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Vox AC30 Custom Classic Guitar Amplifier Head (30 Watts)
Blendable channels, true bypass FX loop, spring reverb, and master volume
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About This Product!
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From Our Catalog
The new AC30 Custom Classic is the culmination of over 45 years of high quality, guitar amplifier design and fabrication. Vox has taken the best AC30 designs and added a number of useful, very cool features to create the most tonally flexible and affordable AC30 to date!
History in the making
Why has the AC30 been an icon for decades? It's the amplifier's unique, warm tone, its player friendly "feel" and its primeval circuit design. With its straightforward "what you see is what you get" control format, the AC30 was a hit with artists from the very beginning. Back then, Vox owned the '60s "British invasion" and to this day the AC30 is widely used by all kinds of guitarists performing in a huge range of musical styles.
With a number of modern enhancements including blendable channels, a true bypass FX loop, spring reverb, and master volume, to name just a few, the new AC30 Custom Classic is an evolution of the original that is sure to become a classic in its own right.
Attaining the highest standards
In order to achieve tonal nirvana, this AC30 is manufactured in the Vox vertically integrated manufacturing facility. What this means for you is that we have total control of the design, the quality and the sound of your amplifier. Their factory is capable of many processes not found in most guitar amplifier factories. They design and manufacture their own transformers, speakers (except for the venerable Vox "Blue" & "Neodog" which are manufactured by Celestion), cabinets, and they build their own electronics. All components have been designed, manufactured or selected so that the performance and sound of your AC30 Custom Classic is second to none.
An evolution in tone
When they set out to create the AC30 Custom Classic, Vox started from their most highly acclaimed model to date, the AC30 Hand Wired. With twin inputs (high and Low) and a Master Volume circuit, these amps offer highly interactive Bass and Treble tone controls, as well as the Vox Tone Cut control (which varies the presence in the power amp section) for even greater tonal variety. They also included Classic Tremolo with variable Depth control and a tube-driven Accutronics reverb with Level and Tone controls as well as a Dwell switch.
Two blendable channels, a first
Not only does the AC30 Custom Classic include two channels, it also offers the ability to blend those channels together (a first for the AC30!). The Top Boost Channel serves up that classic AC30 tone, while their new expanded Normal Channel now offers two modes, Normal and Bright, which allow you to achieve the sounds of an assortment of vintage AC30s. Use the channels individually or blend them together for increased tonal flexibility to create a unique sound and feel that's all your own.
Control freaks rejoice!
The AC30 Custom Classic is fully equipped with well thought out and easy to use controls. With a Custom/Normal EQ switch, Tone control and Dwell switch for the spring reverb, Master Volume, fully variable Tremolo on all channels and a true bypass Effects Loop, they've thought of everything! Vox has even included a switchable cathode resistor that lowers power output and increases tube life. Of course, the AC30 Custom Classic comes with their standard controls like Treble, Bass, Tone, Volume, Standby and more.
EQ Standard/Custom Switch, Bass, Reverb Controls (Tone, Mix, Dwell Switch), Tremolo Speed & Depth, Tone Cut, Master Volume, Standby Switch, Power Switch
Rear panel controls:
Loudspeaker output jack x 2 (Extension & External), Output (O/P) Impedance Select (8 or 16 Ohm), Output Bias (82 "Warm" or 50 "Hot"), Smoothing (22uF "Vintage" or 44uF "Modern"), FX Loop (Send, Return and Bypass Switch), Footswitch Jack (Tremolo and Reverb), HT Fuse, Mains Input, Mains Fuse
Dimensions (W x D x H): 24.2 x 10.4 x 10.83 in.
Weight: 41.9 lbs.
History in the making
Why has the AC30 been an icon for decades? It's the amplifier's unique, warm tone, its player friendly "feel" and its primeval circuit design. With its straightforward "what you see is what you get" control format, the AC30 was a hit with artists from the very beginning. Back then, Vox owned the '60s "British invasion" and to this day the AC30 is widely used by all kinds of guitarists performing in a huge range of musical styles.
With a number of modern enhancements including blendable channels, a true bypass FX loop, spring reverb, and master volume, to name just a few, the new AC30 Custom Classic is an evolution of the original that is sure to become a classic in its own right.
Attaining the highest standards
In order to achieve tonal nirvana, this AC30 is manufactured in the Vox vertically integrated manufacturing facility. What this means for you is that we have total control of the design, the quality and the sound of your amplifier. Their factory is capable of many processes not found in most guitar amplifier factories. They design and manufacture their own transformers, speakers (except for the venerable Vox "Blue" & "Neodog" which are manufactured by Celestion), cabinets, and they build their own electronics. All components have been designed, manufactured or selected so that the performance and sound of your AC30 Custom Classic is second to none.
An evolution in tone
When they set out to create the AC30 Custom Classic, Vox started from their most highly acclaimed model to date, the AC30 Hand Wired. With twin inputs (high and Low) and a Master Volume circuit, these amps offer highly interactive Bass and Treble tone controls, as well as the Vox Tone Cut control (which varies the presence in the power amp section) for even greater tonal variety. They also included Classic Tremolo with variable Depth control and a tube-driven Accutronics reverb with Level and Tone controls as well as a Dwell switch.
Two blendable channels, a first
Not only does the AC30 Custom Classic include two channels, it also offers the ability to blend those channels together (a first for the AC30!). The Top Boost Channel serves up that classic AC30 tone, while their new expanded Normal Channel now offers two modes, Normal and Bright, which allow you to achieve the sounds of an assortment of vintage AC30s. Use the channels individually or blend them together for increased tonal flexibility to create a unique sound and feel that's all your own.
Control freaks rejoice!
The AC30 Custom Classic is fully equipped with well thought out and easy to use controls. With a Custom/Normal EQ switch, Tone control and Dwell switch for the spring reverb, Master Volume, fully variable Tremolo on all channels and a true bypass Effects Loop, they've thought of everything! Vox has even included a switchable cathode resistor that lowers power output and increases tube life. Of course, the AC30 Custom Classic comes with their standard controls like Treble, Bass, Tone, Volume, Standby and more.
Technical Info
Front panel controls: Inputs x 2 (Top Boost & Normal), Input Link Switch for blending channels, Normal Volume, Brilliance Switch, Top Boost Volume, Treble,EQ Standard/Custom Switch, Bass, Reverb Controls (Tone, Mix, Dwell Switch), Tremolo Speed & Depth, Tone Cut, Master Volume, Standby Switch, Power Switch
Rear panel controls:
Loudspeaker output jack x 2 (Extension & External), Output (O/P) Impedance Select (8 or 16 Ohm), Output Bias (82 "Warm" or 50 "Hot"), Smoothing (22uF "Vintage" or 44uF "Modern"), FX Loop (Send, Return and Bypass Switch), Footswitch Jack (Tremolo and Reverb), HT Fuse, Mains Input, Mains Fuse
Dimensions (W x D x H): 24.2 x 10.4 x 10.83 in.
Weight: 41.9 lbs.
All-tube 30W head with 2 blendable channels, reverb, tremolo, and effects loop.
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Item: VOXAC30CCH
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Vox AC30 Custom Classic Guitar Amplifier Head (30 Watts) Reviews
10 out of 10
zZounds has verified that this customer bought this product from us.
Vox AC30 Classic Head Customer Review
Feature:
The amp pedal that turns on/off tremolo/reverb is a little clunky and the switches make an audible pop when engaged/disengaged. Not a microphonic pop just a ching from the metal casing. A little insulation might deaden that a bit.
Quality:
Everything on the amp except the shipping screws are heavy duty. Even the I/O jacks are well made the toggles feel firm as do the chicken head knobs. Birch Ply is heavy but better than MDM if you want the amp to resonate.
Value:
Yes
Desirability:
I played Dr Z's, Fender's, Marshall's, VHT's, Mesa's, for years and was not in a financial position to get the Ltd Hand Wired version when it came out. I was sitting in my local store when it arrived I plugged it in warmed it up plugged in a Custom Shop Strat off the wall and played a couple of chords some riffs some runs unplugged the strat, unplugged the amp and took it home. I'd say more than the looks, the design, the feel, it has a sound all its own. As kids we wracked our brains trying to figure out how they got 'that' sound. Take one part Fender Esquire and one part AC/30TBX, no effects just turn it up loud.
Sound:
This has the tighter low end and higher head room in one of its settings producing 30 watts. Great for stage work with a band. If your PA can amplify the lower watt settings you want to get that Yardbirds, Beatles tone then you kick in the lower settings on the caps which gives you that great tube rectifier sag (compression) and natural power tube distortion at 22 watts and you get chime and grind just moving your guitar's Volume/Tone pots. That's added to by the use of the two channels normal and brilliant which you can blend and a hardwire bypass effects loop that you can cut out of the circuit or use as a clean boost. Tele's Strats, 12 strings, LP's, 335's and SG's even PRS sound great. I use the head with my own cabinets loaded with EV 12L's or EV SRO Alnico's. The tubes are okay and you can upgrade them to JJ's or NOS tubes if you got the dough. The circuit board, the traces are all heavy duty and appear mil-spec so they should last. I use an OCD, Carl Martin Compressor, Cry Baby, TC Chorus Pedal, Carl Martin Layla delay. The reverb and tremolo are non tube driven and while they can be useful providing ambient textures you need a spring to get Surf. The DeLayla will get the slapback echo for rockabilly.The upper mid voice of the amp no matter what your running through it places it very well within the mix of sounds made by a band. Needs little post eq on stage or in studio. When changing out tubes I noticed that the wood tray the amp chassis was anchored to had very long wood shipping screws to hold the unit from being jostled. They're a pain to get out so the chassis can be slid out and the screw metal was cheap so the heads stripped real easy. So they were a pain to get back in and its debatable whether once you have them out do you need them back in. I see on the photo of the back of the head they look like they've gone to a chrome heavier gauge screw on the panels
Ease of Use:
They give you a template to lay over the top of the amp with visual explanations and suggestions for getting various clean, gritty, distorted tones, including use of loop boost. The amp is dead easy to get great sounds out of as a deliberate combining of the circuits used in its older brothers handwired version. So you can get AC30, AC30TBX tones and very useful combo's of both. The master volume allows the power tubes to crank at bedroom levels, and the cut feature does just that cut treble instead of adding mud on the bottom. The tone controls work like in the Handwired also and they do change function depending on how they and the amp are set. More good variations. The reverb as mentioned above is not tube driven it sounds like a small room to small hall type and the reverb has a setting that changes the reverb dynamics based on whether your intending to play clean or dirty and that keeps the reverb from sounding fizzy. It's highs produce a sound that is referred to chime as it does not sound clinical, it breathes. It can faithfully reproduce what your hands and the instrument are doing but with the added second order harmonics takes it to another level.
Support:
Since they are Korg, Marshall etc they haven't always been quick on the trigger answering customer emails. No problems with the amp so no reason to call service and or buy one of those ridiculous extended service contracts.
Overall:
They have now made an AC-15 Hand wired as well as AC/30TBX in both Combo and Head and Cab versions using the EF-86 pentode tube in the preamp sections of all and those are what I would like to have next. It will not replace the head I have. It sounds great is versatile can be played in many types of venue
The amp pedal that turns on/off tremolo/reverb is a little clunky and the switches make an audible pop when engaged/disengaged. Not a microphonic pop just a ching from the metal casing. A little insulation might deaden that a bit.
Quality:
Everything on the amp except the shipping screws are heavy duty. Even the I/O jacks are well made the toggles feel firm as do the chicken head knobs. Birch Ply is heavy but better than MDM if you want the amp to resonate.
Value:
Yes
Desirability:
I played Dr Z's, Fender's, Marshall's, VHT's, Mesa's, for years and was not in a financial position to get the Ltd Hand Wired version when it came out. I was sitting in my local store when it arrived I plugged it in warmed it up plugged in a Custom Shop Strat off the wall and played a couple of chords some riffs some runs unplugged the strat, unplugged the amp and took it home. I'd say more than the looks, the design, the feel, it has a sound all its own. As kids we wracked our brains trying to figure out how they got 'that' sound. Take one part Fender Esquire and one part AC/30TBX, no effects just turn it up loud.
Sound:
This has the tighter low end and higher head room in one of its settings producing 30 watts. Great for stage work with a band. If your PA can amplify the lower watt settings you want to get that Yardbirds, Beatles tone then you kick in the lower settings on the caps which gives you that great tube rectifier sag (compression) and natural power tube distortion at 22 watts and you get chime and grind just moving your guitar's Volume/Tone pots. That's added to by the use of the two channels normal and brilliant which you can blend and a hardwire bypass effects loop that you can cut out of the circuit or use as a clean boost. Tele's Strats, 12 strings, LP's, 335's and SG's even PRS sound great. I use the head with my own cabinets loaded with EV 12L's or EV SRO Alnico's. The tubes are okay and you can upgrade them to JJ's or NOS tubes if you got the dough. The circuit board, the traces are all heavy duty and appear mil-spec so they should last. I use an OCD, Carl Martin Compressor, Cry Baby, TC Chorus Pedal, Carl Martin Layla delay. The reverb and tremolo are non tube driven and while they can be useful providing ambient textures you need a spring to get Surf. The DeLayla will get the slapback echo for rockabilly.The upper mid voice of the amp no matter what your running through it places it very well within the mix of sounds made by a band. Needs little post eq on stage or in studio. When changing out tubes I noticed that the wood tray the amp chassis was anchored to had very long wood shipping screws to hold the unit from being jostled. They're a pain to get out so the chassis can be slid out and the screw metal was cheap so the heads stripped real easy. So they were a pain to get back in and its debatable whether once you have them out do you need them back in. I see on the photo of the back of the head they look like they've gone to a chrome heavier gauge screw on the panels
Ease of Use:
They give you a template to lay over the top of the amp with visual explanations and suggestions for getting various clean, gritty, distorted tones, including use of loop boost. The amp is dead easy to get great sounds out of as a deliberate combining of the circuits used in its older brothers handwired version. So you can get AC30, AC30TBX tones and very useful combo's of both. The master volume allows the power tubes to crank at bedroom levels, and the cut feature does just that cut treble instead of adding mud on the bottom. The tone controls work like in the Handwired also and they do change function depending on how they and the amp are set. More good variations. The reverb as mentioned above is not tube driven it sounds like a small room to small hall type and the reverb has a setting that changes the reverb dynamics based on whether your intending to play clean or dirty and that keeps the reverb from sounding fizzy. It's highs produce a sound that is referred to chime as it does not sound clinical, it breathes. It can faithfully reproduce what your hands and the instrument are doing but with the added second order harmonics takes it to another level.
Support:
Since they are Korg, Marshall etc they haven't always been quick on the trigger answering customer emails. No problems with the amp so no reason to call service and or buy one of those ridiculous extended service contracts.
Overall:
They have now made an AC-15 Hand wired as well as AC/30TBX in both Combo and Head and Cab versions using the EF-86 pentode tube in the preamp sections of all and those are what I would like to have next. It will not replace the head I have. It sounds great is versatile can be played in many types of venue
Submitted: 08/07/2009
Style of Music: Roots, Blues,Country,Folk,Rock&Roll,Classical Jazz
10 out of 10
zZounds has verified that this customer bought this product from us.
"If you're looking for a great tube amp with outstanding tones than go for it!"
Feature:
You know I haven't really even been able to figure out what all this amp can do. It's got tons of options and you can do so much with overall sound of the amp. I just hope that I don't get comfortable with the settings that I currently have it at. It's a lot to try and dial in at first, and even more confusing is the fact that for some reason, everything is backwards lol. Seriously, the amp is set up basically in reverse compared to anyother amp that i've ever played.
Quality:
So far, so good! I have had no problems and I'm not really expecting any. It's got a great solid build to it.
Value:
It was worth the money. If you've got the kind of money to spend on a 33 watt amp than go for it. You could get a 100 watt amp for the same price but I doubt you'll get the same kind of tones. And this amp is loud!!! Seriously, much louder than I thought it would be.
Desirability:
It's just classic! It's a beautiful, classic looking amp. I love it!
Sound:
The Tone that this amp is capable of is absolutely amazing! I have been looking for this sound for a long time. And believe it or not, I'm actually running this Amp through a Peavey Valveking 412 and I have just been blown away with how good these two sound together. The best thing about this amp is a flip of a switch you can completely change it's tones from deep and bluesy to bright and crisp, it's just perfect!
Ease of Use:
It's not easy at first, but that's ok, it's gonna get you thinking about your sound and what your looking for. The amp kind of gets you to work for what you're looking for, but once you find it's sweet spots you're money!
Support:
Haven't had to use any factory support at this point, but I'm sure the people at Vox would be very helpful because they do offer a lot information about the amp when you buy it.
Overall:
I hope that this is my main amp for a long time. I can't think of anything else that I'll be wanting for a very long time.
You know I haven't really even been able to figure out what all this amp can do. It's got tons of options and you can do so much with overall sound of the amp. I just hope that I don't get comfortable with the settings that I currently have it at. It's a lot to try and dial in at first, and even more confusing is the fact that for some reason, everything is backwards lol. Seriously, the amp is set up basically in reverse compared to anyother amp that i've ever played.
Quality:
So far, so good! I have had no problems and I'm not really expecting any. It's got a great solid build to it.
Value:
It was worth the money. If you've got the kind of money to spend on a 33 watt amp than go for it. You could get a 100 watt amp for the same price but I doubt you'll get the same kind of tones. And this amp is loud!!! Seriously, much louder than I thought it would be.
Desirability:
It's just classic! It's a beautiful, classic looking amp. I love it!
Sound:
The Tone that this amp is capable of is absolutely amazing! I have been looking for this sound for a long time. And believe it or not, I'm actually running this Amp through a Peavey Valveking 412 and I have just been blown away with how good these two sound together. The best thing about this amp is a flip of a switch you can completely change it's tones from deep and bluesy to bright and crisp, it's just perfect!
Ease of Use:
It's not easy at first, but that's ok, it's gonna get you thinking about your sound and what your looking for. The amp kind of gets you to work for what you're looking for, but once you find it's sweet spots you're money!
Support:
Haven't had to use any factory support at this point, but I'm sure the people at Vox would be very helpful because they do offer a lot information about the amp when you buy it.
Overall:
I hope that this is my main amp for a long time. I can't think of anything else that I'll be wanting for a very long time.
Submitted: 12/10/2008
Style of Music: Blues, Indie stuff
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