Vox AC30CC2 212 Combo

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