EF86

[MeBHank]

The key to the sound of those early amps isn't just the EF86. It's the whole Vox third circuit, as used in the AC30/4s, AC34s and the split-front AC15s (plus a few versions of the TV-front AC15). This is why some users of the EF86-equipped Vox Heritage amps still aren't satisfied. I've A/B'd original AC15s with Vox Heritage AC15s and the difference is marked. The only manufacturer making amps with the full third circuit is JMI, the supplier of the Shadows' amps for the Cliff "Reunited" tour. The one drawback is that new JMI amps cost almost as much as the originals yet are nowhere near as collectible or as good an investment.

Roger's superb Vintage Unit transforms a standard valve AC30 into an incredible amp - it definitely vastly improved mine - but it's not able to transform the full circuit. It colours the voicing of the amp to get closer to the sound we know and love. But the rich tone of those early amps isn't fully present till the full third circuit is employed. There's a rich, dry, mellow, barky honk that I've heard no other standard amp replicate - including all other EF86-equipped amps. My Vintage Unit-equipped 1963 AC30/6 sounds simply wonderful... until you hear my AC15. For the Shadowers' gigs I use both amps. The AC30 provides the classic Shadows look onstage and is my stage-fill amp to provide me with the volume I need. Look carefully, though, and you'll always see my AC15. I link the two: the AC15 first in the chain, colouring the sound that is fed to the AC30.

James Kelly, Phil's son, has probably the best ear for tone of anyone I've ever met, and he's worked his way through a handful of amps in his search for a sound he likes. Surprise, surprise, he's settled on a third circuit AC30/4. He's not even a Shadows player; he predominantly plays Blues.

The Vox third circuit was never bettered. It's just fluke that our favourite records were made using it. There's a reason those amps are so collectible. Yes, they're fairly rare and old, meaning the price gets inflated, but the sound of that whole circuit is what's special. It's very much desired. To give this some perspective: third circuit Vox amps are in high demand from Blues players in America. I use my AC15 all the time, including for the Shadows' later material, Blues, and general guitar playing - it sounds right for everything. IMHO, it's not about the accuracy of the sound in relation to certain records, but the overall quality of sound. No other amp can match the richness of that third circuit.

Dick Denney got it so, so right with that design. The circuits he developed after that were developed with volume in mind and for the ability to cut through the sound of a band. But no-one seriously likes a cutting sound, do they? Our ears like warmth, depth and richness. Granted, the quality of the material they recorded dropped off, but who knows how sustained the Shadows' success might have been if Hank hadn't changed his sound after Wonderful Land? We are well aware that tone was sacrificed for volume for live shows; plenty of people have said so, including Hank himself. Unfortunately the change in his live sound eventually reached the studio. The tone was certainly never as rich after he stopped using the AC34.

Unfortunately, you can't simply slap an EF86 into an amp and expect the sound to magically appear. Dick was a genius and the third circuit was his opus.

J

[dave robinson]

I'm a bit confused Justin, what's an AC34 ? Do you mean AC3/4.
I have the Rod Jenks AC30/4 and a Vox TBX made by Marshall with Roger's Vintage Unit and prefer the latter, but recent experiments with all three of my Mesa Boogies have been revealing in as much as the sound can be made to match the Vox amps with careful useof the tone controls and the graphic equaliser. This came about by accident when someone messed with my graphic during set up.
I recently acquired a Vox AC4 that gives the tone in spades. Interesting stuff.

[MeBHank]

I'm a bit confused Justin, what's an AC34 ?

It's a bit pedantic, I suppose, Dave, but the first TV-front AC30s were stamped as "AC34" on the serial number plates, not "AC30/4". It may have been the equivalent of a typo in the Jennings factory, but that's how it was stamped. The latter model name only came into use with the split-front versions, as far as I'm aware. I questioned Phil about it, too, the first time I saw him type it. I just have this silly need to be accurate about things, no matter how ridiculous it makes me look!

J

PS: Glad to hear your first performance went well the other day. Hope you're back on stage regularly soon.

[dave robinson]

Thanks Justin, I get it now.