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Hoffman Amps Forum image Author Topic: Vox AC30 JMI era rebuild  (Read 3557 times)

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Offline pdf64

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Vox AC30 JMI era rebuild
« on: October 17, 2018, 03:24:19 am »
Unfortunately, back in the 80s, I used my old '63 Vox AC30/6 as a platform for various silly overdrive / channel switching mods.
Apart from the phase splitter, the tagboards were pretty much stripped of the original components.
I've been meaning to rebuild it back to stock for a while, as having fixed a few up, I love the Vox vib/trem effect.
However, TBH, the prospect of that big amp with only a tone cut control wasn't very appealing, and I didn't want the 'top boost on back panel' add on, as that seems a real kludge.
I've now found valvepower in the UK, where I've bought a new 'integrated top boost' preamp chassis plate and faceplate, which will allow me to rebuild it with all the controls on the front panel, and so turn it into the AC30 I always wanted. https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Replacement-JMI-Vox-AC30-TOP-BOOST-Chassis-Steel-Ali-Parts-Faceplate-NEW/263948476845

So I need to assemble parts!
Does anyone know of a parts list / bill of materials for a top boost AC30? With all the vibrato circuitry, it's a bit more extensive than a regular amp!
Also a source for the rather heavy gauge solid core wire that JMI used back then, and any other specialist parts (I've still got its gold Tropyfol caps).
Cheers, Pete
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Offline SoundmasterG

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Re: Vox AC30 JMI era rebuild
« Reply #1 on: November 01, 2018, 02:40:56 pm »
Unfortunately, back in the 80s, I used my old '63 Vox AC30/6 as a platform for various silly overdrive / channel switching mods.
Apart from the phase splitter, the tagboards were pretty much stripped of the original components.
I've been meaning to rebuild it back to stock for a while, as having fixed a few up, I love the Vox vib/trem effect.
However, TBH, the prospect of that big amp with only a tone cut control wasn't very appealing, and I didn't want the 'top boost on back panel' add on, as that seems a real kludge.
I've now found valvepower in the UK, where I've bought a new 'integrated top boost' preamp chassis plate and faceplate, which will allow me to rebuild it with all the controls on the front panel, and so turn it into the AC30 I always wanted. https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Replacement-JMI-Vox-AC30-TOP-BOOST-Chassis-Steel-Ali-Parts-Faceplate-NEW/263948476845

So I need to assemble parts!
Does anyone know of a parts list / bill of materials for a top boost AC30? With all the vibrato circuitry, it's a bit more extensive than a regular amp!
Also a source for the rather heavy gauge solid core wire that JMI used back then, and any other specialist parts (I've still got its gold Tropyfol caps).
Cheers, Pete


Hopefully you have Jim Elyea's Vox Book? It provides info on all the original parts used and lots of other stuff. Super awesome book and highly recommended.


https://www.amazon.com/Vox-Amplifiers-Years-Jim-elyea/dp/142431769X


As far as where to find the parts, I would guess a lot of it would have to be sourced from the UK. Stephen Walsh might be a good guy to talk to. He has done some cloning of the UL series Vox amps and rebuilds and sells a lot of Vox stuff. He's on Youtube and Beatgear Cavern and some other places.


Greg


Offline sluckey

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Re: Vox AC30 JMI era rebuild
« Reply #2 on: November 01, 2018, 03:46:04 pm »
Here's an excellent book for the AC30s. It has the parts list you want, as well as everything else you would want concerning AC-30s. Things like clear schematics, layouts, circuit descriptions, etc.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/A-Service-Engineers-Guide-to-the-Vox-AC30-Valve-Amplifier/253922236872?epid=87735090&hash=item3b1ef1d9c8:g:PVEAAOSwEjFXf~-H:rk:1:pf:0

A schematic, layout, and hi-rez pics are very useful for troubleshooting your amp. Don't wait to be asked. JUST DO IT!

 


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