Vox AC15 (late 1950s)
A tube-powered guitar amplifier with selectable tone circuits, marking an early milestone in Vox's amplifier design.
Overview
The Vox AC15 is a guitar amplifier developed by Jennings Musical Industries (JMI) in the late 1950s. It features a normal channel and a selectable tone circuit, with later versions incorporating a "third circuit" design by 1960. The amplifier is recognized as a foundational model in the Vox lineup, known for its all-tube configuration and distinctive tonal shaping.
Specifications
| Power Output | 15 Watts RMS 16 Ohms |
| Speaker | 1 x 12″ Celestion G12M Greenback |
| Preamp Tubes | 3 x 12AX7, 1 x EF86, 1 x 12AU7 |
| Power Tubes | 2 x EL84 |
| Rectifier | EZ81 |
| Channels | 2-channel (Normal and Top Boost) |
Design
The AC15 features a tube-based design with a normal channel and a secondary tone-shaping circuit introduced in 1959, updated to a "third circuit" configuration by 1960. It uses an all-tube signal path and includes built-in vibrato on certain versions, though the vibrato circuit is not shown in available diagrams.
Market
The Vox AC15 is listed for sale across various markets, indicating its status as a collectible amplifier. Modern reissues such as the AC15C1 and AC15 Hand-Wired continue its legacy, with current pricing noted up to $999 for new units.
eBay Listings
As an eBay Partner, we earn from qualifying purchases. This helps support our independent vintage technology research.
Related Models
- Denon POA-800 (1978)
- Eico 3150 (1967)
- Fisher CUSTOM-ELECTRA-I (K-14/K-15) (1957)
- Fisher CUSTOM-ELECTRA IV (E33/E44) (1960)
- Akai AM-2600 (1977)
- Akai AM-2650 (1975)
- Akai AM-2850 (1975)
- Akai AM-32 (1978)
- Akai AM-73 (1973)
- Denon DA-1000 (1982)