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Vox AC30 website updates

August 2026

31st August

Some shots of AC30X serial number 574, thanks to Steve, its documentation showing that the amp was in the hands of the "Amsterdams Accordeonpaleis" by 9th January 1965 and purchased by the original purchaser on the 31st.

Evidently someone in the "Accordeonpaleis" thought that it was actually a species of AC50 though, a forgiveable error as the cabinet of the AC30X, an uncommon model, was of the same size as a standard AC50 SDL speaker cab. "AC50EX" was therefore noted on the shop's guarantee card and a rather half-hearted attempt made to change "AC30" on the serial number plate and on the JMI card into "AC50".

The speakers are blue Celestion 15s (type to be confirmed), unusual for an amp produced late in the run. More to come in due course. The page on the model can be found here.

The JMI card is stamped "11074" top right, but the serial number corresponding with the plate is given at foot. So far no AC30 Twin serial number 11074 has come to light.

30th August

Thanks to Steve, some details of AC30X serial number 574, exported to Holland in early January 1965 and purchased there later in that month, coming shortly.

29th August

Recently come to light, two more early Continentals, one with the lowest serial number currently known, Spring/Summer 1963, the other from later in the year. This brings the total number of certain instances (there are uncertain ones too) of surviving Continentals with square lids and roller switches, their legends on trafolyte, to 15.

Thanks to Tony for the picture.

An illustrated overview of surviving early Continentals to follow - a sort of parallel to the page on the various changes introduced during the course of production in 1963 and early 1964.

28th August

Details relating to the various versions of the Vox Riviera organ will now be gathered together on this new page. Below, a shot of Dave Roberts of JMI demonstrating at the Frankfurt Musikmesse, March 1968. It is interesting to see that the music stand bears the legend "Continental" in small rather than "Riviera". A surplus of stands presumably remained following the decision, in late summer 1963, to supply Continentals without them. JMI promotional images published in 1967 show a Riviera with a stand bearing the correct legend.

March 1968, JMI's last major trade show.

27th August

November 1969, advert for the Super Continental 2 and the Riviera I and II placed by Macari's in the mainstream music press. The Riviera II, a more extensively equipped version of the Riviera I, was introduced in late 1968. An overview of the circuit diagrams currently known to survive for the Rivieras is given in the entry below, 18th July.

24th August

A short section on speakers has been created on the page for AC30 Expanded Frequency amplifiers. The rule of thumb is that Celestion T900s (4 ohm) were the norm in late 1963 and for the first half of 1964; T1074s (15 ohms) were fitted sporadically though.

In late 1964, the pattern is similar if a little fragmented: one finds Celestion T1116s (4 ohms) in some amps, T1109s (15 ohms) in others. To what extent this was a consequence of supply is not clear at the moment. T60 and 2 x 15" speaker cabinets conversely sometimes have T1116s instead of T1109s.

19th August

A further AC30 Expanded Frequency fairly recently come to light in superb condition,serial number 10783. More to follow.

18th August

A short overview of 15" Pulsonic cone codes, concentrating for the moment on the cones fitted by Celestion to early spider-framed T900s (4 ohms) and T1074s (15 ohms) in Jennings blue. Model type - T900 / T1074 - had no bearing on the manner or order in which cones were fitted:

40 751/002 (T900): - AC30X serial number 9906. - "40" corresponds to October / November 1963 where Celestion T530s are concerned.

53 751/002 (T1074): - stray speaker.

53 751/002 (T1074): - one of the two original speakers in the cabinet accompanying AC80/100 serial number 177.

56 751/002 (T900): AC30X serial number 9906.

2 751/002 (T1074): - stray speaker.

8 751/002 (T900): - stray speaker.

10 751/002 (T900): - AC30X serial number unknown.

The main question arising is how far above "56" the initial sequence of numbers went. The first runs of Pulsonics for Celestion blues went to "71" before resetting at "1" - see this page.

17th August

The heading of the page on AC30s with serial numbers in the 6000s has been adjusted to take account of the fact that some of the very earliest were evidently ready for sale in late 1962, a case in point being 6033N, original sales receipt dated 24th November, '62. The majority however are early 1963 through to mid (component and speaker date codes being decisive). It is well worth reiterating that speakers consistently have the latest date codes of any component that went into an AC30.

14th August

Great Yarmouth, summer season 1963, Vox equipment and Continental organ for Helen Shapiro's shows.

13th August

Super Twin serial numbers 5854 and 9979, feet similar to the ones in the shot of Freddie and the Dreamers below. The former's are evidently closest in size and appearance.

AC30 Super Twin serial number 5854.

AC30 Super Twin serial number 9979.

12th August

A detail from one of Dezo Hoffman's shots of Freddie and the Dreamers with their Super Twins - no corner protectors, covered in deep blue vinyl? - later 1963 / early 1964 for the photo.

All three amplifier sections have large white rubber feet. Doorstops?

8th August

Sone notes, thanks to David, on AC30 Expanded Frequency serial number 9906X. In company with most Westrex-made chassis of this type - copper panel, integrated Top Boost controls - that have surfaced with readable date codes, dated components range from March to August 1963 ("UC" to "UG").

On the underchassis, an "X" in red crayon, and the Westrex checker's initials "DP" are present, again, in common with other Expanded Frequency chassis.

The speakers are spider-framed Celestion T900s in Jennings blue, 4 ohms apiece, one early with extrusions (lugs) on its frame, the other without. Although the wiring run is original, the solder on the speaker terminals was renewed or redone at some point. Celestion began producing T900s for JMI after September '63.

In terms of the Pulsonic cone codes: the earlier of the two speakers has "40/751/002". Where T530s are concerned, "40" corresponds to production in October/November 1963, i.e. not too far removed from the point at which serial number 9906X will have been ready for sale.

The second speaker has "56/751/002", which has no parallel among T530s from later 1963 or 1964. "56" is presumably 16 weeks after "40" though, so production likely in January/February 1964.

AC30X serial number 9906.

5th August

The beginning of the end, early September 1967, Royston dismisses Tom's public relations consultants. Just under 30 days later Tom was gone.

According to market reports published in the music trade press, Royston, which had taken a controlling interest in JMI in January 1963, had been on very thin ice since late 1966. 1967 was the straw that broke the camel's back.