VOX AC15

The Vox AC15 amplifier has played a crucial part in rock history, although it has often been overshadowed by amps from other manufacturers like Fender and Marshall, and even by its younger sibling, the AC30. Not long after it was first introduced in 1958, the AC15, a 15-watt combo amp with a 12 speaker, helped establish Vox as the amplifier of choice among British musicians when it was used by popular singer Cliff Richard's backing band The Shadows on a series of his top records, as well as on their own hit instrumentals, like Apache. As players began to appreciate the amp's clean, shimmering tone, its popularity continued to increase, and the AC15 could be heard on any number of classic recordings, including early efforts by the Beatles, such as Love Me Do, and Vic Flick's studio work on the James Bond theme for Dr. No, the very first Bond film. As the need for greater volume for stage work became apparent, and in response to larger amps from Fender and other manufacturers, Vox released the AC30 in 1959, which, after some design revisions, went on to greater fame than its older sibling, powering much of the British Invasion of pop culture in the 1960s on countless hits from the Beatles, the Rolling Stones, the Kinks and the Yardbirds, as well as most of the UK's other top acts of the time. However, while the AC30 might have been more popular, the AC15 never lost its charm, and still holds it own, being a favorite of players like Jeff Tweedy of Wilco and Dean DeLeo from Stone Temple Pilots. Known for its clear, chimey sparkling highs, excellent response to dynamics in the player's touch and attack, and the way the amp breaks up nicely when slightly overdriven to produce a rich, creamy distortion, the Vox AC15 is perfect for players looking for that classic Vox tone without excessive volume or weight, whether for recording purposes, practicing at home, or for playing smaller gigs. Currently, there are several models of AC15 available to get your Vox mojo moving, including the exquisitely crafted AC15HW1, featuring hand-wiring, turret board construction and the famous Vox Top Boost channel for extra high-end punch, and loaded with a Celestion Greenback speaker (the AC15HW1X is identical, except it is equipped with a Celestion Blue Alnico speaker). The Vox AC15C2 features a pair of 12 speakers and a tremolo circuit, while the Vox Custom AC15 models have a spring reverb to complement your tremolo and Top Boost tones. For those looking for that vintage Vox magic with some more modern sensibilities, check out the AC15VR Valve Reactor, a tube/solid-state hybrid with Normal and Overdrive channels. Whichever model you choose, you can't go wrong - the Vox AC15 has a long, illustrious history and is in a class by itself. Order yours today!