Also: any historical info on the AC50 would be gratefully received. I've had it looked at by a guy here in the UK who is a bit of a Vox expert (Eric Snowball)... and he said he didn't see many of the smaller box AC50s... and he wasn't sure what date it was. To be honest, I think he was being intentionally cagey as he offered me cash for the amp there and then. Which kinda made me a bit suspicious as to its true value.

1) What is the serial number on the metal plate on the underside of the amp?
2) Are the sides thick (3/4") or thin (3/8")?
3) Does it have two or four unputs?

If you decide to part with it, let me know.

I've also been told that the red top versions (do all these small box AC50s have have red control panels?) were never on sale to the general public. I've been led to believe that they were only ever given to bands in endorsement deals, or used as demo amps at trade shows etc. I don't know how true this is.

I've kinda resigned myself to the fact that gigging it would not be the most sensible option (however great it sounds!). Because it is so old, I don't think I could rely on it anyway (although saying that I've no evidence that Vox amps are any more unreliable that any other make --- any opinions on this?). Perhaps because it is so old, lugging it around the pubs and clubs of south England wouldn't be the kindest option... it may well deserve a more kindly home... a retirement if you will! The poor amp has obviously been putting in great service now for 45 years! Not bad eh?

If I do decide to sell, the decision I now need to make, is whether to sell it 'as-is' or to perform a small amount of restoration.

Internally it would seem to be original... and I know it has been serviced at least twice: once up in Denmark St in London (the so-called 'tin pan alley'!) in the late 80s/early 90s and again, more recently, by Eric Snowball (renowned Vox expert) at his store in Maidstone, Kent (UK). Eric claimed it was original internally but he altered the amp so it could use a modern mains lead... previously it had the original circular mains socket that I couldn't get a lead for for love nor money. I was told that even if I could get hold of a suitable lead, it would have been illegal to plug the damn thing in because of the dangerous voltages the amp gave out. Whether this is a load of rubbish... I don't know. Anyway, the amp now powers up fine and sounds great (bloody loud I have to say!).

Externally it does NOT have the original cloth... which is one of the things I'm considering replacing. It also has had a non-original handle added at some point in its history because you can see the extra screw holes in the tolex! However it now has a proper Vox handle... but a newer one, not the original. It looks as if one of the corner protectors is new as well. I guess I should take some photos to show everyone... especially anyone interested in buying it.

I have been advised to take the amp to another Vox expert (in addition to Eric Snowball) to give it a once-over and second opinion. I'll do this in the coming weeks... and I'll report back. Hopefully that way I will know what has been done (if anything) to the all-important electronics. I also hope to get an opinion on whether it is worth replacing the cloth or not.

If anyone has any opinions, or really is interested in buying it, please let me know. You can email me at: voxtalks(at)hop-house(dot)com

I also welcome comments and opinion from anyone who says "hang on to it - don't sell!" because there is a tiny part of me that still wants to keep it --- especially since I've heard it 'in action' (a mate of mine played it the other day and it sounded fabulous with his SG!). S0 maybe I don't need that Cornford after all!...

Mike

I agree with you re the mains. And no, he didn't return that parts. But to be fair to him, he was preparing the amp for me to use... not to restore it to museum-condition. And I just couldn't have used it as it was --- it wouldn't have passed the tests needed for me to use it at bigger gigs and festivals. I don't know what it's like in the States but here in the UK we're meant to get out kit 'PAT tested' for certain gigs (mostly swanky corporate affairs). Not sure if you have similar restrictions over there?

Anyway... bottom line is that I need to USE my amps. I'm not a collector, I'm a guitarist. But I guess it would've been nice to at least have been handed the old parts!