Secrets of the Vox AC50 - BUSTED BEATLES AMP Repair!

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  • Опубликовано: 7 авг 2024
  • This is a 1965 Large Box Vox AC-50 (Mark 3 OS/072). It was sent to me for repair. (No sound.) These AC-50 amps were used by a host of bands, mainly from the British Invasion, including The Beatles, the Rolling Stones, The Kinks, The Animals, Herman's Hermits, etc. We'll open this one up and examine it thoroughly, change the original electrolytic caps, change the output tubes and bias. And finally, we'll demo it with a Telecaster. Sources: voxac50.org.uk/
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Комментарии • 615

  • @TheGuitologist
    @TheGuitologist  6 лет назад +20

    Thanks to Zak for his follow-up video when he got the amp back! Check it out! ruclips.net/video/LhH3aDpIUwg/видео.html

    • @Tomcaatt
      @Tomcaatt 4 года назад +2

      The Guitologist I used to love playing a freinds who had a little shop down on Madison , “mikes music “up from strings and things at the time if your farmiliar with Memphis but ,the ac50 has the most incredible brown sag even slower than the 30 , I have one a freind builtand probly closer to 35 Watts with a dual tube rec that sounds quite close and am proud to own and play and know the builder , the pawn shops won’t lend money on them ( Robt Henson built amp w no name ) and this has enabled me to keep them through the years.

    • @HiHello-ku1fl
      @HiHello-ku1fl 3 года назад +2

      Man that AC50 sounds pretty raunchy but it's cool....definitely hear the Beatles tones in it. They must have used them a lot even for recording from the sounds of this amp. I know they used AC30's too but I think they used them briefly then moved to these. Not sure.

    • @bobbystereo936
      @bobbystereo936 2 года назад +3

      @@HiHello-ku1fl I believe they started using these around the time of a hard days night? Same amp the kinks & yardbirds used.

  • @conbriosynthesizers3428
    @conbriosynthesizers3428 4 года назад +5

    The AC50 is the best-sounding VOX amp, in my opinion, followed by the single 12" early AC15. We used to have eight of them at a store I worked at - and no one wanted them. Soon, everyone realized the Beatles used them on that first American tour - you hear them in the amazing Ed Sullivan and Washington concerts. Their best guitar tone ever!

  • @mcashnv
    @mcashnv 4 года назад +8

    So nice to hear something other than a Fender or Marshall. Nothing else has that Vox sound. Best sounding amp for "rock" music IMO. Highs aren't harsh, bass isn't saggy, balanced mids, just perfect.

  • @mrpbody44
    @mrpbody44 2 года назад +1

    I got my Vox AC50 in Lexington KY in 1981 and used it for as my main amp for 35 years. Still has the original tubes. I recapped it 20 years ago and now it is time to recap it again. Thanks for the video. So much good info compared to 40 years ago.

  • @mantas68
    @mantas68 5 лет назад +2

    I can't believe how much gain this amp has! Marshall didn't catch up to this amount of gain until about the mid to late 1970's! It's nice and smooth gain too. I bet this is a very loud amp too. And the component placement and lead dress look sweet. I WANT ONE!!!

  • @treetrout3987
    @treetrout3987 4 года назад +2

    At one time if you looked at the interior of ANY electronic product, you'd have seen fuses. Everything was tubed. And Great. I had a tube amp in the 70's and performed the very same test. The amp down a flight of stairs in my house. It's my opinion that Playing, not violence caused the amps to fault out, not the tubes, although the tubes blow in the process of playing.

  • @ianr02
    @ianr02 2 года назад +2

    This man really knows his stuff. Very informative background history on the various components examined. I wish I had this sort of knowledge...

  • @OFR
    @OFR 4 года назад +5

    Having played virtually EVERY model of VOX - and many of each model, I can say that I think the AC50 is the gem of the bunch. They are rare now, but used to be unwanted and always for sale cheaply. The AC50 cabinet is also the best-sounding guitar cabinet I've ever found. Incredible combination - and now so rare. The Beatles on Ed Sullivan (and Washington DC concert) is all AC50 amps for guitars.

    • @screamingpirhana
      @screamingpirhana 2 года назад +1

      I have a later AC50 and love it. But too HEAVY for standard club gigging. If I ever do major tours, it would be in, but it's too easy to wreck them, and the tolex is like old lady skin, what a terrible choice that was. But it's great.

  • @charlesshaw9090
    @charlesshaw9090 6 лет назад +3

    Now that’s a cool amp! Quite a few over here, UK. On an AC50 the first two reservoir caps are both 32μF. Also for interest, those dual caps have a higher current capacity on the red and lower on the yellow. If used as the first HT reservoir, then red is always the first used in line and has its ripple current marked on the case. Great playing as always.

  • @jonathanhorne6503
    @jonathanhorne6503 Год назад

    I’ve watched this a few times. Mine was sold to me as working, but….. it’s a Mkii which has a GZ34 rectifier and no kathode resistors. In its past it had power supply failure. Power tx replaced with the correct Haddon, the GZ socket had scraped clean carbon tracks and other poorly replaced wires and components. My house voltage is 122VAC which put about 570vdc on the 550 volt caps. I built up a couple of 700 volt caps. Good to go. The amp is sounding great. I have NOS EI EL34 and all euro 12A_7 tubes. I expect my repairs will outlast me. It scared me when I saw the condition when I first opened it up. I’m glad this is a hobby, it’s taken me over 40 hours to make it reliable.

  • @Les537
    @Les537 6 лет назад +9

    A legend of an amp! The tone controls on vox work in mysterious ways.

  • @The31262
    @The31262 5 лет назад +4

    Same mods that I would have done to that amp. I'm on Louisville too (active musician) and have to do repairs/mods on my amps. Been in electronic field since 1976. Love bringing this stuff back to life!

  • @rednoise0
    @rednoise0 5 лет назад +1

    I've heard lots of AC-30s and AC-15s, but hardly any AC-50s. I like the way this amp sounds very much. Ya done it good!

  • @JustChiminin
    @JustChiminin 6 лет назад +57

    Daytripper sounded very authentic, good choice for the first demo.

    • @TheGuitologist
      @TheGuitologist  6 лет назад +19

      I don't usually do covers in the demos, but figured that one was necessary. Had to stick some "Walk Don't Run" in there too.

    • @caseysmith544
      @caseysmith544 5 лет назад

      @@TheGuitologist As well as a Stones lick or two.

    • @FBGOODIE
      @FBGOODIE 4 года назад

      Indeed, great!

    • @Dragonblaster1
      @Dragonblaster1 4 года назад

      @@TheGuitologist "Walk Don't Run" was recorded using a Jazzmaster through a Fender Twin.

  • @bluesingmusic3443
    @bluesingmusic3443 3 года назад +1

    I grew up in OKC. When I was about 12 or so, our next door neighbor, who was USAF(I think, could be wrong), he was always playing a Vox guitar through a Vox amp.(AC 30 maybe. Didn't keep up with amps guitars etc back then. I got a TG&Y guitar for my 7th birthday (put Mom in the hole $5). But I do remember how clean that guitar sounded. He played a lot of Johnny Cash, etc. BTW I had to play C&W if I wanted to practice in the house.(Dad's orders!). Speaking of which I've played 50 yrs & think you're an outstanding guitarist.(I don't pass around compliments btw). Love your videos.

  • @philipthomas8440
    @philipthomas8440 6 лет назад +2

    Just got back from shoulder surgery so no playing guitar for me. But I am feeling no pain and what better time to watch you and uncle Doug and digging on those happening tones! Aah yes,life is good! Great video.

    • @TheGuitologist
      @TheGuitologist  6 лет назад +1

      Hoping you have a speedy recovery, Philip.

  • @BGoldtone
    @BGoldtone 6 лет назад +3

    Brad..I appreciate the work you do. You're an inspiration! From an old 65 year old enthusiast guitar player and inadequate repair guy.

  • @GlennMarshallRocks
    @GlennMarshallRocks 2 года назад +1

    Man, that is one sweet sounding amp....! Wow...! None of the Vox's I ever tried sounded as good as this one...

  • @thomasburnett4712
    @thomasburnett4712 6 лет назад +2

    The first tube amp I built from scratch in 2003 was a Vox Cambridge Reverb (US Thomas Organ era design) clone and I researched the Internet for 9 months before I built it. One of the things I discovered about Vox tube amplifiers is that their tone stacks are widely known to be interactive and players learn to exploit that characteristic deliberately. I really appreciate your RUclips channel and want to thank you for this particular video featuring a Vox design.

    • @TheGuitologist
      @TheGuitologist  6 лет назад +2

      Thanks Thomas. Did you video your exploits? I'd like to see that.

    • @thomasburnett4712
      @thomasburnett4712 6 лет назад

      The Guitologist Sorry, no I didn't. I did document with photos and drawings but it was my first time and I've learned a lot more since then.

    • @thomasburnett4712
      @thomasburnett4712 6 лет назад

      The Guitologist I should mention that it all worked the first time I fired it up including the reverb and tremolo.

  • @chokkan7
    @chokkan7 6 лет назад +3

    Awesome job (as we've come to expect), Brad. It was a real treat to look inside a working amp of this type: hope you had as much fun doing the actual work.
    Back in the '90s, I had to spend several months working on assignment in the Czech Republic; it was not long after the Velvet Revolution. I knew no Czech, but I kept asking those who knew a bit of English about Tesla. Finally, one day, they piled me into a Skoda (wish I could have brought one home) and we drove off into the country, and I was treated to a very limited tour of what I was told was the Tesla tube factory. I wasn't allowed to take any pictures, but at the end, they let me buy all the tubes I could carry (for about $2 a pop), and I still have a pretty good stash of lead crystal EL34s at home...should last until I croak...

    • @TheGuitologist
      @TheGuitologist  6 лет назад

      Awesome story! I'd love to go on that tour.

  • @clmbrr.1316
    @clmbrr.1316 6 лет назад +1

    Hey, Brad !
    I've been watching your YT channel for the last year, and everytime I turn on my PC, one of the first things that I check is to see if you posted a new video ! I just want to say that I've been watching since I've came back to messing around with tube amps, and you've helped me a lot and made interesting for me to come back to it. I've worked at a local workshop in my country for three years straight, building only Fender tweed-era replicas, and I've stopped because I was diagnosed with two herniated discs on my neck and I've switched my main working area. I'm better now, and I'm back to building amps part-time and your channel has been as interesting as ever !
    Best wishes, Rafael.

  • @gettin_while_growin1512
    @gettin_while_growin1512 3 года назад +2

    That amp and you playing the Beatles on it.It sounded just like them. Your a good player (The Guitologist)

  • @russpbg
    @russpbg 6 лет назад +30

    That might be the best sounding amp I've heard on this channel!

    • @TheGuitologist
      @TheGuitologist  6 лет назад +2

      Cool man, glad you enjoyed it!

    • @WessStewart
      @WessStewart 6 лет назад +3

      Hell, it could be the best sounding amp I've heard on ANY channel!

  • @wadehicks9270
    @wadehicks9270 4 года назад +1

    Those Vox amps are great sounding I like that one.

  • @matejbludsky8410
    @matejbludsky8410 6 лет назад +2

    i like the idea of an advertisement at the beginning rather than sending products for review.. even though i know you are to be trusted with this.. still can't shake off the feeling, that if you get something for free.. you are biased, at least i would be.

  • @yaanno
    @yaanno 3 года назад +1

    thanks for making these videos! it is stunning to see how differently these amps been designed and assembled. this one looks like a neat one!

  • @josephroth8895
    @josephroth8895 6 лет назад +1

    Really enjoyed the tour of one of my favorite amps and until now, I never saw the insides. Great Video. Thanks so much!

  • @jaixzz
    @jaixzz 4 года назад

    Thanks for your enthusiasm - my (mid1960s) Vox AC50 was originally equipped with a pair of columns (each containing x4 10" JMI speakers) - a mid-60s PA head not an instrument amp head.
    The only Vox guitar amp combo I had was an AC60 mounted on its speaker cabinet.
    Happy to share.

  • @diggy3746
    @diggy3746 6 лет назад +4

    I need that amp now. Sounds awesome. Great playing and repairing as always.

  • @pedroleal7118
    @pedroleal7118 3 года назад +1

    I had the same one...! Exchanged it for an 100w 'Acoustic' combo, in 1999 (the wooden model, 164 (?). Stil have it and is my favorite amp ever.

  • @GtrMan863
    @GtrMan863 6 лет назад +3

    I always thought the Beatles use ac30, I didn't even know there was a 50 watt. This channel rocks and should be on TV.

    • @J__C__
      @J__C__ 4 года назад

      Just watched a vid from Rhett Shull where he played in London at an event using an AC30 cranked up to 10 almost. He was pretty impressed by it, from what I saw.

  • @Anson120
    @Anson120 6 лет назад +9

    It was made to be serviced and used. Vox is not a museum. They sound so good.

  • @1Dougloid
    @1Dougloid 2 года назад

    This is an oldie but I've got almost the same amp on the bench here and your video was very helpful. I know we don't agree on much but the images were exactly what I needed as a confidence check.

  • @jasonlamoureux7578
    @jasonlamoureux7578 6 лет назад +5

    So intriguing to see how this amp was put together versus something American or Canadian... very cool indeed. Thanks man..

  • @mrhat6098
    @mrhat6098 5 лет назад +2

    I never owned a Vox but I was always very impressed with their construction. Solid.

  • @davidclark3603
    @davidclark3603 4 года назад +3

    You're absolutely brilliant at everything! Thanks for the video!

  • @ahobimo732
    @ahobimo732 4 года назад

    I have a "newish" Vox AC15 amp (my guess is 5 yrs old max) and I absolutely LOVE it. I pulled the back off and was delighted to find that there is NOTHING inside of it that can't be fixed/replaced with a soldering iron. All the circuit board components are throughhole mounted. I don't know if all the major tube amp manufacturers still make them this way, but I think it's bloody fantastic. At least there is one thing being made today that isnt disposable junk.

  • @ollieoneill5961
    @ollieoneill5961 3 года назад +1

    I had one . sold it 3 years back . sorry day . but its still being played in Ireland . with a Goodman's speaker cab. . nice work bud

  • @davidf8749
    @davidf8749 6 лет назад +1

    Brad, Your videos need to have a "Mojo" alert. This has it in spades. If only those original tubes could talk! Awesome stuff. :)

  • @instructormaint8423
    @instructormaint8423 6 лет назад +2

    One of the best amps I have heard on your bench. I love that sound. That amp is a keeper

  • @martinreid1740
    @martinreid1740 6 лет назад +5

    Thanks for another great video,takes me back to my first decent amp an early sixties AC 30. I played a strat through a WEM copycat(tape echo) into the vox for that Shadows sound,I wish I'd kept that amp!

  • @jopestv1063
    @jopestv1063 6 лет назад +2

    great vid! My friend is an ace amp designer (Alanis Morrissette's guitarist uses one of his amps) and does a killer mod for new Vox's that'll make them sound just the ones from the 60's. His name: Kurt Calder. BTW thanx for the Ventures....now I feel justified...you play it like I learned it...from the "Golden Greats" LP.

    • @TheGuitologist
      @TheGuitologist  6 лет назад +2

      Two versions. The one on Golden Greats is the '64 version.

  • @podrum7421
    @podrum7421 6 лет назад +13

    Oh my! Finally the VOX amp! Love the video

  • @BoboButYouCanCallMeTom
    @BoboButYouCanCallMeTom 6 лет назад +1

    I fell in love with vox amps i just got myself a VOX AC30VR and god it sounds really great! Till now its the best hybrid amp i've ever heard. Great video as always!

    • @wingracer1614
      @wingracer1614 6 лет назад

      I was never big on Vox until I went over to a friends place. He was a Marshal guy, had a huge ass collection of Marshal heads, combos and cabs but he had just picked up an AC30 for a steal from somewhere and was putting it through its paces. My god that thing sounded amazing in person.

    • @BoboButYouCanCallMeTom
      @BoboButYouCanCallMeTom 6 лет назад

      wingracer 16 same with me, the only reason i bought the vox is because i wanted a new amp and then suddenly I saw it for 185 euro's and instantly fell in love. I was gonna go with a jet city 50 watt full tube and a 2 x12 cab but that was way more expensive probably would have gotton me closer to a stoner rock sound but this vox is pretty versatile to!

  • @dharleyfan1
    @dharleyfan1 4 года назад

    Loved the playing at the end. I have a Butterscotch Blonde G&L ASAT, that I put a black pearl, 3 ply guard on, just like yours. I also loved RCA the banner hanging behind you, I worked at the RCA picture tube plant in Marion IN. for 16 years, until it closed and moved to Mexico (screw NAFTA).

  • @johnthrelfall5
    @johnthrelfall5 6 лет назад

    Nice historic photographs views of AC50s in action plus great views of the amp plus good repair job! Between your playing and the owner's playing in the follow up video , a good listen to the AC50. The best hint I got from the repair was the new flexible output leads , and the setting of the variable grid bias pre-set resistors was interesting.

  • @fiddlix
    @fiddlix 6 лет назад +8

    By the way, Great job on Day Tripper. I’m the guy who use to play with Jerry Reed that is buying Proto.#1 from Tony Dorris of Volition Amps.

  • @graxjpg
    @graxjpg 5 лет назад +12

    I still shudder when I hear the phrase “Hammond organ that I disassembled”

  • @davidclark3603
    @davidclark3603 5 лет назад +1

    Great video. You’re very good with these amps. What a fantastic amp that. Very interesting all round. Thanks!

  • @budandbean1
    @budandbean1 6 лет назад +2

    Thanks a lot for this video Brad, first time I’ve seen the insides of a VOX and it’s really a cool amplifier. Also seems like it’s build really well too. Your explanations also were really informative. I love it when I learn stuff during your videos. The diode board was interesting to see and it was also interesting to see your oddball capacitor values. I’m glad you set and figured out the bias where everyone could see it, that was really great. Damn, it sounded amazing too! You totally rock.

    • @TheGuitologist
      @TheGuitologist  6 лет назад

      Thanks for watching, as always, Buddy. Good to see you.

    • @bobbystereo936
      @bobbystereo936 2 года назад

      @@TheGuitologist Brad! Anyway you could do a tutorial on how to switch the ohm selector on one of these babies?

  • @mjallenuk
    @mjallenuk 6 лет назад +10

    Fascinating ... I completely understood the guitar playing bit at the end. The rest was an interesting blur of mostly the removal of 'Made in UK' components...

    • @andrewallen9993
      @andrewallen9993 6 лет назад +5

      Matt Allen That have worked for more than half a century!

  • @jackallen6261
    @jackallen6261 6 лет назад

    Oh yes! Walk don't run on a tele through a VOX, very cool, now with a little (a lot!) of reverb. Fantastic sounding amp and amazing guitar work! Thanks.

  • @Medicated1
    @Medicated1 6 лет назад +1

    It's snowing in my end of Canada... enjoying the same coffee beverage and watching Brad.. great way to start the day

    • @TheGuitologist
      @TheGuitologist  6 лет назад

      Glad to have my Canuck friends along. Either y'all are real badasses up there, or you just have really warm women to cozy up to.

    • @Medicated1
      @Medicated1 6 лет назад

      the latter... if not, I would have been dead in a snowbank years ago Brad!

  • @Moka8
    @Moka8 6 лет назад +3

    I was just thinking recently about how I don't think I've seen any Vox amps on your channel. Good to see one!

  • @BadChizzle
    @BadChizzle 4 года назад +1

    More Vox please. Vox Groovy! Thank you! You know... I mean, keep an eye out for opportunities, if you can. I realize you get what comes in...
    Wow... in my opinion, this amp was engineered very very well. I’m so happy to see inside this thing.
    Thank you!

  • @edfrench6503
    @edfrench6503 5 лет назад +1

    Brad, I love your channel and your playing. Your demo of the Telectro reel to reel mod has tons of tone, which speaks both to your playing and your tech skills 👍👍🤟🤟

  • @johnnyb3987
    @johnnyb3987 4 года назад +1

    That sounds surprisingly good!
    Love the way it breaks up on the hi channel. I mean, wow.

  • @seankerrigan1627
    @seankerrigan1627 6 лет назад

    Cool bro, I'm just getting back into this stuff, after a hiatus of about 15 odd years, and though the 'surrounds' (I'm in New Zealand and tend to have to build from scratch) the outlook tends to be similar... appreciating your sharing Dude!

  • @barrychristiansen4579
    @barrychristiansen4579 6 лет назад

    another beutiful job Brad! that would be cool to own one. but there are so many as you pointed out here on our side of the pond. Bravo!

  • @seansweeney3532
    @seansweeney3532 2 года назад

    I played through one of these for a few years... and MY GOD was it loud for a 50 watt... and didn't want to overdrive much on its own... likely that's why Paul played bass out of them first, and also the Vox organ used one... Paul had a custom AC100 built and that one was legendary for its rumble! I couldn't seem to get past the glassy quality on the bright channel using original Celestion 30s as a pair... it was almost hifi, with almost no rolloff up to at least 8k... and the normal channel was too bland... so I got my 1968 ac30 top boost with the rare Silverback celestion 15w ceramic speakers. And honestly, that was about the perfect amp! the 15 watt bulldogs were great, but very mild on the bottom end. there ceramic 15's offered that 60hz RES FREQ with a lot of huff... so that grill cloth was always blurry in photos... because it was loose nearly always on original ac30's... and flapping like crazy! if you ever see a JMI AC30 with the silver frame 15 ceramics, or any good efficient 15w like that, it makes a huge difference. the chunk of early Marshall's in full effect.

  • @EdDanaGuitar
    @EdDanaGuitar 6 лет назад +2

    When I was a kid maybe about 1968 or 1969, I came home from school one day and my older brother had hauled a Vox Buckingham amp and a steel tube rolling frame up to our second floor bedroom! It was huge looking because I was like 8 or 9 years old! That thing was loud! It belonged to a friend of his, I remember my folks couldn't wait for that thing to leave the house because it was so loud! I wonder what it would be worth today! PORK RINDS! A bag of Doritos was spotted in my last video! Haha, I love BB-Q Pork Rinds!

    • @TheGuitologist
      @TheGuitologist  6 лет назад +2

      Pork rinds, buddy! You know party's on when the BBQ rinds show up!

  • @westelaudio943
    @westelaudio943 5 лет назад +5

    2:50
    That's the magic smoke effect switch, great for every stage show ;)

  • @Burgschall
    @Burgschall 5 лет назад +39

    Please, when swapping out Double Cans do not replace them with tie-wrapped Nichicons... that’s russion style.
    F&T makes really reliable double cans which fit and look nice in such a precious Amp!

    • @michaelmace924
      @michaelmace924 4 года назад

      I was thinking about that when he did that. I don't know anything about electronics but I do HVAC. We use dual capacitors, that's what we call them, & some guys will install 2 single caps if they don't have the dual cap they need. Also I was wondering if replacing those 2 8 mfd caps with 10 mfd caps would change the sound.

    • @charlieb.8441
      @charlieb.8441 4 года назад +1

      Maybe the customer was in a hurry?Like maybe a gig the same night as the vid? Anything more is just second guessin.

    • @drawbridge611
      @drawbridge611 4 года назад +2

      @@charlieb.8441 I think that's right on target. Each customer will have a different set of priorities/requirements. The vast majority of my work is done for people who want the amp (or guitar) to work again and be reliable, and that's the extent of it. They don't care what's inside. Only a small minority care about restoration above and beyond functional repair. Can I do that work? You bet. But it's extra time and extra $$.

  • @peterbustin8604
    @peterbustin8604 6 лет назад

    Im up at 3am watching your vids again ! Im an addict ! Thanks for such compulsive viewing.....

  • @Hungry_Hunter
    @Hungry_Hunter 6 лет назад +1

    I fixed one very similar in the late 90's it broke my heart giving it back to the owner. Had same cap and worn anode resistors. Great toneful amps.

  • @mourningleaves
    @mourningleaves 6 лет назад +3

    One interesting aspect of these amps is that the PI is paraphase instead of the more common long tailed pair. I think that gives it a different sound than a Marshall or AC-30.

  • @justinbouchard
    @justinbouchard 6 лет назад +1

    Great editing dude. Loved the intro. Also congrats on finding companies to advertise for your show!

    • @TheGuitologist
      @TheGuitologist  6 лет назад +1

      Thank you! I'm glad to be working with these guys. They reached out to me after seeing my video on the subject.

  • @Five0Music
    @Five0Music 3 года назад +2

    Thanks for the video. I’ve developed a love for the Vox sound over the years, and recognize it as among the three most recognizable amp sounds. The voltage selector was made in a time, unlike the present, where people were expected to know how to use controls. Seems out of place now, doesn’t it? Mine has that, and I’ve never considered it a danger or problem, and have never inadvertently moved the setting. I always wanted to try an AC50, but my AC30TB is much louder than I have a use for so I’ll probably never actually buy one. Thanks for the tour and demo!

  • @Stefan-
    @Stefan- 5 лет назад

    As a huge Beatles fan its cool to see these old amps. I had an old solid state Vox supreme head 25 years ago, it wasnt in the best condition electronically although it looked in pretty good shape from the outside. That amp was noisy (hiss) as hell due to some problem that i couldnt find out at the time since i didnt have the knowledge then, it still sounded good for bass which i used it for in spite of that and i used it for a few years and later sold it. I think i remember seeing The Beatles using the supremes as well in pictures or videos.

  • @joefordish
    @joefordish 6 лет назад +3

    really like the way you did that advertisement. having it short and in the beginning means I'll actually watch it. I'm happy to click "skip" on those long winded ads at the end of other channels.
    but one of my favorite things about your channel is the honesty. seen you tear into shoddy craftsmanship and trust your judgement. make sure you're not ruining your reputation by being a spokesperson for bullshit!

    • @TheGuitologist
      @TheGuitologist  6 лет назад

      Thanks dude. That comment really means a lot. I am trying really hard to balance being professional and yet loose, and yet having the channel help me make ends meet all at the same time. I don't always get it right, but I've never been accused of being perfect.

  • @ctcards2636
    @ctcards2636 2 года назад

    Thanks for the video on this, id like to learn a bit more on repairing some of the older Vox amps. I occasionally mod the newer AC15's and 30's a bit, but my knowledge of repairing the vintage models is zilch. So i appreciate videos like this. :-)

    • @ctcards2636
      @ctcards2636 2 года назад

      Nice Tesla tubes that were in that amp

  • @Gretsch6122
    @Gretsch6122 6 лет назад +1

    That’s a great sounding amp! Nice work

  • @JohnIainMcFarlanewaspfactor
    @JohnIainMcFarlanewaspfactor 5 лет назад +1

    obviously being in scotland I see mainly Vox/Marshall/Orange/Hi Watt and oddly a couple of Mesa Dual Recs a year.In fact thats how I got mine.I love the AC 50 but people want silly money,maybe theyll give me one when I retire!Great job as ever Brad.

  • @ColinStuart
    @ColinStuart 6 лет назад +2

    Watch it if those caps blow, it looks like they had a pillow fight inside! The rarity you're seeing , may have been the result of one of the Vox/JMI technicians that they used to have travel with some of the bigger(more famous) bands, to assure their product functioned the best for their company. I agree that the bigger cab is an odd one, my AC100s both had smaller ones.
    Also, remember that the norm of the day, was a clean sound, no overdrive! The clean sound of an AC50, would blow you out of the room!

    • @mikeh892
      @mikeh892 5 лет назад

      I've read that those smaller cabs led to serious overheating issues in the AC-100s. Never owned one, though, so can't confirm or deny.

  • @vmat1000
    @vmat1000 6 лет назад

    Another nice vid, Brad. Loved The Ventures bit at the end.

  • @scgoralski
    @scgoralski 5 лет назад +1

    Great video, mate. Love the channel - keep it coming!

  • @genekloszewski5484
    @genekloszewski5484 5 лет назад

    great job, good work, and good playing, as usual, hello from connecticut !

  • @syfman6
    @syfman6 3 года назад

    Hi Brad. Fantastic video. Thank you! 💚🎸

  • @rajjar52
    @rajjar52 4 года назад +5

    At the Washington Coliseum show, Paul was playing through an AC100.

    • @Tonetwisters
      @Tonetwisters 4 года назад +1

      IIRC ... Paul was the first to get a 100, as his transistor T60 was blowing ...

  • @vintageguitarsberlin
    @vintageguitarsberlin 6 лет назад +1

    nice to see a classic VOX on your channel!

  • @fireantsarestrange
    @fireantsarestrange 6 лет назад +1

    The AC-50 is a kickass amp. Had one. oh i forgot that I had the combo head and yea it did shock me a few times and it also did sorta have that same problem on brilliant channel.

  • @Ibaneddie76
    @Ibaneddie76 5 лет назад

    You aren't kidding about this being a Beatle amp, Day tripper sounded like a guitar studio track. Great repair video, you know your stuff.

  • @1991stratplus
    @1991stratplus 6 лет назад +3

    That death cap was cracked pretty bad, that's kind of scary. Nice Amp that is one powefull Vox and it sounds great. Nice video Brad.

  • @Lordbaccus
    @Lordbaccus 4 года назад +3

    I really like these videos where you fix an old amp

  • @julianmetcalfe1070
    @julianmetcalfe1070 Год назад

    nice to see one again ,i had one ran in through 2 original Blue vox speakers think they were Alnico sounded great never broke down,solid Amp loved it, the Ac30s used to go up in flames some times they always sounded amazing just before they burst into flames sadly,should have had them serviced before playing vintage amps

  • @davidclark3603
    @davidclark3603 2 года назад

    Great video, again. Your playing is great!

  • @dazarp
    @dazarp 4 года назад +1

    Great work... Sounds amazing.

  • @ntxmt
    @ntxmt 4 года назад +1

    Great video. Great results. I like what you've come up with using real modern day parts. No tone hype or magic parts stupidity.

  • @icenesiswayons9962
    @icenesiswayons9962 6 лет назад

    I see a Weller is it a wc-100 or wc250 soldering iron, dude you totally know what your are doing good to see. I've been servicing electronics for close to 20 years and it's a buzz to see a counter part a work! There are less than fewer techs that know this type of diagnostics and repair.

  • @metamaggot
    @metamaggot 5 лет назад

    That's a very neat way to put the components

  • @richardturk7162
    @richardturk7162 6 лет назад +2

    Great video Brad and the Day Tripper riff was dead on.

  • @alecjahn
    @alecjahn 6 лет назад

    I'm happy you went with that socket "fix" (spacers, other side of the chassis).

  • @totallyunmemorable
    @totallyunmemorable 2 года назад

    I had an AC-50 back in the 80s. I loved it. And paid like $200 for it. I used to trade off at gigs, one night with my Marshall then one night with the Vox. And the Vox was always my Go to for rhythm in the studio. I miss that amp. Sold it out of desperation for $80. I wish I could afford what they go for nowadays. But that ain't happenin'.

  • @TonySkiens
    @TonySkiens 6 лет назад +2

    as always, your attack and vibrato add to the overall sense of the amp's sound ;-)

  • @ColinStuart
    @ColinStuart 6 лет назад +2

    You had to have been there with these amps, to understand them. They were still new to us (in the US), you rarely saw a British amp here. By the time the US got Vox, it was the transistorized "Thomas Organ Vox", mass produced on the West Coast!
    I've had a couple of British AC 100s, but I was a lot closer to L.A., where the tours would save money, by selling them here, rather than pay to have them shipped back home.

    • @TheGuitologist
      @TheGuitologist  6 лет назад +2

      I've owned a Thomas Organ model Super Beatle before.

    • @ColinStuart
      @ColinStuart 6 лет назад +1

      So you KNOW how clean they were! I'm 66, and have toured and recorded since the '60's! Now I too live in a small town in Colorado (pop. less than 1,000) so shops and stores are a hard thing to find!

  • @ricoeugene2628
    @ricoeugene2628 3 года назад

    Thank You!! ..again.. for an useful and informative video. ..from Norway..

  • @papawx3
    @papawx3 3 года назад

    A company called "Thomas Organ Company" out of California had an exclusive licensing agreement with Vox Ltd UK to manufacture, market and sell Vox amps in the USA. They were mostly all solid state after 1965. It wasn't just the Beatles using Vox amps back then, almost all British Invasion bands used them, including the Rolling Stones, The Animals, Dave Clark Five, Herman's Hermits, etc. And just so everyone knows, ALLOT of newly interested guitarist wanted to sound like the Beatles back then. Unfortunately, I am old enough to remember that time period very well. Most 1960s era Vox amps that turn up in the USA are these solid state Thomas Organ manufactured models.

  • @bennyjones1597
    @bennyjones1597 5 лет назад

    That old box Beatles amp is awesome sounded really cool I love your videos bro

  • @andymacdonald6093
    @andymacdonald6093 6 лет назад +1

    Another great vid. Cheers Brad!
    From Liverpool UK.

  • @mikec.4909
    @mikec.4909 6 лет назад +2

    Great video! Sounds great to me!