Vox AC30

The Vox AC30 is one of the most iconic guitar amplifiers in music history, celebrated for its distinctive "chimey" tone and association with legendary artists.

History of the Vox AC30

• Origins (1958): The Vox AC30 was introduced by JMI (Jennings Musical Instruments) as a "big brother" to the AC15, which lacked the volume needed for larger venues. Designed by Dick Denney, the AC30/4 featured two channels (Normal and Vibrato) and a single 12-inch speaker. It quickly gained popularity for its powerful yet musical tone.
• Top Boost Era (1960s): By 1963, Vox added the "Top Boost" circuit, providing separate treble and bass controls and an additional gain stage. This feature became integral to the amp's signature sound and was incorporated into the AC30/6 model with three channels and two 12-inch Celestion speakers.
• Later Developments: The AC30 saw various iterations over the decades, including solid-state models in the 1970s and modern reissues like the AC30C2. Despite changes in ownership and production, it remains a staple for its vintage tone and versatility.

Popular Settings

• Clean Tones:
  • Use the Normal channel with Treble at noon and Bass slightly below noon for balanced clarity.
  • Keep Master Volume high and Channel Volume low for clean headroom.
• Cruncy Overdrive:
  • Engage the Top Boost channel with Treble at 1 o'clock, Bass below noon, and Cut control around 2 o'clock.
  • Push Channel Volume higher while keeping Master Volume moderate for natural tube breakup.
• Channel Jumping:
  • Use an ABY box to blend the Normal and Top Boost channels, creating a mix of clean warmth and bright articulation.
• The Edge's Settings:
  • The Edge of U2 often sets Treble at 11 o'clock, Bass at 1 o'clock, Cut at 2 o'clock, and uses moderate Channel Volume for his signature shimmering tone.

Notable Players

• The Beatles: John Lennon, Paul McCartney, and George Harrison used AC30s extensively during their early years, helping define their jangly sound.
• Brian May (Queen): May's treble booster combined with an AC30 became central to his soaring guitar tones.
• The Edge (U2): Known for his ethereal soundscapes, The Edge relies on the AC30's Top Boost channel paired with delay effects.
• Other Legends:
  • Hank Marvin of The Shadows (for whom it was originally developed).
  • Dave Davies (The Kinks), Keith Richards (The Rolling Stones), Noel Gallagher (Oasis), Rory Gallagher, Tom Petty, and many others have used the AC30 to craft iconic tones across genres.

Summary

The Vox AC30 remains a "desert island" amp for many guitarists due to its timeless tone, versatility, and historical significance in shaping rock ‘n' roll.