When the AC30 couldn’t deliver enough volume for the Beatles and other mid-60s bands (in larger venues and over the screaming fans!) Vox recognised that they needed to compete with Fender’s more powerful options and the AC50 was born. In contrast to the AC30, the AC50 (and AC80/100) design was based on EL34 power valves that could deliver more output and Vox dropped the complex vibrato/tremolo circuit. The result was a great sounding, uncomplicated and reliable amp that continued in production in various guises until at least 1975.
Perhaps because they offer far more bass than the established AC30, AC50 amps are often underrated yet provide iconic, rich tones for which Vox is celebrated across generations. They are not lacking in top end but - unless the bass is dialed down a long way - they can appear to because these amps are capable of huge bass response. As such, and especially when paired with Vox ‘Foundation’ cabs (1×18), they make fantastic bass amps as well as guitar amps and Vox marketed them for both.
AC50 amps have two independent channels (one ‘Normal’ and one more treble-voiced ‘Brilliant’ channel) both of which incorporate the Top Boost tone stack that Vox had used on the later AC30s. The channels can also be used simultaneously (using a Y-switch or cable) for even more tonal options.
This is a Mk II ‘Big box’ AC50 built by Triumph and likely among the last of the valve-rectified versions before JMI switched to solid-state rectifies in January 1965. It seems probable that this one dates to mid-late 1964.
All the transformers, and the vast majority of the preamp components, are original and this is - just like the Mk III we also have in stock - a great sounding amp. This one has lost its original serial plate, so now has a (blank) replacement pate. The original speaker connection plate and impedance selector were damaged when we acquired the amp but has been repaired and now works perfectly (you would be very hard pressed to know it has ever been damaged). The mains lead has been replaced with a (now safe ..) vintage-style cable and the mains switch, fuse and earth have all been correctly wired and checked. Filter caps and cathode bypass caps have been replaced and some further work has been done to the power and bias supplies to ensure that the power amp is clean and healthy. One of the pots had already been replaced by a previous owner but it is a good replacement and all the pots have been thoroughly cleaned, are all working well with no obvious noise. Any original components that have been replaced will be supplied with the amp.
This is offered with a complete complement of vintage Mullard valves, all of which are testing strong and quiet. Needless to say - because these are the valves the amp was designed for - they sound fantastic.
The original XLR speaker sockets and impedance selector are in place and I can - at additional cost - make up and supply the correct leads to connect this to your cab, or I can make an adapter to enable you to use your existing 1/4” jack speaker cables and cabs.
Fully checked over by our consult amp tech, this also comes with a recent October 2025 PAT test so it’s good to go.
When the AC30 couldn’t deliver enough volume for the Beatles and other mid-60s bands (in larger venues and over the screaming fans!) Vox recognised that they needed to compete with Fender’s more powerful options and the AC50 was born. In contrast to the AC30, the AC50 (and AC80/100) design was based on EL34 power valves that could deliver more output and Vox dropped the complex vibrato/tremolo circuit. The result was a great sounding, uncomplicated and reliable amp that continued in production in various guises until at least 1975.
Perhaps because they offer far more bass than the established AC30, AC50 amps are often underrated yet provide iconic, rich tones for which Vox is celebrated across generations. They are not lacking in top end but - unless the bass is dialed down a long way - they can appear to because these amps are capable of huge bass response. As such, and especially when paired with Vox ‘Foundation’ cabs (1×18), they make fantastic bass amps as well as guitar amps and Vox marketed them for both.
AC50 amps have two independent channels (one ‘Normal’ and one more treble-voiced ‘Brilliant’ channel) both of which incorporate the Top Boost tone stack that Vox had used on the later AC30s. The channels can also be used simultaneously (using a Y-switch or cable) for even more tonal options.
This is a Mk II ‘Big box’ AC50 built by Triumph and likely among the last of the valve-rectified versions before JMI switched to solid-state rectifies in January 1965. It seems probable that this one dates to mid-late 1964.
All the transformers, and the vast majority of the preamp components, are original and this is - just like the Mk III we also have in stock - a great sounding amp. This one has lost its original serial plate, so now has a (blank) replacement pate. The original speaker connection plate and impedance selector were damaged when we acquired the amp but has been repaired and now works perfectly (you would be very hard pressed to know it has ever been damaged). The mains lead has been replaced with a (now safe ..) vintage-style cable and the mains switch, fuse and earth have all been correctly wired and checked. Filter caps and cathode bypass caps have been replaced and some further work has been done to the power and bias supplies to ensure that the power amp is clean and healthy. One of the pots had already been replaced by a previous owner but it is a good replacement and all the pots have been thoroughly cleaned, are all working well with no obvious noise. Any original components that have been replaced will be supplied with the amp.
This is offered with a complete complement of vintage Mullard valves, all of which are testing strong and quiet. Needless to say - because these are the valves the amp was designed for - they sound fantastic.
The original XLR speaker sockets and impedance selector are in place and I can - at additional cost - make up and supply the correct leads to connect this to your cab, or I can make an adapter to enable you to use your existing 1/4” jack speaker cables and cabs.
Fully checked over by our consult amp tech, this also comes with a recent October 2025 PAT test so it’s good to go.
