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Average Price: $2,416
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$300
$701+
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Description
The 1964 Vox AC30 is a legendary piece in the world of guitar amplifiers, beloved by musicians for its distinctive jangly tone and historical significance. This amplifier was instrumental in shaping the sound of iconic bands like The Beatles and The Shadows during the British Invasion era. The AC30's charm lies in its ability to deliver a blend of warmth and clarity, making it a timeless choice for guitarists seeking that classic British sound.
The 1964 model is particularly noted for its "Top Boost" feature, which enhances the Brilliant Channel with additional tone controls, allowing for even greater versatility and tonal shaping. This was a significant upgrade from the earlier AC-30/4, offering a more stable and reliable preamp design. Whether you're playing clean, shimmering chords or gritty, overdriven solos, the AC30 has the power and precision to bring your music to life.
Beyond its sound, the AC30's aesthetic is a nod to its era, with options in Fawn, Brown Diamond Cloth, or Black Diamond Cloth finishes, each adding a touch of vintage elegance to your setup. Its robust construction ensures it can withstand the rigors of gigging or studio work, while its simplicity appeals to players who appreciate straightforward controls without compromising on quality.
Key Features:
- Iconic British tone with a jangly, driving character
- Features the renowned "Top Boost" for enhanced tonal control
- Two channels: Normal and Brilliant with separate volume controls
- 30 watts of power, perfect for both stage and studio
- Dual 12-inch speakers for a full-bodied sound
- Classic design with multiple finish options
Product specs
| Brand | Vox |
| Model | AC-30/6 Twin Top Boost 3-Channel 30-Watt 2x12" Guitar Combo |
| Year | 1961 - 1968 |
| Made In | United Kingdom |
| Categories | Guitar Combo Amps |
| Direct Output | No Direct Output |
| Effects Loop | No Effects Loop |
| Electronics | Tube |
| Number of Channels | 3 Channels |
| Number of Inputs | 6 Inputs |
| Output Power (Watts) | 30 |
| Power Tube Type | EL84 |
| Reverb | None |
| Speaker Configuration | 2x12" |
FAQs
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What is the tonal characteristic of the 1964 Vox AC30?
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The 1964 Vox AC30 is renowned for its bright, chime-like tone with a prominent midrange and sparkling high-end, making it ideal for cutting through mixes in both live and studio settings.
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Is the 1964 Vox AC30 loud enough for live performances?
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Yes, with its 30-watt output and 2x12" speaker configuration, the 1964 Vox AC30 is powerful enough to handle live performances, providing ample volume for most gigging situations.
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Does the 1964 Vox AC30 have built-in reverb?
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No, the 1964 Vox AC30 does not include built-in reverb, which is something to consider if you require reverb effects for your sound.
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How many channels does the 1964 Vox AC30 have?
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The 1964 Vox AC30 features three channels, allowing for a variety of tonal options and flexibility in sound shaping.
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Can the 1964 Vox AC30 handle modern effects pedals well?
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While the 1964 Vox AC30 does not have an effects loop, it generally handles pedals well when placed in front of the amp, making it suitable for use with modern effects setups.
Videos
Rhett Shull
I Bought My Holy Grail Guitar Amp | 1964 Vox AC30
Reviews
PROS
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Unique, rich tonal quality
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Historically iconic sound and design
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Highly versatile for various music styles
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Collectible value due to age and legacy
CONS
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Maintenance can be challenging and costly
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Not practical for casual home use
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Requires high volume for optimal sound
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Difficult to source replacement parts
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Heavy and not easily portable
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Not ideal for live performances due to value and fragility
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about 1964 Vox AC30.
Use cases and applications
Features and functionality
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Despite its size, the AC30C2 lacks an FX loop unless it's the C2X or C2HW model, impacting effects routing preferences for some users.
Source
User experience
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The AC30 is notably heavy, at 71 pounds, which can be a consideration for transportation and setup.
Source
Comparisons
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Owners suggest the Vox AC4 for home use if volume is a concern, as even the AC10 can be overwhelmingly loud in a small space.
Source
4.5 out of 5
Based on 3 Reviews and 15 Ratings
640
Brilliant but heavy and work intensive
I love this amp but they aren't for everyone. An amp this age takes work to keep running and isn't exactly easy to move about - and too valuable for most people to be willing to use live. I've had mine since 1987 when I got it for £50 from my former guitar teacher who bought it from his guitar teacher, who was the original owner - so I know its history, so it's invaluable to me even though the vibrato control knob stopped working before I got it and seems impossible to get parts for. Sounds awesome but takes time to get going and needs to be played loud for the best results, which is why it's not really suited to what most people would be willing to use it for - i.e. playing at home. Nice to have but there are better and more practical amps out there for most players, for a lot less money.
41010
facebook, join the JMI restoration group, guys are always posting parts sources and they're serious about authenticity.... did your 2 way vib/trem switch break or the speed selector? I replaced my speed selector on my 62 with a regular pot for fully adjustable speed and its far more useful.
640
I've been a member of that group for some years and nobody's been able to point me in the direction of those particular parts. Speed selector is fine. And the footswitch works so it's not entirely hopeless.
118
1964 AC-30
Nope danlaurens....it's a 1964 AC-30. That's his main amp even he often uses a 1970 and a 1972 AC-30 as well when he's on tour.
54
Incorrect, this is not right info.
41
yes it is chmzamp! you think the old VSL cabinet means it's a late 60's amp inside but it's a '64 chassis in a later VSL cabinet as they had to change the original over for some reason (maybe while on tour) and the VSL was around.
Artist usage
Add artist
Listed as an amp used recording the album Will Of The People at the bottom of the article.
In this photograph you can see George Harrison using a vintage Vox AC 30 which he used throughout most of his career with The Beatles.
In this Rig Rundown interview with The Edge's guitar technician, he discusses Edge's use of Vox AC30 amplifiers at 5:25, saying:
...He had Vox One from his '60s days. Grey panel. [The '64 AC30 with a] Top boost, had to have the top boost. And he took this amp, this amp made all the songs. All the big hits. Bullet, With Or Without You, all the big ones. That Vox, we call it Vox One. Then it began being challenged after 12 hours a day and in the middle of the gig we'd have big trouble because no matter what I put up, which he signed off on, these other spares... I needed something. I said "Edge, let's go to Vox, and see if they can make a present day version." He didn't want an off the shelf. So we flew those guys in... and this guy filmed the chassis. He said, "Do you know what you have here? Whenever you toured when you guys were young, you'd just send it to Joe Schmoe's guitar shop. This thing has got Marshall capacitors, it's got all kinds of different [parts] but the end result is this compressed beautiful jangle." ... There are two back here. One that he has more weight in, it's called Vox Two. The other is the jangly.
Beginning at about 30 seconds in this youtube clip of Antonioni's "Blow Up," Jeff Beck (left) can be seen playing through his Vox AC30. Given the film's release date of 1966 and the cosmetics of the Yardbird's Vox backline I would date this AC30 to 1964.
Beck has said over the years that he ran Vox AC30s in the studio with the Yardbirds, and a key part of his sound during this period was a Tone Bender MK I.
Seen in the begining of Rebel Rebel particularly, the chimey tones of a Vox AC30 in the top boost channel are seen here. It is also hinted at that this is the amp he used in live preformances, as it was the most poular amp in Britain, in the early 60's, where he made his start.
Strummer’s tone could be summed up in one word—clean. After dabbling with a number of heads and combos, everything from a Vox AC30 to a Marshall SLP
not only does it say the year and model in the title of the video but at 00:00 Rhett says
This is a 1964 AC30... and as of a couple of days ago This one's mine
"The backline for Sermon’s chimey brand of pop-rock is full of classic British tones. His wet/dry/wet setup revolves around a quartet of vintage Vox AC30 amps—two from ’64, a ’66, and a ’67."
-Premier Guitar; Rig Rundown with Imagine Dragons
Sister Rosetta Tharpe is often thought of as the godmother of rock and roll. She was an incredible gospel musician that pushed boundaries, eventually inspiring rock classics like Chuck Berry and Elvis Presley. Here she is on tour in England with Muddy Waters in the early '60s, playing her incredible Les Paul SG Custom into an AC30.
From VOX USA.
This PG article lists the gear John Jorgensen used on the CD titled „Gifts from the flood”. The list includes this item too.
Album Usage
The 1964 Vox AC30 has been featured on the following albums:
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use 1964 Vox AC30, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
Similar
Add recommendation1 alternative for 1964 Vox AC30, curated by the Equipboard community.
$949.00 - $1,799.99
The AC-30C2 represents a return to form, moving away from the redesigns of the late ‘70s and ‘80s and employing the original tube and speaker configuration. While there will always be purists who scoff at anything but the original, this Korg-owned Vox reissue provides the sound that made the amp famous in the first place: treble-heavy, glistening articulation.
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