Vox AC30/6TB Combo - UK 1994

Few amps have had left more of a legacy than the classic Vox AC30. The sound of the British invasion as the Beatles guitar amp of choice in 1964, to the go to studio amp for world famous tone chasers such as Brad Paisley and the sound of 70s arena rock with Brian May of Queen – the AC30 has proven itself as a versatile and spectacular sounding amplifier.  

Despite the iconic status this amp came to have, it almost didn’t last. The Vox company was bought and sold many times throughout the 70s and 80s. Iterations of the amp during these uncertain times were of poor quality. Cost cutting measures included a printed circuit board design which was susceptible to overheating issues. The original birch cabinets were replaced with soft particle board and the tone and user experience suffered due to cheaper componentry. These cost cutting measures had their place, and likely prevented the amp from extinction, but it wasn’t until 1994 when the sale of Vox to Korg turned the fate of the AC30 around.  

Korg purchased Vox in 1994. The intention was to restore the reputation and quality of their amps. Korg was a global distributor of Marshall amplifiers. This lead to Marshall taking over the manufacturing of Vox amps in the UK.  

This legendary era of Marshall made Vox amps ran from 1994 to 2004. The circuit design reverted back to the specifications of the original design by Dick Denney. The only modifications to the original design were for safety and reliability purposes – a standby switch was fitted, larger cooling vents, and the elimination of the rotary voltage selector switch. These were manufactured until 2004, when rising costs of shipping and manufacturing in a post 9/11 world made making an amp of this quality no longer financially viable.  

The sound of this amp is what it's all about. The beautiful, clear chime that emanates from the twin Celestion blue speakers is something to behold. Voxs articulate top end like no other amp. The harmonically rich clarity make bright guitars like Telecasters shine, and warmer guitars such as Les Pauls reach a level of sparkle and openness seldom heard through other amps.  

Like so many great sounding AC30s, this one bears the marks of a well-traveled and thoroughly enjoyed amplifier. The tolex is peeling from various edges, and dust and dirt have permeated cabinet in the usual places. Functionally this amp is perfect. Lovely and loud. At this time there are no crackly pots, or sonic issues in any way. Everything functions as it should. This amp has been used for many years in one of Australia’s premier rock and roll groups. If only it could talk! 

Features: 

Model: Vox AC30/6TB 

Covering: Tolex 

Channels: 3 

Power Output: 30 Watts 

Speakers: 2 X Celestion Blue 

Tubes: 4x EL84, 6 X ECC 83, GZ34 Rectifier  

Date: 1994 

Accessories: NA 

Dimensions: 70 X 27 X 56 CM 

Weight: 32.2KG