Vox AC30 - "New!!"

[ozover50]

Found a NOS Vox AC30/6 TB today. 2002 model, manufactured in England, Celestion G12M greenbacks, etc. with the vintage (red) control panel. It's only ever been used in the showroom so I guess technically it's not new, but near as dammit!

Price is AUD $3799 negotiable (probably down to $3500 or so). Forgetting duty, GST, etc. that is about UK $1600 and US $2850.

Questions:

1) Seem like a reasonable price?
2) Worth looking at anything else for that 'classic' sound?
3) How would it go with a ToneLab SE?
4) Should I just buy the darned thing?

I haven't got the total funds available yet but a deposit of $800 to $1000 will hold it for me for a while.

Any comments or suggestions?

[rictified]

Couldn't you an old 60's one for that much money?

[ozover50]

There was one around a few weeks ago for $5500 and it sold. Not many pop up for sale in these parts, Bob.

[wormdiet]

THis is probably blindingly obvious, but have you had a chance to crank it yet?

[ozover50]

Not yet, John. I was on my way from a client's premises back to the office and just briefly dropped it to have a look at what was in the store - I've never been in there before. I played a MIJ Fender 12 string Strat for a few minutes and it sounded pretty hot!! Unfortunately I haven't got time to take my 330/6 and/or 660/12 down there this weekend.

[karl_teten]

UK Korg AC30's top out on eBay around $1700+/- U.S. with Celestion Blues.

Find one that will ship worldwide.

Air freight will run you another $250-$300 U.S.

[ozover50]

So what's the attraction of the blues over the greenbacks, Karl? I know the blues are alnico and the greenbacks ceramic, but other than that.....?

[patrickkelly]

The alnico blues produce THE sound you're probably thinking of when you think "Vox." The greens are darker, less shimmery/chimey.

Wait for one with blues; it's cheaper to buy the amp already equipped with the blues than to replace them later, as they are very expensive in the aftermarket.

[octagon]

Wow,here is a 1963 Vox AC30 for $1300 BIN!

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=38077&item=7330981236&rd=1

[octagon]

Here is a new one NIB also for $1300 BIN.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=38077&item=7330941633&rd=1

[ozover50]

Mitch, that equates to about $2400 AUD (inc. duty and GST) plus custom fees plus grief (you guys don't know the Australian Customs Service when it comes to private imports)!! I assume it's made in China, not the UK.

Karl, your suggestion works out at around $3000.

I've found a 60s AC30 for $5000 but don't know what speakers are in it.

Hmmmm... might reconsider the whole idea......

A new Roland JC-120 for around $1750 still seems like an attractive option.

[brammy]

>A new Roland JC-120 for around $1750 still seems like an attractive option.

On a scaled down comparrison, I have a Roland JC-60 as a backup for my Vox AC-15. The JC-60 gets me through the gig and its a good amp but in my mind there is NO comparrison .... the AC-15 sound is just so sweet and smooth and rich.

[soundmasterg]

If you get an AC30, the ONLY way to get it is with the Celestion Blues in it, or the webervst Blue Dog copy. I've played them with the greenback, and I own a '93 model with the Celestion Blues in it, and it is like night and day. Get one with Blues or don't get one....its that much better!

[ozover50]

Thanks for the advice fellas. The dilemma continues.........