Looking for great sounding valves for the Vox AC30 amplifier? You’ve come to the best place.
The Vox AC30 amplifier uses a variety of valves depending on the year of manufacture. See the list below for the right valves for your amp.
Over time your valves will lose their tone and their power. A brand new set of valves will get your amp sounding like new again. We always recommend JJ valves for the Vox AC30 amplifier. This is because they guarantee you get awesome tone and long life and they don’t cost a fortune.
Remember, JJ is one of only five valve manufacturers in the world. So don’t pay higher prices for valves from the same factory that have simply been rebranded by other companies.
Finally, one last point. If you do own an AC30 please don’t be in a rush to sell it. This is because every forum you read is full of guitarists crying into their beer and wishing they had never sold theirs.
This is one of the classic amps of all time – so don’t rush to part with it.
So restore the tone, the power and the sparkle to your guitar amplifier. Treat yourself to a brand new set of valves today.
If you have any queries about replacing your valves please drop us an email. We have over 30 years experience so one of our team will always be happy to help and advise.
We also have a very useful FAQ section where we answer all the popular questions on upgrading your tubes.
Note, you can download any of the Vox circuit diagrams for your amp here.
If you are not sure which Vox AC30 you have click here to see photos and diagrams of all the models in the range.
1959-1961: AC30/4 launched with an EF86 as V1, 3 x ECC83 (V2, V7 and V9), and 1 x ECC82 (V8). The power section has 4 x EL84 (V3-V6).
1960: AC30/6 launched with 1 x ECC82, 4 x ECC83, 4 x EL84 and 1 x GZ34 (3 channels 6 inputs). The EF86 was now dropped as they can be extremely sensitive to vibration and prone to microphony.
1961: AC30 TB Top Boost. 5 x ECC83, 1 x ECC82, 4 x EL84, 1 x GZ34.
1964: AC30 Bass. Same valves as 1960 amp.
1965; AC30 Top Boost. 3 x ECC83, 4 x EL84 and 1 x GZ34.
1970: Dallas Arbiter AC30 Top Boost: 4 x ECC83, 1 x ECC82 and 4 x EL84.
1978 – 1985: AC30 Top Boost: 5 x ECC83, 1 x ECC83 balanced for the phase splitter position, 1 x ECC82, and 4 x EL84. There was no rectifier valve on this amp as it used solid-state.
1986:Â AC30 Top Boost. 5 x ECC83, 1 x ECC82, 4 x EL84.
1990:Â AC30 Limited Edition. 4 x ECC83, 1 x ECC82, 1 x ECC81, 4 x EL84.
1991:Â AC30 Vintage Model no reverb. 4 x ECC83, 1 x ECC82, 1 x ECC81, 4 x EL84.
1990’s: AC30 6TB. 5 x ECC83, 1 x ECC82, 4 x EL84, 1 x GZ34. The last Vox AC30s to be made in the UK so quite sought after.
1993: AC30 TB and TBX Top Boost Re-Issue. Korg are the new owners and Marshall are building the amps for them. 5 x ECC83, 1 x ECC82, 4 x EL84, 1 x GZ34S (Hurrah, the return of the GZ34 rectifier valve). The only difference between the TB and the TBX was the speaker. The TB used the Celestion Greenback and the TBX used the Celestion Blue Speaker.
2000: AC30 C1, AC30 C2 and AC30 C2X: Solid-state/valve hybrid. 3 x ECC83, 4 x EL84. No rectifier valve on these amps, so they use solid-state instead.
2000: AC30 CCX: 3 x ECC83, 4 x EL84, 1 x GZ34 rectifier valve.
2004 -2009: AC30 Custom Classic Series CC1, CC2 and CC2X and CC head: 2 x ECC83, 1 x ECC83 balanced for phase splitter position, 4 x EL84, 1 x GZ34 rectifier valve.
2007: AC30 H2 Heritage Series: 1 x EF86, 2 x ECC83, 1 x Balanced ECC83 for the phase splitter position, 4 x EL84, 1 x GZ34 rectifier valve.
2010: AC30 Custom Series: 2 x ECC83, 1 x ECC83 balanced for phase splitter position and 4 x EL84.
2016: AC30 CH: 2 x ECC83, 1 x balanced ECC83 for the phase splitter position, 4 x EL84.
2018: AC30 S1 1 x 12 Single Channel: 2 x ECC83 and 4 x EL84.
 So, if you’re looking for great sounding valves for the Vox AC30 amplifier you’ve come to the best place.
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