Pricing and availability

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Average Price: $1,698

High-end/Boutique

$300

$801+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

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Description

Step into the rich tonal legacy of the 1960s with the Vox AC-50 guitar amplifier head, a masterclass in authentic vintage sound and modern reliability. Originally crafted by Dallas Industries, this amplifier brings the timeless charm of JMI models to your performance, meticulously handwired for that genuine analog warmth. Designed with a silicone diode bridge rectifier, the AC-50 offers superior efficiency and stability, ensuring your sound is as consistent as it is powerful.

Housed in its robust "big box" construction, the chassis is smartly mounted on a plywood slider, making maintenance a breeze. While initially marketed as a bass amplifier, the EL34-equipped Vox AC-50 shines as a dynamic guitar amp, perfect for larger venues where a robust, clear tone is essential. Its versatile nature and remarkable value make it a treasured companion for musicians who crave both vintage aesthetics and contemporary dependability.

Whether you're looking to recreate the iconic sounds of the past or push the boundaries of modern music, the Vox AC-50 is your ticket to an unforgettable auditory experience.

Key Features:

  • Handwired construction for authentic vintage tone
  • Silicone diode bridge rectifier for improved efficiency
  • EL34-equipped for powerful, clear sound
  • "Big box" design with chassis on a plywood slider for easy service
  • Originally marketed as a bass amplifier, but excels as a guitar amp for larger venues

Product specs

Brand Vox
Model AC-50 2-Channel 50-Watt Guitar Amp Head
Year 1973 - 1979
Made In United Kingdom
Categories Guitar Heads
Built-In Effects No Built-In Effects
Color Family Black
Direct Output No Direct Output
Effects Loop No Effects Loop
Electronics Tube
Impedance 16 ohms, 8 ohms
Number of Channels 2 Channels
Number of Inputs 4 Inputs
Output Power (Watts) 50
Power Tube Type EL34
Reverb None

FAQs

What kind of music genres is the Vox AC-50 amp head suitable for?

The Vox AC-50 amp head is versatile and well-suited for classic rock, blues, and pop music, offering both classic Vox tones and modern high-gain sounds.

Does the Vox AC-50 amp head include built-in effects?

No, the Vox AC-50 amp head does not have built-in effects. It focuses on delivering pure tube-driven tones without additional effects.

Is the Vox AC-50 amp head compatible with different speaker cabinets?

Yes, the Vox AC-50 amp head is compatible with speaker cabinets that match its impedance settings of 8 ohms or 16 ohms.

How many input options does the Vox AC-50 amp head provide?

The Vox AC-50 amp head features four inputs, allowing for versatile connectivity options for different instruments or configurations.

Can the Vox AC-50 amp head be used for live performances?

Yes, with 50 watts of power, the Vox AC-50 amp head is suitable for live performances, providing ample volume and headroom for most venues.

Johan Segeborn

Johan Segeborn

VOX AC50 - Vox’s Marshall KILLER!

Video thumbnail for VOX AC50 - Vox’s Marshall KILLER! by Johan Segeborn

VOX AC50 - Vox’s Marshall KILLER!

Johan Segeborn

Johan Segeborn

Video thumbnail for Vox AC-50 Head by L.A. Vintage Gear

Vox AC-50 Head

L.A. Vintage Gear

L.A. Vintage Gear

Video thumbnail for Vox AC50 vs AC30 - How does Vox's 'Marshall' compare to AC30!! by Johan Segeborn

Vox AC50 vs AC30 - How does Vox's 'Marshall' compare to AC30!!

Johan Segeborn

Johan Segeborn

Video thumbnail for 1965 Vox AC-50 head demo by fiveightandten

1965 Vox AC-50 head demo

fiveightandten

fiveightandten

Video thumbnail for Sounds Sick Episode 33: VOX AC 50 ( Vintage, 60s ) by I Like Old Stuff

Sounds Sick Episode 33: VOX AC 50 ( Vintage, 60s )

I Like Old Stuff

I Like Old Stuff

Video thumbnail for VOX Ac50 Vintage amp alive! by Patrik Gudmundsäter

VOX Ac50 Vintage amp alive!

Patrik Gudmundsäter

Patrik Gudmundsäter

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Vox AC-50.

Features and functionality

  • The Vox AC50CPH's clean channel offers extensive headroom, allowing for substantial volume without significant breakup, ideal for pedal-based dirt tones.

    Source
  • The combo version of the AC50 includes an extension speaker output, necessitating impedance matching for optimal use.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Owners suggest pairing the amp with higher wattage Alnico speakers like Celestion Golds or Creams for enhanced clarity and warmth without sacrificing the classic Vox chime.

    Source
  • Users report a significant improvement in tone after changing the EL34 tubes, enhancing the amp's overall sound quality.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The clean channel on the AC50CPH is noted to sound nearly identical to an AC30, but with the added depth of bigger lows and higher highs.

    Source
  • The Vox AC50 is distinct in a mix, able to cut through where a Marshall JVH, Carlsbro Stingray lead, and Blackstar HT100 cannot.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The second channel is recommended as a thick 'stoner' solo channel, rather than for riffing, for a better musical texture.

    Source
  • The AC50 excels in rock/punk and stoner rock projects, providing a unique tonal twist not typical for these genres.

    Source

User experience

  • Some owners prefer the AC30 over the AC50 due to dissatisfaction with the latter's drive channel and not needing its extra headroom.

    Source
  • Owners appreciate the AC50's ability to maintain clarity and distinctiveness without competing with other instruments in a band setting.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Wiring a cab for 32 ohms results in 25 watts output instead of 50, useful for managing output levels without altering the internal speakers.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 4 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
nicolasdeturck

Amazing amp head delivering rich, punchy sound!

With its powerful output and iconic British tone, this amp head delivers rich, punchy sound that’s perfect for rock, blues, and beyond. The AC-50 combines warm, tube-driven clarity with a robust low-end, making it versatile for both clean and overdriven tones. It’s built to last ... the one I own is already older than me ;), with a timeless design that still holds up in today’s market.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Noel Gallagher uses Vox AC-50

Noel Gallagher

Singer, Guitarist

Oasis

...
Verified via Groundguitar

A part of his usual setup on stage since around the 2005.

See how Gustavo Cerati uses Vox AC-50

Gustavo Cerati

Singer, Guitarist

Soda Stereo

...
Verified via FlacoStereo

¿Cómo trabajaste el sonido de guitarra? "Fue absolutamente genial la sincronización que se logró, podía no haberse producido. Definitivamente el héroe de mi sonido es el equipo Vox que conseguí cuando llegué allá (Miami), un AC-50. No tiene baffles, lo usé con baffles Marshall. Lo estoy usando también en gira, a pesar de que todo el mundo me dice que no lo haga, porque tiene un sonido genial y es difícil de conseguir y todos tienen miedo de que se rompa, pero no puedo evitarlo. Son antiguos, pero los hacían bien. Hay un mito que me saqué ahora, porque yo creía que los equipos antiguos, como el Marshall en su buena época, o el Vox, o los Hiwatt, que tienen un sonido espectacular, sonaban así porque eran viejos, creía que era producto de la vejez o el añejamiento. Y descubrí que no, que suenan mejor porque están mejor hechos, no porque sean viejos. Yo siempre usé equipos valvulares, y el Vox por ejemplo es un circuito clase A, que no se hace ahora, y vos la bandeja de las válvulas la sacás para afuera, o sea que está hecho además para que el técnico trabaje. Yo pensaba que eran bazofias que sonaban bien y nadie sabía bien por qué. Lo que te decía con respecto al disco, fue porque me encontré con ese Vox a través de alquilar. Me iba a comprar un Boogie Simulclass, que había leído que era buenísimo, es un equipo de 400 Watts, una brutalidad gigantesca, yo estaba desesperado porque el Marshall no me funcionaba como me gustaba. Lo probé y me pareció espantoso, lo devolví porque no podía soportar el sonido. Yo en mi casa, haciendo los demos, había logrado un sonido de guitarra que me resultaba cómodo, similar al que luego conseguí con el Vox con muchísimo más resto, usando un par de Marshall con pedales, compresores y aparatos. Cuando devuelvo el Boogie me traen el Vox éste, y me dicen que no lo venden. Yo lo vi nada más y dije “¡acá está!”. Lo escuché, lo puse al mango y dije se acabó, graben. Y cuando el tipo me vio tan entusiasmado me lo cobró muy caro. Pero me lo vendió."

See how Peter Green uses Vox AC-50

Peter Green

Singer, Guitarist

Fleetwood Mac

...
Verified via Photo

This photograph from February 1967 shows Peter playing his Gibson Les Paul Guitar into a Vox AC-50 Tall Box Amp Head.

See how Jamie Hince uses Vox AC-50

Jamie Hince

Guitarist

The Kills

...
Verified via YouTube

On 20.58min Hince shows one of his first amps which is now used by his bandmate Alison Mosshart.

See how Chris Henderson uses Vox AC-50

Chris Henderson

Guitarist

3 Doors Down

...
Verified via Photo

In this photo, we can see Henderson with Vox AC50.

See how Jonatan Larocca-Ramm uses Vox AC-50

Jonatan Larocca-Ramm

Guitarist

Graveyard

...
Verified via Premierguitar

According to the interview with Premier Guitar, Larocca-Ramm uses the Vox AC50 amplifier head.

See how Paul Gray uses Vox AC-50

Paul Gray

Bassist

The Damned

...
Verified via Paulgraybass

He says he used this amp in 1975 on the website.

See how Robert Dahlqvist uses Vox AC-50

Robert Dahlqvist

Guitarist

The Hellacopters

...
Verified via Photo

Picture taken from an archived website, where you can see the AC50

See how Doug Fieger uses Vox AC-50

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."

See how Frank 'Poncho' Sampedro uses Vox AC-50

Frank 'Poncho' Sampedro

Guitarist

...
Verified via Mercury Magnetics

Frank 'Poncho' Sampedro is associated with a mid-1960s gray panel Vox AC-50 amplifier, featuring silicone diode rectifiers, as detailed by Mercury Magnetics. This model, often found in vintage auctions, highlights its historical and technical significance in his setup.

See how Gustave Filocamo uses Vox AC-50

Gustave Filocamo

Singer, Bassist

TV Sundaze

...
Verified via YouTube

In the YouTube video titled "TV Sundaze - Daydreamin'," Gustave Filocamo is seen using the Vox AC-50 guitar amplifier head.

See how Romain Humeau uses Vox AC-50

Romain Humeau

Singer, Guitarist

Eiffel

...
Verified via Photo

Romain utilise un vox ac-50 de 1964 (notamment sur "Stupor Machine".

Source : Post Facebook Eiffelnews

Album Usage

The Vox AC-50 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 Vox AC-50, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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