Author Topic: Vox Ac30 CCH (Read 4090 times)

Blueminerva · « **on:** July 03, 2007, 02:29:55 AM »

Sorry to make so many threads!! :roll:

I'm having a hard time looking for a new amp. I made a thread before about 50watt valve heads, and basically I've narrowed it down to:

Laney GH50L
Vox AC30 CCH
ENGL Screamer

Now I play predominantly rock/hard rock, but I do like my cleans. I'd say the music I play is modern, but then I do like certain vintage overdrive tones.

My problem is this: Out of the amps here, the Vox AC30 grabs my attention because of the stunningly beautiful clean tones. However the overdrives are just *too* vintage for me - I'm just not sure dischords and frantic chugging would sound convincing with an overdrive tone that sounds like brian may.

My question, thus: does anyone have any experience of the Vox? I know it has a true bypass FX loop - does anyone know how well it takes to distortion pedals? I'm sure if I whacked an MXR dist+ in front of it I could solve the modernity issues :twisted:

Or would it just be easier to go with the Laney? I love the distortion on it but the fact that you can only clean it up by rolling off the volume (and even then it breaks up quite easily) annoys me a little bit (although there's obviously a time and a place for raunchy overdrive breakup, the Vox's chimy cleans just make me swoon!)

Similar thing with the ENGL: adore the overdrive, but have no experience of the cleans. Anyone know how convincing they are?

The rig would basically be Gibson LP Standard > Whichever amp > Framus CS212 Cab (V30s).

Any thoughts?

Mr Ed · « **Reply #1 on:** July 03, 2007, 09:14:04 AM »

I really wouldn't bother with the Vox CC range, they're awful!

Out of those, I reckon the Engl.

Alex · « **Reply #2 on:** July 03, 2007, 09:25:43 AM »

What I really dislike about the new Vox amps is that they are made in China (because it's cheap to produce there) and still carry a high price tag here in stores.
Seems like Vox has a large profit margin there.

WezV · « **Reply #3 on:** July 03, 2007, 09:33:56 AM »

The price of a new vox does seem to be alot less than what it used to be - you could never get them for £550 before

i dont think the new ones compare to the old ones though

Twinfan · « **Reply #4 on:** July 03, 2007, 10:36:10 AM »

If you really like cleans, like you say you do, then the GH50L isn't an option. It doesn't do clean very well, it just likes to rock out all the time :twisted:

The Vox will do cleans well, and as you say you can always stick a pedal in front to dirty things up.

The Engl Screamer is twin channel, so I think that's your winner.

indysmith · « **Reply #5 on:** July 03, 2007, 10:51:37 AM »

+1 on the screamer!

noodleplugerine · « **Reply #6 on:** July 03, 2007, 11:02:53 AM »

Screamer is a superb amp - Sounds amazing.

The only reason I didn't buy one is cos it wasn't high gain nuf for me.

sambo · « **Reply #7 on:** July 03, 2007, 11:49:30 AM »

Screamer definitely.

Vox would do cleans well- but would almost 100% definitely require a pedal...

Laney would do distortion well- but as Twinfan said it's not really a viable option if your using a lot of 'clean' cleans.

ENGL = best of both worlds.

Crazy_Joe · « **Reply #8 on:** July 03, 2007, 06:13:58 PM »

What about an Orange Rockerverb 50, or maybe a Rocker 30, don't let the 30 watt rating put you off it's just as powerful and loud as a 50 watter.

dave_mc · « **Reply #9 on:** July 03, 2007, 06:42:19 PM »

Quote from: sambo

Screamer definitely.

Vox would do cleans well- but would almost 100% definitely require a pedal...

Laney would do distortion well- but as Twinfan said it's not really a viable option if your using a lot of 'clean' cleans.

ENGL = best of both worlds.

I agree. it'll not sound much like an ac30, but has very nice, fender-ish cleans.

Blueminerva · « **Reply #10 on:** July 03, 2007, 10:57:25 PM »

Quote from: Crazy_Joe

What about an Orange Rockerverb 50, or maybe a Rocker 30, don't let the 30 watt rating put you off it's just as powerful and loud as a 50 watter.

I've not had a proper chance to try a 30 out, it's on my to-do list though as I like the look of the beast - only problem is it's very expensive for a 30 watt head! (compared to the others I listed I mean, bearing in mind I'm a student working as a potwash and I'm not exactly flush with readies!)

Hell Hound · « **Reply #11 on:** July 03, 2007, 11:17:27 PM »

I tried the Rocker 30 in a shop and thought it sounded just horrible. I tried it with a tele shaped Les Paul copy by Fender with Duncans (weird I know but a really good guitar) the sound was very trebly/acid watever I did and I tried it loud too, clean it was a bit cold and clunky. Maybe it was a bad one but I was totaly disapointed...