Vox AC30 Vintage user reviews ( 9/10) - 9 user reviews

• 06/25/11

  iamqman's review "Nobody can replicate"

  Characteristics

  Let me begin by saying that this amp is everything that the AC30 is but with just Celestion Alnico Blue speakers. In my opinion this is the only way this amp should come. My favorite speaker is the Celestion Greenbacks but I play hard rock and metal and they fit my tone, but when it comes to Vox AC30 then there is only one speaker to be had and that is the Celestion Alnico Blue. This was the speaker of choice when the amp began in the late 50's early 60's and still is the best voicing speaker for this particular amp. It sounds better in every way comparatively to the Greenbacks. The tone is brighter but sparkles and drives a lot better in my opinion.
  
  
  
  
  
  Vox AC30 Combo Guitar Amplifier Features:
  
  
  
  30-watt power output (8 and 16 ohms)
  
  Birch-ply cabinet features solid bracing and a natural high-frequency diffuser
  
  All-tube design
  
  2 x 12" Celestion Alnico Blue speakers
  
  3 x ECC83/12AX7 preamp tubes
  
  4 x EL84 power tubes
  
  1 x GZ34 rectifier tube
  
  Fitted with matched Ruby Tubes for extended dynamic range
  
  Traditional VOX 2-channel design
  
  Top Boost and Normal
  
  High and Low inputs for each channel
  
  The Normal channel provides an additional BRIGHT switch
  
  The top boost channel provides a HOT/COOL switch to achieve even more gain
  
  Master Volume/BYPASS switch completely bypasses the Master Volume section
  
  OP mode switch cuts the output power level in half
  
  Vintage fawn-colored vinyl, reminiscent of the 1960 classic AC30
  
  2 x 1/4" output jacks for extension cabinets
  
  Included VFS1 footswitch controlls the Top Boost channel's HOT/COOL switch
  
  Premium, custom-fit dust cover included

  Utilization

  Detail
  
  Type Tube
  
  Number of Channels 2
  
  Power 30W
  
  Speakers 2 x 12" Celestion Alnico Blue
  
  Effects No Effects
  
  Reverb No Reverb
  
  EQ Ch 2: Treble, Bass; Master: Tone Cut
  
  Amp Modeling No Amp Modeling
  
  Number of Models 0
  
  Number of Tubes 8
  
  Preamp Tubes 3 x ECC83/12AX7
  
  Power Tubes 4 x EL84, 1 x GZ34 (Rectifier)
  
  Inputs 2 x Instrument (Ch 1), 2 x Instrument (Ch 2)
  
  Outputs 2 x Speaker
  
  Footswitch I/O Yes
  
  Effects Loop No Effects Loop
  
  Height 21.65"
  
  Width 27.76"
  
  Depth 10.24"
  
  Weight 70.6 lbs.

  Sounds

  The ability for this amp to take pedal is exceptional. There isn't really any better amp that can take pedals better than this amp. Throw a delay pedal and a TS9 in front of this amp and you'll get some great tone that is hard to beat.
  
  
  
  I like this amp with every guitar you can throw at it. My personal favorite would have to be a nice Gibson Les Paul. It gets a round warm tone that fills the air. Say you want to get a nice U2 sound then slap a Fender Stratocaster in front of it and use the master gain controls and you'll get a great Edge tone.

  Overall Opinion

  The only thing that I don't like about this amp is the Greenback speakers. Don't get me wrong the Greenbacks are my favorite speaker but I mostly use Marshall's so it works for me. I think this amp sounds best with the blue alnico speakers. They get you a great solid chimey tone that mixes best with the amp.
  
  
  
  I would recommend this amp to anyone who needs a vintage Vox Ac30 tone. Or any sound engineer who needs to add to his catalog. At new these amps come in at around $1400, which isn't bad for a Vox Ac30. Years ago Vox did a run of hand wired and they were almost twice the price. I think these may be made in China which would constitute the lower price.
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• 06/06/09

  mooseherman's review

  Characteristics

  What type of amplification (Tube,transistor,...)?
  
  This tube amp is one of the best amps of all time. It's an older model, but don't let that fool you. It really rips when you crank it. 
  
  
  
  How much power is delivered?
  
  It's 30 watts, but it rips. 
  
  
  
  What connection types are there?
  
  There are your basic 1/4" inputs
  
  
  
  What are the setting controls, effects?...
  
  There are three main controls, tone, volume, and vibrato. There are three volume controls (normal, brilliance, and vibrato), tone controls (bass, mid, treble), and two vibrato controls (speed and vibrato-tremolo). 

  Utilization

  Can you easily get a good sound?
  
  It is more difficult to get a bad sound than a good sound out of this amp. Amazing tone. The amp is powerful without being muddy, the sound is clear and crisp.
  
  
  
  Is the manual clear and sufficient?...
  
  The manual is pretty unnecessary, but it's easy enough to read I guess.

  Sounds

  With what guitar(s)/bass(es) or effect(s) do you use it?
  
  I use this amp with my Strat and with a Les Paul. I like the Strat more.
  
  
  
  What kind of sound do you get out of it and with what settings ("clear", "heavy",....)?
  
  With my Strat, I tend to get a bright, twangy rock sound that sounds great for classic rock and blues. It can be pretty sweet, too, when you make it a more clean, calm warm sound. 
  
  
  
  What are your favorite sounds and/or the ones you hate?
  
  I don't like the sound when the vibrato is up too much. Otherwise, everything sounds great. I really like the sound of the vibrato, it's hard to beat among amps of this nature. The only thing I like more is the Fender Twin vibrato, but this is a completely different beast anyway. 
  
  
  
  Is the frequency curve sufficiently neutral?
  
  The frequencies don't get too out of control, so I guess it's pretty neutral. 

  Overall Opinion

  What thing do you like most/least about it?
  
  I like the great tone that you can get out of this amp. I sometimes struggle to get a good lead sound out of it, but usually a little compression and distortion is all you need. 
  
  
  
  Did you try many other models before getting this one?
  
  I have a Fender Deluxe that I like that is somewhat comparable to this, but I've tried some other Vox amps and haven't had as much luck (specifically the Valvetronix). 
  
  
  
  What is your opinion about the value for the price?
  
  The amp is definitely pricey; most amps that are classics like these are. It's definitely something you have to invest in, so obviously, not for the faint of heart. However, it's so rewarding that it's worth it. 
  
  
  
  Knowing what you know now, would you make the same choice?...
  
  I would definitely make the same choice again if I had to. 
  
  
  
  Precision and quality of the sound?
  
  There are few amps that rival the sound of this one. Incredibly clear, warm, and crisp sounding, nothing about it is bad. 
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• 02/14/09

  moosers's review

  Characteristics

  The Vox AC30 is a classic tube guitar amplifier. I'm not sure how many watts are delivered, but this thing can really crank. It has 1/4 inch inputs for your instrument. In terms of tone control, it is split into three sections - volume, tone, and vibrato. In the volume section there are knobs for normal volume, brilliance volume, and vibrato volume. The tone section has bass, treble and cut and the vibrato section has speed and vib-trem.

  Utilization

  The AC30 is quite easy to use and getting a good sound out of this is quick and easy. If has a variety of tone controls (listed above) that allow the user to get a variety of different tones. I don't have a manual for this but I've never needed to use one.

  Sounds

  This amp definitley suits my style of music as I play a lot of rock music. The AC30 has become famous because of the crisp, warm tone it gives off. I use it with guitar only and generally use it for the clean tone as it is rich and is great for playing Beatles and Rolling Stones songs. This amp is great for Beatles songs because they were using these! The overall sound quality is unique and it has built a reputation for having a great tone.

  Overall Opinion

  I've been using AC30s for about five years. I love using them whenever I need to record a clean electric guitar track, but it can also crank pretty loud and give you a nice overdrive sound. I would compare this to a Fender Twin Reverb as they are similar sounding and are in the same price range. I like the AC30 better than the twin when it comes to slightly overdriven signals, as the crunch it produces is legendary. The price is set right for an amp like this and I would definitley recommend it to anyone looking to get a high quality guitar amplifier.
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• 11/26/08

  Saucier's review

  Characteristics

  -All Tube
  
  -30W
  
  -(2) 1/4" inputs, 1/4" bypass loop, 1/4" to Speaker Cab
  
  - Front panel controls: Inputs x 2 (Top Boost & Normal), Input Link Switch for blending channels, Normal Volume, Brilliance Switch, Top Boost Volume, Treble,
  
  EQ Standard/Custom Switch, Bass, Reverb Controls (Tone, Mix, Dwell Switch), Tremolo Speed & Depth, Tone Cut, Master Volume, Standby Switch, Power Switch
  
  - Rear panel controls:
  
  Loudspeaker output jack x 2 (Extension & External), Output (O/P) Impedance Select (8 or 16 Ohm), Output Bias (82 "Warm" or 50 "Hot"), Smoothing (22uF "Vintage" or 44uF "Modern"), FX Loop (Send, Return and Bypass Switch), Footswitch Jack (Tremolo and Reverb), HT Fuse, Mains Input, Mains Fuse
  
  
  
  -It would be nice if there was a way to change the channel settings through a stomp box, but on my model, there was only a reverb and tremolo effect switch pedal, which I never use.

  Utilization

  The AC30 is slightly difficult, initially, if you are trying to do, as I do, and take advantage of the awesome low end tone and the clarity of the amp but still having an effects rig, with distortion and or overdrive. This amp isn't made for metal, but its definitely worth the learning curve, once you pull out your first growling lead line or erupt into a shred-fest.
  
  
  
  Tip: The crunch already in the amp is well worth toying with, and you should probably set the amp tubes to "Hot" on the rear of the head portion for gigging, even though this will shorten your tube life, I think the sound is well worth it.
  
  As for the manual they give you, it will do wonders for you if you want to use your AC30 more for what it was designed for, ie Classic Rock style music; however, it may take some time tweaking your AC30 and the effects rig to make it sound like a snarling beast.

  Sounds

  After all is said and done, my amp sounds like a better balanced version of a B-52, with a really warm bass tone that drives my dropped C tuned guitar lines growling straight through the mix without ever sounding cheap, hollow or tinny.
  
  
  
  Currently, I'm running with the Ibanez Tube Screamer Pedal and the Boss Compression Sustain Pedal, as well as a Digitech multi-fx pedal.
  
  
  
  I have an ESP MH400 with a Licensed Floyd Rose, a really amazing Aria Pro Les Paul Copy (which plays smoother than butter), and an American Strat (Diamond Anniversary model ^.^)
  
  
  
  When I'm playing around with blues and country/classic rock sounds, this amp is perfect. Once I got my whole pedal scheme situated, then this became an amp that was well above even the type of amp that is usually used for the type of music that I play.

  Overall Opinion

  Review
  
  
  
  I've been playing Guitar for a good few years now, and as a few of my closest friends seem to love to remind me, I'm the guy most other guitarists hate. Fact is, I had the time to practice 10 hours a day, productively. I started only four years ago, and am at a point where there are few things that I can't play if I have the music and two hours to rehearse.
  
  
  
  Enough about my playing ability.
  
  
  
  As for my Equipment experience, my first few amps were much more stereotypical of the metal-esque genre of music that I typically write. There's My Peavey Studio 112, my Peavey 5150 Blockletter and then...there is my Vox AC30.
  
  
  
  The AC30 is marketed strongly to guitarists looking for a bluesy, classic rock or jazz sound, but I've come to feel it is the quintessential metal amp too. Granted, it doesn't come stock with the type of distortion or gain of some amps, like say the 5150, and this causes the necessity for a pedal rig, but the overall tone of the amp is so rich that it even makes my cheap digitech multi-effect pedal sound amazing, warm and alive. Please understand that, prior to this amp, I only used that pedal to practice silently because it always just sounded too digitized and cold to me, now it is part of my gig-rig, and I use the wa and delay on it pretty often.
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• 02/25/08

  Berzin's review ( translated ) Improve this translation

  Characteristics

  The vox ac 30 is an all-tube amp with two twelve-hp. His power displayed is 33 watts. It has several inputs (with or without tremolo, more or less bright), a two-band equalizer and a tremolo that can be bridged. However, no reverb or distortion. It's a combo donçu in the fifties and sixties. So, it is super heavy and not very well developed. To remove the chassis, you must transfer the hp! Not convenient, especially when we know that the amp hard and hot lamps souffent.

  Utilization

  The uitilisation request some tests to select the entry that best: more or less acute, with or without the tremolo ...) Then, with practice it can be done well. However the weight is rédibitoire. It takes two to move when taking her back. The manual is minimalist. This is the kind of amp that sounds as soon as plugs to get a little bit of volume to heat lamps.

  Sounds

  The sounds are up to the legend. For my part, I find it amazing clean sound. I plug a Les Paul Standard, an ES 335 or more a Start. In saturation, the grain is particular (it is a class A amp). We like it or not. However, we must think about investing in the pedals to enhance the sound (distortion, reverb). I use the little two-speed tremolo. His sound is beautiful, but it's still very typical rock sixties. Do not rely on the power "modest" 33-Watt: There is plenty to finish because it dull you fly a 100 watt marshall in no time. The sound is very creamy, but it needs to be pushed to give the best of himself, and there ... ouch ears!

  Overall Opinion

  I have this amp since 2002. I am satisfied, even if its movement is not easy because of the weight and pedals need to add to it. Before him I had a Fender Cyber ​​Deluxe (good) and a Marchall Jcm 900 (pourri!). Ultimately, his sound is distinctive, but if it please, do not hesitate. It is a legendary amplifier. Consider the budget lights: there are thirteen ... There is now a new updated version, the price reduction, but I could not try it.
  
  In short: a fantastic but its outdated design and use not always easy because of the volume and the lack of crunch channel.
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• 09/13/04

  electric lullaby's review ( translated ) Improve this translation

  Characteristics

  Mine is a little special, since it is one of the few AC30 TBR: Top Boost Reverb. (Period 69-73)
  
  The mine (this is not the case for all), the addition of reverb the amputation of a starter, which is replaced by the volume control of the reverb.
  
  Unfortunately, I lack the time to block rverb with the springs ... I would supplement this opinion if I had a block fitted with Accutronics or other ...
  
  
  
  Otherwise, it features the classic vibrato / tremolo (for the channel of the same name) is really excellent, and the Top Boost (Bass and trimming Trebble for channel gloss), like all post AC30 65.
  
  
  
  Finally, each channel at a volume knob, and basta.

  Utilization

  3 channels (vib / trem, normal and bright), a volume knob for each channel, two switches for the vib / trem and knobs for the 2 + 1 shiny knob for the reverb ... super easy to use.
  
  
  
  Which may confuse those who do not know is the number of entries (5 on mine, it's usually 6), two per channel (not glossy).
  
  
  
  This multitude of inputs allows several solutions:
  
  - Connect with others, as in the 60's ...
  
  - Use an AB box or the like to move from one channel to another
  
  - Bridge the channels to be able to mix and use them simultaneously

  Sounds

  Me, it leaves me speechless ... One branch, it is sound, and presto, it sounds! You attack the strings gently, clear sound amazing, we support a little more, and it is a crunch of madness. By varying the volume guitar is played on a range of sounds incredible (my guitar has a Gibson 498T, the micro bridge for Les Paul Std)
  
  The sound is really beautiful, but also so easy to controller, just the fingertips ... The slightest variation in the attack is faithfully transmitted ... There is no better amp to transcribe the emotions you want to go through his guitar ...
  
  
  
  My effects pedals have become totally useless since I have it, this amp is going totally fireworks, except for the equalizer, because the sound of the AC30 is still quite serious, and also that of my scrapers He had a slight off by boosting the treble.
  
  I use it for a Japanese Boss GE-7, the result is sensational.

  Overall Opinion

  When you see the impressive list of artists who have adopted the Vox AC30 for 40 years, you have to say that there is a reason p'tre ... once you play it, you soon realize ...
  
  It had been years since I dreamed of having one, it's now been 15 days since ... is pure happiness, I never would change amp!! I found the sound I have always sought.
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• 11/04/03

  royuth's review ( translated ) Improve this translation

  Characteristics

  Page constructor: http://www.voxamps.co.uk/products/ac30/ac30.htm
  
  without transistor amplifier (after vox scheme has not changed since the 60s)
  
  32kg! due to 2 hp and transformers.
  
  
  
  Fan power 110w
  
  2 hp maximum power into 8ohm Series: 33W (trust me enough)
  
  ====> Need heating in the room!

  Utilization

  Plug and play, no chi-chi for the sound is very easy
  
  very heavy and very fragile grid step before hp, but Siple fabric, the life of the lamps is also due to their respect, not to transport heat
  
  
  
  Ease of use 10/10, but with lots of problems

  Sounds

  This is THE strong point. Again, it's matter of taste, but I never found anyone that makes me a positive reflection on the quality of sound.
  
  the bass is superb! distortion created is typical. When you play a lot of found sounds known

  Overall Opinion

  It's way too expensive, it's like gibson or mes: ON SOUND paid dearly, but hey I'm a fan of Led Zep ... and for this sound, an emulator does not work.
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• 09/30/03

  luclora's review ( translated ) Improve this translation

  Characteristics

  All lamp
  
  33 watts

  Utilization

  Simple to use

  Sounds

  Sound of 70 s

  Overall Opinion

  This amp is a real massacre
  
  the real big sound of the 70's a big potato
  
  ideal for the fan of Queen and Bryan May
  
  pity that one is forced to play hard to get that wonderful sound that caractrise
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• 03/31/03

  toscanefr's review ( translated ) Improve this translation

  Characteristics

  Combo 33 W Class A - 2 HP 12 "Eminence - All lamps (not less than 11! 5 ECC83 and 1 ECC82 for pramplification Tage, Tage 4 EL84 for power)
  
  - 2 inputs (high / low)
  
  - Master volume
  
  - 3-band EQ (Bass, mid, treble)
  
  - Trmolo
  
  - Dimensions: 705 x 265 x 550 mm

  Utilization

  Trs easy to use.
  
  Do you get a good sound easy?? what question? Tune in and see !!!!!
  
  
  
  The only small snag (but it's the same for all the lamps amp) is that you push all of the same gain (aie aie ears) to get a sound that is dynamite (uh I meant dynamic!).
  
  
  
  Ms. sil is given for 30W, I can assure you it does not have to blush before a Marshall Plexi 100W head for example. (After collection's outdoor live at scales is m ' has even said that my amp silent stronger than faade !!??, n'tait yet the gain that barely half of its course !!!).
  
  And the size is convenient for playing live in small places!.

  Sounds

  What can I say? Where to start? This amp is legendary.
  
  For those who want the "Brit Pop" is the amp for you.
  
  What's amazing! The Heat What brilliance!
  
  The sound is crystal trs (Dfine much better than a Marshall).
  
  Whether with a Les Paul, a Fender or a Rickenbaker, is done!!
  
  Be careful, this amp is trs "direction" is that when You are not right in front of HP, the volume is not at all the same (so be careful during rglages ).

  Overall Opinion

  The Vox AC30 amp is undoubtedly the most rpandu British (or, at least, the most clbre). For 40 years, the largest groups scored the heyday of this legendary amp. Unique lamps, baffles Celestion Alnico specially for Vox by crs. In short, what do we lose time as Retailer in length and breadth of this amp guitar remains one of three legendary rock amp roll year. The Retailer, in praise, recommend, would be an insult to a symbol of '60s rock (and APRS). In short, make short, do srieux: you want to have sound? Combine potatoes and heat of the steel? Recall the feeling of the pioneers of the genre? It's simple: break your piggy bank and you could order your AC30. It's expensive? So, what do you think? Get That Sound For A Piece Of Shit?
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