Pricing and availability

Average Price: $5,999

High-end/Boutique

$300

$801+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

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Description

The Vox AC-100 is an iconic guitar amplifier head that has captured the hearts of musicians for decades. Revered for its distinctive British tone, this amp head is a staple for those seeking a powerful and versatile sound. Originally introduced in the 1960s, the AC-100 has been a favorite among rock and blues guitarists, providing that classic Vox sound that effortlessly cuts through the mix.

This amplifier head features a robust all-tube design, promising warm and dynamic tones that respond to your playing style. Whether you’re dialing in clean, chime-like tones or pushing it for overdriven warmth, the AC-100 offers a stunning sonic palette. Its dual-channel configuration allows for seamless transitions between different sound settings, catering to both rhythm and lead guitarists.

With its vintage-inspired design and modern enhancements, the Vox AC-100 not only delivers on sound but also on aesthetics. Perfect for both stage and studio, this amp head embodies a timeless quality that appeals to musicians of all genres.

Key Features:

  • All-tube amplifier head with classic British tone
  • Dual-channel configuration for versatile sound options
  • Vintage-inspired design with modern enhancements
  • Renowned for its distinctive chime and overdriven warmth
  • Ideal for both live performances and studio recordings

Product specs

Brand Vox
Model AC-100/2 Super De Luxe Single Channel 100-Watt 4x12" Piggyback Guitar Amp
Year 1965 - 1967
Made In United Kingdom
Categories Guitar Amp Stacks
Built-In Effects No Built-In Effects
Direct Output No Direct Output
Effects Loop No Effects Loop
Electronics Tube
Impedance 8 ohms
Number of Channels 1 Channel
Number of Inputs 2 Inputs
Output Power (Watts) 100
Power Tube Type EL34
Reverb None
Speaker Configuration 4x12"

FAQs

What kind of music genres is the Vox AC-100 suitable for?

The Vox AC-100 is renowned for its classic British tone, making it ideal for rock, blues, and pop. Its 100-watt tube power provides ample headroom for clean tones and rich overdrive, suitable for a variety of musical styles.

Does the Vox AC-100 have built-in effects?

No, the Vox AC-100 does not have built-in effects. It is a straightforward amplifier head focused on delivering pure tube-driven sound, making it a great platform for external effects pedals.

Is the Vox AC-100 loud enough for live performances?

Yes, the Vox AC-100 is a 100-watt amplifier head, providing plenty of volume for live performances, even in larger venues. Its robust power ensures it can compete with a full band setup.

What is the speaker configuration for the Vox AC-100?

The Vox AC-100 is typically paired with a 4x12" speaker cabinet, which delivers a full and powerful sound, suitable for both stage and studio use.

Does the Vox AC-100 have an effects loop?

No, the Vox AC-100 does not feature an effects loop. It is designed to deliver a classic, unadulterated tube tone, so effects need to be placed in front of the amp.

supersonicmods

supersonicmods

Vox AC100 Demo #1

Video thumbnail for Vox AC100 Demo #1 by supersonicmods

Vox AC100 Demo #1

supersonicmods

supersonicmods

Video thumbnail for Vox AC100 by SteveWalsh730

Vox AC100

SteveWalsh730

SteveWalsh730

Video thumbnail for Vox AC100 History & Sound Demo by Guitar Gear Connection

Vox AC100 History & Sound Demo

Guitar Gear Connection

Guitar Gear Connection

Video thumbnail for Гитарный усилитель VOX AC100 в паре с 412 кабинетом by ACCORD DNEPR

Гитарный усилитель VOX AC100 в паре с 412 кабинетом

ACCORD DNEPR

ACCORD DNEPR

Video thumbnail for Vox AC100 by SteveWalsh730

Vox AC100

SteveWalsh730

SteveWalsh730

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Vox AC-100.

Comparisons

  • The Vox AC-100 is often mistakenly expected to emulate the AC30's sound but is noted for having its own distinct voice.

    Source
  • Some users find the AC-100's character closer to Orange amps, especially with upgraded tubes, offering a different tonal palette compared to the Vox AC30.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • This amp shines in high-gain settings where volume isn't a restriction, making it less suitable for bedroom or dorm use.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners report that the amp was versatile and had solid drive, but many prefer using it as a clean pedal platform.

    Source
  • It's described as a good fit for indie/alt band settings initially but less so for smaller, more intimate playing environments.

    Source
  • Owners describe the Vox AC-100 as heavy, confirming its substantial build and weight, which may impact portability for some users.

    Source
  • A user transitioned to the AC-100 from the Vox Night Train, seeking an FX loop and larger wattage, indicating the amp's appeal to those upgrading from smaller models.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The Vox AC-100 includes two separate reverb dials, allowing for individual reverb settings per channel, enhancing tonal versatility.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Vox AC100 | Vintage Guitar® magazine

vintageguitar.com

The Vox AC-100, once the powerhouse behind The Beatles' live performances, impresses with its clean, punchy tone and historical pedigree. However, its solid-state rectification and low-gain ECC82 preamp tubes may leave those seeking the classic overdriven Vox sound a bit underwhelmed. While it delivers volume and clarity, it’s not the AC30 on steroids some might hope for. For those wanting a vintage amp with a unique place in rock history, the AC-100 is worth considering, but its distinct characteristics may not suit everyone’s taste.

5.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 1 Rating

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Paul McCartney uses Vox AC-100

Paul McCartney

Singer, Bassist

The Beatles

...
Verified via Photo

“Throughout his career with The Beatles, Wings and as a solo artist, Paul has used many different tools to do the job, and yet every night he goes out there, you’ll find him standing in front of two VOX AC100s. 50 years later they’re still inseparable.”

See how Pete Townshend uses Vox AC-100

Pete Townshend

Singer, Guitarist

The Who

...
Verified via Photo

In this photo taken during the Who's performance at the Richmond Jazz and Blues festival, August 6th 1965, Pete can be seen playing through two JMI manufactured Vox AC-100 amplifiers with matching cabinets and trolleys.

See how Lou Reed uses Vox AC-100

Lou Reed

Guitarist, Singer

The Velvet Underground

...
Verified via YouTube

Lou Reed used the Vox AC-100 amplifier during his time with The Velvet Underground. This is evidenced in the film "The Velvet Underground & Nico: A Symphony Of Sound," where the amp is visibly positioned behind Lou Reed. Furthermore, the video captures a moment when a police officer intervenes to turn down the volume due to noise complaints. This footage is part of Andy Warhol's 1966 underground movie, as documented by YouTube user Laibachian Nsk.

See how Brad Paisley uses Vox AC-100

Brad Paisley

Guitarist, Singer

Mark Knopfler’s Guitar Heroes

...
Verified via YouTube

The item can be seen 7:53 into this video

See how Freddie King uses Vox AC-100

Freddie King

Guitarist, Singer

Lula Reed & Freddie King

...
Verified via Photo

In the photo, Freddie King is seen playing his 1968 ES-345 through a Vox AC-100 amplifier, along with Marshall 1982A and 1982B “Tall Bottom” Cabinets.

See how Bill Wyman uses Vox AC-100

Bill Wyman

Bassist

The Rolling Stones

...
Verified via Photo

In this photo from 1964 we can see Bill playing his bass guitar into a Vox AC-100.

See how Barry Gibb uses Vox AC-100

Barry Gibb

Singer, Guitarist

Bee Gees

...
Verified

It is stated in the article "The Sheffield AC100s given to the Bee Gees" from the Vox AC100 website that it has been known for some time that an AC100 belonging to, or at least used by The Beatles in the UK winter tour 1965 survives in Florida and the owner is likely still to be Barry Gibb of the Bee Gees.

"Barry ended up with John's Vox amps, and Vince Melouney ended up with George's amps. I had the bass speaker with the bass amp on top that was Paul's. So we had all this stuff, and it all went away gradually. But we still have the Vox amp that Barry had that was John's." -Maurice Gibb

See how Pete Quaife uses Vox AC-100

Pete Quaife

Bassist

The Kinks

...
Verified via Bassplayer

Dave Davis, lead guitarist of The Kinks, said in an interview with BassPlayer that "Pete (...) was using a Vox T100 amp both onstage and in the studio." The Vox T100, T.100, or the AC-100, was a 100 watt amp head often paired with an AC-100 Bass Enclosure speaker cabinet.

See how Doug Fieger uses Vox AC-100

Doug Fieger

Guitarist

The Knack

...
Verified via Vintage Guitar® magazine

"A hybrid 730 – the Revolver/Sergeant Pepper amp. There’s an AC100 that I got in ’78; I put it in a flight case and have taken it out three or four times to record with it. It looks like a time machine. Those amps were overpowered and underventilated, so they always blew up. There are probably very few examples left, let alone one that’s mint. I own AC50s, AC30s, and Super Beatles."

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 Vox AC-100, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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