LARGE BOX AC50s - SOLID STATE RECTIFIED - no brimistor

AC50 Mark 3 (Mk III)

Serial numbers in the 3000s - mid to late 1965.

The AC50s on this page are all solid state rectified - AC50 Mark 3s - conforming to the initial version of the schematic OS/072, that is to say, before the inclusion of the brimistor. A copy of OS/072 .

A few were built at Triumph, but the Vox / Burndept Works at Erith produced the bulk - ever increasing numbers to keep pace with orders from around the world, the USA in particular.

Often in AC50s destined for the American market, there is an extra capacitor not marked on the schematic - a grey Radiospares 0.05uf 500v in parallel with the "hot" side of the mains switch. So too for T60s and AC100s. Many have since been removed, but the tell-tale bracket remains.

During the course of production various changes took place. Externally, the warning plaque changed from white to red at around serial number 3800. In AC100s the new plaque marked the introduction of the brimistor. Perhaps it was meant to do the same for AC50s too, though the correspondence is not quite as neat as it is for the 100s.

Also worth noting that Burndept always stamped its chassis with serial numbers - on the aluminium flat of the preamp underneath the jack sockets.

Above, a rare mistake. These numbers do not correspond, however, to any sequence of assembly or registration. Unpopulated chassis, already with numbers, were simply kept in piles in no particular order. The nearest one was grabbed when a new amp was to be made.

One can see various examples of these stamped numbers below and on . Triumph chassis are always unstamped.

At around serial no. 3500, round Amphenol XLR speaker connectors become standard - four-pin Amphenol connectors had already been adopted for the mains cable.

Serial number plates remain two-line, and are fully machine-stamped.

The speakers in the 2x12" guitar cabs are generally always Fanes; the 18" units in the Foundation Bass cabs normally Goodmans Audiom 91s, black label, 15 ohm, 50W handling, though now and again Fanes occur.

The baffles of the speaker cabs, which were made by the Gla-Rev company ("G-R" normally stamped in white somewhere within), have chipboard (US = particle board) baffles. The baffles of earlier cabs were made of sheets of birch ply - see for instance ser. no. 2559. At the moment, there are no good pics of the interior of the cab accompanying ser. no. 1607.

Below, a register of amps. If anyone knows of others that have not yet been included, as ever do let me know.

Serial number 3013 - currently in the USA

Voltage selector set to 115V. Excellent condition. XLRs replaced by jack sockets; the three holes for the fixing of the 4-pin Amphenol mains socket still visible on the back panel.

Serial number 3022 - currently in the USA

Grille cloth renewed and XLR speaker sockets replaced with jacks on the back panel, but otherwise in good external order.

Serial number 3046 - currently in the USA

Chassis number 00549. A Foundation Bass set. Various componnent date codes can be seen on the chassis, in date order: pots "DM" = April 1965; blue Hunts bias caps "YNS" = 9th week of 1965; gold-coloured TCC 25uf cathode bypass caps "WB" = February 1965; green TCC filter caps "VL" = December 1964; and 4uf TCC bias caps "VK" = November 1964. The three yellow print Mullard ECC83s have date codes "MA" and "ME", respectively January and May 1965. Note that the slider board has the "Taylor-Made Woodware" sticker. Thanks to Frank for the pictures.

Serial number 3051 - currently in the USA

White warning plaque and two-line serial number plate on the amp. A new three-position mains switch (On-Off-Standby) has been fitted. The speaker cab, with its original Fane drivers still in place, was made by "G-R" = the Gla-Rev company - its baffle chipboard (particle board). By the look of things, a new wiring harness and Midax horn are now in place. The amp retains its original Amphenol mains connector - the lead survives too.

Serial number 3087 - whereabouts unknown

Sold on ebay in late 2012. A fine-looking rig. Cover for the amp still present. Note the Fane speakers in the cab.

Serial number 3088 - currently in the USA

This is actually a valve rectified amp. For further pictures, see here.

Serial number 3124 - currently in the UK

Assembled at the Vox / Burndept works. Green TCC filter caps in the preamp, and small gold-coloured TCCs for cathode bypass, one with date code "VK", another with "WB" - respectively October 1963 and February 1965. The choke is now mounted on the slider board. The box is made by Gla-Rev - stamped initials "G-R".

NEW

Serial number 3128 - currently in the USA

Amplifier section and speaker cabinet acquired separately. The amp has pots with "AM" and "BM" date codes = January and February 1965 respectively. Visible Mullard mustard capacitors have "C4N" and "D4N" = third and last quarters of 1964. The speaker cab has its original Midax horn. Speakers are now Jensens from 1966. It is probable that the amplifier section belonged to, or at least was used by the MC5. Not only is the band's name incised on the inside of the back panel, but the repair shop in Detroit referenced on the paper sticker is known (communication from the band's former roadie) to have been one that handled the group's equipment. Thanks to Dave for the pictures and info.

Serial number probably in the low or mid 3000s - whereabouts unknown

Chassis number 0797. One of the blue Hunts 25uf cathode bypass caps has the date code "TDT" = 48th week of 1964. A grey Radiospares snubber capacitor to the left of the choke, so exported to the USA early on. Assembled at the Vox / Burndept Works in Erith. Note the WIMA capacitors and the form of the choke.

Serial number 3196 - currently in the USA

Grille cloth probably renewed (there is no white piping). In the preamp, Mullard mustard capacitors with "C4N and "D4N" = respectively third and fourth quarters of 1964. The pots have "AM" = January 1965. The presence of the Radiospares snubber capacitor beside the internal HT fuse indicates that the amp was made for export to the USA.

Serial number 3228 - currently in the USA

No internal shots, but good ones of the cab. The shininess of the transformers (seen through the grille) suggest production by Triumph. In the cab, a transverse cut-out in the baffle, possibly to aid the re-orientation of the Midax horn (for some reason). The drivers are the original Fanes.

Serial number probably in the low or mid 3000s - whereabouts unknown

A good looking set. Voltage selector and Amphenol mains socket removed. Original Goodmans Audiom 91 driver in place.

New pictures

Currently (December 2020) at .

Serial number 3255 - currently in Europe

Foundation Bass cab with four screw holes down each side, the back probably on upside down - normally the XLR socket is lower left.

Serial number 3256 - currently in the USA

Currently at GP Guitars (March 2020). The solid back panel to the speaker cabinet is a later addition employing the original screws and Amphenol speaker socket (mounted off-axis in relation to its screws). The vinyl is similar to Thomas Organ vinyl.

Serial number 3260 - currently in the USA

Produced by Triumph. The Mullard mustard capacitors have date codes "B/64" and "C4N" = second and third quarters of 1964 respectively. One of the blue Hunts cathode bypass caps has "TTT" = 44th week of 1964. The amp has an added capacitor in line with the mains switch and fuse for the US market. Unfortunately the pics are just too small to make out date codes on the mustard caps. The baffle of the speaker cab is made from chipboard (particle board).

Serial number 3276 - currently in Europe

A great Foundation Bass rig. Superb condition.

Serial number 3305 - currently in Europe

Serial number 3333 - currently in Europe

Assembled at the Vox / Burndept Works in Erith. Chassis no. 0059. A new mains transformer and fuse holder; some capacitors replaced. Good to see the original connectors in place: rectangular Cannon XLRs for speakers out; Amphenol four-pin for the mains.

Serial number 3338 - currently in the USA

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Serial number 3339 - currently in Europe

Serial number 3357 - currently in the USA

One of the cleanest AC50 Super Twins around. In the preamp, visible date codes are pots: "DM" = April 1965; and the TCC cathode bypass caps: "WB" = February '65. At right, the large grey Radiospares 0.05uf snubber capacitor, fitted to amps made for export to the USA. Speakers are Fanes. Thanks to Will for the pictures.

Serial number 3364 - currently in Europe

Produced by Triumph. All visible date codes on the Mullard mustard capacitors are "D4N" = last quarter of 1964. One of the pots has "AM" = January 1965.

Serial number 3384 - currently in the USA

A Triumph-made amp. The cab has a new solid back and US Celestion speakers, perhaps from a Super Beatle. Midax horn and original wiring still in place. The baffle is chipboard (particle board).

Serial number 3385 - currently in the UK

Chassis assembled at the Vox / Burndept Works (in contrast to the amp above with serial no. 3384, which was made by Triumph). The chassis number is mis-stamped 00404, then redone as 00507. Possibly someone failed to advance the counter on the stamping machine. Similar mis-stampings can be found on late cathode-biased AC100s (of much the same date as this AC50). The serial number on the back plate is hand-stamped, however, and a "N" has been added, which would signify "Normal" if the amp were an AC30.

The amp was serviced three times in the late 70s: some new capacitors, a new set of preamp valve holders, a number of pots; and the bypassing of the voltage selector.

The latest pot code is "DM" = April 1965. One of the gold-coloured TCC capacitors in the preamp has the code "WB" = February 1965. The mains transformer is an old replacement. Nobles Music in Cardiff .

Serial number in the 3000s - currently in the USA (?)

Similar to the amp above - note the green TCC filter capacitors in the preamp. The pots have the date code "DM" = April 1965. This amp was made for the American market as it has a Radiospares suppressor capacitor over the mains switch.

Serial number 3406 - currently in Europe

Evidently well-used, but little changed. The original mains cable survives. On the top at front, the European dealer's metal plaque.

Serial number 3412 - currently in the UK

Serial number 3434 - currently in the UK

Grille cloth replaced and mounted sideways. The corner protectors are replacements with double pins. The white warning plaque and Amphenol mains socket remain. The speaker cabinet, doubtless a 2x15", looks to be a late JMI unit: original double pin corners, XLR socket (rather than a jack) on the back panel.

Serial number 3435 - currently in the USA

The serial number plate has 00435, but this is clearly a mistake for 3435. The pots have the code "GM" = July 1965. Chassis number 00985. In the preamp, large TCC filter caps, as no. 3385 above. These is no warning plaque on the amp, but Amphenol speaker connectors are present - see the section below.

The speaker cab, made by the Gla-Rev company ("G-R" stamped in white, is in excellent condition. The original speakers and drivers are still in place. Note the chipboard (particle board) baffle.

Serial number 3437 - currently in the Netherlands

Serial number unknown - currently in the USA

Chassis assembled by Burndept. White warning plaque and Amphenol mains socket still in place. It's just possible to see on the XLR mounting plate that two holes are provided for the fixing of each socket = Cannons. Amphenols required three holes. The back panel, chalked "9", is birch ply.

NEW

Serial number 3446 - currently in Germany

A handsome Foundation Bass set complete with covers. No pictures of the electronics at present.

Serial number 3464 - currently in the UK

Serial number unknown - currently in the USA

An exceptionally clean Super Twin set. White warning plaque; Amphenol mains connector, but still Cannon XLR speaker sockets. The baffle of the speaker cabinet is made of chipboard.

HEREON, ROUND AMPHENOL CONNECTORS USED FOR SPEAKER OUTLETS, SUPERCEDING THE RECTANGULAR CANNONS OR JACK SOCKETS

Serial number 3466 - currently in Norway

The amp has been modified, but appears originally to have been solid state rectified and assembled on a chassis designed for a valve rectifier (position now occupied by a filter cap.). Pot codes are DM, EM and GM = April, May and July 1965. Thanks to Fredrik for the pictures.

Serial number 3468 - currently in Europe

Assembled by Triumph. Visible Mullard mustard capacitors in the preamp have date codes "C4N" = third quarter of 1964. Pot codes are "AM" = January 1965. A changed mains switch and internal fuse holder but otherwise original. The back panel, which is made of birch ply, has "16" in chalk on its inside face.

Serial number 3490 - currently in the UK

A Foundation Bass set. The serial number gives 01490, but this is clearly an error at factory. The amp is solid state rectified. Chassis assembled by Burndept; number 01071. The preamp is in good order, original Hunts electrolytics and WIMA signal caps still in place. Note the Amphenol XLRs all round. The back panel is made of chipboard. In a second set of pictures, amp and cab are pictured without the trolley.

Serial number 3491 - currently in the UK

Serial number 3506 - currently in Germany

Serial number 3521 - currently in the USA

Serial number 3528 - currently in the UK

Good condition all round. Used from the mid sixties by the bassist of "The Hunters", a group based in Torquay. The amp was purchased from a music shop in Plymouth (sold as near new following a defaulted Hire Purchase arrangement). Used initially to drive a 2 x 18" cab. Thanks to Chris for details and pictures.

Serial number 3529 - currently in the USA

Serial number 3539 - currently in the UK

A great original Foundation Bass pair.

Serial number 3541 - currently in Germany

Paired with a Conqueror cab.

Serial number 35xx - currently in Germany

Accompanied by two Foundation Bass cabs. The set .

Serial number probably in the mid 3000s - currently in Europe

Chassis number 1052. A nice Foundation Bass rig, new grille cloth, but otherwise in good condition.

Serial number unknown - currently in Scandinavia

Amphenol XLR speaker connectors and white warning plaque. Voltage selector removed to conform to Scandinavian regulations. A master volume appears to have been installed, so some electronic modifications must have been imposed. The three-line serial number plate has been moved to cover the hole for the mains connector. Mains power is now hard wired. The logo of speaker cab (chipboard baffle) is formed of separate letters: V O X. The original Fane speakers survive.

Serial number unknown

Fitted with a reverb unit. Image originally posted here.

Serial number unknown - whereabouts unknown

Pictures probably from ebay. Sitting on an AC30 cab and trolley. Original back panel connectors in place. Note the reverb unit, as in the amp immediately above.

Serial number 3604 - currently in Germany

A great rig. The logo on the cab V O X in single letters. Still the white warning plaque. A couple of jack sockets added, and an IEC power connector. The castors on the trolley are also replacements. Note the speakers in the cab: very early Celestion ceramics - T1217s.

Further pics of the same amp

Serial number 3615 - currently in the USA

Assembled by Burndept - note the WIMA capacitors in the preamp. Round Amphenol speaker XLRs; white warning plaque. Good all-round condition. The amp was produced for export to the USA. In the last picture one can see the Radiospares suppressor capacitor added to AC50s destined for the States. One of the blue Hunts filter caps has the code "TST" = 45th week of 1964.

Serial number 3619 - currently in the USA

Chassis no. 1049. Preamp similar to serial number 3640, below. The presence of the 0.05uf 800v Radiospares capacitor indicates the amp was made for export to the USA. Pot codes are "GM" and one "HM" = July and August 1965. Date code of the blue Hunts preamp filter capacitors are "WWS": 11th week of 1965. The Amphenol speaker and mains XLR sockets are still in place on the back panel. Note the original sticker on the underside of the slider board - "Taylor-Made" Woodware. Thanks to Don for information and pictures.

NEW

Serial number 3611 - currently in the USA

Original Amphenol XLR sockets still present on the back panel. The grille cloth and control knobs have been replaced.

Serial number 3623 - currently in the USA

A couple of jack sockets added on the back panel, otherwise in good order externally.

Serial number 3637 - currently in the USA

Produced at the Vox / Burndept Works. Chassis no. 378. Pots have date codes "GM" = July 1965. Note the large grey Radiospares capacitor by the choke, indicating that the amp was produced for export to the USA. Currently .

Serial number 3640 - currently in the USA

Complete with original cab. Chassis number 1140. Great condition and few changes. Pot codes are "EM" = May 1965, so the amp was presumably produced in the third quarter of that year. Original blue Hunts caps still in place, but no date codes visible. The red Hunts suppressor cap (across the diodes) underchassis, however, has "HWS" = 21st week of 1965. Thanks to Peter for the images.

Serial number 3647 - currently in the USA

Assembled at the Vox / Burndept Works at Erith. Chassis no. 1117. No date codes visible in the preamp. The terminal block for the taps of the output transformer appears to have been lost.

NEW

Serial number 3666 - currently in the USA

Good cosmetic and electronic condition. Currently on Reverb (Jan. 2024), though it is not a Mark 2 (as stated there). Chassis assembled by Burndept. In the preamp, pots with the date code "EM" -= May 1965. One of the blue Hunts filter caps has "TST" = 45th week of 1964. The grey Radiospares capacitor next to the HT fuse indicates the amp was made for export to the USA.

Serial number 3674 - currently in the USA

A full rig, complete with original Amphenol speaker and mains cables. Fane speakers in the cab. Condition is exceptional. Thanks to Steven for the pictures.

Serial number 3680 - currently in the USA

Chassis number 828. Complete with its original Foundation Bass cab and cables; Amphenol XLRs; still the white warning plaque. A nice rig. Pot codes are "EM" = May 1965. One of the Hunts preamp filter capacitors has the code "TAT" = 49th week 1965. Thanks to Roger for the pictures.

Serial number unknown - currently in the USA

Box a little rough, but the amp itself is fine. Made by Burndept - chassis number 934. Amphenol mains connector, and backplate drilled for Amphenol XLR speaker connectors (not the holes at angles). One of the preamp valves is "VOX" branded. The pots have date codes "GM" = July 1965. This amp has had a surgistor fitted up by the voltage selector at some Thomas Organ service centre.

Note the sticker on the underside of the mains transformer and the gold-coloured TCC capacitors on the underchassis bias board. These last also figure in the amp below.

Serial number in the 3000s (?) - currently in the USA

Assembled by Burndept. Long underchassis bias board with gold TCC capacitors, as in the case of the amp below. The date code of one of them is either "VK" or "VM" = October or December 1964.

Serial number 3687 - currently in the UK

This amp - a valve rectified chassis - is anomalous. In fact it has been reboxed in a box consonant with the serial number - note the sets of three holes for Amphenol XLR speaker connectors on the back panel plate. The chassis is also registered at the foot of . Mullard mustard capacitors have date codes "A4N" and "B/64" = second and third quarters of 1964 respectively.

Serial number unknown - currently in the USA (?)

Solid state rectified. Three of the pots have codes "DM" = April 1965. The grey Radiospares snubber capacitor indicates the amp was made for export to the USA early on.

Serial number unknown - currently in Europe

The outlines of the round Amphenol XLRs are visible on the escutcheon plate. Assembled by Triumph. One of the blue Hunts filter capacitors has the date code: "TIT" = 43rd week of 1964.

Serial number unknown - currently in the USA

Solid state rectified amp, probably in the mid 3000s. The link voltage selector is liable to be an addition/replacement. Fane speakers on a chipboard (particle board) baffle. The amp's handle has been replaced. No warning plaque.

Serial number unknown - currently in Japan

Paired with later solid state Foundation Bass cab (from 1967/68). The serial plate has probably been moved to cover the hole for the mains socket.

Serial number 3708 - currently in Japan

Amp and cab in great condition. Original mains and speaker cables present.

Serial number 3709 - currently in the UK

Assembled at the Vox / Burndept works. Chassis number 0627. Preamp and power amp with their original caps. Visible Hunts date codes in the preamp are "YNS" = 7th week of 1965. Thanks to Paul for the pictures.

Serial number 3771 - currently in the UK

In good cosmetic condition, the original sockets still on the amp's back panel. The voltage selector is set to 160V.

Serial number in the 3000s - currently in Europe

A good Foundation Bass set. Two-line serial number plate; warning plaque still white; and a pair of Amphenol XLRs for the speakers.

Serial number unknown - currently in the USA

White warning plaque, two-line serial number plate, and originally, Amphenol XLR speaker sockets (one can see the screw holes at angles. Otherwise no direct clue to serial number.

Serial number unknown - currently in the USA

Amphenol mains and XLR sockets - white warning plaque.

Serial number unknown - perhaps in Scandinavia

White warning plaque and Amphenol speaker XLRs. The serial number plate, now bearing a sticker of some sort, has been moved to cover the hole for the mains socket.

Serial number unknown - currently in the USA

Currently (May 2020) .

NOTE THAT THE AMPS BELOW REGULARLY HAVE THE NEW-STYLE RED WARNING PLAQUE

Serial plates are initially two-line and state either "AMPLIFIER" (a limited number of instances) or the standard "VOX AMPLIFIER". Later the plates are for the first time, three-line

Serial number 3814 - whereabouts unknown

Assembled at the Vox / Burndept works. Chassis number 0910. The pots have codes "EM" and "GM", respectively May and July 1965. Shop sold, 2012?

Serial number 3817 - currently in the USA

Currently (May 2020) .

Serial number 3846 - whereabouts unknown

Some knobs missing, but otherwise (cosmetically) fine. Sold by Heritage Auctions in late 2012 - pictures from .

Serial number 38xx - currently in the UK

No picture of the front unfortunately. Note the replacement metal corner protectors.

Serial number 3905

A late instance of the white warning plaque (in a non-standard position).

Below, pictures of the amplifier in 2020, now with a Foundation Bass speaker cabinet from another source:

Serial number 3945 - currently in the USA

Serial number 3948 - currently in the USA

Chassis (assembled by Triumph) on slider board, and backboard only. The Mullard mustard caps have date codes A4N and B4N = first and second quarters of 1964.

Serial number 3950 - currently in the USA

Original Amphenol sockets still in place on the back panel. One of the cables is an original too.

Serial number 3952 - currently in the USA

Good condition. Chassis assembled by Burndept, number 1051. All electrolytics renewed; three original red-print WIMAs remain in the preamp. Original Amphenol connectors in place. Accompanied by a modified Vox Buckingham cab.

Serial number 3969 - currently in Europe

Great condition. Original mains and speaker cables still extant.

NEW

Serial number 3975 - currently in the UK

Chassis assembled by Triumph. In the preamp, Mullard mustard capacitors with the date code "A5N" = first quarter of 1965. The speaker connector escutcheon plate on the back panel has been mounted upside down. Inside the wooden cabinet, the "Gla-Rev" stamp in white.

Serial number 3980 - currently in Europe

Serial number 3990 - currently in the UK

Evidently well used, but not hacked. Various Mullard mustard caps in the preamp have the date code C4N = third quarter of 1964.

Serial number unknown - currently in the USA?

Chassis number 999.

Serial number unknown - currently in the USA?

Sold on ebay US in September 2012. Chassis number 872. Pot codes in the preamp are "GM" = July 1965.

Serial number in the 3000s - currently in Germany

Solid state rectified, no brimistor. Pot codes are "IM" = September 1965. The date codes of the 0.1uf mustard capacitors are "B5N" = second quarter of 1965.