The Vox AC30 sits proudly on the "Mount Rushmore" of vintage amplifiers. Alongside Marshall, it helped define the quintessential “British” sound and influenced nearly every EL84-powered design that followed. While the back panel (and therefore serial number) is a replacement, the amp can be dated by the KE codes on the pots (May ’63), along with the copper panel. The Top Boost circuit was added more recently, which could also explain the replacement back panel. The 2x12 cabinet likely dates to the ’90s and is loaded with Weber Blue Dog Alnico speakers, which sound excellent.
Internally, the amp is running strong. The power cord and filter caps have been replaced, along with a few resistors to help maintain a low noise floor and proper functionality. The majority of the original WIMA coupling caps still remain. On the tremolo side, the original stepped controls have been replaced with standard pots, offering much greater versatility when dialing in the speed. Despite being hidden beneath the original Albion bell cover, the power transformer has been replaced with a Wood WTI 9458B from a Matchless DC30. As far as modern replacements go, you could hardly ask for a better match. Please see the circuit photos for further details.
Cosmetically, the amp shows moderate signs of previous wear. The original top vents are taped in place, as these commonly have a tendency to come loose, and the chassis shows some oxidation on the metal, though it does not appear to have affected the electronics.
