VOX AC-30...which is the better to get?

[BlueAngel]

It has been said that CLF like the later BF tremolo better, probably due to it being cheaper to implement!

It can't have been, it uses an opto-coupler (relatively expensive back in the 60s), whereas the bias tremolo is directly coupled to the main circuit electrically. I'm not sure why the opto trem was chosen - possibly because bias trem tends to 'thump' a bit at high depth settings. But opto trem has some problems too - the neon discharge often causes the audio circuit to 'tick' (well known in Fenders), and the opto unit has a limited life expectancy - the LDR part tends to stop working eventually, I've been seeing a lot more dead ones in BF and early SF amps now than I did 20 years ago when I started repairing amps.

I prefer the tone of the bias trem too by the way, it's more organic and rich... the opto trem can be a bit bland.

[shamustwin]

Late British AC-30's with Blues have been selling in the $1100 range on ebay.
I have one of that vintage.
It's too loud, too bright and too heavy!
Not a fan!
But until the price goes up, I'll have to hang onto it.

[JakeK]

Late British AC-30's with Blues have been selling in the $1100 range on ebay.
I have one of that vintage.
It's too loud, too bright and too heavy!
Not a fan!
But until the price goes up, I'll have to hang onto it.

Or why not go Townshend on it with your 1997 MG at the end of a show!

[paologregorio]

Late British AC-30's with Blues have been selling in the $1100 range on ebay.
I have one of that vintage.
It's too loud, too bright and too heavy!
Not a fan!
But until the price goes up, I'll have to hang onto it.

Eat your Wheaties (or hit the weights) and it won't be so heavy.

You can get rid of some of the brightness or harshness I think, by using a 12AU7 in the V1 positiion, IIRC.

You can get one of those THD Hot Plates to deal with the volume issue...or play in a louder band.

[shamustwin]

And it's purple!

[paologregorio]

And it's purple!

?! I have no solution for that-other than possibly suggesting some slick verbiage and fancy pics for an E Bay posting, or email Prince with some pics.

Or maybe Kenny; I don't know if he has one in purple, but he collects them in every color.

[shamustwin]

Oh, I like looking at it.
I am sure if I put some time into it, I could find a sound I like.
Just used it once for a gig, no rehearsal, just the gig. With a Strat.

Five year old daughter + wifey works weekends = no quality time with amp.

[lennon211]

I do have an AC-30 HW from '05 or so. I love it...it hits everything that I could want out of it. I've tried some of the other new variations on the AC-30 and haven't been able to get on with them the way that I can with mine. The controls are great and very straightforward. It's my recommendation.

[shamustwin]

I would like a British AC-15, if anyone knows of one for rent or sale.

[soundmasterg]

I prefer the tone of the bias trem too by the way, it's more organic and rich... the opto trem can be a bit bland.

I tend to agree with you, but the opto trem on the Silvertone 1484 and 1485 sounds VERY nice....especially if the gain of the channels in the amp is increased, as it also increases the depth of the trem for some reason. I suppose it is probably the roach that they used, but it would take some effort to figure out a modern equivilant to that particular roach.

Just used it once for a gig, no rehearsal, just the gig. With a Strat.

That was why the amp was bright....you used a Strat! I've found if the controls are played with and you stay on the neck pickup, it sounds great with a Strat and very crystilline and clear. RICs are a bit more aggressive and warmer. Teles sound great through an AC30 too, even the Korg UK-made one.

Greg

[paologregorio]

I haven't found any trem that I've liked as much as the Fender type circuit.

[jps]

I haven't found any trem that I've liked as much as the Fender type circuit.

Which Fender type circuit? There were three different ones, plus a fourth variant, IIRC.

[paologregorio]

I haven't found any trem that I've liked as much as the Fender type circuit.

Which Fender type circuit? There were three different ones, plus a fourth variant, IIRC.

My favorite is the trem circuit in the Fender BF and SF Twin Reverb/Super Reverb amps, as well as the RI amps. I don't really care for the Brown Face trem circuit all that much.

[soundmasterg]

So the one you like is the roach trem, (opto) which is very similar to the Silvertone one I was talking about....but the Silvertone one has more depth to it. The fender one could be made to have more depth but the circuit would be drastically changed to accomplish that. Most people seem to like the older style brown-face trem circuits better than the roach trem, though most of these older ones tend to thump with lots of depth.

Greg

[kennyhowes]

And it's purple!

Or maybe Kenny; I don't know if he has one in purple, but he collects them in every color.

Jerry is aware that I have an interest in his purple AC30. Right, Jerry?