just a little too small to make out the serial number. Some fabric has been added inside the speaker cab (to help reduce vibration).

Serial number 5367 N - currently in the USA

Serial number 5370 B - currently in the UK

Smooth black/charcoal vinyl. New handles and grille cloth on the amplifier section. The date codes on the Celestion blues are 01KH and 14KH = 1st and 14th September 1963, considerably later than the amplifier and probably the cab (assuming amp and cab go together). Note that the speakers have been out at some point and rotated by 90 degrees - normally the Vox logo is horizontal.

Serial number 5407 - currently in the UK

The cabinet was recovered with black basketweave vinyl in the late 1960s / early 1970s covering up the original holes for the handles. At this time, a number of capacitors in the preamp were renewed - the replacements for the most part Mullard mustards or Radiospares polypropylene with old-style logos. In terms of date codes of original components, the main Hunts preamp filter cap has "WSH" = 15th week of 1962. The copper control panel is of the earliest type (with "JMI" in tall thin letters). A number of black WIMA Tropydur caps remain in the preamp. Thanks to Nigel for the pictures.

Serial number 5428 N - currently in the UK

Thanks to Steve.

Serial number unknown - currently in the USA

Old pictures from ebay. Recovered.

Serial number 5520

Existence reported by Jim Elyea

Serial number 5503 N - currently in the USA

Chassis assembled by Westrex; Albion (?) transformers, choke replaced. A small number of renewals in the preamp. Cabinet and grille cloth in good condition, though the original vents have been enlarged and fitted with solid-state style inserts. Further vents have been made in the sides. The footswitch is a later type, not original to this amp.

Serial number 5536 B - currently in the UK

NEW

Serial number 5543 N - currently in the UK

The chassis, assembled for JMI by Westrex, has the phantom cut-out by the rectifier valve - typical of a batch made in late 1961 and early 1962. Haddon transformers. Probably one of the last amps to be sent out with WIMA Tropydur capacitors (one remains). One of the pots has the date code "CJ" = March 1962. The main preamp filter has "RJ" = September 1960.

Serial number 5569 N - currently in the UK

The Celestion blue speaker has the date code "GH" = July 1963.

Serial number 5592 N (cabinet only) - currently in Europe

Cabinet and serial number plate survive. The amplifier chassis and speakers are from other sources.

Burndept and Westrex-made chassis from this point

Serial number 5619 - currently in the UK

Chassis assembled by Burndept for JMI. The cabinet in need of some refurbishing, but the amplifier is in excellent working order. Thanks to Dean for the pictures.

Serial number 5634 N

Superb condition externally. Currently on . One of the pots has the date code "GJ" = July 1962. The Woden transformers have the code "HT" = August 1962.

Serial number 5648 N - currently in the UK

Recently (September 2021) on ebay, AC30 Super Twin serial number 5648N, Top Boost on the back panel, beige vinyl painted black at some point. Chassis assembled by Burndept. Chassis number 1033. Woden transformers with date code "HT" = August 1962, one of the pots "GJ" = July '62. WIMA signal capacitors in the preamp. Ready for sale in late 1962. Speakers - one reconed in this instance - generally have later date codes than components in the chassis. Bought new in 1963.

Serial number 5650 N - currently in the UK

Black vinyl. The original leather handles have been replaced with modern plastic/rubber. The amplifier's transformers are Wodens with date codes "HT" = August 1962. A few replaced components in the preamp, otherwise all good.

Serial number 5651 N - currently in the USA

Probably a copper panel, but only these two pictures for the time being.

Serial number 5672 N - currently in the UK

Assembled at Dartford Road (?). Serial number 5672N, bought new in 1962 along with the Strat, the stand purchased later.. The amp is fully original (no electronic or cosmetic repairs/renewals). The main preamp filter capacitor has the date code "ITH" = 34th week of 1962; black-print WIMA signal capacitors with codes "Q1" and "Q2". Thanks to Kevin for the pics of this superb AC30.

Updated

Serial number 5676 N - currently in the UK

Black dimpled vinyl; a new-style handle to replace the original strap; and two later black vents. Electronics serviced in 2022 - mains and output transformers replaced, some other components renewed. The most striking thing is the vertical logo, as found on early T60 speaker cabinets.

More recent pictures. Chassis number 01185, so assembled by Burndept, though all transformers now replaced. In the preamp one of the Hunts capacitors has the date code "HHH" = 22nd week of 1962. The tone pot apparently has "GJ" = July 1962.

Serial number 5757 B - currently in the USA

Another amp in fine condition. Pictures from . The output transformer is a Woden with date code "HT" = August 1962.

Serial number 5784N - currently in the USA

Thanks to Richard for the pictures.

Updated

Serial number 5854 - currently in the UK

A Super Twin, originally beige vinyl, now painted black. The inside face of the back panel is untouched. Grille cloth is new. Top boost controls added on the back panel, along with three later cut-outs, one for a plate with speaker and footswitch sockets, another for a Bulgin mains socket. The output transformer is a later, perhaps factory replacement, Woden date code "HV" = August 1964.

A post on FB (2022) indicates the Woden date code has now been cleaned off.

Serial number 58xx - currently in the UK

A good solid looking Super Twin, probably a Super Twin II originally (note the two factory-made holes for speaker connectors), some readjustment on the serial number plate though.

Serial number 5916 N

Excellent condition externally. The handles have been replaced however. Sold by Heritage Auctions in November 2020.

Serial number 5937 - currently in the USA

Sold by Heritage Auctions in November 2020. In original smooth black vinyl - note the finger joints showing through. Possibly a later (ie. added) runner "Thirty Twin" lower right on the grille cloth. The back boards have square corners. The Woden transformers have date codes "LT" = November 1962, which places production of the chassis in early 1963.

Serial number 5955 N - currently in the USA

The chassis and upper back board belong together (serial number 5955). Chassis assembled by Westrex. Haddon transformers. Black=print WIMA capacitors with "P1" and "Q3" date codes. The cabinet is from another later amp.

Serial number 5984 N

Above, pictures from ebay 2013, the amp bearing the plate 5984N. The original finish of the control panel, which has a link voltage selector, was stripped away at some point. The vinyl looks new (along with the handle). A further picture shows that cabinet's grille cloth was brown. Below, pictures from a later ebay auction, the number on the plate noted as being 5984N in the seller's text (one can see that it is from the distinctive patterns of wear).

Above, pictures from ebay some years ago. The cabinet now houses a black panel AC30. The amp belonging to the cabinet above is now in a new box.

Serial numbers unknown

Some of the AC30s in this section - particularly the one refurbished by John Chambers immediately below - are early, serial numbers in the high 4000s or low 5000s. For the most part, only those amps / chassis with visible or useful component date codes have been included. There is now a page on AC30s with beige vinyl, serial numbers unknown.

Serial number unknown - currently in the UK

Perhaps the original black pebble vinyl. Grille cloth replaced. The back boards of the cabinet have square corners. Two date codes on the Hunts capacitors are visible: main preamp filter is "YWW" = 1st week of 1961; underchassis cap "WD W" = 18th week of 1961.

Square corners to the back boards. The cabinet pre-dates introduction of plastic handles. Pot code "EJ" = May 1962. The control panel is of the early type (flat head to the "3", pronounced downward ticks on the "1", "JMI" in comparatively slender letters. The main preamp filter capacitor (with the date code "UC" = March 1963, or possibly "UG" = July 1963) is a later replacement. Thanks to Marc for the pictures.

A sort of Super Twin, sold in Germany a little while ago. The chassis, assembled by Westrex (Haddon transformers), has several original components with date codes: main filter capacitor "TH" = August 1962; pot "GJ" = July 1962; Hunts 25uf cathode bypass cap "YAH" = 9th week of 1962. The amplifier section cabinet bears the shop plaque of Musikhaus Schlüter in Dortmund. The speaker cabinet at one time (very recently) had a cut-out for a chassis, but was probably a Super Twin cabinet to begin with - note the odd arrangement of vents in its top. See this page. There are no end handles. The Celestion blues have date codes: 19KG and 08LG = 19th November and 8th December 1962. The back-boards of both amplifier section and speaker cabinet appear to have JMI vinyl, but of a different colour from the bodies of the cabinets.

Original beige vinyl can be seen underneath the most recent covering. Back boards are square. No serial number plate. The control panel is of the early type, as above.

Serial number 5xxx - currently in the UK

Chassis, serial number plate and speakers (with 1962 date codes) transferred to a later (1970s) cabinet. The amp is .

A chassis - currently in the USA

A chassis assembled by Westrex in late 1962. Further pictures and details .

A chassis - currently in the UK

Small pictures from 2013. The control panel is of the earliest type - note the flat head to the "3" of "3 AMP.".

.

.