Vox AC30

[jcreasy]

Kids,

Sorry if this is in the wrong place... But this forum was very helpful when I bought my AC30. So much so that I lent it to a friend and he is on the hunt. As I quickly learned, there are many variations... Some good, some not so good.

Here is his description... Can I get some feedback from you guys? Here is the deal... If you help me out and get him into a quality AC30, I will convince him to buy a Rick and join the forum! Fair enough?

In any event, thanks in advance,

JKC

+++

It's a couple years old, seller says it's a ac30cc2 with greenback speakers.
(I don't know whether they're the old wharfdale or the greenbacks).
Has top boost channel with blending switch (can blend normal and top boost channels).
Has trem and vibrato. Includes footswitch.

I only see 2 inputs on the amp (other models I have seen have high and low inputs for each channel)

Could this be a c2 instead of a cc2?

[8mileshigher]

If the amp controls has the little-size toggle switch for blending the Normal and Top Boost channels then it's likely a Custom Classic CC2 series, whereas the new "C" series utilize the small 1/4 connector plugs to plug into both inputs and blend the channels.

Since they are open back amps, should be easy to determine if they are Celestion Greenbacks or Wharfedales as it will say so on the speaker label and the Greenbacks have greenish color on the label. The CC2 had Wharfedale speakers and the "C" series have the Greenbacks, because these amps are made in a different factory in China from the "CC" series

The Wharfedale speakers are pictured below.

[8mileshigher]

By the way, if you enter Vox AC 30 into the search function here you will find lots of threads on this subject on the RRF.

[jcreasy]

Thanks Rich...

Any comment on these amps? Obviously not the pure breds from the 60s but are they serviceable and sound decent or not worth the effort?

[8mileshigher]

Thanks Rich...

Any comment on these amps? Obviously not the pure breds from the 60s but are they serviceable and sound decent or not worth the effort?

if you check some of the aforementioned RRF threads you will find lots of insightful comments from Forum members about the different models and versions of AC30s over the course of time

Suffice it to say that Kenny H has about 5 or 6 Vox AC30s in his stable and Paulie has three and there are several more RRF members who own more than one. There was a recent thread here on the speaker debate, whether to get Celestion Alnico Blues or Celestion Greenbacks or Wharfedales and so forth. Lots of people say good things about the Handwired models but they will cost you more than a CC2 or a C2 series amp with a printed circuit board.

I have a CC2 series and changed the Wharfedales out for Celestion Blues earlier this year. The new "C" series are made from particleboard whereas the CC series are the Baltic Birch plywood cabinetry... a cost savings measure by the new Vox management team. The CC series has a couple of more features and knobs than the C series, but the C series has a redesigned chassis, so the tube changing is less cumbersome than on a CC.

For the best insight, go to the Vintage Amps Forum and they have a Vox section and hundreds of expert opinions on any Vox subject imagineable from dedicated Voxaholics.

[kennyhowes]

I actually only have four.

The tan, red, and purple amps are British '90s Korg amps, the trapezoid head on the left is a '64 JMI Vox AC30 Super Twin, the AC15TBX is actually sold now, the black 2x12" cab on the right is a NCM cab that I currently have on eBay, the Super Beatle contains a 15w Vox Night Train head, and the SB's cab only has one 12". In case anyone cares.

I actually like the current AC30C2 better than the "Custom Classic" series. A little easier to wrap one's head around, but I've only played one in a store. (Plus they're available in red!)

Also, on the CC amps you have to un-solder the speakers to change the tubes, or so I am told. (!)

[jcreasy]

Thanks Kids.

He is going to go for it. I bought one of the China ones with the birch cabinet and the blue backs and "... handwired" which, to my understanding at least, is really turret board, and love it.

Will let you know how it turns out for my friend.

JKC

[paologregorio]

Also, on the CC amps you have to un-solder the speakers to change the tubes, or so I am told. (!)

Kinda; the speakers are hard wired, and there's only enough speaker wire to slide the chassis about half way out of the cab to change tubes-gee does it sound like I've done this?! Yep, sure have.

There is an easy fix for this. I've modded both my and Rich's CC2Xs so the speakers plug into a jack (makes life much easier). The instructions for this mod are available, and I would like to again thank Mike snow for forwarding me the schematic.

The amp you're describing is a CC2, since it has the channel blend switch; the C2 does not have this switch; instead it has separate inputs for the normal and TB channels, and one blends the channels the "old school" way by running a patch cord between the two channels.

WRT the C2s, the only downer is the particle board cabinet IMO, and if one is devoted to tube rectifier's only, a solid state rectifier. I don't really care about a tube rectifier personally; I thought the C2s sounded amazing at NAMM. I like the relocated tube layout (smart, sensible), but do not like the particle board cabinet (heavy, prone to increasing wobbliness and disintegration with substantial gigging, speaking from experience-I have an early 70s AC30 I eventually had a proper, and gorgeous, cabinet built for, while the PB cab is now relegated to decor).

[larsongs]

CC2X or C2X's are great Amps. I recommend getting one with the Alnico Blues if you want really great Tone. I know it's subjective but after having & playing the different Combo's I put my money on the Alnico Blues. A little more expensive but they sound figgin' Great!

Glenn

[paologregorio]

I suggest setting the switch to vintage type filtering and the lower power setting.

[8mileshigher]

Kenny, I love that picture of your Vox ensemble.
Ultimate in cool !!

[blueroofshaun]

I used to have a fawn early 90's reissue that sounded great. Always regret getting rid of it