Vox Amps: The Sound of the British Invasion

Vox amplifiers have been a defining force in the music world since the late 1950s, providing the iconic tones that powered the British Invasion and shaped the sound of rock and pop music. Founded in 1957 by Thomas Walter Jennings in Dartford, Kent, England, Vox quickly established itself as a premier amplifier manufacturer, known for its distinctive design and revolutionary sound.

**AC15: The Birth of Vox**

The Vox story began with the AC15, introduced in 1958. This 15-watt amplifier, with its rich, warm tones and distinctive chime, quickly became a favorite among British musicians. The AC15 featured a single 12-inch speaker and innovative EF86 preamp tubes, setting it apart from other amplifiers of the time. Its compact size and powerful sound made it ideal for the emerging rock 'n' roll scene.

**AC30: The Sound of Legends**

In 1959, Vox introduced the AC30, an amplifier that would become legendary. With 30 watts of power and two 12-inch speakers, the AC30 provided greater volume and headroom, making it perfect for larger venues. The AC30's signature "Top Boost" circuit, added in 1961, enhanced its treble frequencies, giving it a bright, jangly sound that became synonymous with the British Invasion. Bands like The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and The Kinks all used AC30s to create their iconic sounds.

**Vox's Influence on Music History**

The 1960s saw Vox amplifiers at the forefront of the music revolution. The distinctive look and sound of Vox amps, with their diamond grille cloth and white control panels, became symbols of the era. The AC30, in particular, was instrumental in defining the tones of countless classic recordings, cementing Vox's place in music history.

**Solid-State Era: Innovation and Experimentation**

In the late 1960s and 1970s, Vox experimented with solid-state technology, producing a range of transistor amplifiers. While these amps did not achieve the same legendary status as their tube predecessors, models like the Vox Conqueror and Vox Supreme were used by notable bands such as The Beatles and Led Zeppelin, adding to Vox's diverse legacy.

**Valvetronix Series: Modern Versatility**

The early 2000s saw the introduction of the Valvetronix series, which combined digital modeling technology with analog valve circuits. This hybrid approach allowed guitarists to access a wide range of classic and modern tones, all within a single amplifier. The Valvetronix series has been praised for its versatility, affordability, and ability to faithfully recreate the sounds of Vox's iconic tube amps.

**Hand-Wired Series: Honoring Tradition**

In recent years, Vox has released the Hand-Wired series, which pays tribute to the craftsmanship and sound quality of their original amplifiers. These meticulously constructed amps, including hand-wired versions of the AC15 and AC30, offer musicians the authentic Vox sound with modern reliability and durability.

**Mini and Mobile Amps: Expanding Horizons**

Vox has also expanded its range to include portable and practice amplifiers, such as the Vox Mini series and the popular amPlug headphone amps. These compact units provide the classic Vox tone in a convenient, portable format, making them perfect for practice and on-the-go playing.

**Signature Models: Tailored Excellence**

Vox has collaborated with numerous artists to create signature amplifiers tailored to their specific needs and tones. Notable examples include the Brian May Special, designed to capture the unique sound of the Queen guitarist, and the AC30HW60, a limited-edition hand-wired model celebrating Vox's 60th anniversary.

Vox amplifiers continue to be a symbol of innovation and quality, cherished by musicians around the world. From the legendary AC30 to the versatile Valvetronix series, Vox amps offer a unique blend of classic tone and modern technology, ensuring their place at the heart of music for generations to come.

More info from the Web:

Vox website