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Domino "Standard" or "Normal" Amplifier (1963 - 1965)
Domino "Standard" or "Normal" with Reverb Amplifier (1963 - 1964)



Domino Amps by JMI
The "Domino" series of guitar and bass amplifiers were entry level products introduced in 1963 by Jennings Musical Industries (JMI), the parent company of Vox. JMI targeted their affordably priced Domino amplifiers toward students, beginners or those on a budget. While Domino amplifiers lacked the sophisticated appearance of their Vox branded counterparts, JMI incorporated classic Vox circuitry into their Domino amp designs.

Four Domino amplifier models were introduced in the 1963 JMI full range product catalog; the Domino Super Reverb Piggy-Back, the Domino Bass Piggy-Back, and two self contained amps, the Domino Standard and the Domino Standard with Reverb. Both Domino Standard models were rebranded as the Domino Normal and Domino Normal with Reverb in the February 1964 JMI product catalog. For the sake of brevity, I will refer to these models as the Domino Normal and Domino Normal with Reverb for the balance of this webpage.

The Vox AC4/Domino Normal Chassis
The electronic design of the Vox AC4 was shared with the Domino Normal amplifier, as evidenced from the masthead of JMI schematic OS/051 shown at right. The AC4/Domino circuit was constructed on a L shaped steel chassis and included four tubes. The preamp was driven by an EF86. The modulator for the tremolo circuit utilized an ECC83. The single ended power amp stage was powered by an EL84. The rectification for the power supply was handled by an EZ80. Click on this link for a closer view of the AC4 chassis.

The Domino Normal Amp with Reverb
JMI also offered the Domino Normal Amp with Reverb for about a £9 premium over the non reverb model. The Vox "add on" reverb circuit incorporated a spring delay line with crystal phono cartridges acting as input and output transducers. Unfortunately, the Vox reverb system was highly susceptible to acoustic feedback especially when the delay line was mounted in the same enclosure as the speaker. The ongoing problem with feedback is the likely reason why JMI dropped the reverb equipped Domino Normal in mid 1964.

Control Panel
The AC4 and Domino Normal amplifiers did not include the anodized metal control panel common to most Vox amplifiers. The control panels of the AC4 and Domino Normal amps took a more simplistic and economical approach. The panel area of the AC4 was spray painted tan with black silk screened nomenclature. The control panel area of the Domino Normal amplifier was sprayed black with white silk screened nomenclature, although some had black plastic control panels with white engraved letters.

There were three controls; Volume, Tone w/on-off switch and Tremolo speed. An external footswitch enabled the tremolo circuit. A fused voltage selector cap was added in later production to offer mains selection between 120 and 230 VAC.

Cabinet
The first generation JMI Domino Normal cabinet measured 20" x 15" x 7." It was covered in black levant grain vinyl with silver piping accents, similar to JMI Vox Continental organs. Some Domino amps were covered in an attractive two tone vinyl design. The cabinet housed one 10" speaker and had a solid back. A rectangular hole in the bottom of the back provided clearance to slide the power cord and footswitch inside the amp for storage.

The cabinetry for all three Domino amps was redesigned and updated in the 1964 "Pop People" product catalog. This enlarged Domino Normal Cabinet measured 24" x 17" x 8."

Serial Plate
The aluminum serial plates installed on JMI Domino amplifiers were similar to those installed by JMI on Vox amplifiers, as shown in the image at right. The Domino serial plates replaced the words "Vox Amplifier" with "Amplifier."

Speaker
The Domino Normal was equipped with a 10" Plessey 1012 speaker rated at 3Ω.

Discontinuation
The entire Domino amp line was discontinued in the fall of 1965 as JMI was heading toward transistorization.

Catalog and Price List Links

Domino Normal Amp, First Generation (1963-1964)


Masthead for JMI Schematic OS/051, Vox AC4 & Domino Normal


JMI Vox Serial Plate...........JMI Domino Serial Plate


Plessey 1012 Loudspeaker
Photo Courtesy "Vox Amplifiers, the JMI Years," p.264.
Photo used with permission of the author, Jim Elyea.



JMI Domino Normal Amp

Output Power: 4 watts RMS, 8 watts peak
Tube Complement: 1 x EF86, 1 x ECC83, 1 x EZ80, 1 x EL84
Control Panel: two inputs
one volume control
one tone control with power switch

one tremolo speed control
Speakers: One 10" Plessey 1012 speaker
Size: ~15" H x ~20" W x ~7" D
Accessories: Foot pedal (included)
Price: £19.19.0 (from the 2/1964 JMI Vox Price List)



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