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Hey Guys at GFSA!

I need some advice. My current amp, Laney Vc30 - 210, has been giving me some issues since I purchased it a few months ago. it's been back and forth to the store I purchased it from twice since then, but they struggle to narrow down the problem as it occurs intermittently.
They have kindly offered to replace the amp with something similair, mainly the 2 amps mentioned. Does anyone have experience with the Ac15c2? it is an AC15 but with 2 x 12's.
I'm having trouble decidng between the two for the following reasons:

1: Will the AC15 be able to give me decent cleans in a band enviroment?(drummer, bassist, acoustic guitar and myself) Especially in a rehearsal setting, we generally mic up when playing live, but I need to be able to hear myself in rehearsal obviously. It should have a bit more headroom with 2 x 12 right?

2: Is the AC30 going to be way too loud for me to utilise it properly? Would be a shame to never use it to full potential.



Thanks in advance!

W
    What styles of music do you play?
      Both are great amps - the Custom series is very flexible and both have the larger reverb tanks (the small tank is the reason the 1 x 12 AC15 has a disappointing reverb). They are both loud amps for the wattage. They have master volumes, which make them more flexible than the classic models, but as with all AC's, the real magic is in the power amp, so it is still best to get the right one for the job so you don't have to keep the master down too much.

      If "sparkly clean" cleans are your main thing, then the AC30 is probably the better bet, with a booster and/or overdrive pedal for more crunchy stuff. It can still overdrive with the best of them (it's an AC30 after all!), but with most bands and venues, if you are going to crank the drive, you are going to have to keep the master volume down, which does neuter the tone of the amp a bit.

      The AC15 tends to drive a bit earlier, so if you like your cleans with a bit 'o grit (think Beatles, Tom Petty, Brit pop) or are likely to use higher gain/drive settings, it's probably the better choice at band practice/small venue levels - especially with a more acoustic oriented band. The added speaker does give you a little more headroom over the 1 x 12 AC15 so it might still work in your situation.

      I'd probably take the AC15, but make it clear to the salesman that if it doesn't hang with the band in the practice room, I'll be back to upgrade to the AC30. You should have a good relationship with them by now (after the Laney debacle) to be able to do that kind of thing (especially if it means you will be upgrading to the more expensive of the two amps.
        H aja

        I play mostly calssic rock, funk, blues and some heavier stuff, but not "metal heavy".


          Thanks Alan!

          Great advice! I'll defintely be checking out the AC15 then. I do have a good relationship with them by now, so I'm sure they will be willing to accomadate me in the event that the 15 doesn't cut it.

            I will recommend the AC30 2X12 (with "blue" alnico speakers) to you. I'm in Stellenbosch so you're welcome to try out a vintage one just to get to know the amp a bit better.
            What guitar do you use ?
              hi Vic. Thanks! Very nice of you to offer me a spin on your a vintage Ac30.
              I'm afraid the Blue Alnico's are going to be way out my of budget unfortunately, but they do sound and look awesome from what I've seen on Youtube(Obviously even better in "real life") ?
              My main guitar I will be using is a MIJ Stratocaster...
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