Vox AC30/6TBX

Price Paid: US $1600.00 used

Features: 10
Made in 2003. I am sure everyone knows the features by now. Personally I rate the versatility on one's own ablity.

Sound Quality: 10
Guitars I use are a Warmoth Tele, Fender Am Std Strat, Rick 360, and a Guild BHM. Being a big fan of U2 & Queen, I naturally gravitated to this amp and was not dissapointed. Not that I play (or sound) like the Edge or Brian May, I don't think there isn't anything I couldn't play (OK metal is out, go look at the Mesa or Marshall reviews) with it. Until recently, my main stay was a Tube Screamer & a DredgeTone but just got a Jeckle & Hyde, and with it, everything's covered (will still keep the Dredge hooked up though - come back to us John!!!). Of course, be prepared to play loud. It sounds OK in the 8-10 o'clock range, but get it up around 12:00, it sounds awesome!!! Haven't tried a load box yet, still thinking...

Reliability: N/A
I am the second owner & it came with a road case (where it stays) so I have yet to expirience any problems.

Customer Support: N/A
Heard the reissues are no longer being made (at least in England), just like the AC15 I have. If true, such a shame.

Overall Rating: 10
Always wanted one. Finally got one. Not dissapointed in any way. Waiting to see what the "Custom Classic" sounds like, but I wanted "old school" so there you go. Would definately replace it if anything happened to it. Was a close call with a Dr Z MAZ 38Sr but I would have had to wait for one of those, Matchless & Bad Cat are WAY to far out of reach.

Submitted by Michael at 01/06/2005 11:28

Price Paid: N/A

Features: N/A
its been said already

Sound Quality: N/A
I compared this to an original my friends dad has, and its not exactly the same. There is a certain vibe to the '63, of which is totaly, (and tonaly) impossible to duplicate. In the new re-issues of many manufacturers, they cannot source the same physical parts that were made in the U.S. If you think the parts inside any re-issue are made in the U.S...fogetaboutit. They are usually Korean, or Taiwanese, made components drawn up from the same electrical blue prints, but in NO WAY are the SAME!!!!!!! Conclusion: The sound cannot be the same! If your happy with the sound, great. But dont think for a moment, that ANY Re-issue is made with the same components made over 40 years ago. You have been led down the garden path,,,,,,,a garden of B.C Bud.!!!

Reliability: N/A
who knows!

Customer Support: N/A
Vox probably stinks now. Its run by Korg or something, but certainly not a Mesa type of Customer service which is ,,,the best.

Overall Rating: N/A
If your after the AC30 top boost , go and put out the money, and get one, or build one yourself, with sourced parts that are the same as (or closer than you'd find today in any re-issue). You will spend more, but if your after the real vibe, you gotta spend real money.

Submitted by Mike Hawkisitchy at 11/27/2004 08:43

Price Paid: US $2,000

Features: 8
This is the re-issue of the famous 1963 Vox AC-30 amplifier with built in Top Boost and Blue Celestion Re-issue loud speakers.This amp was made in 2004.I ordered it thru a major music store.It took 4 months to come in.I own a few re-issue and original vintage amps,namely from Fender.Now I own a Vox.
This amp features 6 inputs:2 for "Normal" Channel,2 for "Bright" channel,and 2 for "Vib-Trem" channel.(Vib-Trem channel also has knob to select either Vibrato or Tremolo,hence Vib-Trem).This amp is all tube in both the pre-amp section and power amp section,as well as 2 rectifier tubes just as the originals had.The amp has everything I need as far as features.

Sound Quality: 10
The GUITARS I use thru this amp are as follows:
1.)Gibson Les Paul Classic 1960 re-issue Gold Top equipped with Seymour Duncan Classic 59' humbucking pick-ups.
2.)Gibson Les Paul Special 1960 re-issue equipped with P-90 single coil pick-ups
3.)Fender Telecaster 1952 re-issue equipped with re-issue single coil Fender pick-ups
4.)Epiphone Sheraton 2 equipped with stock humbucking pickup

The AMPS I play are as follows:
1.)Vox AC-30/6 TBX Re-issue (33 watts rated) with re-issue blue Celestion loud speakers
2.)1965 Re-issue Fender Twin Reverb (85 watts rated) equipped with 2 Jensen C12-K loud speakers
3.)1968 Fender Bassman Head(50 watts rated) with 4x10 Fender cabinet equipped with 1966 CTS loud speakers
4.)1997 Sovtek Mig-50 head(50 watts rated) with Marshall 1960 ax re-issue 4x12 angled cabinet equipped with 25 watt Celestion Greenback re-issue loud speakers(cabinet rated at 100 watts maximum)
5.)1968 Sears Silvertone 40-XL 1x12 combo amp(25 watts rated?) equipped with a celestion Vintage-30 loud speaker

The effects I own are as follows:
1.)Tech 21 NYC Sans Amp GT 2 Overdrive
2.)Vox Tone-Bender re-issue Fuzz box
3.)Dunlop TS-1 Tremolo-stereo pan
4.)Dunlop Cry-Baby Wah-Wah
5.)Marshall Blues Breaker Overdrive
6.Line 6 POD 2.3 Effects Processor
This Vox AC-30 TBX just plain nails the Beatles tone.No effects,no tricks or studio secrets.This is the only tone I did without until now.If I use an overdrive to push the front end,I can also nail the QUEEN sound which Brian May made so famous with his AC-30'S with Blue Celestions.The harmonics and sustain are heavenly.
When cranking the amp into natural overdrive,the tone is edgy yet syrup-like(due to the dual rectifier tubes)yet keeps the vox tone and ringing clarity all the way up the numbers.The overdriven tones are so pleasing and useful.I would not describe the natural overdrive of this amp as distortion,because distortion is just that.Distorted.
This amp produces a crunchy,rich,deep,musical,and wonderful overdriven tube sound.Think"Crazy Little Thing Called Love" by Queen.That is the overdriven tone this amplifier produces when turned up full,or close to full.
This amp is very quiet as far as electrical noise and hissing are concerned.It is as quiet as any of my amps.No rattles or anything at all.Another perfect studio/home amplifier to add to my collection of fine instruments.I did indeed check this amplifier before purchasing it when it came in.I played it at volume in a sound proof room for 2 hours at the store and tried a slew of guitars thru it.It never gave me any problems or poor tone.Just the musical piano-like tone I had expected for my money.I always put the guitars and amps I purchase thru a grueling inspection.I check all fit and finish as well as a lengthy sound test,using every control on the particular instrument/amp.I test all amps for atleast an hour straight at volume,playing both low power chords or notes to test for rattles and speaker malfunctions.I won't get into my methods of testing the equipment I purchase,as it is way off topic.
In short,a perfect example of what a guitar amplifier should be.Playing thru this amp definately puts the guitar in the piano family.

Reliability: 10
I purchased the warranty because I have heard good and bad things about Korg and these amps.It seems most people do fine with this amp,while others do not.I guess they do not check the equipment before they purchase it.So far,I have owned this amp for 5 months and play thru it almost everyday.I have yet to have a complaint.For the price I paid,I expect nothing but the best.The price is rediculous.

Customer Support: N/A
I believe the warranty is good for 1 year.I hope this expensive amplifier out-lasts me.It's too expensive for me to accept any malfunctions other than normal tube wear.

Overall Rating: 10
I am confident in my purchase,and I know I am happy with this wonderful amplifier.It just looks so good in my living room too.The tone is Beatles and there is alot to love about that tone.I wanted this tone since I was 9 years of age.I finally got around to trying one of these amps and there it was.I could not leave this tone out of my collection.This amp just makes you want to keep playing and sounds so raw and piano-like.There is no other description I could think of besides the ones I have already mentioned thru out my review.
I believe in purchasing the best equipment I can afford.I know people who refused to save money to buy what they really wanted,but could not wait and bought cheaper generic equipment.They were sorry they did not save.They always expressed how they were just wanna-bees.I saved,I knew what I wanted,I inspected my purchases,and now I am reaping the rewards every time I walk past my fine collection of re-issues and originals and plug in.
Never be a wanna-bee.Always save and then go for it.I own all professional equipment,yet I am no pro musician.I don't play in a band,but I do sit down with some friends in my home and play guitar.They always bring their own gear over,but they seem to end up trying out my collection.They say it's like being in a music store stocked with most of the sought after instruments.I am very fortunate to own the equipment I do.
With that being said,you decide if this amp is right for you.Try one out after reading my review,then make your decision.Don't be a wanna-be.

Submitted by Anonymous at 11/26/2004 18:22

Price Paid: US around $2000

Features: 7
Okay. I had to rate this amp a 7 on features. I mean it just doesn't really have many features. It has three channels, but I really only use one of them on a regular basis. The vibrato and tremolo aren't controllable enough, although you can get that "How Soon is Now" sound out of it. It also has a "Cut" knob in the tone section, but honestly I always leave it turned down. I can't really give it a 10 on features because it probably would be more useful if:

A) the tremolo were controllable
B) the tremolo was usable from the brilliant and normal channels
C) it had an effects loop

However, for my purposes the amp works just fine. You don't really need a ton of features when an amp sounds as good as this one. A lot of people said theirs have the Blue Bulldogs. Is mine weird or something? It has Greenbacks. I don't know much about what speakers they put in these things, but I know that both the Blue and Green Celestions are great speakers. So it doesn't matter that much to me.

Sound Quality: 10
The tone is what you want from this monster (and it IS a monster, plan on getting a road case with casters). I've run a ton of guitars through this baby (Squier Affinity Strat, Eric Clapton Strat, '74 Tele Deluxe, Rickenbacker 360v64, Les Paul Studio Lite, Danelectro U2) and all of these sound wonderful. My main guitars are a nondescript 70s Japanese Epiphone and a Rickenbacker 360/12B. With the Epiphone I get the most tremendous clean sound ever. It's not a very clean clean sound. I mean if you're specting solid-state sparkle, forget it. But you can get a really good crunchy jangly tone with plenty of sparkling high end. And that's what I look for. When cranked to halfway or above you can get a pretty good range of overdriven sounds, although its hard to stand next to this thing with the Brilliant channel cranked all the way up. The distortion is very much like the sounds Neil Young uses on his more rocking Crazy Horse tunes. I know he uses a Fender amp, but still - it has the same kind of warm menacing growl. Very much like a Marshall but with a warmer, less "metal" sound.

There is one problem I've experienced with the sound. The EL84s act up sometimes. Especially when I first plug it up and turn it on, the tubes seem to rattle a lot. If I let the amp sit for a little while it tends to go away, but it can be kind of annoying when you're playing at high volumes. Most nonmusicians aren't going to notice, because it's a very tambourine-like rattle. I thought this would be a problem when I was recording, but I cut an album this summer and used the Vox for every single electric guitar track (usually 3-5 per song) and the rattle isn't evident anywehere on the album. It's a quirk I'm willing to put up with for superior tone.

Reliability: 7
Okay. I can't really say a lot about this. The EL84s rattle a bit as I said above, but the amp has never been unusable. The tolex is pretty thin and cheaply applied for such a high dollar amp, so I recommend getting a road case. The tolex started peeling of mine after two days or carrying it around without a case, so I'd definitely look into protecting this amp. Never had real problems with the amp, but they kind of have a reputation - so I'm going to put 7.

Customer Support: N/A
Never needed customer support.

Overall Rating: 9
I've been playing for 9 or 10 years and I've played through many other amps in the past, including a Fender Super Reverb, Fender Deluxe Reverb, Fender Twin Reverb, Peavey Classic 30, and Peavey Classic 60. I've also plugged into Marshalls, Voxes, Line 6s, Traynors, and a ton of other amps. This amp has a really distinct tone, and I would never trade it for another amp. I'd like to bolster my collection with a 50-watt Kustom, but that would just be an alternate. This amplifier will be my main squeeze for life. The only annoying things about the amp are the occasional tube rattle and the sheer weight of the beast. But it's all worth it to me for that beautiful Vox tone. Don't be fooled by that new Vox digital-thingamajig. If you want a REAL Vox amp, buy an AC30.

Submitted by Rev. Cody C. Gaisser at 12/15/2003 17:40

Price Paid: £1000

Features: 10
3 channels with hi/low voicings, vibrato, tremolo, standby switch (the oldies don't have these), 8 knobs, alnico speakers. No LCDs, no huge amounts of switches and knobs, the basics and that's enough.

Sound Quality: 10
Strats, Teles, Les Pauls, whatever you want. I favour LPs and SGs myself, and each guitar sounds radically different, each pickup combination does too. One great unparalleled clean sound, you add the pedals to taste.

Reliability: 6
Not the most robust amps, aesthetically or otherwise. These new ones are pretty good but there are always going to be niggles with a tube amp. The good news is the amp is quite simple so most things can easily be remedied.

Customer Support: 8
No complaints here. All dealings with the company have been more than satifactory.

Overall Rating: 10
It's amazing that an amp based on a 40 year old design can sit alongside Rectifiers, Marshalls, boutique amps and still be worthy of attention. This suggests here is an amp with a great legacy - well deserved I might add - which proves the old cliche, if it ain't broke don't fix it. And there's certainly no need to with this one.

A real classic. One of the few pieces of gear I've bought and not been disappointed with.

Submitted by Jethro at 12/08/2003 13:22

Price Paid: N/A

Features: N/A
I thought i should post a some information for anyone experiencing low level hum coming out of their Vox Ac30 reissue's. There is a fix for this at the excellent webpage link below. This fixed the hum in my ac30. As the site say's, do be careful as you are working around high voltages.

http://www.voxshowroom.com/northcoast/vox/new_amps/30service.html

Sound Quality: N/A

Reliability: N/A

Customer Support: N/A

Overall Rating: N/A

Submitted by Anonymous at 12/02/2003 06:55

Price Paid: £900

Features: 7
All valve reissue of the classic AC30. A little different internally (they're using some PCB in this the JMI originals were all PTP wired) but very similar tonally.

FRONT PANEL
===========
2 x Vib-Trem Inputs
2 x Normal Inputs
2 x Brilliant Inputs
--
3-way Vibrato Speed selecter
2-way Vibrato/Trem selecter
--
Vib-Trem Channel Volume
Normal Channel Volume
Brilliant Channel Volume
--
Treble
Bass
Cut
--
Standby Switch
ON/OFF

PREAMP VALVES
=============
5 x 12AX7
1 x 12AU7

POWER AMP VALVES
================
4 x EL84

RECTIFIER
=========
1 x GZ34

SPEAKERS
========
2 x 12" Celestion Blue Alnico

In order to get this catagory to 10 several mods need to be performed - Vib Trem channel: changing the rotary 3way Speed switch for a proper sweep pot, modifying the Vib/Trem switch to be able to control the depth of the effect via another sweep and push/pull pot to select modes. Also I dislike the voicing of the channel - I'd rather have the effect on the Normal channel like the AC30HW.

Sound Quality: 10
Great tone. Awesome cleans, this amp seems to simply sing even at low volume, and at gig levels it's a thing of beauty. The vibrato and tremolo are also first rate with a valve-driven warmth no trasistor stompbox can possibly rival.

Using this with a Gibson SG Standard made in 2001. Any pickup combination yields great tone. The beauty is the simplicity - infinite variations can be found and the way this reacts to changes in guitars and pickups still surprises. Plenty of variety here, incremental adjustments in tone can make all the difference.

I play any style that is required when it comes to the business side of guitar playing. My own choice is pop-rock with nods to AC/DC, Catherine Wheel and the Smashing Pumpkins.

Gibson SG Standard -> Boss TU-2 -> Danelectro Daddy-O -> MXR Distortion+ -> MXR Distortion+ -> Danelectro 7-Band EQ -> Electro-Harmonix Big Muff Pi -> A/B Splitter = A-> Normal channel B-> Vib Trem channel

With this combination of equipment I can get all the drive sounds I need and more besides. The key features of this classic British Class A amp are the Bluebacks and the valve rectifier.

To further improve on this the amp will be retubed with JJ Electronics valves (www.eurotubes.com) - the best on the market IMO, not rebranded either.

Noisy? No more than your average amp and certainly quieter than some others. Even with the Normal Channel cranked to 2 o'clock there's very little hiss and hum, less than I imagined. All in all, this amp is fantastic.

Reliability: 3
Hmmm... well actually reliability is a problem. They don't seem to have great QC in Middlesex where these are made. My one broke the day I got it - one of the valves was microphonic and there was a bad cap in the tone circuit. It was brand new and under warranty so I sent it back.

So it was fine for a few weeks. I took care of it and didn't push it too hard. But it happened again, but by chance only on the Brilliant channel which I never use. I swear one or two other valves have gone microphonic and there's problems with the Volume pot on the Brilliant channel.

I was even less pleased when my guitar shop told me I should send it back with a list of whats wrong with it! I'm no tube amp expert, this being my first so anything I say is guesswork and besides, this should have stayed in tiptop shape until it's twice yearly service which is still 5 months away!

Fortunatly the people at Vox should do a decent job this time, if it does the same thing again then I want a whole new amp. I've heard stories of people buying a new amp/car etc and it breaking down several times until they demand a new one and I only hope this won't happen to me. Better play it safe and get them to revalve the whole amp.

Don't let this put you off though. AFAIK this sort of thing rarely ever happens.

Customer Support: 9
I have to be fair - the support I recieved was first rate all the way. Took it back to place of purchase and they contacted the company directly - picked the amp up the next day. Within a fortnight it was returned to me, carefully packed and in full working order sounding better than before, until it started playing up again.

Considering I moved from Portsmouth to London (nearly 100 miles) and they sent it back to my place of residence and did it quickly too, I was impressed. I'll be more impressed if when I send it back again they pay for postage and make a decent job of the repairs.

Overall Rating: 9
I sold quite a few other things and made some sacrifices to get this amp and I don't regret it one bit. I get lots of hours of use and it's put some spark back in my playing.

It's one of the few amps that's aesthetically pleasing to the eye too. I'm also pleased because I knocked £300 off the price because it had been sitting untouched in a corner while several Marshall stacks had flown out of the shop. These included a JCM900, a JCM2000 DSL and some others that can't do half the things this does, nor do them as well.

Despite the flaws I mentioned concerning the shortcomings of the Vib/Trem and the reliability issue of this particular unit I still think these are unlikely to affect/happen to most people.

Absolutely superb amplifier. If you want something with killer tone that is versatile as heck here it is. This isn't a one-trick pony, this is a classic. You know you want one.

Submitted by Gary at 10/27/2003 18:45

Price Paid: US $1200 + Marshall trade-in

Features: 10
My amp is probably a 1999 model . . . black tolex, alnico blues (gotta have them!), one usable channel (the brilliant channel) that makes the other 2 sound dull & boring . . . and it's full of super-hot tubes.

Sound Quality: 10
I use either a Tele, a Strat, a 335 or a Les Paul. The AC-30 really brings out some astounding tone on each, but you gotta be careful with the bridge pickup on a Tele. The treble response can be punishing. This is without a doubt the LOUDEST (and heaviest) 33-watt amp ever made---don't let the power rating fool you. It has that classic "boxy" British amp tone, and LOTS of it.

Reliability: 3
Reliability is problematic. These amps are delicate and tempermental, sort of the opposite of a Fender. Mine was shipped with a defective transformer (fixed for free) and last week, one of the vaunted Vox Alnico Bulldog speakers cooked. The speaker alone is $280, and it took the power tubes with it. Ouch! Oh yeah, and the tolex is peeling off.

Customer Support: N/A
Why bother? It's always more trouble than it's worth. Get a good amp tech instead.

Overall Rating: 10
I've been hacking away on the guitar for 37 years. I've always liked the VOX tone, but I've been leery because of reliability concerns. They have a truly unique tone, however, and nothing else really comes close. They are grossly overpriced, but whattaya gonna do? I use either the VOX or a Fender Tweed Bassman, so I got the Liverpool and the Fullerton thing when I need them. The best of both worlds!

Submitted by Anonymous at 04/24/2003 11:42

Price Paid: £650 (pound sterling) used

Features: 10
This AC30 was made in 1995.it is the fawn coloured one and it has the blue speakers.Obviously if your reading this you know all the features by now.Although its not packed with features,the ones it has are excellent.I use the normal channel usually but i like all of them.its Class "A". i use this at home and at gigs although at home i often cant hear myself or anyone else afterwards!

Sound Quality: 10
I am using a Brian May Red special with this amp with the burns trisonics and i can say without a doubt that the pair go together like a newly married couple."match made in heaven"
i also use a dallas rangmaster with this and it sounds lovely.Just one small alteration to the guitars volume control and you can get a whole different sound.From a rather "bell" like sound to a really rich and creamy distortion.If you want to sound like brian may then this is a must have for you! it can do any style you want it to though, hooked up with my zoom gfx pedal the sounds are good aswel but im not really into all this digital stuff.

Reliability: 10
Being a valve amp you can never totally rely on it because valves are like strings- they need replacing often and can also break without any notice,but having said that it hasnt failed on me yet.I find that if you turn it onto standby about 40 mins before you use it the valves give a much better tone and it also reduces noises.I have noticed several weird noises that have occured because of using it as soon as its turned on- Buzzing,humming,whistling and also a noise which resembles an aeroplane doing some sort of high speed dive into the ground! just let it warm up and it will get rid of any of these.

Customer Support: 10
I got this second hand,but it hadnt been used hardly and it had just had a re-valve.I have no warranty but if i did need to get parts vox have said they will be hapy to order them for me(at a cost obviously)the guy i spoke to was very polite and was always prompt on returning my emails and calls.

Overall Rating: 10
owned a guitar for seven years but i have only started playing seriously in the past 4 years.I only own Vox ac30's but i did have a marshall master lead combo and all i can say is that it was crap.None of my mates amps sound anything like it and neither do any of the clone amps.Althought the laney Vc30 sounds ok, if you want vox you have to have a vox.You think this amps BULLSHIT????? Its a VOX mate!!!!! no way

Submitted by Jimmy Rocket at 03/10/2003 03:44

Price Paid: 780 (haggled from 900) (Pounds Stirling)

Features: 10
This amp can cater for many styles. I've used it playing with a big-band (ideal tone), more modern stuff (radiohead, chili peppers etc) for which it does the job, and i even stood in for another guitarist in a nu-metal band (a grim job but the amp even pulled this off - though i suppose the pedals used contribute a lot). NOt lots of "features" but that's what I wanted, easy to use so it gets a 10.

Sound Quality: 9
The reasons it didn't get a 10:

1. When using the 'brilliant' channel the hi-end was just too much even with the tone control. You know when u kinda wince everytime you strike a chord etc.

2. After getting good valves put in, this mutha gets a 10! (thats when i use the 'normal' channel with the 'cut' on zero).

I can't really understand why people dislike the vox-tone. hmmm weird. the best example of warmth i can think of at the moment is in radiohead's "you and whose army". lush.

Reliability: 9
well.. again, a 9. a valve went after a couple of months. but that's the bad valves, not the actual amp. i would consider getting a hard travel case for the amp. i have a little fan as well which i place behind the amp to help air-flow - those tubes get damn hot. mmmmm :)

Customer Support: N/A

Overall Rating: 10
Despite the valves that come with it, this amp deserves an overall 10. i would definitely get another if this was stolen/lost (if i had the cash). i read that brian may only uses the normal channel (best option too in my opinion), but he removes the valves that the "brilliant" and "vib-trem" channels use, as it keeps the heating down to a minimum. good idea methinks. take care of these babies if you get one - you will want it to last forever.

Submitted by Ben at 01/19/2003 17:21

Price Paid: US $900

Features: 8
it is verry versatile for me I love it

Sound Quality: 10
teles and epi casineo I love it. it oh so much ass Iam 16 years old and Iam in a band that plays 60s and 70s rock and roll but I play 50s rockabilly and chuck berry style music I love the tone of this thing. as far as clean sounds it is verry smooth and compresed but when I turn it all the way up color me happy it is the most holly sound ever I got a hell of a deal on it it was damiged in shiping so it got a little cut on the side but nothing to cry about. the only problm is that I can never turn it all the way up. Ive have bought more over drive pedals than I wish to say. the sound Iam going for is mike kambles tone I have seen him on meny tv shows whith a danelectro daddyO overdrive so that is next on my list

Reliability: 10
i have taken it to hell in back(angolaI.N.)and menny other good venus for the past year and it can still ROCK.

Customer Support: N/A

Overall Rating: 10
it is hever on earth

Submitted by Mitch at 10/14/2002 19:42

Price Paid: US $900

Features: 8
My AC30 was made in "93. The features havae been well covered by others here so I won't repreat that. An excellent amp wtihout a lot of bells and whistles so becuase of that I'll give it an 8.

Sound Quality: 10
I use this AC30 with a variety of guitars, strats, teles, LP with P90's, ES335,hamer artist w/P90's. and I'm using it to plays blues and new country.

I bought it used and it sounded pretty good but I ended up replacing the Sovtek tubes in it with JJTesla EL84's and the tone was gretly improved. If I hadn't heard it for myself I wouldn't have believed it! The classic Vox chime is stunning and it allows the tone of every guitar plugged into it to come through. When it is cranked the overdrive is smooth, creammy and still has the ghime. Now i know why these amps are loved by Brian May, Tom Petty, Brad Paisley etc. (Paisley may use Dr. Z amps now but his tone was honed on Vox AC30's)

I use this amp with a THD Hotplate when I playing blues. These amps can be quite loud and the Hotplate allows me to get the tone I want at lower sound levels.

I love the tone of this amp!! It may be the best sounding amp I've ever ownie and I been through a lot of amps (Fender, Peavey, Marshall, Boogie, DR. Z, Budda, Traynor, Valvetech, Gibson....)

Reliability: 8
These amps are known for running hot and eating tubes. They also have a reputation for not being too reliable. I have not had any trouble with the amp and have gigged every weekend with it for almost a year. I allow the tubes to warm up with the amp on standby for a while before I play through it; and I also let it idle on stadby when I'm done for a bit before shutting it down. I always bring a backup and have been doing that just out of habit. Besides its cheap insurance tht the show will go on if something does happen. For backup I'll bring either my deluxe reverb or my Line 6 POD depending on the venue.

Customer Support: N/A
Never had to deal with them

Overall Rating: 10
I've been playing guitar professinally for 30 years and in tht time have gone through a bunch of amps. this one, along with my '66 Fender Pro Reverb is a keeper. I love the tone of this amp. If were stolen I'd get another ASAP.

Submitted by Dave Beckwith at 06/19/2002 14:54

Price Paid: US $2011.00

Features: 9
IM A VOX AC30/6TBX RE-ISSUE OWNER,THIS ONE WAS MADE IN 2002.
THIS AMP DOES CUT THRU MY STYLE OF MUSIC. ROCK ALTERNATIVE,POP,BLUES AND JAZZ. BUT MOSTLY I USE THIS FOR ALTERNATIVE AND POP MUZIK.FROM BEATLES TO U2,CRANBERRIES TO REM,AND FROM SODA STEREO TO CERATI.
MY VOX HAS 6 CHANNELS, 2 FOR VIB/TREM,2 FOR NORM,AND 2 FOR BRIGHT.
THATS ALL I NEED EVENTHOUGHT I WICH IT HAD REVERB FOR A DIFFERENT ALTERNATIVE FEEL.I USE EVERY FEATURE AND MIX THEM AND ALL IS FANTASTIC.I USE THIS MONSTER FOR GIGS,RECORDING,AND PRACTICE.IT HAS ENOUGHT POWER BUT IF YOU NEED MORE PUT A MIC IN FRONT OF THE SPEAKERS.

Sound Quality: 9
IM USING AN EPIPHONE CASINO RE-ISSUE WITH P90,LES PAUL STANDARD,TELE.
THEY ALL SUIT TO MY STYLE WHICH IS THE MODERN ALTERNATIVE AND SLOW SONGS.THE AMP IS ABIT NOISY WHEN HIGHER VOL.BUT IT PASS THE TEST.WHEN CRANCKING THE VOL.IT GIVES YOU A CLEAN POWERFULL OVERDRIVE BOOST.

Reliability: 9
I BOUGHT THIS DOG ON 4-02 AND HAVE NOT A PROBLEM YET,WILL SEE LATER.

Customer Support: N/A
NOT YET DEALTH

Overall Rating: 10
ITS GOT A SOUND OF ITS OWN AND I HAVE A FEELING IT WILL LAST A LONG TIME IF I TAKE GOOD CARE OF MY BABY. AND THIS IS IT THE REAL THING...
SOUNDS BEATLEISH AND U2ICH,.///0-0\\\

Submitted by JESSE RODRIGUEZ 76 at 05/18/2002 13:03

Price Paid: US $600+trade in

Features: 8
New 2001 Model AC30/6TBX. The amp has 3 channels- Top Boost, Normal and Vib/Trem- each differently voiced. All three channels share a common Cut control which reduces high end in the power section of the amp as opposed to the preamp. The Vib/Trem channel also has a pair of knobs- one to select either Vibrato or Tremelo, and another to select between three preset speeds. A variable speed knob would have been a nice improvement but no biggie.. The Top Boost Channel also has Treble and Bass controls. T

Sound Quality: 9
I use a Gibson ES295 w/ P-90 pickups, through a Boss Noise Gate(P90's are very noisy), Ibanez Turbo Tube Screamer, Boss RV3 and a EH Memory Man reissue. Not terribly noisy by itself. As other have posted, increasing the channel you not using volume control helps a bit due to phase cancellation. The Top Boost Channel is stunning, great clarity and bite, with loads of bass and treble to spare. The tone controls are highly interactive, moreso than any other amp. Maximum midrange scoop is acheived w/ the Bass control maxed. Easing back on both Bass and Treble to about 1:00 gives the classis VOX mids and highs. The amp can also be made to sound very fat indeed- so don't think it's just treble jangle. The amp is absurdly loud, especially w/ the VOX/Celestion Blue speakers. You'll impair your hearing by trying to get the amp to give up the overdrive. Once there however, it really sings. Think U2, REM and your there. The amp has a British voice, so it really excels at alternative power pop etc....

Reliability: 7
Ummmm... Here's where it gets tricky. This is my second AC30 in a month's time. The first, although I asked for a factory sealed unit was just merely reboxed and came from another of the chain's locations. The standby switch made a loud pop each time it was used. The Vib/Trem switch also suffered this affliction. The amp would distort or block up on certain notes. I returned it, they sent it out to be repaired. It returned w/ many of the same problems, except this time the Tolex was ripped in about 6 different places. I made a big stink, and am currently enjoying a true factory sealed unit which has no problems thus far. I actually build tube amps for a hobby, so I'm a little concerned w/ the PC board. Not that there's something inherently wrong w/them, it's just that repairs or replacement of components can sometimes turn into a nightmare. The preamp tubes are mounted direcly to the board (bad), but at least the power tubes and retifier are all chassis mounted. Overall however the amp has quality contruction.

Customer Support: 5
They are quite freindly and at ease- mainly because once you buy it, you're on your own.

Overall Rating: 8
Incredible sounds, great looks, quality constuction.

Submitted by Joseph Z. at 05/08/2001 07:55

Price Paid: US $1449

Features: 7
I got this amp in March of 2001, so I assume it was made in 2000.This amp is exactly what I've been looking for in 30 years of playing. I am now playing classic rock (late 60's and early 70's)and it's perfect for this music.It has three channels, one brilliant, one normal and one trem/vibrato.It's a pretty straight forward amp, no frills, but the sound makes up for it.Since I am not into effects, I don't really miss an effects loop, but I do wish it had reverb. I use this amp mainly in small to medium sized clubs, and it has more than enough power. It can always be miked for the larger places.

Sound Quality: 10
I am currently using a stock 1965 Fender Strat. It is the ideal amp for my music style( classic rock, British Invasion stuff). It is a little noisy, but I attribute this to the Strat pickups. There is a slight 60-cycle hum at louder volumes, but turning up the unused channels about half-way helps diminish it. There's not much of a variety of sounds, but what it does put out is perfect for the music that I play. I haven't really had the opportunity to turn it wide open, so I get my distortion from a Boss Distortion pedal. I am anxious to hear the natural amp distortion, though.

Reliability: N/A
I haven't really had the amp long enough to know if I can depend on it or not, so I always have a spare handy, just in case.I have heard that the class-A design makes them run hotter than most amps, but putting a couple of small fans behind it seems to keep it pretty cool.

Customer Support: N/A
I haven't dealt directly with Vox on anything.Service centers are easy enough to find via th internet. The amp has a one year warranty.The speakers(mine has the Vox Blue Alnicos) have a three year warranty. The tubes are only warrantied for three months, but I've heard you can expect about 300 hours from them.

Overall Rating: 9
I have been playing in bands for nearly 35 years. I also own a 1967 Martin D-18 that belonged to my dad, a Fender 400 8-string pedal steel, and an old Ensoniq Mirage. If my AC-30 was ever stolen, I'd be devastated, 'cause thy're not cheap, but I would try to get another one. The one thing I dislike about it is the vinyl covering-- it tears very easily and you really have to be careful not to bump it against anything-- I wish Vox had included a slip cover at least! One word of caution to anyone ordering from a mail-order catalog-- be sure you know what you're getting. I ordered mine from L&M Music, out of Chattanooga, TN, after receiving a "special sale" catalog from them advertising it for $1299, with no mention anywhere in the catalog of it being "scratch and dent" merchandise. When I received it,there were large pieces of vinyl missing and numerous dings and nicks. After calling them and telling them that I wanted a refund, they promised to replace it with a brand-new unit for $150 extra.Taking their word for it, I agreed. However, when I received the replacement, it too had some dings and tears that had been glued down. It clearly was not brand new. But I figured I was still getting a good deal and kept it.But I am still going to write KorgUSA and tell them about L&M's shady business practices.

Submitted by Anonymous at 04/20/2001 13:32

Price Paid: US $1845

Features: 7
This is a brand spanking new 2001 reissue of the 1960's Vox AC-30 with Top Boost and Blue Alnico speakers. Powered by 5 ECC83s and 1 ECC82 in the pre-amp, 4 EL84s in the power stage, and the all important GZ34 rectifier valve.

3 Footswitchable channels. No effects loops or headphone jack (This ain't no practice amp!)

This amp is meant to be used for its unique "only can be made through a Vox AC-30" tone..thus rendering it a non-versatile amp...but you know that. You buy this amp to get that one distinct sound...you don't buy it to squeeze out every guitar genre out there.

It's got 33W of Class A power, which means they run hotter than your average 30W amps, thus, when overdrived, can sound very very loud. Should be more than enough.

Sound Quality: 9
For those of you who aren't in know of Vox AC-30's. They have a very unique sound that many people either love or detest. Early Beatles, U2, Queen, are some good examples of the unique "british invasion" tone. No meaty Marshall thrash here, nor any surfy Fender Twin Reverb tone.

Yes, all channels distort at high volumes, but THAT IS WHAT YOU WANT! The amp is naturally a bit noisy. However, a little trick you can use is to balance out the hum by increasing the volume on the channels not being used.

The distortion is not harsh. Very delicate and tasteful while preserving the natural tones of your guitar. You can achieve that great tone that sits on the fine line between clean and distorted.

Reliability: 7
So far, it's had no problems. Got lots of tubes that run way hot though (make you sweat if you stand too close to the heat vent grilles) I'm sure the amp will require more than average care and attention. However, the updated electronics and larger vent grilles stand out as actual improvements to the vintage models in terms of reliability.

Customer Support: N/A
Haven't dealt with them (yet?).

Overall Rating: 9
Been playing for over 20 years. Have owned various Marshall stacks, Fender Twin Reverbs, vintage Vox AC-30s. Currently playing a 77 strat and 93 Les Paul standard.

A bit on the pricey side. However, if you're in the market for an AC-30, the re-issues should definitely be an option. I've been tracking the re-issue path and history. Honestly, I'd say the models made between the 70's and 90's were not very good, and I was skeptical when I heard that Korg was putting out a new revamped re-issue back in the early 90's. However, Korg has done a surprisingly superb job in meticulously going back and sticking to the original specs of the 60's era models. It's very obvious that lots of thought and guitarist feedback has gone into the reincarnation of these. I've played through vintage late sixties models in the past. The new re-issues come pretty damn close if not dead on in terms of tonal characteristics.

No other new amp on the market comes close to replicating the unique Vox-30 sound. Forget about the Line6 units...they don't hold a candle to the real deal.

As far as choosing between an over-priced beat up vintage or a new re-issue, I can only offer the following advice: Play and listen to both if you can! I know there are those vintage-only guys who refuse to accept anything "re-issued"...but if you want to really get your money's worth, give the reissues a try. Of course the magnetic life-span of the speakers and the natural "breaking in" factors into the equation. However, I honestly believe these new babies sound just the way the old 60's models probably sounded back when they were new. But here's the added bonus...getting a re-issue guarantees that you're getting a BRAND NEW amp with better features for reliability.

On a side note: I've heard the Edge of U2 was actually given the very first production model of the Korg re-issues (#0000001 or something) and has added it to his rig.

Submitted by Anonymous at 03/04/2001 18:31

Price Paid: US $1499 used

Features: 8
Bought this '63 reissue Special Edition Purple AC30 with Blue Alnicos used; told it is about 5 years old, but was in excellent condition overall. I knew I had to have it as soon as I saw/heard it, despite having purchased a beautiful '76 Wine ES335 a week earlier for about the same price (but I've learned that that's the risk one takes whenever one walks into a good guitar store. . . ) What a showcase amp; it even outshines the ES335, which is in gorgeous condition. I have only been playing for about 5 years, but this amp makes me sound much better than the advanced beginner that I am. I have always loved (and have been learning) The Beatles, Queen, REM and U2, although I don't know that the latter two are known for using Vox (wouldn't be at all surprised if The Edge used/endorsed this amp, though). I have been searching for the ultimate clean tube amp sound, and this is it, especially on the Brilliant channel (see discussion of features already posted). It's plenty powerful. The Normal channel seems to run the quietest, but the only tone control is via the "Cut" knob, which seems to muddy the sound too much at low end. I do wish it had a continuous/dial-up tremolo speed control (which I believe the AC15 has), though, and a master volume knob would be nice.

Sound Quality: 10
Again, as soon as I plugged this in, I was in Tone-Town. All it took was the opening chords of "She's a Woman" on a Rickenbacker, and a few open chords on a Gibson, to convince me. The above-mentioned ES335 has a wonderful warm sound with a perfect bottom end, and my Les Paul Classic (P-90's) also sounds amazing. My Telecaster plays crystal clean, like raindrops from the heavens, and my Rickenbacker 360 paired with this is a match made in heaven. The only thing that has bothered me was a buzzing sound at moderate to high volumes (heard only within several feet of the amp), which I traced to the spring-loaded basket device housing (and vibrating against) the GZ34 rectifier tube. I was able to dampen this about 90% with strategically wrapped 1/2" electrical tape, and now it sounds fine, but I think this was an error in design (wouldn't heat-resistant elastic bands of some sort work better?) Meanwhile, I'm waiting on a vintage-style Vox Distortion Booster pedal, which I'm sure will compensate for the lack of a gain control, but I plan to use this only rarely anyway.

Reliability: 9
This amp appears to be built like a tank (or at least seems to weigh that much ...), but I don't plan to take this out of the house often, if at all. From what I've heard, the tubes run hot and need to be replaced relatively frequently, but are very affordable.

Customer Support: 10
I did call Korg to discuss the vibrating part issue, and the guy was great. He clearly knew the amp inside out, and was kind enough to warn me that the motherboard stores enough energy to ("fatally") shock you, even for days after the amp is unplugged, so I stayed away from this area, but let that be a warning for all you other amp surgeons out there...

Overall Rating: 10
What a wonderful find; I don't plan on buying another amp for a long time, if at all. I would try to replace it immediately if something happened to it. Within a week, between the two purchases (as well as the standby Ric), I have been blessed with exactly the sound I have been longing for. I was pretty happy with my (underrated) Crate Vintage Club 30 tube amp for the last few years (an excellent value for $300 or so used, btw; couldn't bring myself trade it in), but I am so glad I held off on a mid-priced Fender or Marshall amp to wait for this. My friends in the band keep both a Deville and JCM 2000 combo at my house, and after side-by-side comparison, I prefer this much warmer and more balanced sounding amp to both, although the Marshall plays just as clean, possibly moreso at higher volumes. (I'm not a big fan of reverb, so I don't miss that feature at all.) Maybe it's the new-amp euphoria, but I still can't walk by this work of art without turning it on and hearing it one more time, even if for just a few strums; I don't think this feeling will be wearing off anytime soon, either. If the two things you prize most are simplicity and tone, then this pure and classic amp is the only one for you, and is well worth the money.

Submitted by Anonymous at 02/02/2001 01:44

Price Paid: N/A

Features: 8
2000, Reissue of a 64 AC30. Loaded w/ Vox Blue speakers. Bassically same layout as the original, (which I had), except for a PC board rather than PTP, and a standby switch. Korg (VOX) also enlarged the vents on top, and you can disconnect the internal spkrs., unlike my old Vox where they were hard wired in. Real birch cab, same grill, and cosmetics. Same top boost channel layout as the original. Nice looking amp, weighs a ton!!

Sound Quality: 10
Well, lets see. I've owned 33 amps in the 28 yrs. I've been playing guitar. Gear head you say???? Naaaaa. Yes, I have always been on the prowl for the ultimate tone, not that I haven't had great tones along the way. Indeed I have. But, I have always been into trying out new stuff. Big, small, boutique, el-cheap-o, whatever sounded cool. I have had them all. Fenders, various VOX's, Marshalls, Top Hat, Budda, Peaveys, Soldano, Silvertone, on and on and on. Well, so who cares right? Well, I think what it has taught me is 1.) NO AMP DOES IT ALL! 2.) NO AMP IS PERFECT 3.) STOP GETTING RID OF COOL AMPS THAT YOU WILL LATER WISH YOU HAD KEPT. Like my old AC30. Anyway, this new reissue is a gem. I WILL NOT be getting rid of it.....ever. I run various Telecasters into it via a Fulltone II, and an old Boss SD-1.(& some other various effects) The amp is as close to tonal-Nirvana as I seem to be able to get. Now realize, that the AC30's tone is very unique. I do know people who dislike them. But, I absolutely LOVE the sounds that this reissue lets me create. Chimey, compressed, brown sounding mids, super tight bass response----this is where guitar's should live my freinds. The speakers are wonderful. They are possibly as good if not better than my old Silver ALNICO's. The amp is bassically a one pony show, but what a show!! Like all AC30's, the reissue is extremely pedal-friendly. Thus, you can get a great tone with any quality over-drives, or just run the amp close to flat out.(By the way, I had an AC15 reissue for a while and liked it, but I feel that this cicuit is superior in over-all tone to the AC15's master volume circuit.) But beware, this is definitely a loud amp. This amp simply sounds awesome. It is pricey, but it is worth every penny. The only thing that I don't like is that somewhere along the line, Marshall cheaped out on the tubes. They used to put RCA NOS's in these reissues. Now you get cheap Yugo tubes, which bassically suck! But, even with the crappy tubes the tone is wonderful. These are a 10+
Like a fine bottle of wine - sweet, full-bodied, full of overtones. Not for those who are happy with Ripple. Tone freaks tend to end up with this amp sonner or later. Take a gander at many pro guitarists line up, chances are you'll see an AC30 in there somewhere.

Reliability: 10
I feel the amp is very well made, and will hold up to the riggors of gigging. I also have had other VOX products including an AC15 re-issue which I did a tour with. No Problems at all.

Customer Support: N/A

Overall Rating: 10
I would buy it again. I think this will be "home" for me for a long time to come. Hell, I've tried/owned practically everything else........nothing sounds better. Just wish it wasn't so darned heavy, not as young as I used to be.

Submitted by J.M. at 10/31/2000 12:42

Price Paid: 1,200 (UK pounds)

Features: 7
VOX '63 re-issue...could sonic life get any more blissfull? Well the answer is it probably could! Now, all this of course depends on what genre of music the user is aiming for. Take me for instance. I've got a kind've gritty rock thing going on - sometimes its smooth and funk-rocky (Hendrix), other days its Out and Out rock (the sorta rock that harkens back to the days of The Who). Y'see, what brings the vox down is the modern need for foot-switchin'. Simple as that. You'll find yourself hunting around for an appropriate stomp-box in order to equip yourself with a bit o'distortion - cranking the old amp into overdrive unfortunately won't do. Sure enough the Norm/Bright/Vib-Trem settings are outta this world (litterally cosmic! you will not find better tone than the chiming, warm sounds of the vox). And used with a great guitar like a Fender Tele or Rickenbacker you can stand proud through any gig, at any stage in your life.....Just don't keep it switched on for tooooooo long - those replacement tubes don't come cheap.

Sound Quality: 10
I think i've mentioned the necessaries already....

Reliability: 9
33watts - and those are 33 loud watts! No need for back up amps guys - the Beatles used to plug all their guitars into one of these babys all those years ago in the mid-sixties. Just watch those tubes...

Customer Support: 9
1 yr warranty. But that was through a really reputable guitar/amp vendor in the UK, and i hear they're impossible to track down.

Overall Rating: 9
Top notch amp! All you gotta do is get a stomp-box, and you're sorted!

Submitted by Jason Bavs at 05/30/2000 15:11

Price Paid: US $1350

Features: 10
My new re-issue AC-30 has ONE FEATURE: TONE. Bright, brilliant, warm and wooly classic class-A tube amp TONE. I always use the "Brilliant" channel because it's has the most treble, I never use the "Normal" input, and I use the "Tremolo" input for authentic sounding 60's psychedelic covers ala Love's "7 and 7 is". I was afraid it wouldn't be loud enough for my band (style: Who, Kinks, Music Machine, MC5, Yardbirds) but it IS. Stage volume is always perfect and with a decent PA this thing sounds better than GOD.

Sound Quality: 10
I use a '64 Epiphone with mini humbuckers and a '57 Les Paul Jr.. I prefer the sound of more trebly guitars like these or a Tele with this amp as opposed to a Les Paul Standard which can get muddy. The AC-30 handles mid range and treble the best. Bass response is nice and smooth, but bottom end Marshall CHUNKA-CHUNKA isn't what it's about. It stays pretty clean to the half way point, then it breaks up sweetly. I use a Fulltone Soulbender Fuzz with the amp cranked and I haven't heard a more perfect noise yet.

Reliability: 9
My AC-30 has been dropped and kicked off the stage (but never drop-kicked) 3 times (accidentaly of course) and it has never broken. After about 200 shows I had the amp re-tubed for the hell of it. The tech said the original tubes were very low quality. I thought they sounded fine when I first got the amp, but after the re-tube the tone has actually improved - I didn't think it could sound any better, but it does!

Customer Support: N/A
Never had to deal with them, the amp is a tank. They're on Long Island I think.

Overall Rating: 10
I have been playing for about 5 years. I collect mostly vintage gear, but I wanted the reliability and "low" price (compared to a vintage one) of a new amp for touring. It has been everything I hoped for and more. It's not a cheap amp, but if you want the music your playing to sound the best it can, use the best sounding equiptment - DUH. If it ever breaks, I probably won't buy another one because it'll be my great-grandson's amp by then - he'll buy a new "vintage 1999" re-issue.

Submitted by Anonymous at 05/13/2000 15:21

Price Paid: US $1,599-

Features: 8
The "new" '63 Reissue AC30 with Blue Alnico speakers is a basic 1963-vintage amplifier remade. It is a 33-watt Vox tube amp with 3 channels- Vibrato/Tremolo, Normal, and Brilliant (Top Boost).
No Reverb, no Channel Switching, no Effects Loops and no Headphone Jack. To improve upon the original, larger valve vents and a Standby switch have been added to extend tube life. Players prioritize different features. My last amp was Fender's 100-watt, triple channel "Evil Twin"- it had everything but the Sound. Since then I have discovered that my needs are simple- I want Tone. The AC30 isn't the most versatile amplifier on the planet, it's just the best one.

Sound Quality: 10
Why buy the AC30? It's heavy, expensive and 33 watts. Because it's also TONE HEAVEN. Like the Fender Telecaster I play, it's marvelously simple and alluring. My AC30 is clean, chimey and warm. The speakers are 12 watt Alnico Blues and surprisingly loud! The AC30's distortion is the unlike anything else I've experienced- at full-tilt each string retains its individual tone- what a beautiful breakup. I play in a wedding band and the guys shout at me if the volume approaches the halfway mark. 33 watts?! The music we play spans the 40s to the present and this amp is equal to all of it. I never have played an amplifier that has the wonderful ability to bring out the mid-range and bass in my instrument- sounds I had never before heard from my Tele. Very Voxy. Some noise comes from the amp when it sits under florescent lighting, but it's not something I notice much.

Reliability: 10
This amp is built the way they used to build them. I don't worry about my Vox AC30. I have nevr had the luxury of gigging with a backup and so I have played amps that have a reputation for being reliable. It's a Vox.

Customer Support: N/A
I found that buying an AC30 can be a very difficult experience. The Vox website shows lots of European dealers and Korg USA. But Korg is simply a distributor. I live in St. Augustine, Florida and it took me some time to find North Coast Music in Wisconsin, a very reliable place to buy a Vox. There's nowhere to try out these amps. I bought mine without hearing it. You have to be willing to take a good risk. The warranty period is one year. I believe the AC30 is built to last.

Overall Rating: 10
I have been playing guitar for 30+ years. I've owned Gibsons, Fenders, Martins, Taylors, Ampegs, Music Mans, etc. The AC30 is the best amplifier I've ever owned, period. Despite the long wait I endured for my amp- almost three months- I would buy my AC30 again and again. It's really a boutique amp- it's so expensive that you have to make a special commitment to own it. It's too bad that quality costs so much, but if you have to have THE TONE, you'll buy the AC30. Get the Blue Alnicos- they're worth the extra couple hundred dollars. The Greens simply aren't the real thing- I've played them both.

Submitted by Paul Goricki at 05/01/2000 14:28

Price Paid: 11900 sek

Features: 6
This 1997 made Vox ac30 is a 33 watts combo with three channels (brilliant,normal and vibtrem) but they`re not footswitchable.There is 6 inputs, hi and low for each channel. You can choose between two speaker combinations, celestion greenbacks or celestion vox blue. The Vox blue speakers are more expensive (that alnico magnet sure is`nt cheap) but they have that real Vox ac30 sound. I have the blue speakers and I am happy with it. You can run two or all three channels at the same time but I think it has the greatest sound just with the brilliant channel alone. There is no middle control but you dont need it because there is a lot of middle on all the time, so if you dont like a guitar sound with loads of middle, then this amp is nothing for you. It has`nt all the features and I don't think that you can get that many different sounds from it but it works for me.

Sound Quality: 10
I got a Gibson lespaul standard, a Gretsch silver jet, a Fender 52 vintage reuisse telecaster and a strat.I get a great sound with all of these.It`s clean sound is great with a lot of mid, and when I stomp in my Ibanez ts-9 and my Ibanez sonic distortion I get THAT sound i have been looking for. With the other amps I own I have never really used the clean channel but this amp made me allowed to do that.When I turn the volume up it has the sweetest overdrive i have ever heard, and it`s 33 watts are VERY LOUD watts. I`d just love the sound of it, it`s great.

Reliability: 8
Being a class A amp, it sure runs very hot, but with a fan behind, it won't cause any trouble. I think it is a well build amp and it looks and feels reliable.

Overall Rating: 10
I have search for a long time for the perfect sound and tone.Now I`m there. I have own several marshalls (6100,artist) a Laney vc50 and some peaveys but now I know why a lot of people choose Vox. Feel free to e-mail me if you have any questions.

Submitted by jonas at 03/26/1999 13:59

Price Paid: FIM 11000

Features: 10
Features are told many times here, so I only tell, what is my opinion... Some people say, that Vox AC30 is not very versatile amp, but I just can't imagine a thing lacking. I always play with sound undistorted, so I don't mind that there is no "gain"-knob. Vox AC30 is available with 3 different speaker configurations, and I prefer the Vox Blue speakers. 33watts of Vox is very loud 33watts.

Sound Quality: 10
I play Finnish-type surf-like music, which is often in minor. Sad songs. I use 60's reissue Stratocaster and Amtech tape-echo simulator. This is a combination you can't beat! The beautiful rich tone with a peak in a certain midrange frequency (caused by the Blue speakers) completely surrounds you! With medium gauge stringset you'll get beautiful harmonic distortion. Vox is very fast. It has great attack, and compression. For some purposes Vox is superb with Fane Classic 50 speakers.

Reliability: 9
Vox is reliable enough, if you regularly change tubes. I recommend changing tubes after 300 hours of use. There are still 60's Vox amps in use, so It can't be so difficult to maintain.

Overall Rating: 10
When I made my choice of music style, I knew I'd buy a Vox someday. I have achieved my goal. I would buy another, without hesitation if I'd somehow lose this. Only what I hate about it is the weight. Your friends suddenly finds something else to do, when they think that you are planning of carrying Vox off the stage. Hovever, a small guy can carry it alone...

Submitted by Sami Jokela at 01/04/1998 21:48

Price Paid: US $1299.00

Features: 8
The Vox AC30 is versatile enough for what my band plays. Our style is rock and punk and the Vox fits right in. I use a variety of guitars: a Gibson SG, an old '86 Japenese made Fender strat, a Fender Tele and a 330 Rickenbacker (for the jangle) and each guitar sounds excellent through this amp. The AC30 has three separate chanels with two inputs each: the Brilliant channel, the Normal channel and the Vib-Trem channel. All three channels can be hooked together to increase the volume, but i think it sounds better and loud enough to use one channel. There is no channel switching but a good overdrive or distorion pedal will do wonders. There's no effects loop or headphone jack, but i don't miss either one. The only features i wish this amp had were standard treble, bass and middle controls. Instead there is a cut switch (it seems to act as a prescence control and works for each of the three channels), and for the brilliant channel there is the addition of bass and treble control. These two function together in subtle ways and can be very versatile or a huge headache. I use this amp for rehearsing, live shows and recording and it has enough power (it's rated at 33 watts and it's a pretty loud 33 watts).

Sound Quality: 10
The Vox sounds like God himself has blessed your amp, your guitar and you. It's the sweetest sound I've ever heard. It can be noisy, it seems to have a hum to it that is worse with flourescent lights. The sound breaks up into the sweetest overdrive as you crank up the volume. this amp responds well to your touch and depending on how you stike the strings, hard or soft, it responds.

Reliability: N/A
I've only owned the amp for a short time, so. . .it does seem to run very hot and I compensate by placing a small fan behind the back of the amp to help cool off the tubes.

Customer Support: N/A
I bought this amp from Renegade Music Company out of Florida. The UPS man, who argued with me about which was the front door and which was the back door of my apartment, had turned the package upside down. The footswitch broke the rectifier tube so I couldn't play the amp after I got it. I called the company and spoke with Frank and he is sending me new tubes free of charge. of course, I couldn't wait and went and bought a new rectifier tube. So, the company I bought the amp from has been very helpful. I'm not sure how long the warranty is, I filled out the card and mailed it in but I can't remember any of that information.

Overall Rating: 10
Yes, I would buy it again. I love the sweet tones and overall sound. The only thing I hate is the cost. It's a shame that such a beautiful sounding amp has to cost so much money. Also, this amp is HEAVY. It's a hernia inducing beast for sure. I played my first vox amp about three years ago in a music store next to a Marshall 30watt 1X12, a Mesa Boogie dual rectifier, a Laney stack and a Fender tube combo (I think it was a blues deluxe). I prefered the sound of the vox over all of these. This amp comes with three handles which makes carrying the heavy beast a little more manageable.

Submitted by Scott Jewell at 12/09/1996 15:19

Price Paid: US $1600

Features: 7
Being a re-issue of an amp designed in the late 50s, the Vox's controls are bound to seem strange to anyone accustomed to more modern amps. There are three channels (Normal, Brilliant, and Vib-Trem), but only the Brilliant channel has tone controls. All you get on the other two is volume and a treble cut, which works on all three channels in the power stage. The Vib-Trem channel offers both vibrato (pitch modulation) and tremolo (volume modulation). There's a selector switch and three speeds available for each. The one thing I miss is a master volume control. Sure, it's a vintage reproduction, but the AC30 sounds beautiful as it begins to overdrive, and I dial in that sound in my living room.

Sound Quality: 10
There's no way to describe that sound unless you've heard it, and no way to forget it either. It's fatter than most other amps I've tried, and the attack is more crisp. When you get the amp into overdrive it has the sweetest tone I've ever heard. This thing wont do metal grunge, but overdriven it still has a great sound. I wouldnt call it the most versatile amp in the world, but on the other hand, people from a whole lot of different styles use them (everybody from The Beatles to Brian May of Queen to Tom Petty to Rory Gallagher to Jay Farrar of Uncle Tupelo/Son Volt).

Reliability: N/A
I've only had mine three months, so who knows. Because the tubes operate in Class A (i.e., they run superhot) the originals have a reputation for blowing up. I think the newer ones are supposed to be more reliable.

Customer Support: N/A
No contact yet.

Overall Rating: 9
When I bought this amp, I tested it side-by-side against several others: a Matchtless C30 and Clubman, a Mesa Blue Angel, a Fender Super and Pro-Sonic. The only one of those which comes close is the Matchless C30 (which is really an improved clone) which has the master volume but also costs a lot more. The Vox and the Matchless are the two best-sounding amps I've ever heard. They wont do everything but they do what I need. (And with a good pedal you can get the rest.) If I had it to do over again and I had an extra thousand dollars to burn, I'd buy the Matchless with that master volume control. Barring that, I'd definitely buy this amp.

Submitted by Will Miner at 06/10/1996 12:56

Price Paid: US $1,350.00

Features: N/A
One of the "true" vintage re-issues available. After several false-starts with good intentions is seems Korg has been very diligent with keeping the AC-30 top boost a straight forward class A amplifier. It has the touch dynamics that you expect from this design. Any deviation from the original design seems to have been done solely for the reliability aspect.

Sound Quality: N/A
How do you describe the VOX AC-30 sound? It has been used in so many musical styles that it can be hard to classify. You can get the "jangly" top end that doesn't seem as tinny as most amps would with the high-end coming through. The mid-range is smooth in character and the low-end seems to stay amazingly tight for a 33 watt amplifier. This is one amp that you can manipulate well with your guitars controls alone!

Reliability: N/A
What can I say? So far, so good. One of the improvements in the AC-30 reissue is a larger vent panel on the top of the amplifier. Class A designs run hot by nature and not having proper ventilation is asking for trouble! As far as constuction goes it is solidly built. As a matter of fact, As a matter of fact, they are acually built in the Marshall factory!

Customer Support: N/A
Korg is the USA distributor. They are a large musical equipment company that has been distributing Marshall for many years. I expect that this speaks well for support and parts availability. As a matter of fact there are a slew of places that supply parts for vintage VOX gear.

Overall Rating: N/A
After going through over a dozen amps over the years it's ironic that I go all the way back to a design from 1964 for my mainstay amplifier. Great tone, well built, and solid resale value (not that I plan on selling it). It's a keeper!

Submitted by John Reaume at 02/16/1996 09:30