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Average Price: $2,416

High-end/Boutique

$300

$701+

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Budget

Standard

High-end

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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

What is the tonal characteristic of the 1964 Vox AC30?

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.

Is the 1964 Vox AC30 loud enough for live performances?

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.

Does the 1964 Vox AC30 have built-in reverb?

No, the 1964 Vox AC30 does not include built-in reverb, which is something to consider if you require reverb effects for your sound.

How many channels does the 1964 Vox AC30 have?

The 1964 Vox AC30 features three channels, allowing for a variety of tonal options and flexibility in sound shaping.

Can the 1964 Vox AC30 handle modern effects pedals well?

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.

Rhett Shull

Rhett Shull

I Bought My Holy Grail Guitar Amp | 1964 Vox AC30

Video thumbnail for I Bought My Holy Grail Guitar Amp | 1964 Vox AC30 by Rhett Shull

I Bought My Holy Grail Guitar Amp | 1964 Vox AC30

Rhett Shull

Rhett Shull

Video thumbnail for 1964 JMI Vox AC30 Top Boost Demo - U2 stuff by rhinoGuitar70

1964 JMI Vox AC30 Top Boost Demo - U2 stuff

rhinoGuitar70

rhinoGuitar70

Video thumbnail for 1964 VOX AC30 by Castle Made Of Sound Amps

1964 VOX AC30

Castle Made Of Sound Amps

Castle Made Of Sound Amps

Video thumbnail for 1964 Vox AC30 Cranked by Dries Solodallas

1964 Vox AC30 Cranked

Dries Solodallas

Dries Solodallas

Video thumbnail for Vintage '64 VOX AC30 Top Boost with Strat and Les Paul by Jesse Delaney

Vintage '64 VOX AC30 Top Boost with Strat and Les Paul

Jesse Delaney

Jesse Delaney

Video thumbnail for I bought my dream amp // 1964 Vox AC30 Top Boost by WT Tone

I bought my dream amp // 1964 Vox AC30 Top Boost

WT Tone

WT Tone

Video thumbnail for Quick, basic demo of 1964 Vox AC30 Top Boost JMI Combo by opengee

Quick, basic demo of 1964 Vox AC30 Top Boost JMI Combo

opengee

opengee

Reviews

PROS

  • Unique, rich tonal quality

  • Historically iconic sound and design

  • Highly versatile for various music styles

  • Collectible value due to age and legacy

CONS

  • Maintenance can be challenging and costly

  • Not practical for casual home use

  • Requires high volume for optimal sound

  • Difficult to source replacement parts

  • Heavy and not easily portable

  • 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

  • The AC30C2's master volume allows for dynamic, chimey tones at low volumes, making it suitable for home use without losing tonal quality.

    Source
  • An AC30 may not reach power tube breakup in home settings, but can achieve preamp breakup effectively with pedals like the Tumnus.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • 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

  • The AC30 is notably heavy, at 71 pounds, which can be a consideration for transportation and setup.

    Source

Comparisons

  • 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

Mods and upgrades

  • Using a simple 50W attenuator can help manage the AC30's volume for home environments without sacrificing tone.

    Source
Add

4.5 out of 5

Based on 3 Reviews and 15 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
davepepper

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.

jimmarchi1

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.

davepepper

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.

andreas_wolff

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.

chmzamp

Incorrect, this is not right info.

joe_marbles

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.

M

Beautiful.

The most versatile, ranging, dark, light, clean, peice ive ever been so greatfully accompanied with.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Matthew Bellamy uses 1964 Vox AC30

Matthew Bellamy

Singer, Guitarist

Muse

...
Verified via Premier Guitar

Listed as an amp used recording the album Will Of The People at the bottom of the article.

See how George Harrison uses 1964 Vox AC30

George Harrison

Singer, Guitarist

The Beatles

...
Verified via Photo

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.

See how The Edge uses 1964 Vox AC30

The Edge

Guitarist

U2

...
Verified via YouTube

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.

See how Jeff Beck uses 1964 Vox AC30

Jeff Beck

Guitarist

Mark Knopfler’s Guitar Heroes

...
Verified via YouTube

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.

Guitar World:

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.

See how David Bowie uses 1964 Vox AC30

David Bowie

Singer, Guitarist

David Bowie (band)

...
Verified via YouTube

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.

See how Joe Strummer uses 1964 Vox AC30

Joe Strummer

Singer, Guitarist

The Clash

...
Verified via Premierguitar

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

See how Rhett Shull uses 1964 Vox AC30

Rhett Shull

Guitarist, Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube

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

See how Wayne Sermon uses 1964 Vox AC30

Wayne Sermon

Guitarist, Keyboardist

Imagine Dragons

...
Verified via Premierguitar

"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

See how Sister Rosetta Tharpe uses 1964 Vox AC30

Sister Rosetta Tharpe

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via Facebook

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.

See how John Jorgenson uses 1964 Vox AC30

John Jorgenson

Guitarist

Mark Knopfler’s Guitar Heroes

...
Verified via Premierguitar

This PG article lists the gear John Jorgensen used on the CD titled „Gifts from the flood”. The list includes this item too.

See how Michael Franzino uses 1964 Vox AC30

Michael Franzino

Singer, Guitarist

Sianvar

...
Verified via Imgur

Michael Franzino was asked on Twitter which gear he uses and he responded,"I primarily play an original '72 Thinline Telecaster. Amp is a '64 vox AC30. 2 many pedals. Emperor cab."

See how Hans Magnus “Snah” Ryan uses 1964 Vox AC30

Hans Magnus “Snah” Ryan

Guitarist

...
Verified via effettidiclara

Vox AC30 1964 amplifier was spotted on Hans pedal board rig setup.

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.

1 alternative for 1964 Vox AC30, curated by the Equipboard community.

Vox AC30C2

$949.00 - $1,799.99

newer

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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