Vox MV 50 for bass ?

[Buster53]

I’m picking up a Vox T60 cab - not the modern combo - the vintage 1960 T60 with 1x15 and 1x12 speakers.

I need a amp head to drive it. Wondering if one of the models of the MV50 would work, and if so which one?

 

[abarson]

The T.60 cabinet you describe didn't show up in catalogs until 1963. Maximum 60 dubious Vox watts.
The VOX Showroom - Vox 1963 "Precision in Sound" Amplifier Catalog

The T.60 amplifier was introduced in 1960. Note that Sir Paul only used one for a short time, as they were plagued with reliability issues.
The VOX Showroom - JMI Vox T60 Bass Amplifier

All of the now-discontinued MV50 amps were voiced for guitar, not bass.

I'm guessing from your avatar that you want this for Sir Paul "authenticity", but I think you're wasting money on a compromised old product.

 

[Buster53]

Thanks. Yes I play Hofners and other short scales. While I’m not after the T60 for Macca authenticity as you suggest, certainly the Vox/Hofner nostalgia is part of my decision. I already have a Vox Kensington. A Beatle would be brilliant but not in my budget.

Yes the T60 heads were unreliable but I don’t consider a cab to be compromised or a waste of money. If the MV50 is not suitable I’ll just look for a different head, Vox or otherwise.

 

[abarson]

There are very few current low wattage bass amplifiers that won't endanger that ancient cabinet.
Quilter has the Interbass at 45 watts for low cost, and the Ampeg PF-50T gets lots of respect.
Ashdown has the Little Bastard LB-30 or Little Stubby CTM-30 at 30-watts on the more expensive end.
After that, the rates jump up to 200 watts minimum.

 

[agedhorse]

I don't think the results will be what you hope for, assuming the drivers don't fail first.

 

[Buster53]

Thanks. I’ll look at those amps.
As for speakers it’s loaded with a 15” CTS dating to 1960 and a 12” Goodman.

Depending on condition I might replace with new Eminence speakers.

 

[Killing Floor]

Blue smoke bad

 

[abarson]

Thanks. I’ll look at those amps.
As for speakers it’s loaded with a 15” CTS dating to 1960 and a 12” Goodman.

Depending on condition I might replace with new Eminence speakers.

Again, a waste of money. The cabinet is not designed to accommodate modern speakers.
If I was going to use the money for something useful, I would have a custom cabinet built and make it look like a Vox.

 

[TheReceder]

Might just be a case of form over function. If you're buying the cabinet for looks, and plan to baby it, I'd say go for it. If you're looking for it to perform, you might want to follow the advice of those above.

 

[Yahboy]

I been try mv50 clean with deep switch engage through rumble 115 v3 cab (horn off). Sound clear and full as bass amp.
But since the driver on rumble cab are 8ohm, mv50 only serve you with 25watts.

Honestly, the 2000 fender bassman 25 combo I been own are still louder compare to above combination. But vox sound more neutral with meaty lo mid than bake in Bassman scoop voicing.

Hopehelp

 

[KenD]

Be careful. The Beatles played through British Vox. IMHO Thomas Organ trashed the Vox brand in North America.

The only Vox I ever heard that sounded OK for bass was an American Super Beatle head playing through a Sunn 200S cab.

 

[Buster53]

The T60 is a UK Vox product, of course without a true T60 head it will no doubt sound different.

 

[Buster53]

Again, a waste of money. The cabinet is not designed to accommodate modern speakers.
If I was going to use the money for something useful, I would have a custom cabinet built and make it look like a Vox.

Due respect it’s my money to waste. I’m getting this cab for $100 bucks and I’ve wasted more than that on much less. With another $150 for repair/refurb it will be a great piece of vintage gear. I like and collect vintage gear from my youth, to wit several of my basses - a Vox V250, a Shaftesbury 3263, a Greco/Hofner VB165, a Klira Twen Star and my original Apollo Beatle bass. Oh and this group of vintage Kustom amps. So it’s not a waste of money to me.

I didn’t ask for approval of my buying decision I asked for advice about a possible amp to drive the cabinet so advice in that regard is much appreciated.

 

[ac100X]

My choice was a VOX 125 Tube head from the late 70's to 80's. The bass model is very hard to find.

 

[Doctor Intrepid]

I’m picking up a Vox T60 cab - not the modern combo - the vintage 1960 T60 with 1x15 and 1x12 speakers.

I need a amp head to drive it. Wondering if one of the models of the MV50 would work, and if so which one?

I have a similar set up. I run a Pathfinder as a preamp into a MV50CL. The MV50CL does not sound good on its own and neither does the Pathfinder. Here's a pic.

 

[Buster53]

My choice was a VOX 125 Tube head from the late 70's to 80's. The bass model is very hard to find.

Thanks. I’ve talked to another bass player who has 2 T60s and he paired them with AC100 heads, also not easy to find.

 

[MCF]

Due respect it’s my money to waste. I’m getting this cab for $100 bucks and I’ve wasted more than that on much less. With another $150 for repair/refurb it will be a great piece of vintage gear. I like and collect vintage gear from my youth, to wit several of my basses - a Vox V250, a Shaftesbury 3263, a Greco/Hofner VB165, a Klira Twen Star and my original Apollo Beatle bass. Oh and this group of vintage Kustom amps. So it’s not a waste of money to me.

I didn’t ask for approval of my buying decision I asked for advice about a possible amp to drive the cabinet so advice in that regard is much appreciated. View attachment 5253659

Awesome! Now we know where all the Kustoms are hiding. Very cool.

 

[Michedelic]

I’m picking up a Vox T60 cab - not the modern combo - the vintage 1960 T60 with 1x15 and 1x12 speakers.

I need a amp head to drive it. Wondering if one of the models of the MV50 would work, and if so which one?

Again, a waste of money. The cabinet is not designed to accommodate modern speakers.
If I was going to use the money for something useful, I would have a custom cabinet built and make it look like a Vox.

North Coast Music used to build and sell repro’s of the T-60 cab, offering a 2x15 option(although, once again, seriously undersized for the job), as well as making AC-50/100 ‘shells’ to place a modern amp like a GK in(for appearances sake). Lots of Beatle/Brit Invasion tribs used them. They even built sealed SuperBeatle 2x15 cabs, but now have ceased production. I’ll bet there’s some used ones around.

 

[Drredplate]

If you wanted to replace the speakers you could give celestion an email saying what you have and what you want to achieve.
They would probably be able to suggest suitable drivers.
Personally I would look for a second hand vox amp that would look good sat on top
(I like vintage stuff myself)
Best of luck

 

[Dino Boreanaz]

Based on @Yahboy 's experience, and the fact that you buy a used one for 1/2 to 2/3 of the new retail price, I'd say give it a try. I have no experience with the Vox MV50s, but the sales history on Reverb shows about a half dozen sales per month, so you should be able to sell it again if you find it's not for you.

I also use a class D, solid state guitar amp to play bass through a bass cab at home. I've been using the Quilter 101 Mini Head for a while now and I love the tones I'm getting from it. Good luck whatever you decide!