The Beatles – prototypes 2 – ‘special amps’

“SPECIAL AMPS”

In the May 1966 issue of The Beatles Book, a small article appeared under the heading SPECIAL AMPS:  “Vox have designed new 150 watt amps specially for the Beatles, which are half as powerful again as their previous ones [AC100s].  The only trouble is that Mal isn’t too happy with the new additions because he can hardly move them.  You can imagine how heavy they are, because as you know, Mal can lift most equipment very easily.”

The amps in question were Vox UL7120s which had arrived in April:

Above, the Beatles in Studio 3 at Abbey Road, recording “Revolver”

and which were first seen in public at the NME Pollwinner’s Concert, 1st May:
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Above, contact sheets of shots from the NME Poll Winner’s Concert at Wembley Pool in 1966.  The Rolling Stones’ and Beatles’ performances were not recorded due to contractual difficulties. Below, stills from the fabulous collection of material held by Getty Images.

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The Beatles – prototypes 2 – ‘special amps’ | 2014 | blog