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Vox AC30CC2 212 Combo
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Price Paid: US $999.95
Features: 10
The new Vox AC30CC valve combo that was purchased back in March 2005 has two blendable channels (Normal and Top-Boost). There is a master volume, two types of reverb (lo-dwell and hi-dwell), variable tremolo, and two instrument inputs. Since I am a first-time user of a Vox AC30 and this is my first time using a valve combo amp, I am quite impressed with its ease of use, versatility, and its rugged design (despite certain idiosychrosies such as difficult chassis installation/deinstalltion--like if you ever one day have to repair the amp for any reason; eg valves, capacitors, resistors, diodes, etc).
Sound Quality: 9
First and most important is the type of instrumentation and equipment one is using. Don't ever let anyone persuade you into thinking that there may just problems or issues with the amplifier only. Your sound will also be affected by what kind of guitar you are playing, what type of pickups, strings/hardware, type of wood of your guitar, and effects. Now, as with regards to what set-up configuration I use:
Fender Telecaster (Standard) modded with Texas Custom Shop hi-output pickups->Demarco Tone Bender(clone)--> AC30CC. I sometimes also use the provided footswitch to turn on the tremolo or spring reverb. (One day I hope to get a tape echo unit)
I mainly use the Top-boost channel for a more sparkly, jangly, chimey sound (even with distortion); but I will sometimes use the Normal channel with Brilliance to get a more bluesy Fender-like sound. Other than the guitar and effects I use, the speakers of the amp are also important. I find that the custom-made Wharfdales are very good speakers, and I think they just about rival the tone and ring of the expensive Clestion Blueback speakers. It's true that the Celestion Blues may have a more unique tone, but I can't really justify paying more than $300 for each one. Maybe in the future when I have the money I will slowly upgrade my speakers to Celestion Blues (one by one), but for now I am happy and content with the tone, breakage, power and clarity of the Wharfdales. There is one user-review I read at ZZounds.com that claims that Vox should have never offered the cheaper AC30CCs with Wharfdales and that they sound like crap, I have a few words for him, 'some of us do not have the extra money to spend on a stupid piece of metal with a magnet and paper cone', after all it is just a speaker--and yes speakers are important, but some of us would like to slowly upgrade ourselves to better speakers over time. Overall I am quite impressed and happy with the Vox AC30 CC. They should've labeled the amp Custom Combo instead of Custom Classic. Nice sound, good versatility. It has that classic chimey, jangly, sparkly sound, especially when used with single-coil guitars like a Stratocaster, Telecaster, and others. I am not at all dissapointed with its sound, but each person is different, some people may prefer a more bluesy-clean-cutting Fender sound, or perhaps a hi-gain tube saturated sound of a Marshall or Hiwatt. The Vox AC30CC is a very unique amp in its own special way, so don't overlook or underestimate its sound, clarity, power, and versatility. If you really want to know what the AC30CC sounds like, you really need to go to a local music store and try it out and see for yourself why they say "Vox, it's what's happening". See for yourself! You might be surprised!!! :-)
Reliability: 9
Although I don't use my amp that much; but when I do, the Vox AC30CC has not let me down yet, and I've been using my amp since March of 2005. I have heard other reviews where the users have had issues with there VoxAC30CC giving out because of cheap preamp tubes and other preamp/speaker circuitry issues. And yes, I do belive that most amp manufacturers, to include others like Fender, Marshall, and such, have there own iussues as well. Don't expect any reknowned amp company to make every last bit of electronic component to be top-knotch. They will have to cut-corners in some areas. So if you really want to keep the amp running good and keep it reliable, spend the extra money to have a technician reinstall your preamp esection or other parts of the amp with better-quality components...may cost more, but its worth it, and your amp will probably more reliable than ever before. And yes I will have to agree with most of you who hate spending large amounts of money for something that is "kind-of-good", but what can you do. If you like a certain brand of amp and their sound, stick to it with your heart and try to make things work, no matter what it takes. As with me, I haven't had any serious issues yet, such as "microphonic" preamp valves. But when these issues should arise, and I have the money, I will invest it wisely into having a tech to replace the ECC83s with good ones. Others have also been disgusted with Vox/Korg because they have now relocated their operations overseas to China. Yes it may sound daunting at first, but how does any other place gain experience and become good? Besides Vox is only trying to do the right thing and are trying to make there amps more afordable, yet trying to retain quality and reliablity. Eventaully, a lot of other large amp manufacturers will start making even their "flagship" amps overseas, so what's the difference, change is inevetible, it sucks, but what can you do? So the only thing I can say is that as long as the quality, craftsmanship, and reliablity of Vox products such as their AC30CC remains consistent or even improves for the better, the more faithful I will be in buying and using their products, regardless of where it is made. So please everyone, don't be decieved by others about their stories or even mine. See for yourself!
Customer Support: N/A
I have not yet dealt with Vox/Korg, but I heard from many that they can be of good advise and assitance, but some others say that Vox/Korg is denial about some issues, so it's really hard for me to say how Vox customer support is. However, if I should ever have any issues with Vox for any reason, I will at least have a good shop tech overlook my amp and have him/her determine what neds to be fixed/replaced/etc to make it perform better. You have to overcome obstacles one way or the other. Don't be stupid, think, you are in today's world...this isn't the good-old-days(50s, 60s, 70s) where quality is a big deal. Yes quality is very important. But if you want quality, and no one is willing to help you, do what you have to do to make "things work", especially in today's world.
Overall Rating: 10
I've been playing guitar for a little more than 5 years, and I'm still learning and practicing. I have two electrics (Tele and Les Paul), and one acoustic (Yamaha F210). In general I play British rock, blues, some forms of jazz, avante-garde, and sometimes adult alternative acoustic stuff (John Jackson, Beth Orton, etc), and sometimes classic rock (early FLoyd, Hendrix, Cream, Yardbirds). On occasion I will play classical and folk on my acoustic. As far as what amp I was going to choose, I was upgrading from a solid-state digital modeling amp, Line6 Spider 112 (purchased in 2001). It was OK, did the job, but I wanted more tone and variety. I wanted real vintage sound, not a fake modeled mask. I found the AC30CC to be a very worthy upgrade. I was consiering of getting an Ampeg Reverberocket 212 or a Laney VC212, but I heard that Laney has weak customer support (and that the VC 212 had overheating issues), and I wasn't sure if Ampeg's tone was British enough for me. Sorry I'm more into the British tube sound rather than the American tube sound, although I still admire and greatly respect the American sound. I figured if Vox dropped there prices down to $999 (STANDARD AMP version with Whardales) I could justify paying $200 more for the Vox than the $799 Ampeg Reverberocket. After all I've always wanted a Vox amp, esp an AC30. It's warm, ringing, sparkly, incisive tone has brought me closer to this amp, and that is why I am much allured to it. I am hooked! It's versatile rugged, and sounds great! Love it!
Submitted by some guy who loves music at 01/06/2006 12:48
Price Paid: US $1515.25
Features: 7
Vox AC30CC2X 212 Combo Amplifier 2004
Capable of many styles from hard rock to country and everything in between... very versatile amp.
Specs:
30 watt tube amp
Channel One (Normal)
Channel Two (Top Boost)
Link Switch blending Channels 1 and 2
2 Celestian Blue Alnico's
Reverb and Tremelo
You cannot channel switch from normal to top boost via foot switch. (bummer). Not convenient for shows to move from clean to dirty without physically turning the gain nob!
I use this amp for practice at the studio, recording and live shows.
The amp responds great in both settings. You don't need to blast the volume to get great tone at home and just enough power to cut through small venues.
Each channel is unique and flexible providing a wide palette for tonal variation. The link switch combines both channels into one furthering your tonal possibilities.
I test drove both the AC30CC2 (Wharfdale speakers) and the AC30CC2X (Celestion Alnicos).
The difference between the two amps are the speakers.
The Alnicos seemed to add more body and dimension while the Wharfdales seemed muddy and lacked definition.
I paid extra for the Alnicos because past experience told me I would not be satisfied.
Sound Quality: 10
The guitar I use with this amp is a Fender Bronco (set up for slide) with a 60's Guild Starfire humbucker in the neck position and a Seymour Duncan Jeff Beck in the bridge position. The other guitar is a Gibson Custom Les Paul.
The Vox AC30 seems to bring out the characteristics of the pickups and guitars. I did not notice the amp driving the guitar. However the amp seemed to preserve the integrity and trueness of the instruments sound while adding shimmer and sweetness like icing on a cake. Not a flat or dull sound.
(Fender Bronco)The Starfire pickup is deep and bright but not crystally.
The amp captures this.
While the Jeff Beck is hotter and drives the amp to breakup sooner.
You'll also become more aware of how heavy or light you attack the strings with your pick. It is almost percusive.
(Gibson Custom Les Paul)20 lbs of mother tone mohagany. Need I say more?
The Top boost channel has 3 knobs.(Volune, Treble and Bass)
The volume acts like gain in that you can control the amount of distortion.
Treble and bass are multi-functional and do a fine job of rounding out your tone.
Turn them up get more treble or bass.
Turn them down get less treble or bass but an INCREASE IN MIDS!
This channel is flexible and helps you to find your sound and discover new ones.
I am able to achieve a range of sounds
clean >> smooth - break up >> throaty growl >> silky overdrive
Your master volume plays the conductor role on the overall presence and power and punch. The Alnicos speakers beg to played at higher volumes. Increase the volume - get that mid range punch.
The Normal channel is the "Clean to Slightly Overdriven" section.
My guitars sound full and wide throught this channel.
Input link switch allows you to combine both these channels take you to the next level.
Simply awesome!
My amp is quite as a mouse even at higher volume. No hum or crackling.
Quality cables are a must have.
The amp is not meant for Metal such as a Rectifier. But you don't see Rolls Royces at the Indy 500 either.
Is the distortion brutal? The amp growls at me.
Sound rating is 15.
Reliability: N/A
I have some reservations about the quality because of all the complaints I seen on the posts in this page.
I also understand and work with contract manufacturing in Semiconductor/ Harddrive Industry from concept to prototype, first article, post production and out sourcing to Asia. There are growing pains but hopefully Vox has continuous improvement initiatives within thier manufacturing organization that help the quality of their products. All munufacturing is headed that way. Better get used to it.
Customer Support: 10
Afer registering my product I got a response within 2 days.
I asked about the type of tubes list in the BOM.
Warranty is 3 months to a year depending on the component.
Overall Rating: 10
I have been playing for 22 years. I own 2 guitars, one amp, one bass amp and a dozen effects pedals (all Boss except for the MXR compressor)
I have hours of researching (harmony central), counseling from others, and "hands on" with dozens of amps.
I confused myself with sales literature.
When I went into GC, my intent was Mesa or VHT. (I used to own a Solo Rectifier)
After sampling all these amps, going home and second geussing what I heard, sampling again, I walked out with a Vox.
I am in love with my amp. If this amp was stolen, I'd buy the same amp.
I would like to see foot pedal channel switching.
Submitted by gdsend at 01/01/2006 11:36
Price Paid: US $999.00
Features: 6
This is a follow up to an earlier review I did. I felt my findings were important enough to post that I am taking the time to pick up from where I left off.
Sound Quality: 7
As mentioned in previous posts this product is not a carbon copy of original AC30's (in fact they sound even different from the 90's reissues) but the tone they produce are good.
Reliability: 2
Upon further review of the Vox AC30CC 2x12 AND 1x12 models it is safe to say that the product suffers from what I call a "critical design flaw". In an earlier review I stated that everytime I played single note scales on the neck I would hear an undertone (by a 5th) track my playing. Higher tones seemed to exacerbate the problem, regardless of what channel or bias setting the amp was on. This behavior is not normal for a tube amp, on the contrary, it is an indication of a problem. For recording purposes this would render the amp useless because overcompressing the amp (typical in rock music) would bring the undertone out very clearly.
To be sure that this problem was not an isolated incident I tried several amps in several different stores here in L.A. In each store I was able to exhibit the problem to the sales staff in less than 1 minute, and in each store the sales staff was not aware of the problem but agreed it WAS a problem. Unfortunately, this disclosure did not prompt the dealer to yank the product. They just agreed the amp "had issues" and left it at that.
Customer Support: 2
Once I was aware of the problem I contacted KORG and notified them of the issue, asking for direction on how to fix it. Apparently no one there was aware of it either, however once I got them to test the amp on their own they verified the problem exists and that they indeed heard it. Since they couldn't say exactly what component was causing the problem they said it was a "characteristic" of the amp, and essentially something an owner would be stuck with whether they liked it or not. As of this writing they have stated it is not in their plans to fix the problem because the amp is on the market and it is too late to deal with "design issues". Furthermore they also believed swapping tubes out would not solve the problem, apparently they are under the impression this problem goes deep.
Overall Rating: 2
After doing more research and listening to the original amps (and 90's reissues) versus the Custom Classic I can also verify that those earlier amps _do not_ exhibit this behavior. This is an inherrent design flaw in the Custom Classic and will be an issue you will need to contend with if you buy it. My recommendation to all current CC owners is to contact KORG and demand they develop a fix for the problem, the amp is still worth owning if they get it right. For anyone in the market for one, I would wait until KORG deems it neccesarry to step in and fix the amp due to poor sales and returns.
I believe this is your chance as consumers to vote with your dollars, and despite the great tone it is an amp one should avoid until it _is_ fixed properly.
Submitted by Dusk Bennett at 12/28/2005 18:20
Price Paid: (Trade)
Features: 7
First year run (obviously). Has all the numerous whistles and bells noted on the vox website and in the previous reviews. Allows a user to make fine-tuned tweaks to fit their playing style and instruments. Some don't seem to be very well thought out.
Sound Quality: 9
Use Tele and Strat style guitars. Tele's sound magnificent, strat's can get a little thin/brittle.
Very quiet amp! Run the amp where it's clean with a touch of 'hair' and use a variety of pedals to add the different gain colors. Amp itself gets dirty pretty quick - if that's your thing, the master and channel volume will need to be up (which is pretty loud). Speaker leads make using an attenuator impossible without some modification.
Hired gun for studio and live work. Americana, COuntry, Pop, Rock, some blues and occassional R&B/Jazz/Funk. Have enjoyed the versatility of the amp - responds wonderfully to pedals and playing styles.
Reliability: 1
Amp literally died after 45 minutes in it's first rehearsal...really bad tubes. Put in a 'nice' set of new tubes and it's been singing ever since.
Chassis is thin and twists - probably bend easy if bound and pulled on hard during removal from the cabinet. Lots of unfinished metal edges that are pretty good at cutting skin.
Chassis design is really beyond thoughtless...must remove the back pannels, 6 cheap (i.e. they strip EASILY) screws, unsolder the speaker leads and slide the chassis out of the cabinet. Not designed for working musicians - if a tube fails at a show you'd better have a backup amp...you're not going to be swapping tubes during a break or inbetween songs.
PCB boards aren't as thick as they could be - especially with the tube sockets mounted directly to the board...will be a point of failure after a few tube changes.
Toggles on top and slider switches on the back are really, REALLY cheap. Either replace them with heavier stock or don't use.
Screws used throughout (mounting and chassis) are very soft, cheap and strip like butter. Either replace them with heavier stock or don't take the amp apart.
Speaker lead design is...stupid?. Short leads that are SOLDERED to the speaker? What about clips and 1/4" jack next to the extention speaker jack? Must be redone for chassis removal and makes the use of an attenuator impossible without modifying the lead setup.
Customer Support: 5
Responded to email regarding tube failure. Didn't offer new tubes, but did offer a suggestion as to what tube(s) may have failed (and were wrong).
Overall Rating: 1
Really great tone.
Really bad chassis design.
Really cheap parts all around.
Jury's still out. Price was right so I thought I'd give one a whirl. Probably sell it and get a Hayseed 30 or another clone...or a new kit and just build one myself...Hayseed is just a bit more and the kits are less. Major issue limiting the 'hang on to it' factor is the moronic chassis design. Just not user friendly...great if you're an at-home player or the amp's destined to be a studio queen, but it's definately not designed with the 'player' in mind.
Submitted by DRW at 12/28/2005 07:47
Price Paid: N/A
Features: 7
First off I should state that I dont actually own the amp, yet anyways. More on that later. As you will read here the newer CC model incorporates alot of new features not found on the original AC30 (tube biasing, FX loop, modern vs vintage mods, etc). Technically speaking this is a much more versatile amp than amps before it. Don't expect it to make your axe sound like a flying saucer though...that is not what this thing is about. As far as other features I looked over the hardware and construction. The harware feels cheap and looks as if it will not stand the test of time. Jacks, pots, switches, knob caps, and screws all look and feel cheap. For a serious player though once the unit is out of warranty you can swap out pretty much everything in there and have a good amp assuming the rest of it still works ok.
Sound Quality: 9
Rating tone is relative and meaningless. Some guys flat out hate AC30's and some think they are the hold grail of tone. I have yet to try this amp against an original AC30 but even if the tone is slightly off for 1/4 of the going rate I'd say you are in the ballpark. The amp can create a wide variety of tones and as other readers have posted below the amp is very responsive to touch and IS fun to play with. I tried both models and the ALNICO does sound better but not for the extra $600, maybe $350 tops. Some have suggested purchasing aftermarket speakers as a cheaper alternative though there _is_ some confusion as to whether this would invalidate the warranty or not. The jury is still out on that. The amps I tested both had slight 60Hz hums at lower levels that never went away. Some below say they have no noise at all on their amps (which I find hard to believe) and some say they are noisy as hell (which I could believe). These two were the median amps in terms of self noise. Not great but not bad. I have seen Fender De Villes that are quieter and Mesa triples that a 3x noiser.
Reliability: 5
Ok here is where the story starts. I have been itching to get one of these since I saw them advertised in the "Guitar Mart" circular. For $1k how bad could it be? I came to this forum and did some research and then did some testing of my own. Here is what I found...
First, in any product (especially ANY gear made in China) you need to wait awhile before getting on board. Usually the first few hundred will have weird QC issues and rarely will they get it up to speed right away. A rep from the manufacturer even admitted this to me as well when I probed about the current QC process. The model serials I looked at were in the low 3000's...high enough that one would think the manufacturer would have their act together by now, right?
WRONG!
After playing for a bit I thought the amp sounded fine. Aside from the hum it seemed ok. Once I took a moment to play slow chromatic scales I noticed both floor models exhibited odd oscillations on the NORMAL channel (similar to a lower 5th harmonizer effect). I brought the "GM" rep in and he also confirmed that this didn't sound "right". In a recording situation (where I live 100% of the time) this would render the amp useless, for Live music you _might_ be ok. Generally speaking this is an indication of a tube problem. Also one of the amps grille cloth had already peeled away from the gold beading providing a poor presentation of the product. I believe some QC improvements are still justified for this model, regardless of how good it sounds. Though I had intended to walk with an amp I was unable to given the quality of what was available at the time.
Customer Support: 7
I contacted the manufacturer about these issues and as of this writing I have not heard back from them, though I was assurred in a previous email that VOX has their act together now and things _are_ getting better. The evidence I turned up in 20 minutes flies in the face of such assertions. In terms of support I suppose one could expect the typical mega corporation vibe. Always expect reasonable service between the hours of 10:30AM-11:45AM and 1:15PM-4:45PM Tuesday though Thursday, excluding holidays and vacations. As an aside I did email the manufacturer and asked them to send me their "best" AC30CC amp and I would gladly pay "GM" pricing for it but I have yet to hear back on my offer. I do plan on posting a follow up once I get one though.
Overall Rating: 6
To wrap it up any amp that uses light bulbs to get power is prone to weirdness, lets face it there is a reason we stopped using tubes for everything short of amps, audio, and military avionics. Fact is glass audio is unreliable, expensive, and hot. This amp seems to fit right in with what a true "tube" circuit should be...a pain in the butt, but a neccesarry evil to get a great tone. It certainly beats the "new" modeling technology at the moment anyways. As stated though, once I find one that works I'll write in and complete my post. For now, any serious buyers, keep in mind that just like any other mass produced product if you plan on buying this amp plan on going though at least ten before finding one that works the best because the odds are stacked against you if you think the one you first plug into will be "the keeper".
Submitted by duskb at 12/17/2005 01:38
Price Paid: US $999
Features: 7
Great array of features. I'm sure you all know them. However, there is one thing that really bugs me about vintage reissue amps . . . none of the features except for tremolo and reverb are footswitchable. Yes, I know the originally voxes didn't have channel changing capabilities. But, those who don't like to switch channels should leave their footswitch at home and let the rest of the world at least have the option of changing channels and modes on the fly.
Imagine this amp if you could switch between Tremolo, Reverb, Normal Channel/Top Boost, Channel Blend, and the FX Loop with a footswitch. Yes, I five button footswitch would be large, but the tonal options available in a live situation would be incredibile. It would also make finding a particular sound easier, as well. Because of this, I give it a seven.
Sound Quality: 9
Ok, so even though I would like to be able to footswitch between some of the different features, the amp is still incredibly versatile. Amazingly responsive to pick attack, organic, LOUD (but the master helps although the amp doesn't begin to speak IMHO until the master is at least 1/3 of the way up and it's at its best at half-way or higher). The tonal options are amazing. The normal channel with the brilliant switch provides a wonderfully organic clean. It is a really complex and rich sound, much different than a fender clean. I would call a fender clean "pristine" and "cutting" but I would call the vox "smooth" and "warm."
However, the Top Boost channel is where it's at. With my 62 RI Tele, I can go between clean and smooth overdrive entirely with picking dynamics. Throw a humbucker on the amp and it can get into crunch territory with INCREDIBLE note clarity. I use tons of weird inversions and the Vox never sounds muddy.
The channel blend is a great feature because it brings back some of the warmth of the normal channel and adds some gain. I was in the studio one time recording some relatively heavy sounding guitar parts. I had previously used a Les Paul into a Mesa Formula Pre-amp and a Mesa simul-class 90 power amp into a mesa cab with vintage 30's. Needless to say, I had a pretty huge sound. However, when I went back to add in some riffs to the song, the mesa blew a tube. Out of curiosity, I put the Les Paul directly into the Vox, blended the channels and cranked the volume and Bam, I got a great rock crunch that hung with the Mesa even with the AC 30's open back cab! In fact, I liked it better than the original thick sound I had with the mesa stuff. Now, I don't mean to say that the vox was heavier or thicker than the Mesa, but it was thick, punchy, rockin, and articulate all at the same time! This was done without even so much as a booster pedal in front of the amp.
Reliability: N/A
Ok, i bought mine from a retailer that went ahead and changed out the preamp tubes AND changed the speaker connectors so that I wouldn't have to solder and resoulder every time I want to change tubes. The new pre-amp tubes are DEAD quiet, especially on a class A amp. I had no problems in the studio when I had the volume cranked and the tubes cooking. I also use this thing regularly and have been using it regularly for a while and it holds up well. BUT, I let it warm up for 10-20 minutes everytime I play it. I also let it cool down before I move it and I treat all my equipment with the utmost care. I always wanted a Vox, I saved up for this thing, and I don't want ANYTHING to happen to it.
Customer Support: N/A
Overall Rating: 9
Great amp. Most of the problems with this series comes from the poor pre-amp tubes. Replace those and change the speaker connectors and you're good to go! I agree that the reverb isn't that great, but who buys a Vox expecting awesome reverb?
I wish more retailers would follow in Vox's footsteps and bring the price of amps back down. I don't care where it's made as long as it sounds great (which this thing does) and holds up (which it better since I take great care of my equipment). It doesn't sound exactly like a vintage vox, but then again, every vintage vox sounds different. This does, however, sound way better than other amps in the 500-1500 dollar price range. It also sounds hella better than a JCM 2000 which costs twice as much (though I know they are different beasts). If you're gonna buy this thing, check out northcoastmusic.com so you can avoid some of the reliability issues. With those things taken care of, you've got yourself a great amp at a great price!
Submitted by Jonathann at 12/13/2005 19:08
Price Paid: US $999.99
Features: 8
Judging by the serial number, this is a fairly early run AC30CC2.
The vintage AC30s that we grew to love were barebones, this however has many features that allow it to be more verstile and friendly for the modern musician.
The AC30CC features a Top Boost and Normal Channel, the Normal Channel has a brilliance switch and the Top Boost Channel is paired with a Low and High EQ and a Custom/Standard Toggle. The Brilliant feature about the new CC amps...you can blend the channels. I often times find the Top Boost channel to be a touch "shrill" and the Normal channel to be a touch "flat", so being able to blend to two channels creates a very nice balance.
The AC30CC also features switchable Tremelo, Reverb, Tone Cut, a Master Volume(really useful). However people will appreciate this amp by what is found on the rear of the amp. Finally, an effects loop to bypass the preamp stage, Output Biasing and Smoothing can affect the clip stages and voicings, all with a move of the switch.
Sound Quality: 9
I use a Fender 40th Anniversary Custom Strat with a Coil Tapped Duncan SH-1 and a Wire Tapped Duncan SH-6. I must say the new Vox AC30 is amazing.
I've wanted an AC30 ever since I first heard Queen. I must say that the re-issues retain the woodsy mids and shimmering highs. The amp has a very organic sound...you won't get a sterile clean sound..so jazz players be warned. What you will get is an amazing amount of sparkle and shine to an almost gritty drive.
It will not play metal...so all you gain heads, avoid this amp. I use my Vox AC30 with my Keeley Blues Driver, Keeley DS-1, Keeley Compressor, Keeley AD-9, and Keeley Javaboost...and I must say, it really showcases the pedals, and when combined, 2nd wave harmonics, sweet smooth overdrives are served wonderfully.
Reliability: 6
I have owned the amp for about 2 months now and so far I haven't had a problem...but I know that retubing the amp will be a headache...whoever designed the chassis should be slapped.
Customer Support: 4
I don't want to know...I can only imagine how dismal Korg is.
Overall Rating: N/A
Submitted by Kris at 11/18/2005 12:00
Price Paid: US $999.99
Features: 9
Features are great, a very versatile amp, read Vox's website for the sales pitch. If you're going to demo this amp, make sure you test out every setting including the switches on the rear panel. The "Smoothing" switch is a very cool feature that really changes the "feel" of the amp.
Sound Quality: 9
Sounds are great, no complaints, read Vox's website for the sales pitch.
When using the "Top Boost," spend some time with the EQ - especially in the "Standard" mode. It may be two knobs but they are very interactive and can sound dull, harsh, or several shades of excellent. I'm still finding many new sounds to play with.
Reliability: 5
Here are my complaints:
1) Reverb tank is poor quality - mine broke within two months.
2) Poor construction has led to several different buzzes that I've had to find and fix.
3) Preamp tubes should be upgraded.
4) Opening up the amp is a real pain and is either designed to deter users from trying to fix their own amps or just badly designed. Changing tubes is quite a hassle. There really should be a speaker jack.
That said, the amp has always fired up and produced good tone. Unfortunately, sometimes this great sound is accompannied by very annoying buzzing or worse than is not acceptable for a $1000 amp.
Customer Support: N/A
As the amp still makes sound, I have not gone through the hassle of offically repairing it. It appears that the amp will be okay, its just going to cost me more time and money to make it the AC30 I thought I was buying.
Overall Rating: 7
It sounds great, the features are great, but any AC30CC2 buyer should be prepared to recieve a lemon and realize they may need to "send it in" to get what they paid for.
Submitted by anon at 11/17/2005 13:21
Price Paid: US $999
Features: 10
Well, This amp has everything you need to sound awesome. I play Rock music as well as Contemporary Christian music, let me tell you Its awesome for both and I would imagine a lot of different styles of Music.
It features a normal and top boost channel which cand be blended (via flip switch) to get a thick sound (I Use the blended mode all the time). It also fetures a tone cut, brilliant switch (to get "jangly" type highs), reverb (with a tone switch), tremolo with depth and speed controls, and Bass and Treble EQ with a custom switch.
I use a Fulltone Distortion Pro to get my overdrive... I put all my pedals through the Fx loop. I think the od pedals sound too gritty through the input... the manual tells you to use the fx loop for stomp/rack effects anyway.
I like to push my tone to the limit so I use all the features of this amp... In my opinion I think this is the greatest amp I have ever played. I dont have much experience with vintage amps... I had an old gibson hawk (not a good experience).
Sound Quality: N/A
I use a Epi flame top custom with this amps and it sounds BiG. I also owend a telecaster 72 which sounded cleaner and more articulate. However I prefer the Les Paul Humbucker sound. I get compliments on my tone wherever I go... So Im sure it sounds Sweeet.
Reliability: 9
Well, I take realy good care of my equipment. I have had the amp for 6 months now and I have never had any kinds of problems like some unfortunate souls on this page. However I am going to relace the stock tubes soon. Oh, the one thing I hate is that the speakers are soddered on.
Customer Support: N/A
The warranty is for a year I believe.
Overall Rating: 10
It it were stolen or lost I would buy another one. I love that this amp feels and looks awesome... It is verry heavy which i like a lot. I wanted It, I tried it out, I liked it, then I bought it. Reviews are from everyones personal experience, and opinions (Good and bad). I you like something, be your own judge... try it out, and make a move
Submitted by Rob at 11/13/2005 10:29
Price Paid: US $1599
Features: 9
Let me begin by telling you, this review will not be pretty. I'm an unhappy customer. I've been playing since the 80's, and always wanted an AC30. They're just flat-out cool and nothing else sounds like one. I couldn't afford one then, so I settled with something within my budget - a solid state Peavey.
Fast forward to the 90s. I'm making some money but not a lot. I'm gigging on a regular basis and I still want an AC30, but they're pricey and unreliable. I buy a tube Fender instead.
Okay, so it's 2005. I sold the Fender 3 years ago and got a Mesa Boogie Rectoverb - a versatile, excellent amp built like a tank. Now I can afford another "pro" amp. The AC30 Custom Classic appears on the market, priced less than the previous Korg incarnation. My time has ffinally come - I order one from a widely-known online retailer and wait for it's arrival with great expectations ...
On paper, the features are great - the original had no master volume or reverb, or any of the other "goodies" they've designed into this box.
Sound Quality: 9
I unpacked the amp from it's shrink-wrapped box, plugged it in and took it for a ride. It sounds as it should at low to medium volume. The sound is unique - bright without tiring your ears, distortion without grit. It's smooth. Not noisy at all - even with my Strat Custom Shop '54 pickups.
I discovered a problem before I got to any high gain or high volume settings ...
Reliability: 1
The reverb was not working at all on my amp. I figured it had been bounced around a little in transit from China, probably a loose connection? When I removed the back panel to investigate, I found rusty fasteners and a reverb tank built as cheap as I've ever seen.
My dream of owning a Vox died right then and there. This is a tragedy - a great technical design, executed with high priority on cosmetics and low priority on quality components. Come on, they at least could have made it tough enough to survive shipping to the States! I wouldn't gig with it - but more importantly, I wouldn't invest US $1600 in a product without durability or resistance to corrosion.
Customer Support: 2
When I called Korg USA customer support, I explained the problem (broken reverb) and my concern about rusty fasteners. They denied any known problems with the amplifier - surprising after reading the other reviews here. Of course they suggested a warranty repair, but how do you repair something which is built wrong?
I see the name Mitch Colby here in a few posts - he seems to be the one person at Vox who makes people happy, but I found no contact information for him anywhere. If you have it, please share?
I traded a few emails with a Korg/Marshall/Vox guitar product specialist and sent him some photos of the amp. He was a bit more sympathetic and concerned, but in the end they offered nothing more than to pass my comments along to the technical team. I returned the amp to my retailer for refund.
Overall Rating: 1
Frankly, I’m disgusted by this experience. The percentage of musicians who seek out an authentic AC30 must be a small fraction of the total market. Like me, they are serious musicians (for the most part) who want the tone and the look of a classic. No less important, they want durability and longevity. At US $1,600 the Custom Classic is no small investment. Buyers must have confidence that the product will perform each and every time.
Perhaps Korg's vision was idyllic – “we’ll bring back the Vox AC30, better than ever, and make it affordable for everyone!” In reality, they have tarnished the legacy of the AC30 by imprisoning that legendary tone within a shabby Chinese rust bucket. Selling this product as a “boutique” amp is an absolute affront to the target consumer base.
Submitted by sam at 10/26/2005 13:42
Price Paid: 1070 (Canadian)
Features: 9
The features have been stated before. Many people seem to bitch about the fact that there are hardley any controls for EQ, and even though it's got two channels its not footswitchable... to that I say BAH! It's more than the origianl AC30 had (closer to a Top Boost) but it's still WAY more versatile than my Fender Twin!
There is an effects loop
You can blend two channels together for a really unique tone
It's 30 tube watts
And its more than versatile for me, hell... I really only use the Normal channel with the brilliant switch on.
Mine is loaded with the Warfendales.... which I switched for greenbacks.
Sound Quality: 9
I use this amp mostly with Gibson 335's and Fender HH Telecasters, and I play a variety of styles, but mostly use it for Rock and Blues.
I find that if I'm feeling basic and just want pure tone I'll just plug straight into the amp, crank up the normal channel volume, and keep the master low to get that great overdriven tone, then use my volume control on my guitar to control the amp and get my different sounds.
But, for the most part my amp feels the pain of two brands of distortion boxes (diamond and hotcake), a Seymour duncan pickup booster, as well as a variety of modulation pedals.
When running clean the amp is crystal clear, and has a very chimey vibe to it. This is what the amp seems built for as it's just as clean as my 1973 AC30, and definatly gives you that midrangey nasal vibe.
When cranked up, it dosn't seem to have enough 'whump' for me. My 1973 AC30 just breaksup and really gets you rockin. HOWEVER, this was fixed when I replaced the original speakers with Celestion Greenbacks. The lower wattage speakers make this thing sound way more like a vintage AV30 than these Warfendales (which I actually liked better than the Blues... couldn't justify the extra $1000 for $600 worth of speaker...)
The Trem is nice and thick, something I always loved about Vox trem. The Reverb is a lil bland, but still nice and wet sounding. Not as great as a twin, but hey, I barley have it on anyways!
The coolest thing that I noticed with this amp is that it reveals all your dirty little secrets.... For example, when I played through my Fender Twin I thought I was a pretty decent player, very tight rhythm. But the Vox just showed me how sloppy I really was by not hiding any of my playing faults. It shows every minor mistake, that other amps like to cover up! I love it!
9/10 because the stock speakers just don't give you the breakup of an original one... but hey, this isn't an original AC30...this is a new breed of AC30!
Oh, and I also use the 412 extension cab with the amp. (loaded with Celestion Lead 80's)
Reliability: 7
.......okay people....you all got problems, and you all got one thing in common.. YOU LIVE IN THE UNITED STATES!
I'm serious.... these amps were almost 5 months late in the Canadian market because they were held up at the border because they were not reliable enough for Canadian standards.
I'm VERY hard on my amps, blowing my Fender Twin up on a bi-montly basis, and my old 1973 AC30 up almost weekly! I even got a Yorkville 400 bass head to catch on fire... but this amp has been rock solid for almost 5 months now! The funny thing is I've tried to blow it up too....
But there are complaints:
Cheap small screws
speakercable is of poor quality, and really short. You need to unsolder the cable if you want to remove the chassis (and you will) to replace the tubes
Gets UBER hot... oh wait... All AC30's do this
Plastic jacks suck...
I upgraded all the commonly used parts to metal (jacks, amp corners) and changed the small toggle switches over to small touch switches (those line 6 switches that are under the foot pads work really well!)
Customer Support: 10
Vox has always been good to me. Hell, the even found me a Union Jack Wah pedal brand new in factory sealed box to replace one of mine that died on me two years after waranty was up... and they replaced it free of charge, no questions asked, so dibs in!
They even gave me a new set of tubes for free when the tubes I got with mine were shot from day one. They even supplied a second set becuase their nice guys.
Love Vox!
Overall Rating: 10
I love AC30s. I've been using a variety of them for almost 6 years now. My current rig uses two amps, one for clean, and one for dirty, and the second amp will probably be replaced with an AC30CC very soon just because I'm very impressed by them!
Obviously I would buy another one if it was stolen or lost.
Did I test it vs other amps? Yes I did. The Lonestar Special by Mesa Boogie are amazing amps, as are the Orange Rocker series. But for the money the Vox beat them out... if I were to go back and do it again with unlimited funds.. I'd probably go with an Orange Rockerverb100.....but the Vox tone is my tone, and nothing can do that but a Vox!
Submitted by Anonymous at 10/25/2005 23:50
Price Paid: US $1,599
Features: 6
It's an El84-powered 33w tube amp. That's the feature you need. I could personally care less about the reverb, tremolo and all the extra switches (though the "blend" feature is pretty cool).
Sound Quality: 10
Simply the best-sounding mass-produced amp out there for rock, punk, garage -- pretty much anything but metal. This thing may be made in China, but it kicks the UK-made Korg reissues up and down the block for sound quality. These guys really worked on getting it right -- especially with regards to the output transformer. By the way, you must pay the extra scratch for the Celestion Blue speakers. Half the AC30 tone is in those AlNiCo-powered puppies (not to mention half its volume -- those things are efficient as heck).
Reliability: 4
Er... I hear they're making improvements. So far, it's been a crap shoot. Though, apparently 90% of the problems stem from cheap preamp valves.
Customer Support: 10
Mitch Colby and Co. are incredible. They're really on our side. Best customer service out there.
Overall Rating: 10
It is a fantastic value. Just be prepared for glitches. Though, any JMI AC30 player will tell you that those come with the territory.
Submitted by Anonymous at 10/16/2005 11:10
Price Paid: US $999
Features: 4
I hate to give such a low score on such a great sounding amp, but this amp was never built for versatility. Still, the tones it does give are amazing. Well suited to the styles of the artists that made the AC30 so well known (Brian May, Jimmy Page, Dave Evans, etc..).
Sound Quality: 10
I'm using a Gibson ES-335, and it sings with this amp. I play rock and jazz, generally, and it works beautifully. Vox DID cut down on the quality of some components; but as amps go mine is pretty quiet. The sound breaks up very nicely, with a good amount of headroom. Obviously the distortion isn't well suited towards metal (buy a pedal for that).
Reliability: 8
Once again, there are some pretty severe quality control issues, as it's made in China. I STRONGLY URGE you buy from North Coast Music (www.northcoastmusic.com) - they replace the microphonic tubes and test your ac30 "to prevent infant mortalities" before double-box shipping it (free shipping, too). This probably sounds like some bull**** advertisement, but if you wanted to buy any Vox amp this is where i would go. I'll give it an 8 because from the proper source it'll probably be as reliable as any tube amp.
Customer Support: N/A
I haven't had problems yet.
Overall Rating: 9
This amp is a terrific value (despite the major quality control issues); if you get a "good" amp and not a dud (and once again, www.northcoastmusic.com seems the best bet), you'll be in heaven with the unbelievable tone this beauty can produce.
Submitted by BronYAurStomp at 10/08/2005 19:44
Price Paid: US $1000
Features: N/A
First off I am going to refrain from using the rating system here. I don't want to bring down the overall score of this amp. I have a special place in my heart for this guy and even though I have issues the CC I don't want to see the amp go away.
Being a vintage reissue style amp, the features are pretty staightforward. The CC ads an effects loop, channel combination (no footswitch) tremolo, reverb (with tone control) and master volume to the original classic. There are 2 channels but they can only be combined with a switch not a footswitch. Normal channel has a tremble boost switch, (no tone controls) The second channel has a "custom eq" switch, treble and bass. It comes with a 2 button footswitch that controls reverb and tremolo. I would rather see a channel switch but this is easily done with some sort of A-B box. On the back is an effects loop, speaker extension and external (cut off internal speakers), switches for matching speaker ohms, and 2 switches that control Bias options. I won't pretend to understand what the they are doing but it's basically vintage vs modern sound. The dam thing is heavy as hell. I looks like it's a one person job but try carrying it more than a few yards and you'll wish you had bought the AD100 instead.(BTW Great amps) You wanted those trannies and tubes so now you gotta pay! The cab is built well. Baltic Birch (does it really come from the Baltica?) and a well built box. The fit and finish is well done and I think the cab should last longer than my Silverface Twin which is built from particle board. Nice little touches like the gold trim. The amp is mounted on a piece of wood that pulls out for servicing. The speaker lead and soldered on, which is good but what's bad is they are not long enough to make removing the amp possible. So if you want to change tubes you have to unsolder the speakers. The amp uses 3 12AX7s and 2 EL34s. (please correct me if I'm wrong) The amp looks well done and its built on a solid metal welded box. The wiring looks neat and clean and closely resembles the original layout with the preamp tubes mounted verticle. Unfortunatley the preamp tube and not really mounted to the metal box. It looks that way but they just go through to the circuit board underneath. The hole is grometted with rubber sleeves but this looks like it would hold in heat and mounting to the circuit board I don't think is the best for heat distribution either. The amp comes with Electo Harmonics EL34 which are good tubes. On the downside the 3 preamp 12AX7s are noname Chinese and are questionable. There's more but I'm bored with this part and you already know this stuff anyway. I want to get to the good part.
Sound Quality: N/A
OK I'm a classic rock guy with a lot of years of old school but I still keep up with what's going on thanks to my 3 sons who have reached the age of reasoning. So much for a point of reference. I bought this amp the first day I saw it at GC. I plugged it in and loved it. The sound takes me back. I tried it out sitting right in front of it and loved the richness of the sound. When I got home and had a chance to compare to my other amps I realized it was not as full a sound as I thought. In comparison it was a little thin, but really that is the Vox sound, it's not a Marshall. Strangely though it has a lot of Marshall character to it when you crank it. There's a nice grind there and what I really like about it is the raw character. Let me repeat that...it's raw. This edgyness is what I like most about the Vox sound.It's a mid range thing that cuts through the mix and sits in a cool place. It does not have that deep low end chug and balls. People talk alot about the "Vox Chime". Well it's got that but only at very low volumes. I set the master on 10 to get the most output but as soon as you get the channel pre volumes past 9 o' clock (not volume 9) you get into the barking sound. Not that this is a bad thing but I would love to be able to get a clean sound a littke louder without the breakup. That being said this is only a 30 watt amp and I'm probably not being fair here. I can't believe The Beatles played Shay with these things. On to recordiing...Every track I cut with this amp was great. No complaints. I got a beautifully chimeing sound, bluesy sounds, funky sounds, rocked out, metal (kinda) whatever I recorded with this amp came back better than I expected. If you want a great recording amp the AC30CC is great. I did have some problems though. I wanted a virgin amp in the box and GC told me to take the one on the floor and as soon as a boxed unit came in, they would switch it out for the boxed. Great! When the new one came in it played fine except there was a little rattle noise that sounded like a microphonic preamp tube. I had read on this forum from other AC30CC owners that the tubes where sometimes problematic. So rather than start buying tubes for a new amp I decided to try another. I went back to GC but the first amp I had and returned had already sold but they got me another from a different store. That one did not have the tube noise but it did have a distinct 60 cycle hum at idle. That went back and I got my second one with the tube problem back. At least I thought I could deal with a tube problem and it was quiet at idle. BTW I have read others on this forum mention this amp is noisy. It's not, at least it's not suppose to be. If you have one that hums without anything plugged in or the gain turned up all the way, something is wrong. The amp is quiet as a mouse at idle. I heard this problem with the third amp I had. OK I know this is getting a little hard to follow but now I'm back to AC30CC2 #2 with the tube issue. I sprung for the Mullard type Groove tubes, Gold Series that GC gave me for cost to help out. I replaced them and it got rid of the noise, for a while. Then it came back accompanied by all kinds of other noises. Little noises, not too bad but still it's not suppose to make noise. After going through 3 of these things I know what they are suppose to sound like. The problem noises were crackles, and fissels, and little pops and now and then on certain notes with the amp cranked up, a sound that wobbled and almost cut out. Weird. I tryed switching guitars, cables and tubes. It seemed to happen after the amp was on for a while and I had been playing it hard. Then sometimes is was quiet and the problems didn't show up. Don't you hate that? I finally gave up and as much as I really wanted to keep that amp I had to take it back. I go with the old "3 strikes and your out" theory. I gave it every chance cause I really liked looking at it. I have an AD50VT "Steel series" and love it. No problems and it can get the Vox tone along with a great Blackface Fender and the Classic Marshall sounds. It looks cheezy compared to the AC30CC but it works. And I've shown no mercy to that amp.
Reliability: N/A
Well I think I covered this already.
Customer Support: N/A
My customer support is Guitar Center sadly. GC really provided more help and support than anyone at the factory. Everyone bashes GC but they did everything possible to make sure I was a happy with my purchase. Ultimately I wasn't but they never questioned my sanity and just kept trying to work things out. I did try reaching Korg which is the only option for support since they control distribution. I received a call back about a week later from a person who was not at all familar with the products, much less technical problems. A person who actually is familar with the amps and is maybe a guitar player who know how they sound and operate would be good. Why don't these companies get it. A common problem nowadays and it is getting worse.
Overall Rating: N/A
Again I am not going to rate this amp. I still like it despite all the problems I had.
I love Vox. It was my first really good amp back in the day and it was used by all the great bands of the day. It holds a special place in my heart. I think I bought this amp mostly just to look at. It's finished equally well as my 60's amp was. I wouldn't mind just using it for furniture. It's just so cool to look at. The problem is that what I love about Vox has nothing to do with this amp. This amp is not a Vox, it's a good Chinese copy of an old Classic amp. I have no complaints with the Chinese, Korea, or any overseas or south of the border products. Their craftmanship is equal to most American products. Isn't that sad. We use to rule the world in innovation and craftsmanship but now we just try to rule the world. (OK I'll get off my soapbox) Made in China and fathered in England (I assume) by a company that has no direct link to anything that Vox was. Nowadays it's like we are buying fake reproductions of anything that we use to make really good just because it reminds us of how quaility equipment use to look. Those ingenious individuals who created legendary gear have been replaced long ago with bean counters and slick marketing suits. OK now I'll get off my soapbox.
Submitted by Brooks Reid at 10/07/2005 00:53
Price Paid: US $1000
Features: 9
If you're reading this, you know most of the features, so I won't go in depth. If you don't know, go farther down and find someone who lists it or go to Vox's site. In a nutshell, 2 channels, an input for each one, a switch to allow you to have them both on and mix them, reverb, tremelo, effects loop, etc. Compared to a lot of older Vox models, this has a ton of features, although compared to some other amp models out there, it's still very minimal. This amp isn't for versatility, and AC30's have never been great for versatility. But what they do do, they do amazing. I'll give it a 9 for it's relatively more features than past AC30 models.
Sound Quality: 10
This one is the one with 2 Warfdale speakers, not the blues. I use a Epiphone Les Paul with a Seymour Duncan JB in the bridge and Jazz in the neck. I run it through an Ibanez TS9DX, Electro Harmonix Small Stone, and Boss DD-3 delay. I have more pedals, but I haven't used them through this amp yet because they aren't true bypass, and I don't want to take away any of this amazing tone. I've owned it for a couple months now, and every time I play this thing or let a friend borrow it for a gig, I'm blown away by the tone. This is the holy grail to me. I play indie rock and experimental stuff, but I also play modern praise and worship for my student lead service and I can get some awesome U2 tone with it. Both channels are great. Even the normal channel which has no EQ sounds great. Doesn't even need an EQ. Personally, I prefer having both channels on and mixing the tone. But I've let a friend of mine borrow it for his rock n roll/brit rock band, and he used a modded TS9DX through the top boost channel, and we were almost moved to tears by the tone. I kid you not. This thing has got all the great tone you'll ever need, clean or distorted. If you want to really push the thing, definitly get an overdrive pedal. It gets close to metal with the right pedal, but I don't know any metal player that would actually want to play through one of these. This amp excells in the cleans to mid/upper mid gain levels. What I love about this amp though is that even with the preamp volumes all the way up to get the most distortion out of it, I can roll back the volume on my guitar and still get a nice clean tone. Amazing.
Reliability: 10
It has been gigged and practiced with several times by me and friends. I have never had one problem with this amp and I don't forsee any problems. Some people talk about all the horror stories, but I guess I got one of the good ones, because it's been a couple months since I bought it and it has been played consistantly, and still no problems.
Customer Support: N/A
Comes with a year warrenty, but I upped it to two with Guitar Center because of all the horror stories I've heard. Hopefully I'll never have to use it. I've never had to deal with Vox yet though.
Overall Rating: 10
If this baby were stolen, I would hunt the man down and demand for justice to be done. This is easily the best amp I've owned and one of the best amps I've played through. I used to own a rack set up with a Marshall JMP-1 preamp, Peavey 50/50 power amp, and Splawn 4x12 cab, but I really needed a change tone wise. My tastes changed from high gain to more mid gain kinda music, and this amp suits it perfectly. I plan on owning this thing for as long as it functions. I actually like it better than the Orange AD30TC that I was also looking at. Simply put, awesome amp and an even more awesome price. Get it now while you can.
Submitted by Jon Duenas at 09/28/2005 15:18
Price Paid: 550 (pound sterling)
Features: 8
Okay, the problem with the controls on this amp are that they have some nice added features but not enough of what SHOULD be there. Example i hear you say? Of course....
While my 200watt Marshall Bi-chorus has comprehensive amp controls for both clean and overdrive channels, with two types of setting on each channel PLUS chorus, reverb, effect mixing and Db level setting the Vox AC30CC has two channels where only one has ANY eq controls (bass...and treble...that's your lot)...oh thats it for tone....oh yeah with the ability to mix top boost and normal channels (useless)..and to add extra treble (not useless but be careful with it - this amp has treble by the bucket load)- Not impressive. But it has a reverb and tremolo.
However, it's remarkably easy to get a good tone out of this amp...hell i havent found a bad one yet. The tremelo lends itself to 'Little Wing' -eqsue sounds, and the Reverb is effective enough. Neither are incredible, but i have stomp boxes and rack units for that jiggery pokery - HOWEVER - both effects are very individual and definately usable, i will use them at a gigs combined with my effects.
I've heard horror stories about farty, buzzy sounds - but my amp sounds beautiful - it's not a vintage AC30 but it comes pretty bloody close - and most people really can't tell the difference at a gig anyway "oh that a 2002 Vox re-issue NOT a vintage 1965 model"....i don't think so. Either way - features aren't great but some nice touches and unusual features, which come mainly in the form of switches to boost the sound or cut parts of the frequencies out mean that this amp won't get 10...or 9...but because it does everything VERY VERY well - i'll give it an 8
Sound Quality: 10
I use telecaster mainly. I have rickenbackers too, and some strats but i mostly use tele's. I have a thinline tele with fender vintage noiseless, a fat tele with emg's and a custom bad-ass tele with all sorts of stuff on it - mainly 1 PAF and a humbucker in the bridge.
This amp is silent. Though cheaper mexican models may buzz - you can guarantee that the amp has nothing to do with it. The sound is rich, warm and bluesy, but with the use of effects it can become anything you want it to be - honestly. You may want to change the valves (although that means unsoldering the speakers...terrible planning) I use all sorts of pedals though i have a fetish for boutique pedals and electro harmonix stuff and they all sound fantastic. I'm really happy with the sound. Had i have had more money i may have bought an orange head and 4x12 cab, but this amp works perfectly alongside my fender twin and marshall bi-chorus. It's fantastic. With a great sound thats truly individual. Fantastic. Some vox purists, and young hopefuls expecting sounds straight from god's mouth, are misguided and expecting too much. For an amp that cost me £550 brand new - i'm NOT complaining. No option for distortion on the amp. I have dozens of distortion boxes - not a problem - this baby loves them all. I play EVERYTHING i can, but on my albums it's mainly alternative ala Radiohead, Smiths, Muse - but i play lots of Queen, Hendrix, Stevie Ray Vaughan and Vai etc...it works with them all within reason...though it won't make the best death metal amp..but hey - GET A PEDAL.
Reliability: 9
It's heavy...HELLA HEAVY. I've had no problems, if a bus hit it - i think it'd kill everyone on that bus on the impact. Joking aside, i havent owned the amp as long as other here have. And it hasn't gone on any extensive year long tours but it's studily built, and i've had no problems. I know no-one that has had a problem with it. I think people have been a bit harsh on this amp. It may be mass produced but so is practically every amp amp and guitar - with a handful of exceptions. Because it's an AC30 people expect the greatest amp ever - and are horrified when even the smallest of things go wrong - it happens, get over it. COULD YOU BUILD A BETTER AMP?
Customer Support: N/A
Wouldn't know, never needed their help for it. Though they have bugger all information on their website...DOES ANYONE KNOW WHAT TYPE OF VALVES THIS THING USES?
Overall Rating: 10
ive been playing for about 7 years. And im a bad ass guitarist haha, i love equipment and i spend all my time in studios. Trust me, this amp is a worthwhile choice for anyone considering a step up into the valve amp market. It outclasses and outperforms any amp in it's rank within reason. The only thing coming close being fender vibroverbs and things like that which are equally great amps. Not VOX's best effort ever, but a f**king good one none the less. I'm a tone freak, and really happy with this amp. At £600 nows your time to buy into VOX heritage...at least until you get that record contract and buy yourself one from 1965 to please those two amp spotters in the crowd...
Submitted by jon at 09/19/2005 10:54
Price Paid: $1500 (Australian)
Features: 8
I got this amp a few months ago from a small store in sydney.
I was basically after a workhorse amp that wasnt something that most people have 'eg. a fender or a marshall'. I like expoloring gear... Out here in Australia there isnt much of a market for gear as compared to the USA so if you ever get your hands on say.. a vox or a matchless or an orange its like WOW!
The only features I wish it included would be being able to change channels from a footswitch. Also I snapped the wires to the speakers and put caps on (So I can dismantle the amp alot easier... No soldering iron!)
I am prepaired in the tube dept... AC30's apparently go through valves fast.. If your gigging regularly then they say you only get about 6 months of good use out of valves. For the great sound and the look, im happy to put up with that. This amp can be run at 22watts so I guess it would be more tube friendly than any previous AC30
Sound Quality: 10
Well I play in an originals Rock band that is massively influenced by 50's rockabilly. Sounds great for both of those... But I would be lying if I said this sounds better than a Fender for 50's rockabilly (echo, sun records era) but still does it unreal.
I also play 2 nights a week in a covers band or duo (its good money, i make a living out of it!) and the amp sounds huge. I use it with gretsches... I'm lucky enough to own a white falcon, duo jet, 6120 and a tennessean with an anniversary coming in the next 12 months im hoping! In the covers band I use the normal channel anywhere between 2 and 5 with the master on full. In the originals band I use the top boost channel. The reason for me using the normal channel in the covers band is cos that channel reacts fantastic to overdrive and big distorsion pedals. This amp cuts through like anything!! You dont have to play loud, Usually when I play and im standing infront of the amp I can hardly hear it but around the room apparently it is very very much heard! Its not too loud... but then again I use it on 22watts and I did play at a stadium last week and had it on 4.. Dont get much bigger than that! I guess im used to having a Fender amp that sounded sssooo loud with the volume on 3 (but it broke up at 4) so yeah... Im just used to 60 + watt amps... Still getting used to 33 or 22 :)
Reliability: 5
WHen I first got it, it had some terrible popping, hissing and motor boat sounding sounds!! It anoyed me for ages, many new owners of these had the same problem and it all came down to one of the pre amp valves was crappy. Thats all!
However, literally 50% of these amps came out of the factory with dodgy tubes... Not good
Customer Support: N/A
Overall Rating: 10
After solving the pre amp tube issue all is well!
I use this amp at least two nights a week, its a workhorse!
At first a had my doubts cos of the weird sounds from the tube and even after I fixed the problem I still had my doubts. Ive dont about 20 shows with this amp now and its been nothing but dependible always! Im going to order celestion blue speakers... One at a time though cos they are so expensive. Apparently just having 1 blue and 1 wharfdale is even more heavenly sounding than the 2 whalfdales. Eventually I will get the 2 blues. HOWEVER I am going to get a Roland JC-120 as a backup amp incase anything goes wrong. No matter what model AC30 I got I still would get the backup amp. Its just an AC30 thing to be a lil questionable when it comes to reliability haha but so far its been a dream come true. I will continue to use this amp and if I change my mind I will let you all know why.
Keith Urban IS using a Vox AC30CC on all his shows and appearances in 2005. That says it all :)
Submitted by Michael at 09/11/2005 08:05
Price Paid: US $1499.99
Features: 10
This amp is a new 2005 model AC30CC2X.
I don't think I need to go into the features here. If you are reading this, you either have already bought one or you are thinking of buying one.....so you know what it does.
I am playing retro-country and retro-rock in my current house gig. We occasionally get to play some modern country and some R&B. This amp (with some pedals) does everything perfectly.
I should add here that I bought the AC30CC2X with the Celestian Blues. I tried out the AC30CC2 with the Wharfdale spkrs and the Blues are definitely worth the extra cash. I had to wait an extra week to get though. I was dealing with Guitar Center and they had to locate one 2 states away. From what they tell me ( and this comes from a really good friend that works there ), the demand is great but the supply is low and slow.
The only change I would make is to include a panel switch to turn on or off the tremolo. I use a Voodoo Labs pedal for that, and although the amps trem sounds great, I don't want to run anything else out to the front of the stage other than my pedalboard.
Sound Quality: 10
I play a Tom Anderson Classic, Tom Anderson Hollow T, Gibson Les Paul 57 Goltop reissue, and a PRS Hollowbody into this amp. That is 4 very different and distinct sounds. The amp uses them all very well. Though, to me, the sigle coils sound the best. But then again, I like my sound very bright. And bright is where this amp excells!
I bought it and took straight to my house gig where my Mesa/Boogie Maverick was still set up from the night before. I moved the Mesa over and set up the AC30. This is the first time I took something new to a gig without a week working with it at home. I don't think I was confidant, I was just excited as I have wanted an AC30 for years.
After a little frustration through the first 2 songs of the night, I was in tone-heaven thereafter. The sounds I have been wanting were right there. The amp responded just right to picking attack. I normally set an amp up where it is just starting to break up and then back off the guitar vol a little for things that need a squeaky clean sound. This amp does it perfectly!
I was not going for a Beatles sound. I know the rep but that's just not my tone or style. I wanted the sound of John Jorgenson with the Deset Rose Band, early Keith Urban, early Brad Paisley, Tom Petty, and, man, does this amp deliver! Of course Jorgenson and Urban switched to Matchless and Paisley to Dr.Z. Now Jorgenson is using one of these and a AD60VT. Urban kept Matchless and added Bogner. I tried a Matchless, and I own and will keep my Dr. Z. This is the one that nailed that tone.
The only noise I got is when I plugged in cheap cable. When I went back to my George L's or my Planet Waves, the noise was gone. For the first night, I did not put it on stand-by during breaks. I did not hear one single sound from it during those breaks.
I did try the bias settings and the filter settings on the back. But I will preface my comments by saying that I usually don't like the sounds of tubes that are biased cold or warm -- only hot will do. But this one does sound good at the lower setting. I would probably only use that setting for late night use at home though. I really did not notice a whole lot of difference with the filter smoothing settings...... YOMV.
The reverb is not as lively and chimey as my silver face Twin. But, Kudos to VOX for putting a tone control on the reverb. Why doesn't everyone do that? It works really good. The addition of a Low Drive/High Drive switch helps a lot too. I like the front end really cooking so switching the reverb to Low Drive allows me to have the reverb that I want without it being too much.
This is NOT an amp for metal or alt rock playing. It does vintange sounds. I use a pedalboard to get to other tones. My signal chain if Boss CS-3, Hermida Zendrive, Fulltone FD-II, Tonebone Classic, Boss PH-1, Jacques Meisterstringer, Voodoo Labs Tremolo, Boss DM-2. As you see I don't look for the amp to give me more than ONE GOOD sound. And this amp does that better than I could have hoped!
Reliability: N/A
I really won't make a comment here as some have done. Considering that I have only owned it for 7 days. It is a new product line so I hope a lot of R&D went into it.
Remember that Marshall's number 1,2 and 3 selling products are made in China. Read "The Father Of Loud" and your opinion of Chinese maufacturing will change.
I am not advocating putting any more money into the Chinese economy, in fact I am opposed to it. But I did not want to spend 3 to 6 thousand dollars for a used amp either.
Customer Support: N/A
I have not had to deal with them other than registering the amp so I want offer an opinionhere. I did get a nice personalized email back. I had asked a question in my registration form. They responded in 3 days. Hopefully any other issue will rate the same treatment.
Overall Rating: 10
Based on a week of use, I will give it the highest remarks. But the honeymoon isn't over yet. I hope nothing changes.
If it were missing today, I would have to get another now that I have owned and AC30.
It is heavy. I wish it had casters included ( like Fender ) or available ( like Mesa ).
It won't replace my Dr. Z., Mesa, Fender stuff. It will take it's own spot in the sonic playground.
Try it, you'll like it!
Submitted by Larry Williams at 08/13/2005 11:08
Price Paid: 850 (Euro)
Features: 9
i think it's from 2005. Mine was one of the first available in Holland. bought it in June. Well it's got loads of features. you'd better check www.voxamps.com to see them all. I use this amp in a beatles tribute band. so it's great. anything else... uh no
Sound Quality: 10
I use an epiphone casino and a rickenbacker 330. this is the real beatle sound, and that's what i need it for. one the other hand when i play other music it also suits it's style you can get a great overdrive out of it.
Reliability: 3
yeah well this is why i wanted to post something. i owned my amp for let's say 20 houres. when i took it out of its cardboard box (i didn't have a flightcase yet) the cloth was hanging lose. just below the vox logo. and the blend switch wasn't working very well. so i took it back to the store where they gave me a new one. two days later the amp of a friend of mine (we bought both an ac30 cc2 in the same store at the same day) started to buzz. so he changed it as well.( he has my old amp now with the cloth comming of, because the shop and vox holland ran out of vox ac30's he will have to wait for couple of weeks). then a week later i had to gig, so i picked my vox up to put in it's box and then... one of the handels came of. it just broke in two. fuck. so i called the shop again, now i have to change the handle with one of the vox of my friend, as soon as they have new ac 30's. so that he can bring a vox back with 1) cloth comming of 2) broken switch 3) broken handle. so i think that isn't very good, is it? so i hope it doesn't break done a day after the warranty expierse. well that's enough.
Customer Support: 8
i didn't have to deal with vox the store just gave me a new one. i did have to wait for a couple of months before they arrived in holland. and when they arrived i was lucky to lay my hands one one, because they are almost sold out at the moment.
Overall Rating: 9
like i sad i play oin this beatles band. using a epiphone casino and a rickenbacker 330. i used to play in an other band as well, where i used an fender jazz bass with a kustom bass amp.
i love the sound and the looks of my vox, a bit kitsch tough with the gold plastic vox logo. well i think that's it. my conclusion: Great amp, but take as much waranty as you can get.
Submitted by F de Gooijer at 08/09/2005 05:46
Price Paid: US $1599.00
Features: 1
2005 It never work so don't know about the versatile.
never got to try any of the channels,switching, or loops.
Never got to use any features.
I would have used this amp in a band. The snapping and cracking had enough power.
Vox Ac/30CC2X W/BLUES $1599.00 I receive this amp on 08-05-05 and it crap out before I could plug a guitar in this amp it Pop...snap... crack...hummed...I had to turn this amp off because I just knew if I let it on for another second it was going to blow up that I knew. I have never bought anything before that would not last for 5 min. I must say that the CHINA needs to go back to the elec. school on this amp. I don't now how Vox Corp. could even think of making a amp like this and state how great this amp is. This is one of these amps that when you put the money out you are taking a chance if your going to get a good amp or a peace of crap for an amp, it's a 50-50 shot on what you are going to end up with, so to everyone out there don't have to take my word on this amp it's your money and if you like to gamble with your money then I say go ahead and buy this amp you never know you just might end up with a nice amp but I think it's alot of money for a peace of CRAP that VOX should be ashame to have the name on it. Good thing the Beatles did not have this amp because if they would had this Vox AC/30 there would be no Beatles in our time. I don't think I need to say more how I feel about this PEACE OF HISTORY. Thanks
Sound Quality: 1
If the amp work I was using a Ric 360, Ric 625, and reissue Fender Strat 1954.
Rock
It make alot of Humming...Snapping sounds...cracking sounds.
Never got to use any channels the whole amp was crap.
Oh it's BRUTAL if you like the sounds that are not to come with this amp.
Reliability: 1
I don't no cause I couldn't depend on it for 5 min.
This amp should have NEVER left the VOX CORP.
Customer Support: 5
Still working with the company I bought it from so will let you know how they are on takeing this Vox back or I might have just ate $1599.00.
Overall Rating: 1
40 years,NO please have someone steel this amp.
Looks, That it don't work.
FENDERS, cause Vox it to be a Vox not (CHINA VOX)
Yes wish it had enough life to last 30 min. so I could have rated this amp the way it should be rated.
Vox need to go to the factorys and check out just who are these poeple that are realy making this amp and take off the name VOX and put the name JUNK.
Submitted by Bob at 08/06/2005 11:37
Price Paid: US $820 plus shipping
Features: 9
This is an AC30 CC with Wharfedales that came from North Coast Music. It had a previous owner, who decided it was too heavy for him. I got it for $820 plus shipping, which was a fantastic price. It has all sorts of switches and settings, which I really don't care about. It has a Vox sound, and I know because I used to have an AC15 TBX, which I foolishly sold. I put a blue Celestion in, and combined with the Wharfedale it sounds tremendously rich in the harmonics department. I have fiddled around with the switches and knows. It's a lot of fun to play with, but once I dial in a sound I tend not to deviate.
Sound Quality: 9
I play an American Standard Tele with Harmonic Design Vintage Plus pickups and a Tex Mex Tele with a Harmonic Design S-90 in the bridge and a Z-90 in the neck position. It suits my style perfectly. I play pop, rock, some blues, reggae -- anything that appeals to me. I'm basically a rhythm guitarist with limited abilty at lead guitar. I can space out on the sound of this amp for hours. It is a very pleasureable sound, but it can get very, very loud. I love the distortion with the master volume wide open and the volume at about 11. It is a classic sound. There is some hiss, but hey, it's a Vox. Tremelo circuit is nice. Reverb is adequate, but I've never been much of a 'verb guy anyway.
Reliability: N/A
I have read the horror stories. As far as I'm concerned, so far, so good. I took out all the screws and the amp itself to put the blue Celestion in. Based on what I had read, I did it very carefully. In other words, I didn't go after it with a Black and Decker power screwdriver like I would an old Fender. Lubed up the screws before I put it all back together. I dislike that you have to unsolder the speakers to disassemble the amp. But I plan to rectify that at some point. I have not gigged with this amp, but I've put in a couple of extended rehearsals. It sure gets hot.
Customer Support: N/A
Have had no cause to contact Vox. Hope I don't have to.
Overall Rating: 9
I've been playing a long time. If it was stolen or lost, I'd probably get a Savage Rohr 1x12. I hear they are good. But for the time being, I'm really enjoying this amp. There's nothing I'd change about it except its weight. It's a heavy bugger. I hope Vox works out the bugs on this, 'cause there are a lot of things about this amp that do them credit. I wish the speakers connected to the output transformer with 1/4-inch plugs. For the price, I'd say it's a fantastic value.
Submitted by Paul at 08/04/2005 21:52
Price Paid: US $950
Features: 7
Actually, there are too many features. I kind of wish they'd have simply sent the AC30TBX production to China to lower the price. I don't need master volume, reverb or tremolo. I will say, however, the link switch is nice, but you could get that with a jumper anyway.
Sound Quality: 10
I will say that these guys nailed the sound. Even with the Wharfedale speakers, it sounds great -- so long as you have the master up full and control the volume with the pre-amp. I have a Gibson SG with P90s, and it seems to have been made for this amp.
Reliability: 1
This is an early review. I've played it once and it's already in the shop for a strange metallic buzzing rattle coming from the speakers at low volumes. This is a bad sign.
Also, the screws and bolts used on this amp are absolutely godawful. They strip very easily, so beware. This is unconscionable in an amp that needs to be taken apart to replace tubes. Especially in a "class-A" amp that needs retubing often. Also, the speakers are soldered in place with very short leads. How difficult would it have been to put simple lug connectors on there? The power tubes seem decent enough (I think they're from Electro Harmonix), but the pre-amp tubes are bad no-name Chinese ones. Apparently, they've been the source of many reports of "motorboating" amps. I haven't experienced this, but then I swapped mine out immediately for some decent tubes.
Customer Support: 8
I e-mailed Mitch Colby at vox, and he was very nice and prompt in his apologetic response. I've heard he's a stand-up guy. Other than that, I just took it back to the shop that sold it to me, and they're going to handle it from there. We'll see. I really want this thing to work.
Overall Rating: 5
10 for tone, 1 for construction/reliability, so I'm giving it a 5 overall. I mean, if Fender can make reliable amps in Mexico, whey can't Vox do the same thing in China? My old Hot Rod Deluxe was extremely well put-together. I just didn't quite like the sound. I'm now kind of regretting selling it.
However, I'll reserve my final judgment on this thing until I've had it a while longer.
Submitted by bscepter at 07/28/2005 08:28
Price Paid: NA
Features: 9
New AC30 CC. Wharfendales. Master volume, reverb, tremelo with speed/intensity, top boost and normal/brilliant channels with link, wattage/smoothing switches, line out, external/extension speaker, ohmage output select.
Sound Quality: 9
Let me preface my review by saying that when I heard Vox was introducing a custom AC30 with master volume and reverb I was very interested. When I heard the new price I couldn't wait to try one.
While I waited for one to arrive at my local music store (K+S, So. Williamsport, Pa) I read the reviews. Being a vintage and modern amp collector, I've spent a lot of time reading Harmony Central user reviews but I've never previously seen such polar extremes in impressions and experiences with any amp. The good reviews left me salivating but the bad reviews were so appaling that I figured you'd have to be nuts to buy this amp. I decided against it. But then my dealer called and told me they were in stock and I had to at least check it out. I played it at the store with a variety of guitars and could neither get the amp to malfunction nor get a bad sound out of it. After two hours I couldn't leave the store without it and I've been playing with it daily since then. There must be a mother of a quality control problem at the Chinese Vox factory to generate the variety of screw ups and terrible sounding, hissing amps that the other reviews describe but (knock on wood) mine sounds divine.
I've been waiting for this thing to self destruct, to get that crappy feeling when you realize that you screwed up, but so far, its a love affair.
In terms of sound, let me be frank; while I have a wide variety of classic amps, I've never owned an AC30. I've wanted one but I could never get one to sound the way I imagined it should (think solo in Nowhere Man). This custom classic with its master volume and channel linking can deliver really great tones. Some reviewers felt that humbuckers sound better but I disagree, single coils snap and snarl just as wonderfully. I've tried Strats, Teles, LesPauls, ES335, and PRS and all sound so great that you don't want to stop playing and when you do, you can't wait to plug in again. This amp generates tone that is as nuanced and enjoyable as some of my faves including vintage Deluxe Reverbs and Marshall Plexis.
Reviewers complain of terrible hiss. I hear none. One said there's no bass-I have plenty and have to cut bass when I play a Les Paul.
In terms of limitations, I doubt this amp can do metal and I've not been overly impressed with the distortion tones from stomp boxes, prefering the amp, the guitars volume control and my picking attack to do the talking. The tremelo, I think is nice but it could be faster and the reverb, which I appreciate, trails a bit too long requiring that it be used sparingly. Some reviewers wished for channel switching but I don't think that would really be helpful given the existing channel sounds and controls.
Reliability: N/A
I haven't taken the amp apart but plan to buy new screws and have an amp tech wire-in a speaker disconnect. Based on other accounts, there seem to be grave reliability problems with this amp and every time I turn it on I dread a meltdown. So far, no problems. I doubt I'll gig with this amp. It weighs a ton and even with speaker jacks and better screws, like the old (and unreliable) AC 30s, you can't easily access the tubes. Instead I'd gig with a lightweight Peavey Classic 30, a Fender Hot Rod, a Reverend Hell Hound or any beatup Fender Silverface. The AC30 I'd set up for a lip-sync video shoot because its the best looking amp ever made.
Customer Support: N/A
I don't know about Vox but K+S is devoted to customer satisfaction like NO other store I've known. I brought back three Fender Prosonics and they hung with me until Fender sent a good one. If you're anywhere near Williamsport or Paxsinus Pa, give them a call.
Overall Rating: 9
I'm fifty and have played since grade school. I own or have owned most of the greatest classic amps and guitars and this AC30 stacks up nicely. If stolen I would replace it and hope I got another good one.
I can't see buying Celestion Blues or it would certainly take a lot of A and B comparisons to convince me as the stock speakers sound sweet to my ears. My concerns about this amp relate solely to the reliabilty problems that other users have experienced.
Submitted by Glenn Bloiso at 07/21/2005 18:59
Price Paid: US $999.00
Features: 5
2004 ac30cc2. contol panel layed out well. wish it had channel switching via pedal.
use it for my studio. tube with junk circuit board
Sound Quality: 2
out of the box and crap! terrible gurgle. very loud hum. class a typically have some hum but geez!!!!!
Reliability: 2
sent it in for warranty repair. the authorized warranty center told me to get rid of it. said getting to the tubes is a hassle. took him 20 minutes. also said he works on alot of these current china crap models from vox.
Customer Support: 3
told me to contact warranty center via email
Overall Rating: 1
been playing for 25 years.collect alot of vintage tube amps, i mean alot . i've always loved vox. they missed it with this one. maybe they should think about design and layout before cutting cost to mass produce. shame on you!
Submitted by nor at 07/19/2005 12:29
Price Paid: US $999
Features: N/A
This is my second review. I read the others before taking mine apart.
I installed 2 1/2" wheels, better screws, a weber copper rectifier,
jj tesla tubes, and replaced the 4 short speaker wires with 2 long ones. It now sounds better, moves easier, and comes apart for tube replacement and experimentation without soldering. A transducer in the reverb was broken and I am waiting on a replacement. I will replace the warfedales with cleaner speakers and I will be happy (for
a while).
Sound Quality: N/A
This is the best clean sound I've had.
Reliability: N/A
Not enough hours on it to judge reliability.
Customer Support: N/A
The repair store was good about honoring the warranty when I brought
in the broken reverb, my receipt, and the metal plate with the serial # on it. I did'nt have to put it all together and pretend that it had'nt been opened. Had I not taken it apart and heard the rattle in the reverb tank, I would not have known it was broken. I heard reverb.
Now I get more reverb (in theory).
Overall Rating: N/A
The speakers I'm looking at are 27 lbs each. That should put this over 100 lbs total. Cool. Try to steal it.
Submitted by stap12 at 06/29/2005 01:00
Price Paid: US $1,600
Features: 8
Bought it brand new. Very versatile in terms of the tonal combinations. I really wanted it because I wanted the AC30 sound with a master volume control.
Heavy as a boat anchor! It must be made of fiberboard or something, because with the Blue Bulldog speakers it is 75 lbs.!
Sound Quality: 10
Sounded great for the one hour that I was able to play it!
Reliability: 1
Cheap, cheap, cheap construction. I tested it one evening; the next evening I started to notice some bleed over of tremolo into the circuit even when off. But the real problem started when I put it on standby and switched it on again - the dreaded "motor boating" sound that is usually due to a printed circuit board problem started, and got worse every time I tried switching it on. I sent it back! Subsequently, I've seen lots of reviews/comments on people having problems with theirs - weird noises, cutting out on them, etc. I believe there are some quality problems with this amp!
The pots "feel" really cheap. I didn't try taking it apart, but all the reviews suggest the screws are soft and strip immediately. It is impossible to service this amp easily - speaker output cable too short and soldered to speakers, almost impossible to get to the tubes without completely taking the amp apart, etc.
Customer Support: N/A
Never even tried - I just sent it back.
Overall Rating: 1
I hope they get their act together on quality - I'd like to own one, but won't based on this initial experience and on all the subsequent horror stories I've read about with quality.
Submitted by Mike Slubowski at 06/24/2005 10:50
Price Paid: US $999
Features: 10
Got mine almost immediately after them came out (SN# 000111). Been loving it since then. Two channels, blendable, effects loop, reverb, trem, top boost, tons of other features. Reverb really is unusable though. The decay is much much too long.
Sound Quality: 10
I use an Gibson LP Standard. Amazing tone. I feel like this amp was made for humbuckers. Also play an American Strat, but can only use normal (unblended) channel for that. Tone just isnt as nice with single coils. Ive had a 60's AC30TB and I think this amp can hold its own with the originals. I prefer this one because it makes much less noise during idle periods, and the versatility is much better. Much more touch sensitive than my other amp, distortion at your fingertips. The stock speakers sound good out of the box and only get better as they are broken in. Blues do definitely sound better, but not 600 dollars better. Master volume is the best Ive ever heard. Completely transparent at reasonable (bedroom) volumes.
Reliability: 9
When I first got it, it came with a bad reverb tank. After that, Ive gigged it regularly aobut 2 times a week for over 3 months now. At first had my backup 60's AC30 just in case, but more than confident with this thing now. After retubing, Ive found the current PCB and chassis to be much better than my 60s.
Customer Support: 9
Extremely helpful. Sent me a replacement reverb tank and I got it three days later. Let me keep the old reverb tank for fun and even gave me an amp cover for free. Usually Steve or Mitch (the current design managers) will respond to the emails personally.
Overall Rating: 10
Been playing for ab out 8 years now. I own a Gibson LP Standard and an American Strat as well as a 60s AC30TB and a Fender Hot Rod. This amp is easily my favorite for my main guitar (Gibson LP), but prefer the Hot Rod for the Strat. Would undoubtedly buy another one if lost or stolen. $1000 bucks is a steal. Love the tone. Amazing Vox tone and with the right settings you can even get different eras. Ive used it as a head to play through my 60s AC30TB to see how it sounded with Blues and I plan on buying blues for it as well. Hate the fact that you have to unsolder and resolder the speaker cables every time you want to peak into the chassis. They should have made a quick disconnect.
Submitted by Les Paul Standard Limited at 06/24/2005 03:18
Price Paid: US $999
Features: 10
Made in 2005. I enjoy the clean sound from it and am happy with
the features offered. I don't hear a difference when changing the biasing switch or the vintage/modern switch.
Sound Quality: 8
My guitar is a ric 360/12 with single coils. Originally bought for the beatle sound, I mostly use the front pickup for a smooth jazzy sound. My last amp was a roland jc120 that was clean but sterile. This amp has character and feels like the oher half of a kit.
Reliability: N/A
Other reviewers discussed the good cabinet, poor hardware, newer pcb boards, etc. I agree: decent cabinet, cheap screws, pcb looks far better than pictures of old ac30 wire rat nest. The stock tubes are the cheapest available. I've ordered a solid state weber wz34 to replace the 5ar4, and jj teslas to replace the others as a cheap start. The speakers are ok but just ok looking at jbl e120s.
Customer Support: 1
No schematic available. I don't like that, this is not new technology.
Overall Rating: N/A
Have played guitar for 40 years. This is the best amp i've owned.
But like a race car, it does'nt go from the showroom directly to the track. It probably needs hotrodded or tweaked to make it sing. I wish it had simple tube access without deconstruction.
Submitted by stap12 at 06/18/2005 00:36
Price Paid: N/A
Features: N/A
Sound Quality: 9
so anyways guys this is a followup review from old, i have since received another ac30cc this time it wasnt beat to all hell. I changed out the preamp tubes to some mullard 12ax7s. I also put in some old tesla roznovs 7189, this amp sounds so much better the gain is alot lower, those chinese preamp tubes sound best in a mesa rectifier but not in an ac30, however the white noise and hiss is still there upon closer examination to the circuit board one can spot the 5 jrc mosfet chips used in the tremolo section. HELLO VOX this is not oringinal of the design at all Mosfet technology although extremely dynamic, almost like a tube, is very noisey my guess is that the circuit runs through the tremolo constantly. I mean seriously how many people actually use the trem channel, I believe if they would have eliminated the tremolo, the reverb (sorry but if you wanna buy an amp for reverb go buy a fender!!! NOT A VOX) that this would have been quite a good ac30. However i guess vox needs to capture new markets but i would love to see them just build the reissue like this amp, that would have been the most fantastic amp!! Oh yeh and about the guy below who says this amp is not as good as his other ac30s, i know him and he no longer has these amps so how could he possibly compare them to the cc without putting them side by side oh well!
Reliability: 1
Customer Support: N/A
Overall Rating: N/A
Submitted by Jimbob at 06/16/2005 21:28
Price Paid: US $950
Features: 9
Mine is a new 2005 AC30CC2. I will not spend much time here. See specs at the VOX website. It has all the features you will ever need in an amp. You have to use the supplied instructions to really learn how to dial in all of sounds. It's extremely versatile.
Sound Quality: 10
I use a Gibson Les Paul Standard, a Gibson ES-335, a Gretsch 6118, Gibson SG Standard, Fender Strat Deluxe, Fender Telecaster, a few others. The humbuckers sound outstanding thru this amp. I just bought the amp new. I also own a Boogie F-50, Boogie F-30, Fender 65 Deluxe Reverb, Crate Palomino, Peavey Classic 30, Peavey XXL, and a Gibson GA-5. I have never owned a VOX amp. I was looking for the true Beatles sound with my Gretsch and this amp does it. It has a very unique sound that no other has. I cannot compare it to the originals, but it may be my favorite amp. I was concerned about the fact that it's made in China, but the build quality seems to be oustanding. Probably not as rugged as the Boogies, but appears to be execellent. I have already had to change a pre amp tube. The main problem I have noticed is that you cannot change tubes quickly. You have to remove the chasis to do so and the speaker leads are soldered to the speakers in a way that makes it impossible to remove the chasis without resoldering the leads. The internal electronic components looked to be of high quality. It's quite and loud when you need it to be. The sound is incredible. The overdrive is not like that of a Boogie or Peavey. It's sounds more like a vintage amp cranked up until it clips. It's extremley warm and the clean is a good as it gets. I cannot believe how good it sounds with all of my guitars. I do not recommend it for metal without the use of distortion pedals. The cabinet work is outstanding. Better than most any amp I have owned. I also use a VOX Tone Lab. This amp combined with the Tone Lab will do most anything you need. The fact that you can change the bias setting from 33 watts to 22 watts is also useful for playing a bedroom volumes without busting an ear drum. I cannot imagine why one of the previous reviewers trashed the sound quality. I have been plaing for 30 years and have not heard many combo amps that compare to this. If you were to gig with it you will need a back up due to issue with changing tubes on the fly. Hard to beat the Boogies for live work.
Reliability: N/A
Don't know yet. Hopefully the fact that they are made in China will not be a factor.
Customer Support: N/A
Don't Know yet
Overall Rating: 10
Been playing for 30 years on and off. Mainly play at home. I am not a professional. It's a hobby. Love the sound. It's worth the price. You get alot of functionality for the money. Always remember, there is no one amp that does it all.
Submitted by Kevin at 06/16/2005 19:48
Price Paid: US $999.00
Features: 9
Everything you need is there.
Sound Quality: 10
This is my second review. I ordered this when they first came out and let me tell you that this thing is great. I really dont know where these guys come off with inferior boiuld quality, have any of you ever looked inside and English made AC30? I have and Im telling you they are CRAP next to these new ones, just the power tube mounting alone is a HUGE improvment. No mini parts in these new ones everything is full size and laid out very nice. Thick PCB's thick steel chassis, real wood, I mean some people just dont get it, tradition is great but hey lets all move into the 21st century together. Ive played the hand wired ones and they are great but really this one is to far behind at all.
Reliability: 10
Not a problem and I have NO HISS just nice and quiet.
Customer Support: N/A
Not needed at all.
Overall Rating: 10
Great amp for many styles of music, try one youll like it, and I am not an employee, Im a Missouri paramedic who loves music!!
Submitted by Chris Hoover at 06/15/2005 08:58
Price Paid: Trade
Features: N/A
Congratulations Vox. You've succeded in making the coolest looking, most harmonically musical, and YET most UNRELIABLE amp in history! I don't know why I got suckered in again. I AM an idiot with an AC30 weakness. This is my fourth AC30! The first three were British Korgs. Ironically this Chinese made AC30 held up the longest. Wow - two entire weeks of service before it just stopped working at a show with a full dancefloor. I'm sorry, but Fenders and most other tube amps don't do that... even when a tube goes! I can say this because I've only had this problem with every Vox I've ever had, no other amp fails quite like an AC30.
Sound Quality: 8
When it worked, it actually sounded divine. Very musical. I'm a plug in and play kind a guy. rhythm & blues. Strat loaded with Van Zandts. But what good is telling you all this if the amp will not hold up. I'm sorry. I'm very upset.
Reliability: N/A
If you are a working musician, stay away from this amp. I actually work on my own amps, and 9 out of ten times I can fix them myself. Well - no such luck here. Vox also makes it next to impossible for you to work on these things yourself. If you have a Vox weakness and go against my advise, take a reliable back up amp everywhere you go and have it plugged in on standby ready to go.
Customer Support: N/A
I don't want to have to deal with customer support. I want to be able to fix these things myself. You think I want to take this 70+ lbs beast to the post office and deal with shipping it and all of that mess. I'm taking it to the dealer I got it from and trading it for something else I know is more reliable. Fender or something.
Overall Rating: 1
Vox AC30... the best looking amp of all time... one of the best sounding, most musical amps of all time... THE most unreliable piece of Crizz-ap of all time! Maybe the AC30HW is the way to go, BUT who on Earth can afford one! I sure as hell's cain't!
Submitted by Tony at 06/13/2005 16:10
Price Paid: US $999
Features: N/A
2005, new AC30CC, with Wharfedales.
Sound Quality: 1
Let me preface my review by listing the Vox's I have previously owned:
71 AC30 Grey Panel w/ silvers
Early 90's Korg RI (the actual LA Namm amp, prior to the blues being released)
Mid 90's RI, w/ blues
ANOTHER late 90's RI, w blues
AC15 RI w/blue
modded AC15 RI, master defeated, blue.
Why so many? Well, I toured with a few, used a few on recording projects, and have always had a penchant for AC30's, but never had the scratch to actually buy a very old one at the outrageous prices they now command. They have always been in my "stable", along with many other EL84 flavors. Now, along comes this AC30CC. Needless to say, I was curious, and was forced to buy, sight unseen. Of the lot, it is, BY FAR the weakest sounding AC30 I have owned/played........ever. To anyone who thinks this is how an AC30 should sound, I can only ask: have you ever really heard a nice sounding AC30?? I think not. Now, there have been many who have actually AB'd this with JMI amps, and found it to sound fine. This baffles me even further. In a nutshell: this amp is a weak facsimile of what an AC30 should be, and in my opinion, is directly aimed at inexperienced players who previously could not afford one, or just didn't know what the heck an AC30 is/was. (no offense to those players, just saying....) I won't even get into some of the glaring "cheapy" parts and manuf. techniques that have been grafted into the now China-made amp. Not really important, and the RI's were not gems either, so let's stick to T-O-N-E. Can we say "trebly, raspy, buzzy, fizzy, splatty crap"? Let's try it,.....all together now. That's what the amp produces in spades. Looking for nice crunch, with some nice EL84 grind ala "Top Hat", "Matchless", "Dr. Z"..........no way people. What you get is unrefined, one dimensional, small-sounding, frappy, splatty, overdrive that sounds like a blizzard of nails being thrown at a chalkboard. Literally. That nice chimey growl that you can get from just about any Korg RI pushed, or hit with a decent driver is gone.............NOWHERE to be found. Now, I have been playing for 31 years, and can dial just about any POS to sound half way decent. I spent many hours with this amp, and ran it in every conceivable manner: master up, channel down, vice-versa, hit it with good stomp boxes, played with the EQ (and I am quite familiar with the AC30's EQ), employed the "extra" features, including the tone-stack switch....on and on.........the bottom line? No matter what the "features" offer, you can't make a bad amp sound good. This amp is a huge step back for Vox. I have heard $400.00 amps that CRUSH it, in every respect. The real bummer is, I am stuck with an amp, that already isn't worth near what I paid, and also carries the wonderful reputation of a Chinese-made product. And, just to set the record straight, my review has NOTHING to do with where the amp was made. I recently purchased a Chinese made Guild GAD50, and is one of the finest made guitars I have played/owned. I LOVE a bargain, and couldn't care less from whence it comes. This amp is crap, plain & simple. Line up kiddies........this one's for you.
Reliability: N/A
Hope we never have to change a tube on the fly. You think the RI's were difficult> You aint seen nothin yet. Judging by the cheaper parts used throughout (knobs, screws, switches....ect), I am not brimming with confidence. Besides, I wouldn't take this to a gig, seriously. I would be frustrated by the amp itself, and to be honest, ashamed that I could not get what I consider a "good" tone from what appears to be the venerable VOX AC30, and amp that any club fisted oaf should be able to sound reasonably good through.
Customer Support: N/A
Overall Rating: 3
I'll give it a three. The speakers aren't half bad, and the cab is pretty much the same as it was. The chasis re-design was headed in the right direction, until they affixed 4, YES 4!!!! speaker leads directly to the internal PCB, rendering the insertion of an attenuator near impossible, and the removal of the chasis itself an hour long ordeal. Idiots. The new features are relatively useful, but again, the circuit just misses the boat, and I haven't a clue why. I can only speculate that values were changed, or parts themselves were substituted to further cost reductions. I just don't know. What I do know, is I have several Teles that sound good through just about anything, and they just fight this POS every step of the way. This amp sounds closest to a cheapy Hughes & Kettner "tube edition" (or something like that), I briefly demoed in a some Mom & Pop store while on vacation. Thin, raspy, fizz.....with a tone TRYING to mimmick a Voxy/EL84 vibe. The H&K amp was tagged at like $400.......add another 12" spkr to it, and a few more watts, and you have this AC30CC.
Submitted by Anonymous at 06/09/2005 10:45
Price Paid: US $900.00 used
Features: N/A
Well, you kjow.
Sound Quality: 9
I play a variety of guitar, oldies, specially stones, beatles, other 60s, 70s, 80s and 90's. I played pro for 15 years until early 90s and covered a wide variety, including Jeff Beck, Eagles, Def Leopard, Cars, Linda Ronstadt, Pretenders, Blondie, on an on. I used a 66 Fender Deluxe and a 64 AC30 for much of this (later matched up with Marshall Jubilee and Orange 120 amps). Anyway, Vox amps are not for everyone! Together with a Fender, you can cover most anything, but by itself, well, it has a special tonality, around the mids that gives it it's voice, combined with natural compression more that distortion. I have used Les Pauls, Strats, Teles, 335, Casino type guitars, occasionally a Ric John Lennon too. There again, they all sound great but they all need tweaking for their "voice".
SO, what I am saying is try a good Vox first. You will either like or dislike the basic tone. With that said, you will find uneven quality in these things. I am on my 4th AC30 through the years of reissue. A 64, a 70's with Reverb, a 90's from Korg, and this Custom Classic. Now, you will probably want to shoot me but I can tell you from my experience, and the luck of the draw in build quality, that this amp is in there. I would rate it second to the original JMI. Mine is quiet, distorts more than the original, when you want it to that is, so is more useful that way. Stays full and punchy up to where these amps operate before output distortion takes over. The reverb is ok, get real, you only really use onboard reverb in low to mid levels anyway.
Reliability: N/A
I hope it proves dependable, the others always were. Not enough time on this one to rate it.
Customer Support: N/A
I would rate support as having always been fairly low for all Vox gear.
Overall Rating: 9
I have been playing for 40 years. I also own, Marshall Jubilee 50 watt, two Vox C-30 amps (modded), Vox Cambridge 15, Fender Deluxe (65), Fender Blues Deville, Tech 21 Trademark 60, Crate Vintage 50 head, Crate VIntage 30 1x12. Guitars, are Les Paul Custom Shop, Fender Mary Kaye Custom shop, modifed Korean strat, Epiphone Casino, Epiphone Riviera, Telecaster.
If lost or stolen, I would buy one used again.
Love the vox thing, you may not! Doesn't mean I don't like the Marshall or Fender thing, all different uses. I will say this, try as you may, you cannot get all of these thing for real out of any modeler. They may be easy to work with but are bascilly crap. Why do you think these are the three most sought after sounds? Everything that is produced is related in these terms, mostly, a few exceptions.
So, lastly, I think the bulk of the good feedback is related to a better experience. I cannot overemphasize, the quality of this product is very uneven, as indicated by the reviews. Take your time, give it a fair chance, maybe an AC30 is what you are looking for. I will say this, that sound comes only from an AC30. The blue speakers may be the crowning component but the Wharfdales sure are nice for the price.
Submitted by Paul at 06/03/2005 17:49
Price Paid: US $995
Features: 10
This amp has it all, a mv, variable trem, verb, normal and brilliant bridgeable channels and the ability to select output voltage and smoothing. Gret variety of tones for little cash.
Sound Quality: 10
Sounds great w/ all my axes but especially with teles and strats. Nails the Tom Petty, Rem, Byrds things too. Sounds great onstage or for recording but too loud for home use. Not any brighter than any other vox I have heard and is in fact tigher in the low end than the HW, and JMI models I've owned.
Reliability: 10
Been abusing it for a month now - no problems. Mitch Colby will go out of his way to help you if you have a problem though.
Customer Support: 10
See above.
Overall Rating: 10
I bought the wharfedale model and it sound killer. As I have said this model compares well to the HW and JMI era amps and sounds better to my ears than the Kork UK era. It convinced me to sell an HW and a Matchless DC30 and has outshined badcat, dr. z and valvetech in some local shootouts - bravo.
Submitted by obladi at 06/01/2005 20:50
Price Paid: US $999
Features: 5
You all know what this amp has, and doesn't have by now. The basic ideas behind the features the features department gets a 10. However, the actual sound quality of the reverb and tremolo alone get a zero. That makes this a 5.
Sound Quality: 3
I play blues, blues-based rock, classic rock, etc, occasionally some 60's stuff. This amp sounds different every night. But the sound is usually sharp as razor blades. Way more treble than anyone could hope to use. Bass response? Next to zip. What that means is that if you try to tame the ear-shredding treble, what you en up doing is getting a muffled sound. You cannot introduce more bottom end to the sound, this amp does not have it to give.
If the amp were better balanced in the tone department, I'm sure I'd love it. The ability to saturate and distort, the touch sensitivity are all wonderful. But this thing will make your ears bleed with the high end. And I use humbuckers. I tried one with Celestion Blues, and it was even brighter - rip your head off.
I'm a reverb junky. I like reverb. This reverb is 100% USELESS. It's way too weak, and the decay, or "tail" is way to long. It sounds silly and cheap. I won't use it. It's probably the worst sounding reverb I've ever heard on any amp. I think it's the circuit design, personally.
The tremolo is next to useless, being almost as bad. It just doesn't quite go fast enough.
I'm seriously considering selling this amp and buying a Reissue. The honeymoon is about over.
Reliability: N/A
Too soon to say, but I'm marking my doorway with lambs blood and wearing a wreath of garlic to ward off any bad amp mojo.
Customer Support: 10
I've been in touch with Korg on various topics. I've gotten immediate response, even though there are certain issues they simply can't help anyone with . . like the way the amp sounds, for example. That's not the fault of customer support.
Overall Rating: 5
How would *you* rate an amp, overall, if you knew you had to sell it because it just doesn't sound very good? Even if it looks cool, and is "almost" there? Sorry, some are hits and some are misses. This one is a miss. I'll be generous and give it a five, because I really would like to like this amp. But the writing is on the wall. I've got to get a real AC30.
Submitted by AC30CC User at 05/31/2005 18:57
Price Paid: US $999.00
Features: N/A
I, like Jim below, wrote a glowing review of this amp, and like Jim, I've learned my lesson. Read on.........
Sound Quality: N/A
Sounds great when it works!
Reliability: 2
Well boys and girls, here's the bad news...I've only had this amp a week, and it's already crapping out on me. I just put it on standby for about 5 minute after playing, then came back and turned it on and got nothing....absolutely nothing. So, I put it back on standby and was just getting ready to turn it back on and it turned itself off. That's right, it turned off by ITSELF! It had done this earlier in the week, but it came back on, so I thought maybe it was my guitar, but it turns out that it wasn't, after all. So, I'm sending it back. I'm really disappointed, because I love the sound, but if I can't depend on it, what good is it?
Customer Support: N/A
Overall Rating: N/A
Great sounding amp, but Vox obviously hasn't improved reliability any.
Submitted by guitarzan at 05/19/2005 19:22
Price Paid: US $999
Features: N/A
You know the score here with the new ones added channel switching/blending, reverb, tremolo etc...
Sound Quality: N/A
This is my third (yep THIRD review of this amp) am I too stupid to get it right the first time? ....YEP! am I too stupid to get it right the second time? ....YEP! here's my final analysis (because I returned the amp)The amp sounds absolutely AWESOME!!! it does...and it's price is relatively cheap (compared to other amps). But, here's the 'COST' of that sound and money savings.....cheapo parts and a VERY noisy circuit. If you can hang with the 'HISS' this thing produces then ROCK ON! I could not bring this awesome sounding amp to a gig and (just by turning it on) send all that NOISE to the PA system. I'm talking MAJOR HISS! I changed the tubes to ultra quiet NOS Mullards and still MAJOR HISS! Even with the amp switched 'on' and NOTHING plugged into it! And this is with the volume at THREE!!! No sound guy in the country (that I play at anyway) would allow that amount of hiss/noise (I'm talking about the 'top boost' channel with both channels blended and only a modest amount of top boost added! ....TOO MUCH WHITE NOISE HISS!!! the amp is pretty dull otherwise (normal channel and no 'brilliance' added)) I considered sending it to my amp tech and have him hunt and change the noise making cheap parts in the circuit when the screws (absolutely cheap and cheesy screws) began stripping and breaking off in place (argg!) I said 'screw it' (no pun intended) and sent the amp back the the store I bought it from. The wood is heavy duty but the parts are cheap and cheesy and getting at the tubes and circuitry is a major to do (remove about 20 cheapo screws and the last 4 are hard to get at). If you like this amp and want to keep it I would suggest going to Home Depot or your hardware store and spend about 3 bucks and buy some quality replacement screws and then try to find the 'noise making parts' in the circuit and replace them too! I bet the total bill for doing this would amount to about 20 bucks or less actual. So, yea, make an amp in China but don't use cheesy cheapo parts that matter to a working musician....Great sounding amp but unusable in pro situations.
Reliability: N/A
Customer Support: N/A
Overall Rating: N/A
Best sounding AC30 I've heard but unusable because of noisey circuitry....
Submitted by Jim at 05/17/2005 09:18
Price Paid: US $999.00
Features: 10
Bought this amp new, made in 2004 or early 2005, I assume. Unlike many tube amps, this one is loaded with features. Two blendable channels, Normal and Top Boost, reverb, tremolo, master volume. From what I've read, it's the most versatile AC30, yet. Keep in mind that it is also very heavy, weighing in at 71 pounds.
Sound Quality: 10
Holy shit, this thing sounds awesome. I have a Rickenbacker 325, a Gretsch, two Strats, and two Les Pauls, and they all sound great through this amp. The normal channel is pretty muddy until you flip the "brilliance" switch, which is kind of like the "bright" switch on most Fender reissue amps. It has a little more low end than the Top Boost channel, and would probably be great for playing rhythm. Crank the channel volume on this channel and you get a good Brian May-type crunch.
The Top Boost channel sounds the best, of course. I don't think you can find any more top-end chime and sparkle than this. The Rickenbacker and Gretsch sound awesome through the Top Boost channel (of course), but my favorite so far is my Epiphone '56 Les Paul Goldtop with the P-90's. Close your eyes, and it sounds like an old Gretsch Tennessean....I mean, damn near dead-on! Be careful with Strats and Teles on the Top Boost channel, though. You could probably peel the paint off the walls with the bridge pickup on, it's that bright!
Here's the beauty of this amp, though: You can blend the two channels. For instance, if you like the chime of the Top Boost channel, but find that it lacks low-end presence, you can blend in the Normal channel to even things out and vice-versa. I find that blending the two yields the best overall tone. It's a very, very versatile set-up. Also, with the Master Volume, you can get distortion without blowing out the speakers (and your eardrums). Just keep the Master Volume set low and crank the individual channel volume. Voila!
I think any guitar would sound good through this amp, but P-90's and Filtertrons (Gretsch) are my favorite pickups to play on this, so far. It makes my Gretsch sound even more like a Gretsch.
Reliability: N/A
I can't really say much on this category, so far. But you may want to take a look at the reviews for the old Made-in-England AC30's. It seems that they were pretty sad, as far as reliability goes. It remains to be seen whether these new Chinese-built AC30's are any better, but given that they have totally redesigned these amps, I think maybe they'll have finally worked the bugs out. Oh, and don't let the gear snobs tell you that these amps are somehow inferior just because they're made in China. I've read where the originals from the 60's often caught fire on stage. Also, read the review below mine. That guy played through original Voxes from the 60's, and they shut down after the second song of the set! How's that for reliability? Take the new Gretsch guitars for example. They're made in Japan, but many people who own the originals say that the new ones are far superior in quality and sound just as good. I think the same will be true for these new Chinese-made Vox amps. I'll admit, I don't like buying yet another made-in-China product, but if I'm spending $1000, then damn it, I'm going to get my money's worth.
Customer Support: N/A
Haven't dealt with them, and hopefully won't have to.
Overall Rating: N/A
Wow, this amp is awesome. It's not great for everything. In fact, it may be too bright for some, but if you're considering an AC30, chances are you know what you're getting into. My other amp is a '65 Fender Twin Reverb reissue. The Fender has more balls, but this Vox has more character. It'll be tough deciding which one to gig with. I'll probably just take turns. :-) Seriously though, if you've ever thought about getting an AC-30, do it now. I can't see these things staying at $1000 for long.
Submitted by guitarzan at 05/16/2005 12:50
Price Paid: US $999 from zzounds.com
Features: 10
You get a foot switch and stereo cable for the Reverb and Tremelo section, but you can skip that if you like and control it from the amp ( I do ). The channel blending switch is a great idea, as is the selectable power levels for different sized venues and saving on tube life. The smoothing feature allows you to go completely balls out, or go for a totally traditional or "standard" sound. The birch cabinet is solid, nice construction and workmanship. Vox really hit one out of the park here, I have no complaint whatsoever, except that I had to wait about four decades to have the AC 30 of my dreams. I'm telling you, this Has the sound, reliability, the look and alot of features that the originals don't. I'll take my AC30CC2 over a vintage amp any day, let the snobs shell out a fortune for an antique.
Everyone knows that NO amp looks cooler than a Vox. I can set my Rickenbacker 325c58 in a stand next to my AC30CC2 and everybody's rubber-necking to get a look, and yes, it's so flat out cool looking I would use it even if I didn't like the sound and had another amp built into it. Coolest looking amps of all time. Period.
Sound Quality: 10
I'm a veteran touring musician ( since the mid-sixties) and I've used alot of Vox products over the years and anyone who has dealt with the old gear knows that "finicky" and "unreliable" are common descriptive terms. Ever play a show through three Super Beatles and have them all shut down in middle of the second song? However, if your after the Vox sound you gotta do Vox. I can tell you from experience that it's an AC30 your after, you can skip spending 6 grand for an original 60's model that didn't work that well to begin with, because the new Vox AC30CC2 is simply a much better amp. The wide array of very desirable and useable sounds leaves nothing to be desired from me, whether or not your going for an overdriven sound or playing totally clean. Very versatile compared to an old one. I didn't even get the one with the blue alnico speakers and I'm floored by the sound of this thing. I've run it pretty hard and it hangs right in there. The Reverb and Tremelo sound great, nice and warm sounding. The sound stays there even at low volumes where most amps get kind of wimpy sounding. I run my Rick 325c58 through the Top Boost channel, and if you are into a completely authentic Beatle sound, THIS IS IT. Snobs may snicker, but let 'em, because my money says that The Beatles themselves would've liked this amp better than the originals they used. This is THE AC30 to have.
Reliability: 10
I'm a road and studio kind of guy and I don't want to deal with anything that needs to be babied. This amp is solid ( it's also heavy at about 71 pounds ), I will have to see how the grill cloth holds up over time, but since it's in a case there shouldn't be a problem. It's every bit as tough as my Fender 59 Bassman, and that thing has seen it all. Once again, no complaints from me.
Customer Support: 10
I've dealt with Vox in the past and they've always been nice to me and easy to deal with. Haven't had to call them over this amp, but I don't anticipate any problems with the service department.
Overall Rating: 10
This Is The Vox AC30 Of ALL Times!!
Comparatively, I'm shocked that this amp wasn't priced alot higher, and if it were, I would pay the price because it's worth it. I would have paid alot more, but I'm pleasantly suprised at the price. Too many companies price their gear out of the range of anyone except the wealthy.
This will be my main and only amp for the rest of my life. I've played through about everything and this is it. If something happened to it I would get another exactly like it. I have never been this pleased with a guitar amp, I have found the amp of my dreams. I may get a second one for big shows and run stereo reverbs and delays.
Submitted by Vox-4-life at 05/10/2005 12:51
Price Paid: N/A
Features: N/A
Sound Quality: N/A
This is a follow up to my last review....well I got the Celestion Alnico Blue speakers yesterday and installed them (not easy to do in this amp!) the speakers cost me about $475 for two of em' shipped. Yep, it is money well spent...it is worth the extra money. The stock 'Winkerbean' or 'Wharferdale' speakers aren't bad, but, in comparison to the blues they sound flubby and muddy. The Celestion Blues are all that!!! especially in this amp, very silky smooth and EXTREMELY articulate even with tons of distortion! VERY, VERY NICE!!! Keeps the low end articulation (low strings upper fretboard) better than any speaker I have used, sure it is a bit of a 'squished' frequency spectrum compared to alot of speakers but the Celestion Blues keep everything so silky smooth and sweet! I have ALOT more control over my sound from my fingers on the strings (if that makes any sense?) Not the speaker of choice if you want barky, harsh and 'in-your-face' sound. Expensive, but if you have the dough and want the best sound from this amp the 'Blues' are the ticket.
Reliability: N/A
I hope this thing can handle some gigs, the EL84s run rather hot so....changing tubes is dang hard to get at! I broke a (real thin and cheap) screw off in the back plate trying to re-attach it after changing out the preamp tubes :(
Customer Support: N/A
Overall Rating: N/A
With the Celestion Blue speakers this amp is that much better. Keep in mind that the Celestion Blue speakers arent as 'loud' as the stock speakers, you will give up just a little bit of volume. A worthy trade-off in my opinion! (BTW the speakers are 8 ohm each in series, a 16 ohm load).
Submitted by Jim at 05/06/2005 07:14
Price Paid: US $999
Features: 10
This amp has alot of 'features' and versatility that the original AC30s don't have (channel stacking, reverb, 1/2 power tube switch, etc..). One HEAVY mutha...tubes are hard to get at.
Sound Quality: 10
This amp, even with the cheap speakers, sounds awesome! It can get a real 'presence' in your face crunch or a smooth and 'chimy' break-up exactly like Edge from U2. The reverb is OK and the tremolo is OK (both aren't great but usable). The 'warm' setting (switched on the back panel) and the 'top boost' channel stacking selection, using a strat (single coils) gets a real silky-chime EXACTLY nailing the U2 sounds of early recordings (add an analog delay and 'Bobs your Uncle' your there!). I take a point off because the amp has the typical AC30 noise/hiss especially exagerated when top boost is increased (the best sound ALWAYS comes at a cost...). This will give a sound guy problems when mixing a live situation and when recording...I changed the preamp tubes (3-12ax7s) to JAN-Philips mil-spec tubes and the tone and response is MUCH better, but the noise is still there (the 'hiss' is obviously a 'circuit' problem and not a tube problem as I have had these tubes in my Matchless DC30 and perfectly quiet). I actually like the sound of this amp MUCH better than my DC30 Matchless, I wish it were as quiet though :( I add a point for the amp being made for less than a thousand bucks (even though it is made in China and I don't particularly like to 'invest' in their economy...) the amp is heavy, made well, designed well, sounds GREAT!!! and I got free shipping from Musician's Friend so...I am very happy with it!
Reliability: N/A
This is the BIGGEST question....if this amp can handle a few road bumps and bruises it will be VERY POPULAR because it sounds so smooth and silky.
Customer Support: N/A
Don't know...
Overall Rating: 10
I have a pair of Celestion Alnico Blues on the way, I will install one and compare with the stock 'Winkerbean' speaker(s). I was able to save $125 by buying the blues separate. This amp is surprisingly great with the cheapo speakers but I expect it to be that much better when the blues arrive. This amp probably isn't a good choice for death metal or harsh 'throaty' type of distortion, but for smooth, pleasing very musical sounds...this amp is versatile and sounds great! The only 'chink' (no 'racial' pun intended) in it's armor is the noise/hiss issue.
Submitted by Jim at 05/05/2005 07:54
Price Paid: US $1000
Features: 9
This is a new, 2005 VOX AC30CC2,(low serial number ...245) with the Wharfedale speakers. I couldn't see spending an extra $600 for a pair of the blue AlNiCo Celestions, when I can buy a pair and install them myself for $200 cheaper, or buy a pair of the new Eminence Red Coats. I don't think I'd want to, however. Like an earlier reviewer posted, they really do sound great! I A/B'd the stock speakers w/a 2x12 cab loaded w/the Red Coats. I found the Wharfedale's to be more articulate than the Red Coats, believe it or not. As for features, this is far and away the most feature-laden amp Vox has ever made. The only amp that comes close is the now-discontinued Vox AC 15, which I also have. I think it was guinea-pig of sorts, because out of the AC 15, we got the control panel for the much bally-hooed AC 30HWj, and now an even MORE knob-happy AC30CC. Anyhoo, I'm a blues player... think Anson Funderburgh, Jimmie Vaughan, Freddie King, Ronnie Earl, Kid Ramos... you get the idea. I'm very much a guitar-cable-amp kinda guy, so yes, this thing has more than enough features for me. What I was intrigued with was the various levels and textures of gain one could get on this thing with relative ease. I'm a relatively clean player most of the time, and am quite happy with this amp's ability to go from just a little bit of grit to all out gain, at relatively listener-friendly volumes. If it's any kind of benchmark, my other main amp is a '98 Fender Vibro King, which I keep around 3.5 on the dial.
Sound Quality: 9
My main guitar is a '95 Fender Custom Shop 50's Relic strat with Lindy Fralin Vintage Hots. I've also got a Gibson Chet Atkins Tennessean, and occassionaly get to borrow my buddy's '96 Gibson Historic '56 Les Paul Goldtop w/Lollar P-90's (it SCREAMS, and is defined at the same time). The Vox' strengths, as far as I'm concerned, are it's level of articulation, and where it sits in a given mix. When you play a note, you hear that note in a very-well defined way. It's frequency response also occupies a very specific stratum in a sonic spectrum: midrange. It plunks right down in the middle of everything, and won't be denied. As such, it cuts through the mix very nicely. Is it as good as a $3000 Matchless or other Vox-inpired boutique amp? Probably not, but it's 1/3 the price!! It's a perfect back-up for my Vibro King.
Reliability: N/A
The reliability is unkown at this point. I've played it a few times at various gigs, and have had no problems yet. I don't mind saying that I'm a little bit nervous about Chinese, pc board amp... a reassuring fact, however, is its weight. It weighs almost as much as any similar Matchless I've played. Also, as another reviewer posted, the tubes are chassis mounted, and NOT mounted to the pc board. In addition, it's VERY similar in physical dimension to the orginal Voxes from years past.
Customer Support: N/A
No experience yet. I hope I don't have any.
Overall Rating: 10
I've been playing for about 15 years total, about 5 years professionally (here in Austin, TX). If the amp were stolen/lost, I'd immediately invoke the Lords of Karma to punish the party/parties responsible, then go back and buy another one. Loves: PRICE, tone, flexibility. Hate: weight (this thing is HEAVY, plus Vox tolex is notorious for tearing easily. I can think of no other amp in its price range that can match the Vox for tone and features. Buy one before they get popular, and ye shall be cool.
Submitted by Scott Unzicker at 04/27/2005 13:48
Price Paid: US $1000.00
Features: 10
What more do you need in an AC-30? 33 watt and 22 watt settings. Blendable channels from the original to top boost. Trem and Reverb and the very transparent master volume, along with a great effects loop, its all I need and then some.
Sound Quality: 10
WOW is all I can say, I had high hopes that this amp would be great but it has far exceded my expectations. I use a Gibson Les Paul Classic, 62 Reissue Deluxe Fender Telecaster, Vintage Ibanez Blazer strat style. I also use alot of pedals, the signal goes like this: Shure UHF wireless into my Boss TU-2 tuner, Budda Bud Wah, Pharaoh Class A Boost, Visual Sounds Jekyl & Hyde (red version), then to the front end of the amp, in the loop the siganl goes into Fulltone Supra Trem, Boss HR-2 Harmonist, MXR EVH Phase 90, Boss DD-5 delay, Aphex Guitar Exciter, Custom made volume pedal. Im using the top boost channel at 100% and the master at about 1/2 to 1/4 depending on the situation, and the amp on the low power (22 watt) setting. With the Les Paul I am getting almost Marshall tone with the Vox chime thrown into the mix, and did I say how responsive this thing is using the guitars volume. These come with EH power tubes, a Sovtek rectifier and chinese preamp tubes. I had two NOS Mullard shield 12AX7 tubes and a new JJ Tesla so I loaded these into the amp, the Mullards in posistions 1 & 2 and the JJ in the 3rd position, WOW the harmonics are unreal!!! The trem is wonderful maybe could go a bit faster, and the reverb is nice an lush. I could rant all night about this amp, but I have never owned anything this sweet and Ive had alot of gear, from Orange, Marshall, Fender, Egnater, Top Hat and well way to much stuff, this one is a keeper for sure!!
Reliability: 10
Its new but its very well built, the power tubes are not mounted on a PCB they are directly mounted to the chassis, very good design, and all the components look to be of high quality. I dont expect any issues. The cabinet is bult like a rock and its all quality wood no partical board, very nice!!!!
Customer Support: N/A
Not needed so far.
Overall Rating: 10
Of course these were just released so this is a homeymoon review, I have been through alot of gear so I know good tone and good quality, this has everything I need and then some, go try one out youll see what Im talking about, and no I dont work for the company, Im a paramedic who lives in Missouri and plays for the love of music.
Submitted by Chris Hoover at 04/18/2005 21:22
Price Paid: US $999
Features: 7
Standard ac30 minus all the inputs with a load of useless features for an average guitarist. Madie in 2005, It really isnt to versatile but if you want the vox sound this is it. 2 channels normal and top boost. It has more than enough power for me.
Sound Quality: 9
This amp really sounds amazing i could only imagine what it would sound like with good tubes and better speakers. Also my guitar has really hot pickups in it so it would def. sound smoother with a strat or a gibson les paul with 57 classics in it. There is some hum but that is to be expected with any ac30. The distortion is very mellow not brutal at all.
Reliability: 5
I don't know ive only had it for a couple of days.
Customer Support: 7
Its alright but it could be better.
Overall Rating: 5
Alright here is where i get angry i no longer have my amp yeh i had my dream amp that ive been waiting for 10 months for 4 days, do you want me to tell you why i don't have it anymore? Well anyways VOX could really care less about how a package gets to you and what kind of packing is involved this amp was shipped in a single box!! With flimsy cheapo foam corner protectors thats ALL, So when i got it was beat to all hell (thanks UPS) the reverb didnt work and there was crackling on the channels. So here is what we learned by this go out and buy an amp from a company that actually cares about there customers- THANKS ALOT VOX!
Submitted by Dan Kelley at 04/17/2005 19:36
Price Paid: US $999
Features: 8
Very versatile, especially for an AC30. The master volume is great, and makes it possible to get all the AC30 tones at playable levels. Other featurs include channel link switch, Top Boost and Normal Channels, Reverb, Trem, switchable smoothing and output bias. w/vox 30w speakers.
Sound Quality: 10
I'm using a Les Paul DC Standard with a Seymour Duncan Phat Cat (p90 retrofitted into a standard sized humbucker) in the bridge, and a humbucker in the neck. It sounds awesome. Sounds like an AC30, as it should, but much more versatile. Master Volume is completely transparent. Reverb and Trem are decent and usable. This amp has great clarity, and unbelievable harmonic content. If you sit down with an AC30 for an hour, you'll understand what i mean. more than enough gain at reasonable levels. Goes from Chimey crystal clean to punk rock crunch, all at usable volume levels. If you have an AC30, you know what this amp sounds like, but now you don't need a hotplate to actually use it. I would go so far as to say that this amp could be used for every style of music. From Jazz to Metal. the 2x12 combo configuration doesn't fare well for heavier styles, but if you had the head and a closed back 4x12, i wouldn't be surprised at all if you could play hardcore or metal with it. The speakers i this amp are the biggest surprise. they sound great. very rich, like a g12h-30. They really handle the chime and the bite without any hint of brittle break up. I really wish the ratings when higher than 10 in this category, cause this amp might be 100!! If you are looking to spend about a grand on an amp, get this amp. you absolutely cannot get a better amp brand new for less than a grand than this one.
Reliability: N/A
Who knows? They just came out.
Customer Support: N/A
No experience
Overall Rating: 10
I've been playing for over 15 years. If this amp were stolen or lost, i'd cry. Even if something were to go wrong with it, i'd still love it. It's kind of like a cute little kid. No matter what it does, you can't stay mad at it. It just sounds that good. Almost bought an Orange AD30TC. This thing is far superior. Some advice for all those considering AC30 style amps...if you want an AC30, get an AC30, nothing else sounds like one. It is easy to group all 30 watt el84 "class a" amps together and assume they all sound similar to an AC30. They don't. Only an AC30 sounds like an AC30. An Orange AD30 sounds nothing like an AC30 (actually sounds more like a 2203 marshall). Same with Matchless and Bad Cat. A Valvetronix sounds more like an AC30 than any of these. I think there are certain "flaws" in the signal that other manufacturers "correct" when they make they're AC30 based amps. It's these flaws, like the subtle ghost notes and honk, that make the AC30 sound so rich complex. play one, you'll like it. and if you don't want a 2x12 combo, get the head and a cab.
Submitted by griggernj at 04/15/2005 09:34
Price Paid: N/A
Features: 10
This amp has all the features that I need. Through the use of several switch settings and pot settings you get all the sounds that the AC30 has ever offered plus some. Additional features include reverb and tremolo.
Sound Quality: 10
The sound of this amp is nothing short of incredable. Great top end, mids and lows. Extremely well balanced with great natural tube distortion and clean when you want it. So far I've tried it with an American Stratocaster, Gibson ES135 and a Ric 360 12 string and I get the sounds I've been looking for but never got until now.
The suprise of the day is the speaker voicing. Never heard of Wharfedale before but these speakers ROCK!
Reliability: N/A
A lot of thought seems to have gone into the design. As all electronics these day use circuit boards so too does the AC30CC2. However, it is clear to anyone with an electronics background, that Vox did the boards right and I do not expect any problems. For those that are concerned about jacks mounted on circuit boards, Vox has given them their own little sub board to eleminate flexing issues and other problems. Time will tell how reliable this amp is but I expect it to be good.
Customer Support: N/A
Overall Rating: 10
I'm glad I told the owner at my favorite local music store about this amp because he told me thanks for the info when they came in 9 months later and gave me an extra discount for letting him know about them.
If this amp was stolen I would replace it with exactly the same. I always loved the Vox sound and this amp gives me everything I want plus some. As far as I'm concerned this is the best sounding amp at any price and the price is a steal.
If you ever wanted an AC30 Amp, this the one to get. You will not regret it. This amp has THE Tone!
I can't come up with anything negative to say about this amp.
Submitted by John at 04/13/2005 15:57
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