1966-7 vox ac30tb

[slyvren]

So I'm hanging out with the gf of 2+ years father in his basement and we're talking guitars.. I've always known he had an ac30 but it was broken (so he thought). We fired it up and I discover he's got a microphonic pre tube. (all RCA tubes). All I have to say is if you haven't played one of these vintage gems.. DO IT. I play some blues but mainly heavier/90's etc and I've NEVER been in love with a clean tone before and we ended up playing it for 6 hours!! I'm completely blown away. I've played through thousands of amps and I'm having dreams about this amp.

Do you guys suggest any amp that can come close to one of these and costs way less?

Edit: also what boost/od do you guys recommend for it? I'd like to buy something for him.

 

[racerevlon]

Nope--I have a friend that swears that with a Telecaster, a VOX AC30, and a good overdrive, and he can play any gig.

 

[slyvren]

Nope--I have a friend that swears that with a Telecaster, a VOX AC30, and a good overdrive, and he can play any gig.

I had that exact same thought the whole time I was playing it. It's a magic amp. The re-issues didn't impress me. I'll have to try them again. By cheaper I meant cheaper than the $4g a vintage one costs.

 

[stephen sawall]

I love them ....

There are a number of clones being made. I recommend taking a search over at The Gear Page. Several of the makers of these amps hang out over there.

Lots of people like Brian May use a Treble Booster of some type with them.

Depending on the amp THD Yellow Jackets can give you some of that flavor and are much cheaper than a amp.

 

[blackba]

JMI Vox amps are special. I have a '66 Vox Ac50 that I love.

For overdrives check out a Crowther Hot Cake, Fulltone OCD, or Timmy.

Not sure your budget on the AC30, but for around $1000, you can get a Hayseed 30 or Vox AC30H2 (heritage series). The vox's have been discontinued, but you can still find them used.

If you are willing to spend more check out Vintage Ac30's, BLC's Ac30's or JMI AC30's....