Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

I just recently sold my Marshal head and cab, I liked the sound ok and like being able to channel switch but didnt want to hall a big rig....

Im considering getting one of the new AC-30cc2 or valvetronix (AD120VTX or a ad100vt) amps...I need to be able to switch channels so that I can step on a footswitch boost the volume to do leads...
can you do this with either of these amps?
I havent seen any information about this other than the AC30 having a switch for trem/reverb so guess it doesnt let you switch channels?

t

Im wondering how much trouble the valvetronix are to deal with with all those knobs....

www.drzamps.com

Maz38 or the Stangray are very vox-y and made here.
One of these will be my next amp. None of the biting tones of a fender amp.

Tommy, you might want to check out the new Kustom Coupe combo line, either the 1x12 36 Watt or the 2x12 72 Watt. (Come to think of it, there may be a head-only version also.) I have the 36 Coupe (actually, two of them), and besides having two switchable channels, it has a switchable "lead boost" (adjustable boost) that works on both channels; I really love it! They are all-tube with 6L6 power tubes. BTW, the reverb on them is as deep as that of any of my vintage Fenders.

thanks for the suggestions keep um coming..
I am actually looking at a Kustom TRT 50 Tube head on eBay has anyone used one of these??
the only prob I see is getting a matching cab I dont think they make them anymore??

also does anyone here use the Vox valvetronics amps??

t

Regarding the Valvetronix....why use a fake Vox amp when you can use a real one is my preference! I'm a tube guy which is why I like the AC30 above any trasistor or modelling amps. The Valvetronix is one of the best modelling amps out there though and they sound pretty good. If funding isn't a limit and you are ok with using pedals to get your lead sound, then an AC30 is the way to go if you want to go with a Vox. If you need lots of options, the Valetronix is probably a better choice.

Im leaning away from the Valvetronics, I own a POD and dont really like fooling with trying to figure it out its fine for setting around the house but Im not sure if I wanna deal with programing my amp at a gig.

may try to get a AC30cc2???
Im just not sure of the quality, will they take gig abuse?

"Maz38 or the Stangray are very vox-y and made here."

No, they are made here, in my home town!

Tommy, I have a TRT50 head and matching 2x12 cabinet, and although I haven't tried it head-to-head against my 36 Coupe, I think the Coupe has better sound. The reverb is weaker on the TRT, too.

Oddly enough, I also have a Vox AD120VTH Valvetronics head that I play through a 2x10 or 2x12. I haven't had the required century or so of time required to read the 400-page manual (or was that the quick-start guide ...?), so I can't tell you whether it's as good in practice as it is in theory ...

I've used my AD120VTH/AD212/VC12 rig for near four years now. It goes every night for two to four hours, and on weekends for 6-8 per day. I have never had an issue with it and the tones are just fine. I have run it against a Mesa Rectifier and a Bassman and most people cannot tell the difference in tone. I can, but it is negligible.

It took me about 15 minutes to learn the basics of the amp. About 2 hours to program the tones I liked (32 of them-with all the effects in the correct places when the patch is selected), and I switch back and forth instantly with the VC12.

Programming couldn't be simpler. You set the tone controls like you would a "real" tube amp then select a memory position (push button) then push a button to write it to memory. It is very, very simple. That being said, some of the concepts are not intuitive (Vox's use of "bank" and "patch", no way to name a patch). You also have to know the amp model you are working with, because the controls behave very much like the original amp.

I agree with tubes, 100%. The Valvetronix use 12AX7 tubes configured as power amp tubes (similar to the Little Lanilei, a GREAT small amp). The AD60 and AD120 models have feedback circuits and real output transformers, just like an all tube amp. The Valvetronix AD60 and AD120 models are tube amps, but a well designed, great sounding hybrid style, just not "all tube". The 120 has a bit more depth to it than the 60, but both are equally at home at apartment level volumes or full on, pants flapping levels.

If you need lots of different tones, they are easy to use and very flexible. They are MUCH less expensive than the Hughes & Kettner Zentera (probably the best modeller available). They are MUCH simpler to use than the Line 6 products, and MUCH better sounding IMO.

The AD120VTX combo is heavy, around 75lbs. The head/cab version is much easier to transport. I use my AD120VTH with 2 AD212 cabs. Very flexible. I only use the speaker I need.

If you are into only one or two amp tones (clean and high gain), and are looking for something light, check out the Little Lanilei 3350LT. It is 8"x8"x7", hand wired, two tubes (12AU7 preamp and 12AX7 power amp) runs from 1/4 watt to 35 watts output with master volume, has internal 6-1/2" proprietary speaker that ROARS, and can drive up to 2 4x12 cabs on stage. It is more of an amp head with an internal speaker. Weighs in at 10lbs. Our other guitar player just bought one and it blew our minds. If it were battery powered as well as line powered, it would be the ultimate amp I think.

I would not dismiss the Valvetronix outright, go and try one out. They may not be the amp for everybody, but they are great for me.

Fire away tube snobs!

...Dean

thanks for all the input I need to go check out a new Vox Ac30cc and the AD120vht..I really havent even sat down and tried either...
Ive owned 60s AC30s and a mid 90s AC30 and AC15...
how are the quality of the China made vs. the Korg?

I just missed one of the Randall vc30 clones and a Mesa Boogie Nomad vox clones on eBay...has anyone used one of those?

Initially the china made AC30's had some issues, but they've all been resolved now. Some people think the china made ones sound better also due to better transformers. I haven't played one extensively yet as my Korg AC30 works and sounds great.

I should have kept my purple Korg ac30
I need a 2 channel amp at the time.

Im going to go check some vox amps out locally.

more suggestions or ops?
t

Tommy, I have a purple Korg AC30TBX - how much do you have budgeted?

Gary: Would you take a TARDIS in exchange?

Perhaps one in blueburst?