Vox VT50 Valvetronix vs Fender Custom Vibrolux

[dgwguitars]

I've been looking at VT-series combos for a few weeks now and am very impressed. I suspect I'll be picking up a VT30 in the near future.

I recently bought a VT50 from North Coast and it's an awesome amp. The modeling is dead on, great effects, and NCM's aesthetic mods take what is (IMO) a butt-ugly amp and make it look like a Vox should. The only thing that bugs me is the inability to change the chrome Vox logo to gold. It sticks out like a sore thumb, but nothing can be done without ruining the vinyl.

[miltric]

I sold the Vibrolux and picked up a barely used VT 50 with footswitch for $300. I like it a lot, especially (and not surprisingly) the Vox models. During our last gig, I used it in tandem with my AC-15 and the sound guy complimented me on my "rig." As far as the looks go . . . well, I've made my peace with that, though I don't disagree with Wilco that "Hell is Chrome." During the show, I positioned the VT 50 to the side of the stage, and all anybody could see was the tube amp

[jingle_jangle]

I, too, think that chrome barbecue grille on the front detracts from the cool VOX "trad" look.

So, here's my AD30VT:



And my AC50CPH head:



And, finally, my AD100VT head, in a vintage cabinet, with 2-12s and vintage style "Hong Kong" trolley, built by Gary at NCM:



This was built as an early "royal Guradsman" replica, except solid state.

Black diamond cloth is so '60s!

[8mileshigher]

I, too, think that chrome barbecue grille on the front detracts from the cool VOX "trad" look.

So, here's my AD30VT:

[img]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v693/ ... DSC00144sm.
Black diamond cloth is so '60s!

Hey Paul - I like the look of that black diamind cloth over the chrome grill. Thinking to do the same now on my Valvetronix. Did you get that Vox grill cloth from that E-Bay seller gitrzdun1 ??
Regards
Rich

[jingle_jangle]

Could be...there are more than one seller selling the same stuff. Go for it!

[clearblue]

Is this a newer version of the Valvetronix? I wasn't that impressed with that line, tone or build quality. The Kustom 36 Coupe walked all over it in tone. If it is a newer version, VOX might have improved their quality, etc.

[kenf]

I, too, think that chrome barbecue grille on the front detracts from the cool VOX "trad" look.

So, here's my AD30VT:

Paul, now that my VT30 is on the way can you say what was involved in doing the grille cloth mod? Was it as simple as wrapping the factory grille and reinstalling?

[jingle_jangle]

I sprayed a light coat of spray foam cement onto the chrome grille, and laid it face down on the grille cloth after it tacked up. Be sure you line things up straight--there are no second chances. Line up the bottom edge with the grille nearly vertical and slowly lower it down onto the cloth.

Another light coat along the edges--I cut the cloth 1" larger on all 4 sides, with 45° corners. Then fold the edges over. Refit the grille and reinstall the screws. Takes all of 15 minutes.

[gregga41]

I'm considering the same effect with my Ad100VT! great look, Paul.
Ebay item no.180377303580, this guy continually lists the fabric you'll need Ken.

[kenf]

Thanks, guys!

[kenf]

Greg, I was able to grab that grillecloth - the price is good from what I can see. Thanks for the lead!

[gregga41]

Always happy to help!

[gregga41]

Greg, I was able to grab that grillecloth - the price is good from what I can see. Thanks for the lead!

As a footnote to this , i also bought from this seller, and it has taken over 6 weeks. Cloth has not arrived. Every excuse under the sun..."i've just recovered from a heart attack"....."It's been lost in the mail, i've sent a second delivery"......and so on! Now he's not replying to emails.
Seems he doesnt like Australians, as all his negative feedback is from Oz buyers who never received their Vox cloth!
Did you get yours Ken?

[longhouse]

I adore my Vibrolux. But I'm a cloth-eared monkey.

Play the one that makes you happy!

[miltric]

Greg,

I'm sorry to hear that. I hope your frustrations are resolved in the best possible way.

Noel,

I used--and loved--the Vibrolux for a couple of years (made two records with it, and was very happy with the results in almost every case). But once I got my AC-15, the Fender just started sounding too generic in comparison. Plus, I really like the master volume feature on the AC-15; it allows me to dial in just the right amount of grit and it goes really well with my Fulltone 2 pedal (the 360 sounds just awesome with this configuration).

That said, I've had the Valvetronix amp for a few months now and think it's just "ok" now. Great practice amp, and I sometimes use it in tandem with the AC-15 for stereo effects, but I won't really use it by itself live and, as long as I have the AC-15, probably won't use it in the studio too much.

In those moments when I'm honest with myself, I think maybe I should have kept the Vibrolux. But I don't lose any sleep over it.