To anyone who owns a vox ac30

[mavsbball]

I am stuck on if i should buy a voxac30cc2 or a vox w/greenbacks from 1999, obviously the better deal is the cc2 but im wondering about sound and any feedback i can get from anyone who has played.owned either or? Thanks

[GUITARmole]

I am stuck on if i should buy a voxac30cc2 or a vox w/greenbacks from 1999, obviously the better deal is the cc2 but im wondering about sound and any feedback i can get from anyone who has played.owned either or? Thanks

I had an AC15CC and it was great.  The opinion of many on the amp forums is that the new Chinese ones actually sound more like the originals than the 90's UK versions.  I can't say firsthand because I haven't A/B'd them.

[RumorsOFsurF]

I am stuck on if i should buy a voxac30cc2 or a vox w/greenbacks from 1999, obviously the better deal is the cc2 but im wondering about sound and any feedback i can get from anyone who has played.owned either or? Thanks

I had an AC15CC and it was great.  The opinion of many on the amp forums is that the new Chinese ones actually sound more like the originals than the 90's UK versions.  I can't say firsthand because I haven't A/B'd them.

I'm surprised you wouldn't rather build your own amp! 

I just know how you like to build your own guitars and effects!

I honestly salute you for that.  I've never done a real guitar project before.

[GUITARmole]

I'm surprised you wouldn't rather build your own amp!   ;D

Note how I said "I HAD an AC15CC"!  It was a great amp and I didn't sell it because I didn't like it...I got rid of it because I needed some cash to get my surf rig together (just bought a Blackface Bandmaster I'm restoring plus the Jazzmaster I'm building) and I've got the DIY bug big-time!  Being new and easily available the VOX was the first on the chopping block to sell...I can always buy a new one or better yet BUILD a new one in the future when time and funds allow!

Another option is the Valvetech Hayseed VOX clone.  They're around $1K and are custom made to order handwired amps.  I thought when the time came I'd replace the AC15CC with either a Valvetech or my own build.

I finished my first amp build last month (100W '67 Marshall clone) which jumpstarted my addiction to DIY tube gear:


Unfortunately it isn't too useful for Surf 

Now I'm planning on building a clone of a standalone Fender Reverb if I can scrounge the funds...

[sleepy-d]

I have the exact amps you are talking about, although I have a lot more playing time on the 90's reissue than on the custom classic. IMO they are both great sounding. The CC is probably a bit more versatile, since it has a master volume, reverb, and lots of other little features. That said, I prefer the 90's ri since it is much more straight forward in operation, just like a vintage AC30. If the 90's ri that you're looking at isn't too much more expensive than the CC, I say go for it. If not, you'd probably be happy with the CC.

[RumorsOFsurF]

Now I'm planning on building a clone of a standalone Fender Reverb if I can scrounge the funds...

Oh, man that would be the tits.  Do you want an amp/reverb building apprentice? 

I'd like to learn how to do these things...

[Jay]

Now I'm planning on building a clone of a standalone Fender Reverb if I can scrounge the funds...

Oh, man that would be the tits.  Do you want an amp/reverb building apprentice? 

I'd like to learn how to do these things...

Are you adept with a soldering iron?  If so, IMO building an amp kit isn't all that difficult if you get one with some good instructions.  Maybe start with a pedal first then move on to a champ type or something.

[GUITARmole]

Are you adept with a soldering iron?  If so, IMO building an amp kit isn't all that difficult if you get one with some good instructions.  Maybe start with a pedal first then move on to a champ type or something.

Completely true!

The only issue with kits is that the inexpensive ones don't have good instructions...you can also save tons of money if you order the parts separate; even if from the same place that sells the kits!

Like Jay said, it isn't that difficult to assemble if you have a good kit or help.  Pedals are actually much more difficult in my opinion due to the size and complexity...most amps are simple circuits and there are larger parts that are easier to solder.

The problem with building an amp is that they can kill you (500VDC hurts worse than 9VDC), the parts are more expensive than pedals, and if you fry things the fireworks show is much more impressive (500V on a reverse biased filter cap makes a better explosion than when in a 9VDC pedal!).

Another big hurdle is not just assembly, but making it work when you fire it up!  Usually there's some troubleshooting involved as they (pedals AND amps) seldom work perfect when you first test them.  It's usually nothing big (a pot wired backwards, a new but faulty component, wires swapped, whatever) but can be time consuming.

A champ kit would be a great way to go for a first build!

I'd be happy to help you out...I can satisfy my GAS for building another amp (vicariously through you) while not pissing my wife off by spending my money on yet ANOTHER project of my own! 

[mewithoutus]

i have an ac30cc2 and i love it. sounds amazing, really versatile, the effects loop rules, and its really pretty.

[mrweems]

I have a DRz Maz jr 2x10 wiht reverb.

Now its no ac30.
though it gets the tones close.
I'm currently trying to trade my Twin REV ri for an ac30cc

though IMO the greenbacks would be Tits$

[the rollerdoor]

I've got a AC30 (CH112). I love it. It sounds fantastic. Having a Master Volume is a good thing.
They are incredibly powerful/loud amps for their size. Scarey loud. Being able to "drive" the Normal and
Top Boost channels controlable with a master is a great idea.
Also best looking amps. Look like grandma's sewing cabinet, but shame most amps tonally, IMHO.
Jazzmaster's sound great through them (in fact, probably any guitar would)
I have played old Vox amps that sound amazing
and also old ones that sound terrible.
The new ones are great amplifiers.

AC30's Rule.

[mavsbball]

hey to anyone who has a a cc2 ac30 what do you have the settings on your amp at? i am looking for a good all around tone that sounds good clean with my tubescreamer on with a bit of grit and punch and will sound good distorted as well? thanks. Also if anyone has any distortion pedal suggestions i am looking for a new distortion pedal the mxr distortion 3 is to weak and the big muff is to muddy for what i want.

[Jay]

I'd suggest something more along the lines of a booster from what you're saying about the MXR and the Muff.  Maybe an LPB from EH? There are loads of other booster type pedals available in boutique or kit form if you want to try building one.

[jetset]

The good news is that there are a lot of great AC30 choices these days. 

If I were looking for the best tone per dollar I'd get a Hayseed clone (http://www.valvetechamps.com/theamp.htm) with the ef86 channel option, or one of the new heritage series Ac15 or 30's. http://www.voxamps.co.uk/heritagecollection/  I A/B'd the AC15H to my real 60's AC15 and they were virtually identical.  You can't beat the ef86 for the best tube OD evar.  I haven't played the AC30H but I would imagine it would be the same but louder.

I also have a JMJ (http://www.jmjamps.com/) AC30/4 clone (with normal, top boost, and ef86 channels.)  They are pricier and hard to get and you need to source your own cab, but they are the closest to the real thing unless you are feeling really rich: http://www.jmiamplification.com/