Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

Hi there!

I've read this sections thorougly as well as other forums but i don't find the answer to this question.

I have a 330 JG with regular hi gains and i want to buy a small tube amp.

I've looked at AC15 of course but it seems too big to play only at home, though the MV button seems quite useful. I've tried a AC4TV but it sounds very thin and boxy.

Then i've read about the AC4HW1 and guess what, i thought: it might be the right one. There's a very good price on it in a shop not too far from my place, it has a 12' Greenback, a master volume and looks great!
The only question left is: can you play clean with a 330 on it. Some people say the hi gains tend to crunch very fast so, not that i don't like a good Vox crunch but i want versatility and be able to chime too (with my brand new Janglebox 2).

So, what would you do? Should I go for it?

Thanks for your help!

You could ask the shop if you could bring the 330 in and check the amp out in person with the guitar that you'll be using with it.

pop mccartney wrote:I've looked at AC15 of course but it seems too big to play only at home.....I've tried a AC4TV but it sounds very thin and boxy.

I don't know why it is that so many amp makers feel that lower wattage amps must use smaller speakers and cabinets.

Carr seems be one who doesn't, perhaps check those out?

I'm in love my my Winfield Cyclone. It's an EF-86, 2 EL-84 amp like the old style AC-15. Just sings.

The AC4HW is a great amp, but another option to look at for the same size and price range is the Swart ST-6V6se.

Just remembered Winfield Thomas also makes a 5-watt version called the "Typhoon." Full head with cabinet is listed at $500.

http://www.winfieldamps.com

jps wrote:

pop mccartney wrote:I've looked at AC15 of course but it seems too big to play only at home.....I've tried a AC4TV but it sounds very thin and boxy.

I don't know why it is that so many amp makers feel that lower wattage amps must use smaller speakers and cabinets.

Carr seems be one who doesn't, perhaps check those out?

They look absolutely gorgeous but way out of my budget.

Thanks for the link though, i've dreamt for a little while

Any thoughts on the AC4 HW?

I have a Fender Superchamp - a small 15 watt tube combo with 2 channels, a couple of "voicings" and built in reverb,delay,tremolo and chorus. Works great with pedals and clean channel. The only drawback is that you will have to use a pedal if you want to get good gain sound at higher volumes. It costs about 500$/350£ new and IMO it's absolutely worth the money.

Here's a link to the Fender website with amp description/specs.
http://www.fender.com/en-SE/series/vint ... p-x2-120v/

I wouldn't overlook a Traynor YCV20WR.

pop mccartney wrote:...i've dreamt for a little while

Any thoughts on the AC4 HW?

I have no firsthand experience with it but given that it is a single-ended power amp topology it probably won't stay clean very much as you crank it up, but should sound great other than that.

When you get it send it over to me so I can then provide you with some real world experience.

The shop will surely let you try the amp out with your guitar.

Other possibilities
A Fender Musicmaster Bass amp works well with a 330 (if you can find one).

I'd also suggest trying out a Vox Pathfinder 15r. Solid state, but it sounds really quite good and they are (fairly) plentiful and (very) cheap. ($50-75 used).

I liked my AC15 so much, I got an AC30 (a bit much for home use, honestly).

I recently didn't jump quick enough on a Swart Space Tone Reverb (for $450) and am still kicking myself.

You can certainly play clean with your 330 on any of the Vox amps you mentioned. I own an AC15C1 with an Alnico Blue speaker, and, with the Master Volume turned up and the Top Boost or Normal Volume low, it gets LOUD, without breaking up. I've used the amp almost exclusively with my 12-strings, which means I use it just for clean tones. The AC15 has a natural compression and chime that renders my beloved JangleBox superfluous. The price tag is very reasonable (even if you pay extra, as I did, to have the speaker swapped). Something to consider if you want to go the Vox direction.

I'll have to defer to Jeff on the AC4HW. I've never played one, so if he says it breaks up early, then I would take that into consideration. All I can tell you is that my AC15C1 can get LOUD and still remain clean! I've heard that many replace the tubes for more clean headroom, but I've got all I need for the time being.

Thanks y'all for the tips!
I've heard about the tube remplacement for much headroom.
I love the amp's look so much i might fall for it anyways.

I'll have a look at the Superchamp and the Traynor first.

I'll let you know once i've made my decision

I've bought and just received my AC4HW.

First reaction is: WOW. I just need a reverb pedal and i'm all set.

pop mccartney wrote:I've bought and just received my AC4HW.

First reaction is: WOW. I just need a reverb pedal and i'm all set.

Congrats, Cyril!