Vox AC30

The first version was an EL34 valve-powered combo with a single 12" speaker, but this was discontinued in 1960 in favor of a format using two 12" speakers and four of the EL84 valves used in the AC15. Vox subsequently revised the preamp and added a "Top Boost" tone circuit, and in doing so created the "archetypal" Vox AC30 iteration. The AC30's characteristically "jangly" tone and increased power made it a favorite amplifier of guitarists in the British Invasion, including the Beatles, the Rolling Stones, and the Kinks. Other notable guitarists to have used the AC30 include Brian May of Queen, Tom Petty, the Edge of U2, and Peter Buck of R.E.M. The AC30 is regarded as one of the most influential amplifiers of all time, with Guitar World including it alongside the Fender Deluxe Reverb and Marshall Super Lead as one of the three amplifiers "that built the sound of recorded guitar." In early 1958, Jennings Musical Industries (JMI) released its first-ever guitar amplifier, the EL84-powered Vox AC15 combo. JMI founder Tom Jennings hoped to take advantage of both the growing popularity of electric guitar-driven rock and roll in the United Kingdom and a trade embargo on American-made musical instruments that meant Fender's products were expensive and difficult to acquire. Designed by engineer Dick Denney, the AC15 and its "jangly" tone proved a success thanks to players like Hank Marvin of the Shadows and numerous artists of the British Invasion. Fifteen watts, however, proved insufficient for the larger venues these bands soon found themselves playing in and demand grew for a more powerful option from Vox.