Does the Vox AC15 give the same tone as the AC30, only quieter?

Big-G · 2012-11-02T15:23:22+00:00

So the title pretty much explains my question, but just to expand.... I absolutely love the Vox AC30 tone (at least the AC30/6 or AC30TB's), but find that the volume produced by one is just too much for my requirements, and so I considered the AC15's.... What I want to know is 'do the AC15's produce the same distinctive tone as the 30's, only at a lower volume?' Then I guess the other question is 'do the new VOX's also have the same distinctive tone as the older 30's mentioned above?' There seems to be some confusion over the newer models, as some appear not to be considered as good as the originals, and others considered closer to the original? Any one able to clear up this confusion? Trying to decide between potentially saving up for an AC15, or the Craig 2w? I'm looking at this as a major investment that I want to keep for many years! I hope my question is clear enough? Thanks in advance... Regards G!

vic

The HB's of the Epi LP will do the job..ie to deliver a bit of crunch on the clean side of the spectrum....the Tele won't. Maybe get an overdrive/compression pedal ?

Oh...another thing.....Karel says there are EL 84' valves available (new JJ development ?) that can cut down on output volume.

makepeace

It sounds like you need a small amp to me. Probably below 10W. Why don't you try a Champ out? Or an AC4? Or a Night Train (7.5/15W)? Or a Tiny Terror (7/15W)? With a good cab..

edit:

Vic wrote Karel says there are EL 84' valves available (new JJ development ?) that can cut down on output volume.

AFAIK the EL844 and EL84 are quite dissimilar. There is a lot of consternation on the net about this. Apparently it boils down to the fact that what they share in common is that both are output pentodes made by JJ ?.

I don't have any experience with them, but I doubt they would sound the same in an AC30, just at lower output. There are too many other factors involved.

Big-G

makepeace wrote It sounds like you need a small amp to me. Probably below 10W. Why don't you try a Champ out? Or an AC4? Or a Night Train (7.5/15W)? Or a Tiny Terror (7/15W)? With a good cab..

Thanks for the suggestions... I'll be looking into these... I had not even realised that there was a Vox AC4! The Hand wired one with the 12" green back is looking favourite, but I'm imagining the cost is quite substantial since its a Hand wired one?

Cheers
G!

makepeace

Yop, very good looker. You'll probably look at 8k+ here unfortunately :/. Probably not 'worth' it.. Its got a bit more going for it than the AC4TV with the top boost however it doesn't have attenuation and AFAIK its still made in the east..

I don't know how you feel about this, but I thought I would suggest it anyway. An idea: why don't you try and build your own?! A circuit like this is pretty straight forward, and its a great way of getting into the hobby. Also, there are loads of knowledgeable guys here that can help you out if you get stuck. You'll easily get below the material price of a new AC4HW which excludes your time of course ?. Oh yes, and it comes with a free addiction ?.

edit: here's something to build some stoke

http://enginerdamps.blogspot.com/2009/01/vox-ac4-with-top-boost.html

Big-G

Thanks bud! I'd love to do a build, but I'm too impatient, and too much of a perfectionist, that I'd be fearful of it looking too amateur! Also, I wouldn't know where to start, where to middle, and where to end!

Another option may have arisen? Does Anyone (especially Alan) know anything about the 'JMI' versions of the AC30's? From what I understand, the JMI's are licensed copies built by the company that originally started Vox off, before selling it off? Can anyone confirm this? According to wikipedia, they are also hand wired and built in the UK? Any one experienced their 'quality'?

Cheers
G!

AlanRatcliffe

Big G wrote Another option may have arisen? Does Anyone (especially Alan) know anything about the 'JMI' versions of the AC30's? From what I understand, the JMI's are licensed copies built by the company that originally started Vox off, before selling it off? Can anyone confirm this? According to wikipedia, they are also hand wired and built in the UK? Any one experienced their 'quality'?

Vic's your guy I think - I know he restored an original JMI a while back. I only know what I have read - the top of the line JMI AC30 is well regarded, but expensive.

I think if I were to get an AC30, I'd probably wait for a good original to pop up (maybe a fixer upper if on a tight budget). Or if I wanted new I'd get one of the better new VOX models.

Big-G

Alan Ratcliffe wrote Vic's your guy I think - I know he restored an original JMI a while back. I only know what I have read - the top of the line JMI AC30 is well regarded, but expensive.

I think if I were to get an AC30, I'd probably wait for a good original to pop up (maybe a fixer upper if on a tight budget). Or if I wanted new I'd get one of the better new VOX models.

Thanks for the reply Alan... Thats the kicker! Trying to decifer what the 'better' model? THere seems to be no clear cut determination as to which is better? Just that each is 'different'.

Its just that a JMI head has appeared on junktree for R3500! Although the actual ad is a bit of a contender for the 'Gumtree fail' thread with the seller writing 'it is what it is'. This makes me think something is wrong with it, despite the selller also saying 'in good working order'. Go figure! Can't find the link now to post, but anyway!

Cheers
G!

vic

Big G wrote
Alan Ratcliffe wrote Vic's your guy I think - I know he restored an original JMI a while back. I only know what I have read - the top of the line JMI AC30 is well regarded, but expensive.

I think if I were to get an AC30, I'd probably wait for a good original to pop up (maybe a fixer upper if on a tight budget). Or if I wanted new I'd get one of the better new VOX models.
Thanks for the reply Alan... Thats the kicker! Trying to decifer what the 'better' model? THere seems to be no clear cut determination as to which is better? Just that each is 'different'.

Its just that a JMI head has appeared on junktree for R3500! Although the actual ad is a bit of a contender for the 'Gumtree fail' thread with the seller writing 'it is what it is'. This makes me think something is wrong with it, despite the selller also saying 'in good working order'. Go figure! Can't find the link now to post, but anyway!

Cheers
G!

Big G is in a state of flux I can see ?

The new JMI 's do not use Celestion Blues but another alnico make (that was about 2 years ago when I corresponded with them). The new JMI company is/was part of the Music Ground group in the UK. These are great amps and The Shadows used these on their last world-wide tour. But as Alan says these are (super) expensive and to get it here will add even more to the cost.

I know the JMI head currently on Gumtree. I have n't heard it but I know (from pics) that something has been done to the mains tranny (I think). But for the price it's a very good buy IMHO. The cab is loaded with vintage 30's which are not bad at all. However I would strongly suggest that IF you go the original AC30 route (and I can recommend that) make sure that both trannies are untouched...those are part of the ol' magic of original JMI AC30's. ?. I repeat......you'll get your money back with an original JMI AC30. I have also had the Custom Classic AC30 with blues of course...these are nice amps too...a bit difficult to get to the insides when needed..... but for some reason they do not hold value.

I have a few original AC30's and you're welcome to come over and acquaint yourself with these.

nick

Vic wrote
Big G wrote
Alan Ratcliffe wrote Vic's your guy I think - I know he restored an original JMI a while back. I only know what I have read - the top of the line JMI AC30 is well regarded, but expensive.

I think if I were to get an AC30, I'd probably wait for a good original to pop up (maybe a fixer upper if on a tight budget). Or if I wanted new I'd get one of the better new VOX models.
Thanks for the reply Alan... Thats the kicker! Trying to decifer what the 'better' model? THere seems to be no clear cut determination as to which is better? Just that each is 'different'.

Its just that a JMI head has appeared on junktree for R3500! Although the actual ad is a bit of a contender for the 'Gumtree fail' thread with the seller writing 'it is what it is'. This makes me think something is wrong with it, despite the selller also saying 'in good working order'. Go figure! Can't find the link now to post, but anyway!

Cheers
G!
Big G is in a state of flux I can see ?

The new JMI 's do not use Celestion Blues but another alnico make (that was about 2 years ago when I corresponded with them). The new JMI company is/was part of the Music Ground group in the UK. These are great amps and The Shadows used these on their last world-wide tour. But as Alan says these are (super) expensive and to get it here will add even more to the cost.

I know the JMI head currently on Gumtree. I have n't heard it but I know (from pics) that something has been done to the mains tranny (I think). But for the price it's a very good buy IMHO. The cab is loaded with vintage 30's which are not bad at all. However I would strongly suggest that IF you go the original AC30 route (and I can recommend that) make sure that both trannies are untouched...those are part of the ol' magic of original JMI AC30's. ?. I repeat......you'll get your money back with an original JMI AC30. I have also had the Custom Classic AC30 with blues of course...these are nice amps too...a bit difficult to get to the insides when needed..... but for some reason they do not hold value.

I have a few original AC30's and you're welcome to come over and acquaint yourself with these.

I know of a '60s AC30 that will be up for sale very soon, shout if you are interested.

Big-G

nick wrote I know of a '60s AC30 that will be up for sale very soon, shout if you are interested.

I seriously doubt I could afford it?! I'm just awaiting a reply from one or two people about some used amps I've spotted, so we'll see what that brings?

@Vic, thanks for the invite.... I may just take you up on it at some point soon, when I can get my life organised enough! I don't know if I'm coming or going at present?

I guess my health not being great over the past three weeks now, including currently having a temperature, is partially why I'm in such a 'flux' over these amps! The other thing is, I don't want to sell the Micro Terror if I'm not actually going to be able to afford a decent replacement. The point of selling it, is to finance a tube amp after all!

Regards
G!

vic

If have just AB'ed my '65 AC10 (2X10 Elac alnicos) and a '66 topboost AC30. While the AC10 is definately quality Vox-like, it is not really comparable with the bigger brother which has a lot more punch (and I don't mean loudness) due to higher wattage and the 2x12 Celestion alnico configuration. Talk about reliability....I just realised that that AC10 has never been serviced since I got it new waaay back . ??? Still has the original Mullard valves (EF86 in the preamp) and it runs so quiet...unbelievable.

I think that the AC15 is a different kettle of fish to the AC10 . I have no experience with the modern AC15...... The '60's ones were really top-class amps and many were 2x12 as well.

Big-G

Thanks Vic, some interesting insights there... I seem to have missed this reply appearing? At least I've found it now... If you need someone to 'look after' the AC10, I'm sure I could 'take one for the team'! Hehe!

So, in my research, I have possibly come up with yet another option... The Orange Tiny Terror. I already know the pre sound from my Micro Terror, but this has the 'ALL Valve' output stage too, which again is 2x EL84's. It even uses a Celestion G12H 12" too, so I'm wondering how this will sound, and even how much like an AC30/15 this is going to sound? Only thing is, its a little pricey! Seems like a costly 'upgrade' from the Micro Terror....

Hmmm..... Think I've just talked (or rather Typed) myself out of this idea! I think I'm gonna just see how much money I raise from selling some gear, and see what I'm left to play with. Then I can make a better informed decision of what I can warrant?

On a side note, does anyone here get really hacked off when you contact someone about their ad on gumtree, and you just don't get ANY response at all? If you are gonna stick your gear up for sale, why bother if you're not going to reply to querries?

Rant over! Cheers!
G!

ezietsman

The tiny terror sounds like a high gain orange, nothing like a vox. If its the Vox sound you want you need to look for a Vox. The AC30 doesn't drive that easily (esp not with blues) and the AC15 will also be rather loud. However, their characteristic drive sound is only found when you turn them up. (phase inverter and power tubes driving a bit) This is the problem with these things. With attenuation you can do it (add another R2500 to the amp price).

Maybe the vox Night train is more what you'd like?

Depending on whether you want to use it for gigs or just at home, Get the AC15/AC30 have someone install VVR on it, or (home) look again at that Craig 2 Watt. Bothner's is selling a Vox night train cab with a Greenback inside now for R2200. (just the speaker cab).

chris77

Big G wrote

On a side note, does anyone here get really hacked off when you contact someone about their ad on gumtree, and you just don't get ANY response at all? If you are gonna stick your gear up for sale, why bother if you're not going to reply to querries?

Rant over! Cheers!
G!

You have no idea. >☹ Or when you've agreed upon the sale and the seller suddenly decides he isn't prepared to ship the gear anywhere outside his hometown or city anymore, even if you're willing to make all the arrangements, cover all the costs and will wait until the funds clear in his account and he has the money in his grubby little paws before arranging for collection. >☹ What have they got to lose? >☹
This forum is a way better place to buy gear from than the other classifieds, for sure.

Big-G

ez wrote Maybe the vox Night train is more what you'd like?

Depending on whether you want to use it for gigs or just at home, Get the AC15/AC30 have someone install VVR on it, or (home) look again at that Craig 2 Watt. Bothner's is selling a Vox night train cab with a Greenback inside now for R2200. (just the speaker cab).

Just been looking at that Night Train.... Looks ideal! Any idea on the price of the Night train head?

I may have found an AC4TVH and Cab that a guys selling, but I think if I manage not to afford anything else, this will be my choice, as its really not as expensive as I thought, even new! I think the Night train would be a prefered choice though?

Cheers
G!

makepeace

I think the AC4 is a good idea. Since you'll be getting it second hand, and its a great little amp, it will sell pretty easily without much loss incurred in the case that you decide the Night Train is the one.

nick

Big G wrote
ez wrote Maybe the vox Night train is more what you'd like?

Depending on whether you want to use it for gigs or just at home, Get the AC15/AC30 have someone install VVR on it, or (home) look again at that Craig 2 Watt. Bothner's is selling a Vox night train cab with a Greenback inside now for R2200. (just the speaker cab).
Just been looking at that Night Train.... Looks ideal! Any idea on the price of the Night train head?

I may have found an AC4TVH and Cab that a guys selling, but I think if I manage not to afford anything else, this will be my choice, as its really not as expensive as I thought, even new! I think the Night train would be a prefered choice though?

Cheers
G!

Bothners N1 City had a special on for a Vox head+cab, was R2800 odd on special, not sure which model though (are there different models?)

Edit: may have been this one: http://www.voxamps.com/uk/nighttrain/lilnighttrain/

Sean

One thing to take note of. I swapped my AC15 for the AC4TV combo and cab a couple of years ago because the AC15 was too loud for where I was using it . With the AC4TV, you have very little headroom for cleans. I only used the amp for my drive tones, had to use a separate amp for my cleans. So depending what you want to use it for, it does cleans, but at really low volumes, so has to be mic'd for live use. Other than that, I loved it (and it was not even the hand wired version)

nicovlogg

Big G wrote Just been looking at that Night Train.... Looks ideal! Any idea on the price of the Night train head?

I may have found an AC4TVH and Cab that a guys selling, but I think if I manage not to afford anything else, this will be my choice, as its really not as expensive as I thought, even new! I think the Night train would be a prefered choice though?

Cheers
G!

Yeah, I have had a Night Train for a year or two, gigged and recorded plenty with it. Better than the Orange by quite a margin, but that's my opinion. Stick an Alnico Blues in the cab and you have some very nice tone.

Big-G

nicovlogg wrote Yeah, I have had a Night Train for a year or two, gigged and recorded plenty with it. Better than the Orange by quite a margin, but that's my opinion. Stick an Alnico Blues in the cab and you have some very nice tone.

Which 'Night Train' have you got? THe 50 or the 15?

Cheeers
G!

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