Below, in chronological order, early reports of the AC100 (actually the AC80/100) published in the popular and music trade press. At present, the only detail from an illustrated catalogue that has been included is the one from early to mid 1964 (in yellow) as this has the printer's runner "2.64".

1963

The circuit diagram for the AC80/100, a copy of which can be found on this page, is dated 26th September, 1963. This will not have been available to service engineers until 1964, however.

Music trade press, 24th October, 1963.

Music trade press, 28th November, 1963. John and George's new AC50s were delivered with Paul's new AC80/100 - "end of the week" meant 31st November, though one of the pieces below says Christmas. Christmas at any rate is a terminus ante quem - the Beatles had the amps for their Christmas Show at the Finsbury Astoria.

1964

JMI catalogue, 1964. Note in the printer's runner the date "2.64" (February '64).

February 1964. The AC50s and AC80/100 taken to America (Washington Coliseum and Ed Sullivan shows)

"SCREAM DROWNER FOR THE BEATLES. One of the most important pieces of the Beatles luggage when they left for the State was the 'Scream drowner' - extra powerful amplification equipment."

"The group uses Vox amplification, specially made in narrow cases for them. The guitar amplifiers put out 50 watts - and the bass amplifier 100 watts."

"'The Beatles used this amplification equipment in France' said Mr. R. Clark, Sales Manager for Jennings, who manufacture Vox. 'We were horrified when we first heard of the system breakdown while the group was actually appearing. We 'phoned France immediately - and then heard that our equipment was not responsible.'"

"'Now the group has taken the equipment to America - which will be splendid advertising for us.'"

John and George's AC100s, and a new amp for Paul

The new amps were tested in mid July at the West Street Works in Erith, and delivered to London on Monday 27th July with two new AC50-sized speaker cabinets containing 2x15" speakers, in time for transport by air to Stockholm for the concerts on the 28th and 29th - see this page. For whatever reason, these cabs did not work out. Perhaps they were too bassy. In early August, new SDL speaker cabinets were produced for the two guitarists.

17th July, 1964. The previous set was the two AC50s and Paul's first AC80/100.

23rd July, 1964.

Electronics trade journal, 23rd July, 1964.

25th July, 1964.

Local Dartford paper, Friday 31st July, 1964.

31st July, 1964.

Early August 1964 - four AC100 SDLs were initially produced - two for John and George, which were used on the American Tour in later August; two were retained by JMI for display / promotional purposes. These last were exhibited at the Russell Hotel Trade Fair in late August.

Early August, 1964. This combines elements of the earlier reports with the note of the four AC100 SDLs.

Musicland pricelist, 1964. An AC80/100 and 2x15" speaker cabinet at £195. The price in September (JMI pricelist, below) is given as £205 and 16 shillings.

12th September 1964. The earliest dated instance of the new thick-edged amplifier cabinet.

JMI pricelist, September 1964.