Vox AC10 DIY or not?

skullfxr

skullfxr

Well-known member
I'm looking for a budget friendly AC10 for a demo amp.

I've not seen inside one. I can deal with a PCB if needed, but absolutely not SMD.

Is there anything interesting that can be done with them? Are they friendly to work on?
 
The cheaper Chinese vox amps are a nightmare to work with. The pcb's are cheap cheap cheap, and the traces are like tissue paper.

The handwired versions are on turret boards and are much nicer, with the newer 2nd version being really nice to work on, and a bit more robust than the first versions from early 2000's with the ef86 channel.

I'd also look at a kit from Ceriatone or Mojo tone.
The TC-15 from Trinity amps in Canada is really nice, and was available as a kit or assembled, but it doesn't look like they are making it right now.
 
Damn. Not what I wanted to hear.

I'll have to maybe see if I can find a handwired one. I'm solid with turret work.

Is the AC10 decent and reliable enough to suit my needs?

I am just looking for a different option for hauling to vendor markets and pedal shoes, I don't actually gig anymore.

The Orange AD30 is nice, but that little Vox AC10 would be appealing to drag along instead. Also, it'd be nice for a voxy voicing for demos.
 
I might have misunderstood what you wanted to do. If you are just going to play through them and not try to mod them, all the vox amps are decent enough.
The little single ended ac4's can be made a whole lot better by swapping out the ot with a Hammond 125ese.
A opt swap is actually pretty simple, but don't even think about swapping anything on the pcb board lol!.
A speaker swap helps with all the amps as well.
Basically they are what they are. Could they be modded to sound better? Yeah, sure, but other than speakers and a better opt, its just not really worth the hassle unless your working with the handwired amps.
Bonus with the handwired amps is the transformers are actually really nice in those amps, and they come with the good speakers.
 
I'm not really interested in building at the moment. Its fun, but I'll spend the same amount, on things once it gets to a cab and chassis, and this is a purchase I'm trying to keep on a lower budget.

There is one point though, I have all necessary components in stock, Including electronic components, a shit ton of tubes and speakers to use.

I think I'd just need tube sockets, chassis, cab, hardware and transformers.

Thoughts?
 
fusedbrain said:
I might have misunderstood what you wanted to do. If you are just going to play through them and not try to mod them, all the vox amps are decent enough.
The little single ended ac4's can be made a whole lot better by swapping out the ot with a Hammond 125ese.
A opt swap is actually pretty simple, but don't even think about swapping anything on the pcb board lol!.
A speaker swap helps with all the amps as well.
Basically they are what they are. Could they be modded to sound better? Yeah, sure, but other than speakers and a better opt, its just not really worth the hassle unless your working with the handwired amps.
Bonus with the handwired amps is the transformers are actually really nice in those amps, and they come with the good speakers.
Click to expand...
I think you understood correctly.

I want something solid I can mod and play and maintain. I think handwired is the best option for me.

I might just smag an ac10 if I can. There are 8 on FB marketplace, and I'll try to snag one in a trade.
 
skullfxr said:
I think you understood correctly.

I want something solid I can mod and play and maintain. I think handwired is the best option for me.

I might just smag an ac10 if I can. There are 8 on FB marketplace, and I'll try to snag one in a trade.
Click to expand...
I would highly recommend that you do NOT get your amp off of marketplace, unless you want random issues/repairs to work on.

Honestly, after having a buddy go amp shopping lately and having issues with several units, Guitar Center has really paid off with their pretty much no questions asked return policy.

Almost every piece of gear, if not every single one I have ever gotten thru Marketplace, has a hidden issue somewhere.
 
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