Vox AC-10 Tube Amplifier (1964)

Vox  AC-10 Tube Amplifier (1964)
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Item # 11886
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Vox AC-10 Model Tube Amplifier (1964), made in Dartford, Kent, England, serial # 4632, black tolex covering finish.

This is a very clean and nicely preserved example of a 1964 Vox AC-10, the original core of the JMI amplifier line. The model underwent many changes during the 1960s, this being the 12th notable iteration of the model made not long before JMI discontinued it in 1965. At this point the "Beat Boom" was still in full force in the UK; the Vox AC-30 amps used by the Shadows and the AC-50/AC-100 Beatles were at peak demand, so the lower powered amps were pushed aside to expand production of the much more expensive "professional" units.

The earliest AC-10s were built in much smaller numbers than these later 60's descendants, but the quantities of AC-30's needed soon exceeded all the other models combined. The smaller models were not imported here in any great numbers and finding any AC-10 in this condition is still a considerable rarity, especially here in the US.

The cabinet features the split-front cabinet with black basketweave covering, brown-backed diamond grille cloth and the large molded gold "VOX" logo on the front panel. The amp has two channels and four inputs, Dick Denney's EF86 circuit and tremolo. The two EL-84 power tubes drive a blue ELAC 10" speaker, putting out around 10 watts, true to its name. The sound is truly lovely and this is a superb recording or lower volume performing amp, a distinctive piece of the JMI/Vox family.
 
Height is 19 in. (48.3 cm.), 18 in. (45.7 cm.) width, and 9 in. (22.9 cm.) deep.

The amp has survived 60 years without any apparent heavy use and is very nicely preserved for its age. The outer black basketweave covering shows only very light wear and just a few very small edge scuffs. The ID plate on the back is very clean with only a few little scratches, but otherwise everything is legible and intact. The grey escutcheon control panel is also very clean with hardly any wear. The brown-backed diamond grille cloth is in pristine shape, very taut and no signs of tearing. The original pointer knobs are all present as is the one-piece molded plastic "Vox" motif in the upper left corner, as well as the original handle and original footswitch.

Internally this AC-10 is nicely original electrically, with the original blue 10" ELAC speaker present. The output transformer and choke are the original Albion 10/120 and 8/K/15, respectively, however the power transformer appears to be an older replacement, numbered 1521. The amp is hard-wired for US 120V input power with a fuse holder installed in place of the old original voltage selector. The amp has received our typical maintenance and servicing, including replacement of all electrolytic caps, cleaning of all sockets, pots and jacks and biasing to spec.

This is not only a cool and collectible British amp, this early AC-10 is a perfect tabletop or home recording amp, also suitable for low-level gigging. This is a simply a great amp, a neat find and one of the cooler 1960s JMI products we have had. Overall Excellent - Condition.