“It was the first-ever Vox amp he used as part of The Fab Four”: Vox amp John Lennon used to record Please Please Me at Abbey Road studios going up for auction
A 1962 Vox AC15 Twin amplifier owned and used by John Lennon during his time in The Beatles is going up for auction next month (15 November).
Believed to be the "first-ever Vox amp [Lennon] used as part of The Fab Four", the unit is expected to fetch between £100,000 – £200,000.
"It is arguably one of the most significant Beatles and Lennon artefacts to come to market," said Propstore, the auction house behind the sale. "It was the catalyst in forming the early tone and sound of one of The Beatles, considered one of the most influential bands of all time."
The Vox AC15 was originally purchased by Lennon from Hessy's Music in Liverpool in July 1962 for £123. The musician could be seen using the amp extensively during the early days of The Beatles' rise to fame, including the only known video footage of them performing at the legendary Cavern Club in August 1962, just days after drummer Ringo Starr had joined the band.
In addition to live performances, the Vox AC15 was also used during recording sessions for The Beatles' debut album Please, Please Me, at Abbey Road studios.
The amp features a pine cabinet with a fawn Rexine exterior. According to the listing, a previous owner of the amp — unaware of its link to Lennon and The Beatles — had decided to paint its exterior black. The unit has since been restored to its original fawn covering, along with period-correct speakers and brown diamond-patterned grille-cloth.
A Vox Amplifier plaque on the back displays the model number 'AC15' and the serial number '4358', as mentioned in Vox Amplifiers: The JMI Years. The lot also includes a wheeled flight case and a metal tubular stand.
