Members honeyiscool Posted October 13, 2012 Members Share Posted October 13, 2012 I'm just not sure I need a 2x12" setup, and I'd like the sound of an AC30, but in a form factor that's smaller than 50 pounds, and no modeling. What's my best option? And yeah, I have an AC15 and that thing is a fun amp but it sounds less like an AC30 than a Peavey Bandit does. Thanks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members kit_strong Posted October 14, 2012 Members Share Posted October 14, 2012 How about a Ceriatone Dizzy 30 which is basically a Marchless DC 30 clone which is basically an AC30 copy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members tlbonehead Posted October 14, 2012 Members Share Posted October 14, 2012 amp in my signature. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Wyatt Posted October 14, 2012 Members Share Posted October 14, 2012 Originally Posted by kit_strong How about a Ceriatone Dizzy 30 which is basically a Marchless DC 30 clone which is basically an AC30 copy You have to rework the filtering and and the dropping resistors, the Dizzy/DC30 is much much, much stiffer sounding.But there are options like the Valvetech Hayseed, Morgan AC20/40, Winfeld Thomas, etc. which offer scaled-down AC-style amps.There is also the previous generations 1x12" Vox AC30CC1.But then I don't think the AC15 sounds very different since the modern AC15 uses the exact same top boost preamp as the AC30. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members honeyiscool Posted October 14, 2012 Author Members Share Posted October 14, 2012 Really? Maybe I gave up on the AC15 too easily but I mean, I think it sounds good, I just don't think it sounds like a 30 at all. There just seems to be a basic difference in character, like the 15 sounds jagged and the 30 sounds like a sharp edge. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members taxerman Posted October 14, 2012 Members Share Posted October 14, 2012 Get yourself the new blue Vox AC4 C1 BL. It is the Top Boost circuit of the AC30 in an amp the size of a lunch box.There are faults with the blue AC4 (no reverb), but it does deliver the exact tone my monster AC30 does. I'll say that again: the new blue AC4 puts out the exact AC30 tone in a small little amp. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Deadbeat Son Posted October 14, 2012 Members Share Posted October 14, 2012 Maybe all your AC15 is missing is an Alnico Blue? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members PrawnHeed Posted October 14, 2012 Members Share Posted October 14, 2012 Laney VC30-112 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members onelife Posted October 14, 2012 Members Share Posted October 14, 2012 VOX AC30 1x12" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members docjeffrey Posted October 14, 2012 Members Share Posted October 14, 2012 Dr. Z Stang Ray Or Maz 38 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members PrawnHeed Posted October 14, 2012 Members Share Posted October 14, 2012 Originally Posted by onelife VOX AC30 1x12" Vox don't make these anymore. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members billybilly Posted October 14, 2012 Members Share Posted October 14, 2012 I'd try a different speaker in the 15 before anything. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members TunerAddict Posted October 14, 2012 Members Share Posted October 14, 2012 Originally Posted by taxerman Get yourself the new blue Vox AC4 C1 BL. It is the Top Boost circuit of the AC30 in an amp the size of a lunch box.There are faults with the blue AC4 (no reverb), but it does deliver the exact tone my monster AC30 does. I'll say that again: the new blue AC4 puts out the exact AC30 tone in a small little amp. Well, you just made me decide to buy an AC4. My guitar now loves you, meanwhile my bank account has mixed feelings.The questions now becomes whether or not I go with the blue one or the standard that has the built in attenuation. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Ravelleman Posted October 14, 2012 Members Share Posted October 14, 2012 Get yourself a Catalinbread Galileo pedal from PGS. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members ugameus Posted October 14, 2012 Members Share Posted October 14, 2012 Winfield Thomas Cyclonehttp://www.winfieldamps.com/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members photon9 Posted October 14, 2012 Members Share Posted October 14, 2012 One of the many factors in my decision to unload my AC30cc2 was that my Bugera V22 sounded as good or better... and was half the weight. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members taxerman Posted October 14, 2012 Members Share Posted October 14, 2012 Originally Posted by TunerAddict Well, you just made me decide to buy an AC4. My guitar now loves you, meanwhile my bank account has mixed feelings.The questions now becomes whether or not I go with the blue one or the standard that has the built in attenuation. No. no. no! Do not buy the cream AC4 with the attenuator.Go to any Vox forum and you will see that guys who bought the cream one before the blue will begrudgingly admit (if they are honest) that the attenuator is kind of silly and the new blue AC4 with a Master Volume works so much better. Also the cream AC4 has one tone control (it's called TONE), while the blue guy has two (BASS and TREBLE). With those two tone controls and a Master Volume knob the blue AC4 allows you to carve out any tone that you will love.The blue AC4 does have drawbacks. It's bass response is limited (because it is so small it doesn't boom), it has a small sound (pedals do help to make it sound bigger), and its price is too much ($300, for another $250 you can get a monster AC15). But if you want that great VOX tone of an AC30, it is right here in this little blue box.Plus it looks real cool with a blue guitar. (Yes, if you buy the blue AC4 you will have to buy a blue guitar. It's a rule.) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members kit_strong Posted October 14, 2012 Members Share Posted October 14, 2012 Originally Posted by ugameus Winfield Thomas Cyclonehttp://www.winfieldamps.com/ Those are damn fine looking amps. Something about that font choice just seems to provide an extra bit of class. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Special J Posted October 14, 2012 Members Share Posted October 14, 2012 I tried a lot of AC30 type amps before I got my Valvetech. To me, it sounded more like an AC30 than the AC30's I tried. I got the head version figuring I could pair it with any cab and scale it to the gig. Sounded great, but didn't truly get "that" sound until I put it through a semi open back 2x12 with alnico blues. So I think a large part of that sound is the configuration, not just the circuit. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members ugameus Posted October 14, 2012 Members Share Posted October 14, 2012 Originally Posted by Special J I tried a lot of AC30 type amps before I got my Valvetech. To me, it sounded more like an AC30 than the AC30's I tried. I got the head version figuring I could pair it with any cab and scale it to the gig. Sounded great, but didn't truly get "that" sound until I put it through a semi open back 2x12 with alnico blues. So I think a large part of that sound is the configuration, not just the circuit. This is a very good point. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Ancient Mariner Posted October 14, 2012 Members Share Posted October 14, 2012 It's got to be either blues or greenbacks. The blues are louder and give that raspy yet singing overdrive. The Greenbacks have a sharper edge and do the jangle better, but will turn to warm thunder when overdriven. TBH I doubt it's possible to get an authentic tone with a 1X12 because you need the speaker interaction. Be aware too that it's quite beamy for an open-back combo, and the tone varies enormously according to where you stand. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Patuney Posted October 14, 2012 Members Share Posted October 14, 2012 I tried a US Masters TVR-30. Really wellbuilt and quiet, light one piece unit, just not the tube rectifier sag I love. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members cratz2 Posted October 14, 2012 Members Share Posted October 14, 2012 A Morgan AC20 Deluxe would be at the top of my list if the cost is acceptable. In my experience, Greenbacks are OK but Blues are where it's at for the Vox tone in my head. Modern Blues are brighter than old Blues. The Weber Blue Dog tries to capture the vibe of the older ones... chimey with some bottom, but less piercing highs. I've had two AC15s and I tended to prefer the Celestions for Top Boost tones but prefer the Blue Dogs for the Normal Vox tones which is my preference. I've bought two used ceramic Blue Dogs for $50 each so if you look around, I'd consider at least try going that route. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members warriorpoet Posted October 14, 2012 Members Share Posted October 14, 2012 Valvetech is where it's at. 2x 10 combo with Weber Blue Dogs. Light, flexible, awesome. Morgan makes incredible amps, too, but they're spendier than Valvetech by quite a bit. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Verne Andru Posted October 14, 2012 Members Share Posted October 14, 2012 Don't forget JMI http://www.jmiamplification.com/ - they actually manufactured originals in the 50's and 60's and are still going today. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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