JMI VOX AC30 restoration project

vic

I recently bought this old topboost AC30. A real gem but as you can see it's a serious restoration project. The Woden trannies and choke date from late '64. The speakers are the original grey alnico celestions. The GZ34 rectifier was substituted for a solid state rectifier diode which will have to go. The most expensive items are going to be the Vox grille cloth....and Vox logo
It sounds fantastic and with the return of the GZ34 will sound even better.

nick

I saw that on gumtree, glad someone snapped it up and will be returning it to its former glory 8)

MikeM

Hope you negotiated him down a bit ?

Keen to watch this project!!

vic

MikeM wrote Hope you negotiated him down a bit ?

No doubt...! ?

MikeM

I'm proud ?

Reinhard

Congrats Vic! He said I could have it for 7.5K, but I never got round to checking it out, even had a rectifier tube in the car lol. Good luck with the restoration, looking forward to seeing the progress.

MIKA-the-better-one

it takes some strong will power to fixer up an amplifier, I wish I could, but I simply lack the tact to do so...... Will sound amazing when you finish up with it....

matta

Vic, you and your AC30's! Hah Hah, I'm loving the one I brought from you... still plan to work through the Trem circuit at some point, it should sound better than it does and for now, like you, I've pulled the valves.

I'm actually sitting across from my copy of Stephen Grosvernors book "A Service Engineer's Guide to the Vox AC30 Valve Amplifier", Hah Hah.

I may be doing an order this week or next with Tubes & More, who sell both the Vox Logo's and Grill Cloth if you want to get in on it, this time I'll prob ship Airmail, so will take 4-6 weeks.... it is expensive though if you want the brown cloth, $74.95 a yard and the shipping is going to be something as well.

Alternatively you might be able to sell on the chassis and go all in and buy a new one from North Coast Music : http://www.voxshowroom.com/northcoast/vox/cabinets/ac30combo.html

Happy restoration!

Cheers

Matt

vic

Reinhard wrote Congrats Vic! He said I could have it for 7.5K, but I never got round to checking it out, even had a rectifier tube in the car lol. Good luck with the restoration, looking forward to seeing the progress.

Thanks Reinhard.....will keep you guys posted on the progress. (Obviously Karel will have to collaborate as well ? ). I am currently busy getting that dirty chassis in better shape.

vic

matta wrote Vic, you and your AC30's! Hah Hah, I'm loving the one I brought from you... still plan to work through the Trem circuit at some point, it should sound better than it does and for now, like you, I've pulled the valves.

I'm actually sitting across from my copy of Stephen Grosvernors book "A Service Engineer's Guide to the Vox AC30 Valve Amplifier", Hah Hah.

I may be doing an order this week or next with Tubes & More, who sell both the Vox Logo's and Grill Cloth if you want to get in on it, this time I'll prob ship Airmail, so will take 4-6 weeks.

Alternatively you might be able to sell on the chassis and go all in and buy a new one from North Coast Music ?

Happy restoration!

Cheers

Matt

Hi Matt....glad you are happy with the AC30. Those vib-trem channels can be a real menace indeed. Let me know about the logo and grill cloth please...thanks.

inflames

Nice Vic,

Can't wait to see the progress you make with this.
Beautiful looking amp!

AndyD

Congrats on your purchase.There's a lot of work there but a great project.I just put the finishing touches to my bassman last night ( Grill Cloth ) and my once trashed bassman looks mint again. I had a lot of help from Matta on that one.Will post pics sometime
Cheers

vic

MIKA the better one wrote it takes some strong will power to fixer up an amplifier, I wish I could, but I simply lack the tact to do so...... Will sound amazing when you finish up with it....

this will be my good deed for 2010 ?

vic

AndyD wrote Congrats on your purchase.There's a lot of work there but a great project.I just put the finishing touches to my bassman last night ( Grill Cloth ) and my once trashed bassman looks mint again. I had a lot of help from Matta on that one.Will post pics sometime
Cheers

we're looking forward to those pics Andy......before and after. ?

PeteM

Nice one Vic - that should keep you out of mischief. ?
Much against my better judgment, I too have an amp project - will let you know soon what it's all about.

TomCat

MikeM wrote I'm proud ?

And I'm Jealous..... ? ?....Nice one......We look forward to seeing the final product after restoration.

vic

Hi Guys the restoration is coming on nicely....as a reminder BEFORE (front) ☹

and AFTER

Much better.....! The speakers will be fitted soon and the electronics will be thoroughly checked by Karel.....

MikeM

Man that's AWESOME!!! ? Nice work!

matta

Wow Vic!

Talk about a transformation ? Out of interest, and I hope I'm not prying, but what did a job liek that cost you and does he do other amps besides Vox?

Cheers

Matt

vic

Hi Matta....in this case Eugene has recovered the whole amp...front, back, top and bottom with correct material. The handles are not Vox but genuine leather ones....much better imho.
Gene does ANYTHING believe me. I will PM you.
Cheers.