Vox AC15 (late 1950s)
A tube-powered guitar amplifier with selectable tone circuits, 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 has a normal channel and a selectable tone circuit. By 1960, later versions used a "third circuit" design. It 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 has a tube-based design with a normal channel and a secondary tone-shaping circuit, introduced in 1959 and updated to a "third circuit" configuration by 1960. The signal path is all tube. Certain versions include built-in vibrato, though the vibrato circuit is not shown in available diagrams.
Market
The Vox AC15 is listed for sale across various markets, which marks it as a collectible amplifier. Modern reissues include the AC15C1 and the AC15 Hand-Wired. Current pricing is noted up to $999 for new units.
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