Vox AC15 is a popular guitar amplifier that has been used by many famous musicians, including The Beatles, Queen, and U2. However, one question that often arises among guitar enthusiasts is where the Vox AC15 is made. In this article, we will answer this question and provide some background information on Vox and their manufacturing process.
Vox is a British musical equipment manufacturer that was founded in 1957 by Thomas Walter Jennings in Dartford, Kent, England. The company is known for producing high-quality guitar amplifiers and effects pedals that are used by musicians all over the world. While Vox has a long history of producing their products in the UK, the company has also outsourced some of their manufacturing to other countries in recent years.
Origins of Vox AC15
The Vox AC15 is an iconic guitar amplifier that has been used by many famous musicians over the years. It was first introduced in 1958 by the Jennings Musical Instruments (JMI) company, which was founded by Thomas Walter Jennings in Kent, England.
Jennings was an experienced engineer who had previously worked for the Jennings Organ Company before starting his own business. He was also a veteran of World War II, having served in the Royal Air Force.
The AC15 was designed to be a smaller and more affordable version of the Vox AC30, which was already a popular amplifier at the time. The AC15 had a single 12-inch speaker and was powered by two EL84 tubes, which gave it a distinctive sound that was different from other amplifiers of the era.
The AC15 was initially made at the JMI factory in Dartford, Kent. However, in the early 1960s, production was moved to a new factory in Erith, Kent, which was larger and more modern.
Despite its success, the AC15 was not without its problems. Some early models had issues with overheating, which led to the addition of a fan to help cool the amplifier. Additionally, the original AC15 had a pentode preamp tube (EF86) that was prone to microphonic noise. Later models switched to a more reliable preamp tube (12AX7).
Today, the Vox AC15 is still manufactured and sold around the world. While the original JMI company no longer exists, the Vox brand is now owned by Korg, a Japanese musical instrument company. The current AC15 models are made in China and are designed to replicate the sound and feel of the original amplifiers as closely as possible.
the Vox AC15 is a classic amplifier that has stood the test of time. Its origins can be traced back to the ingenuity of Thomas Walter Jennings and the JMI company, which sought to create a more affordable and accessible amplifier for guitarists.
Features and Specifications
Channels and Volume
The Vox AC15 is a guitar amplifier that features two channels: Normal and Top Boost. The Normal channel provides a clear and clean sound, while the Top Boost channel adds more gain and midrange. The volume control on each channel allows for fine-tuning of the output level, and the Master Volume control allows for overall volume adjustment.
Reverb and Tremolo
The Vox AC15 features a spring reverb unit that adds a natural-sounding reverb effect to the output signal. The tremolo effect is also available, which adds a pulsating modulation to the output signal. The speed and depth of the tremolo effect can be adjusted for a range of different sounds.
Power and Speakers
The Vox AC15 is a 15-watt all-tube amplifier that uses two EL84 power tubes and two 12AX7 preamp tubes. The output power is delivered through a single 12-inch speaker, which is available in a variety of configurations. The most common speaker options are the Celestion G12M Greenback and the Celestion Alnico Blue.
Dimensions and Inputs
The Vox AC15 has a compact and portable design, with dimensions of approximately 24 x 20 x 11 inches. The front panel features four inputs: two for the Normal channel and two for the Top Boost channel. The amp also includes an external speaker jack and an extension speaker jack for additional speaker options.
the Vox AC15 is a reliable and versatile guitar amplifier that provides a range of classic British tones. Its all-tube electronics and high-quality components ensure a rich and dynamic sound, with plenty of headroom and negative feedback for a responsive playing experience. Whether you’re playing clean or distorted, the Vox AC15 delivers a powerful and expressive tone that is perfect for a wide range of musical styles.
Famous Musicians and the Vox AC15
The Vox AC15 is a classic guitar amplifier that has been used by many famous musicians over the years. Here are just a few of the notable artists who have used the AC15:
-
Brian May: The Queen guitarist is known for his use of the AC30, but he has also used the AC15 on occasion. In fact, he used an AC15 on the song “Tie Your Mother Down.”
-
The Edge: The U2 guitarist is another musician who is closely associated with the AC30, but he has also used the AC15 in the past. He used an AC15 on the song “Love Is Blindness.”
-
Hank Marvin: The Shadows guitarist is known for his use of the Fender Stratocaster and the Vox AC30, but he has also used the AC15. He used an AC15 on the song “Apache.”
-
The Beatles: The Beatles famously used Vox amplifiers in their early days, and the AC15 was one of the models they used. John Lennon used an AC15 on the song “All My Loving,” while George Harrison used one on “I Need You.”
-
Tom Petty: The late Tom Petty was a big fan of the AC15 and used it on many of his recordings. He used an AC15 on the song “Don’t Do Me Like That.”
-
Tom DeLonge: The former Blink-182 guitarist is another musician who has used the AC15. He used an AC15 on the song “Stay Together for the Kids.”
-
Les Paul: The legendary guitarist and inventor of the Les Paul guitar used the AC15 on occasion. He used an AC15 on the song “How High the Moon.”
-
The Rolling Stones: The Rolling Stones used Vox amplifiers in their early days, and the AC15 was one of the models they used. Keith Richards used an AC15 on the song “Satisfaction.”
-
The Kinks: The Kinks were another band that used Vox amplifiers in their early days. Ray Davies used an AC15 on the song “You Really Got Me.”
-
The Yardbirds: The Yardbirds were known for their use of the AC30, but they also used the AC15 on occasion. They used an AC15 on the song “Heart Full of Soul.”
-
Queen: Queen guitarist Brian May is known for his use of the AC30, but the band also used the AC15 on occasion. They used an AC15 on the song “Crazy Little Thing Called Love.”
-
John Scofield: Jazz guitarist John Scofield is another musician who has used the AC15. He used an AC15 on his album “A Go Go.”
The Vox AC15 has been used by many other famous musicians over the years, but these are just a few of the most notable examples.
The Sound of Vox AC15
The Vox AC15 is a legendary guitar amplifier that has been used by countless musicians over the years. It is known for its classic chime and British tone, which has made it a favorite among guitarists looking for a distinct sound.
One of the key features of the AC15 is its use of the EF86 pentode preamp tube, which was used in vintage AC15s from 1958 into the late ’60s. This tube adds a thicker, creamier texture to the amp’s overall character when compared with the more common 12AX7 preamp tube used in current renditions and in popular English amps like the Fender Deluxe Reverb.
Another important component of the AC15’s sound is the Alnico Blue speaker, which is known for its crisp, clear tone and ability to handle high volumes without distortion. This speaker has been a staple of Vox amplifiers since the 1960s and has been used by bands like The Beatles to achieve their signature sound.
the sound of the Vox AC15 is distinctive and instantly recognizable. Its classic chime and British tone have made it a favorite among guitarists for decades, and its availability through dealers worldwide ensures that it will continue to be a popular choice for years to come.
Comparisons and Alternatives
When it comes to guitar amplifiers, Vox AC15 is a popular choice among musicians. However, there are other options available in the market that may suit your needs better. Let’s take a look at some comparisons and alternatives to the Vox AC15.
Vox AC30
The Vox AC30 is the bigger brother of the AC15 and is known for its classic British sound. It has a more powerful output and is suitable for larger gigs and venues. If you’re looking for a higher wattage amplifier with a similar tone to the AC15, the AC30 might be a good option.
Fender Twin
The Fender Twin is another popular guitar amplifier that has been used by many famous musicians. It is known for its clean sound and is suitable for a wide range of genres. If you’re looking for a versatile amplifier that can handle both clean and distorted tones, the Fender Twin might be a good option.
Electric Organ
While not a guitar amplifier, electric organs are often used in similar genres of music as the Vox AC15. They have a distinct tone and can add a unique flavor to your music. If you’re looking for a different sound than what a guitar amplifier can provide, an electric organ might be worth considering.
Electric Guitars
Of course, the amplifier is only half of the equation. The type of electric guitar you use can also have a significant impact on your tone. Different pickups, woods, and designs can all affect the sound of your guitar. If you’re not completely satisfied with your current guitar, it might be worth trying out different models to find one that better suits your style.
the Vox AC15 is a great amplifier, but it’s not the only option available. Whether you’re looking for a higher wattage amplifier, a different tone, or a different instrument altogether, there are plenty of alternatives to consider.
Conclusion
the Vox AC15 is a highly popular guitar amplifier that has been used by expert musicians for over six decades. While the AC15 was originally manufactured in the United Kingdom, Vox has since expanded its production facilities to China and Vietnam.
According to MusicRadar, the AC15HW1X Hand Wired model is made in the UK and features high-quality components that deliver a classic British tone. On the other hand, the AC15C1X Limited Edition model is made in China and features a USA-tweaked version of the classic British tone thanks to the Warehouse loudspeaker.
It is worth noting that the quality of the AC15 varies depending on where it is made. While some musicians prefer the UK-made models for their superior craftsmanship, others find the Chinese-made models to be more affordable and accessible.
Ultimately, the decision of where to buy your Vox AC15 will depend on your personal preferences and budget. Regardless of where it is made, the Vox AC15 remains a top choice for musicians who demand high-quality music-making gear.
