Vox AC-30

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jimballs

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I was wondering if anyone out there plays a Vox AC-30? The reason I ask is I want to re-tube mine and I am curious what kinda of set-up you folks are running ... This is my first tube amp, and I am already in love with the tone I am getting, however, I have read in many articles that I can get this thing sounding even better by replacing the cheap tubes that come with it. I play primarily rock music and I am looking for just a little more crunch out of this beast at lower volumes.

My current set-up is an SG with a Gibson 57 classic plus in the bridge location and a 57 classic in the neck, through a VOX AC-30 CC 2x12 Alnico Blue Combo.

To be honest with you guys, I am learning about this tube stuff on the fly. I know the sound I want, I just need a little help getter there. Any recomendations would be great. Thanks.
 
jimballs said:
I was wondering if anyone out there plays a Vox AC-30? The reason I ask is I want to re-tube mine and I am curious what kinda of set-up you folks are running ... This is my first tube amp, and I am already in love with the tone I am getting, however, I have read in many articles that I can get this thing sounding even better by replacing the cheap tubes that come with it. I play primarily rock music and I am looking for just a little more crunch out of this beast at lower volumes.

My current set-up is an SG with a Gibson 57 classic plus in the bridge location and a 57 classic in the neck, through a VOX AC-30 CC 2x12 Alnico Blue Combo.

To be honest with you guys, I am learning about this tube stuff on the fly. I know the sound I want, I just need a little help getter there. Any recomendations would be great. Thanks.
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The CC model have a master volume? If not, then even retubing won't get you that much more crunch at lower volumes. You maybe get some, but volume will still be an issue.

Also, depending on how long you have had it, I would hold off on retubing untill you really have a good grasp on the exact sound you re getting right now becasue a retube won't be night and day unless the tubes in it now are completely shot. But once you know your amp inside and out, then a you might be able to tell what a retube did.
 
It does have a Master Volume, it also has a volume control for the Top Boost Channel and Normal Channel. I tried to attach a pic of the control panel, hopefully it works.
 

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Bob from Eurotubes can help. Go to Eurotubes.com and explain to him exactly what gear you're using and tell him exactly what you're looking for. I do agree with Outlaws, wait a bit and try harderto get the sound you're looking for. You might be able to find it without re-tubing. Or, once you do re-tube, you will actually be able to see where the tubes made a difference in your tone.

Good luck man, great amp!
 
I wish I could talk from personal experience on this subject, but I can't. However, I have read many times that a little overdrive pedal (particularly the TS-9) in front can really make those tubes scream.
 
Are you talking about the ts-9 with the MOD to make it sound like the ts-808?

Now that you guys mention pedals, that may be something to tide me over until I get some hours on these tubes. I have never been a pedal guy, (nothing against them at all). I used to run a Rocktron Intelliflex that I bought in 98. The only pedal, besides a dunlop wah I have owned was an envelope filter, and I bought that for my bass. I will have to do some research ... I have never been a "gear head" but I am finding as I mature as a musician I NEED to learn more about what is out there. Thanks for the advice, this is a great place to learn.
 
IronFlippy said:
I wish I could talk from personal experience on this subject, but I can't. However, I have read many times that a little overdrive pedal (particularly the TS-9) in front can really make those tubes scream.
Click to expand...

Perhaps slightly off-subject, but I recently (like, 2 nights ago) acquired a Vox AD60VT (one of the Valvetronix amps), and I found that the AC30TB (AC30 Top Boost) model sounded really good with my Les Paul...but kicking in the built-in "Tube OD" pedal model (which is based off the TS-9) really added something to the tone.

So...what IronFlippy has read may be quite true based on my limited experience with a Valvetronix Vox amp.

Can't hurt to try.
 
jimballs said:
Are you talking about the ts-9 with the MOD to make it sound like the ts-808?
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Don't hate the TS9 just becuase it isn't the same as the 808. Its still a good pedal in and of itself.
 
I know I am asking to be be flamed...but...try the new Behringer Blues Overdrive distotion pedal. It got great reviews in Guitarist magazine and is very low in price. So I went and bought one to add to my collection. Works a treat. Incidently, none of the other B/ringer pedals got a 5 start rating, only that one. Does exactly what it says on the tin ;) Might give you a little more bite that you are looking for :cool:
 
I'm not hating on the TS-9, I was just curious if he was refering to one or the other. In fact, I learned about the "mod" last night while checking up on stuff. I do not know what either of them sound like, but I will check it out.
 
Okay...

First of all, Congradualations on your purchase the AC30. It is one of thes finest and most versatile amps on the market. Still, the AC30, although it can cover a LOT of styles, has a charachter all its own...

The master volume is a very useful feature.. some fell at low master volume setting the amp sounds a little thin.. The general idea is to start with the master volume low and setup the sound (gain) you want using the channel volumes and tne controls.. then set the master volume to the volume you want.. I claim that the amp still sounds great at lower volumes. I havn'y got much of chance to try it out anywhere where higher volume settings would be appropriate...

AS far ad the Ts-9 Vs. the TS-808... well, I did the "Brown" mod to my TS-9DX (changing the values resistors in the output stage.) In fact, I put a switch in to switch between the two modes... I couldn't tell the difference between them... As for swapping the op amp, I'll be going that soon, so I'll let you know how it goes....

I hope you like your AC30... If not, it justmay not be the right ube amp for you....
 
jimballs said:
My current set-up is an SG with a Gibson 57 classic plus in the bridge location and a 57 classic in the neck, through a VOX AC-30 CC 2x12 Alnico Blue Combo.
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That sounds like a good combination. I've always wanted an AC30. The ones that I've heard or played through have sounded great. Congratulations! :)
 
I was stupid enough to sell my Vox AC30 and Vox AC 50 head and cabinet for a few $$$'s in the early 70's in favour of the "new" Solid state amps. :eek: :o
Boy, what a mistake that was. :(
 
Check it out!!

I just wanted to show off my new addition to my Vox setup... A gutted AC15CC cabinet with a 30W Weber alnico blue dog in it...
 

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