Early 60's layout for an AC-30 with Top Boost incorporated.

[Mark]

There are a few layouts about for an AC-30, however I have yet to see a layout for an AC-30 with the Top Boost incorporated. I know they exist as I have played original amps with the TB incorporated.

Look forward to your replies.

[Turret]

Hi Mark

This is my AC30/6 layout http://www.turretboard.org/?p=1108
...and top boost unit http://www.turretboard.org/?p=2392 it's explained how it should be fitted. I hope it is what you have asked for

...if not, I can join both layouts together for you

Cheers

[Mark]

I'll keep digging and I will eventually get the real thing. Thanks for your offer though. I'm wishing to add a pentode to the tones available from an AC-30.

[Turret]

So you're after AC30/4 then... I can't get decent picts of one. Finding one for personal inspection is even harder

I was thinking that Top Boost units was mostly associated with later AC30/6

Good luck

[Masco]

Sounds like you want the layout of the integral TopBoost AC-30 that has six valves in a row on the vertical chassis and extra treble and bass controls on the top panel. Not the add-on rear "L" bracket TopBoost.
Weber makes this style chassis.
Adding the EF86 channel option: Since the Normal and TB channels share the first dual triode 12ax7, you'd either have to drop the TB channel to add the EF86 channel and associated controls or, to have your cake and eat it too, build the EF86 circuit on an "L" bracket and fit it to the rear just like the added TB. You'll just need to figure out where to put an extra input jack or maybe steal one of the existing high/low inputs.

[Masco]

sorry double post

[Mark]

That is precisely what I'm talking about Masco. I'd use the L bracket for the EF86 and I'd attach the pentode input to the normal channel inputs. The idea being the normal channel and pentode channel work together as shown on the 65 amp London pro video's on You Tube. It would mean to use either the pentode or the triode solely then the volume of the stage not required would have to be turned to zero.

[rooster]

Mark, see:

http://www.amazon.com/Service-Engineers ... 0955216710

I have this book, it's a great reference if you are serious in your path. I also have access to 3 original AC30/6s which also helps a great deal in the actual building part. FWIW, I also think the Weber chassis is a relatively good replica. The two part Weber chassis has one part made of aluminum, while the other part, the tranny mounting part, is steel. This is like the original Vox product, however Weber insists on chrome plating the steel part - which makes it harder to solder to if that's your build method. Have fun.

[Mark]

Thanks Rooster, I noticed the Amazon price was nearly $1000, and it is 48 pages long, must be a hell of a book!

Now to be serious for a moment I'm up for detailed AC-30 pix, though I don't want to inconvenience you, I'm still at the research stage of this amp.

Thanks again for your reply and your kind offer.

[rooster]

Woah, Mark, I did not know this was out of print. Hm, I bought mine for $37 I think, a few years back on Amazon.

Here, try this:

http://thevoxac30guide.com/about_the_author.htm

At the bottom of this page you will see that the book and a few other things are available via Paypal. Looks like $18 euros will get it to you.

[Turbojunkie]

Hi Rooster,
Does that AC30 Service Guide have any info on the '65 Super Reverb Twin model? Gonna grab a copy no matter if not, but just curious...

http://www.voxshowroom.com/uk/amp/ac30srt.html

The trapezoidal head is ultra-cool!

Has anyone here had a chance to play one personally?

Adam

[Reeltarded]

Yes. The combo is the one to play. The heads with cabinets are just waiting for a transplant.

[rooster]

No, the reverb model is not addressed. And yes, I also like the trapezoidal head box but, eh, I like the stock rectangle one equally.

As to the combo box, yeah, it's kinda nice to have a AC30 combo.....until you toss it in the car. I'll stick with my head and cab version.

Either way, there is some weight involved.

BTW, a friend has an older prototype/employee-built Matchless AC30 TB style head. (He bought it for $1700 from GC with a matching 2/12 cab recently, weird story.) The controls are different (it's a one channel amp) than the typical AC30TB, with a variable switch, tremolo, no cut control and a MV. But my point is, with that typical lighting system that Matchless uses and the big filament supply, plus the over-built PT in general, his head has mine by maybe 10 pounds. I pity the old man who gets stuck on playing his Matchless combo at a gig. Haha!