Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

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?

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

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

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

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.

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.

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.....?

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.

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

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

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

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

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.

>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.

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!

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