Had mine for 10 years, all original (except for the tubes). Been with me on a lot of gigs and rehearsals. Never failed me once. Great pedal platform too. Love this amp!
Ended up returning my ac10 to grab a used ac15 because of your insight, i have a good feeling this is going to be my holy grail amp! I loved the ac10 didnt stop playing it for the month i had it. The thing i liked ab it is that it basically plays itself!
@@lauratanner8475 yep! I have zero regrets trading up. I actually got lucky and the one i got looked barely used inside and out. Also the previous owner had already did the reverb tank swap that Mr. Psonic did. Looking for a nice delay pedal now to round off my rig
@@brendanjames8818 hey that's awesome 👍. I missed whether or not this amp has an fx loop. Delays, especially digital ones, sound much better in the loop than in front of the amp. It's usually not too bad with clean tones but definitely beneficial for dirty tones.
@@lauratanner8475 it does not sadly but i mainly use it very clean, only breaks up ever slightly when i really dig in on the strings. Its more of a squish sound than a break. My main source of dirt is a JPTR FX pedal (katastrophe)
Awesome Video, you. I always wanted a vox but couldn’t afford the tag on a hand wired non PCB. So I built one, those of you who that have the ability to I highly recommend this amp. I built mine(non reverb) AC-15 using Hoffman’s Board based off of Sluckey’s 1960’s vox. I was the Guinea pig building this when it was first designed. Check it out, Hoffman, el34 world and Sluckey amps. You’re going to dig Sluckeys designs.
I have a Vox AC30C2 reissue after they worked out some of the kinks and it is a great amp just replaced the tubes and I love it.Vox tremolo sounds really good to my ears.Different than a Fender tremolo .Very infomative channel my friend.I use JJ tubes.Great Advice on using proper hardware
last month I bought a ac15 c2 used for 400€. best clean tone I've ever had, but sounds absolutely ass with a distortion pedal. Also not a fan of analog spring reverbs. Also very confusing to dial in the tones. I plug into the TB channel but then have to crank the normal channel volume to get any low-end. The Ac15 didn't became my nr1 Amp, but I love to play it from time to time, definitely do not regret buying it.
I haven't finished the video yet, but as an aside, I believe all Vox amps from the Dallas Arbiter era to when Korg made the AC15/30TB amps were solid state rectified. My AC30 has a solid state rectifier and no standby switch and one of the last of the old hand-wired models. According to North Coast Music these AC30s put out closer to 40 watts than 30. I've currently got Electro Harmonix 7025s in the preamp and they've held up fine, tho my amp only sees bedroom use.
Good stuff, Lyle. As the happy owner of one of these fine amps, it's great to see you take a deep dive into it. While I prefer the clean tones of my Fenders, this is the amp I usually bring along, simply because it's so much more versatile and capable of many styles of music without needing pedals.
Hey Lyle. Thanks for the wealth of information. Ever had one of the Tony Bruno designed Voxes on your workbench? Wondering what’s your take on ‘em. Cheers and looking forward to more of these pirate’s parrot’s views of whatever you’re working on.
May i add that if you can move the reverb away from any replacement speaker, or test it first. The anount of draw on the cheap springs in the area of the magnet can be a noise issue when your pushing the amp
The Vox AC-15C1 is still true to it's classic 60's sound. I can't get The Beatles tone, but I have nailed a Roling Stones - Brian Jones ere tone. It's a real enigma of an an amp but , I went looking for any info I could get on it and how the knobs all work together. The EQ channel is especially interesting, brilliant and unlke typical EQ, the Top Boost sounds like nothing else. Legendary Reverb, Tremolo. As a pedal freak it's my only amp that I actually question what I'd bring to gig with. I toatally agree with the gripe about the closed back. I thought it was a design choice which had more of a tonal implication. As for the solid-state over tube rectifier, I came across a classic AC30 with an amazingly lowered price point al b/c someone swapped out for a tube rectifier. So, Vox appears kn0w what it was doing. They wanted to make a totally unique amplifer, and accomplished that in spades.
Amazing videos! Thanks so much! I am surprised by your dislike of the Traynor YGM 3. You mentioned in another video that they are cheaply made and sound crappy (paraphrasing here) I have had quite a few over the years and found no cheapness at all. AFAIK similar resistors and caps to the YBA. OF course, replace the dynamite stick power caps, The weak point IMHO is the terrible Marsland speaker. The Reverb is also too much even at modest settings. There are good mods available to channel more signal to the next stage and remove the excessive reverb. Also i tend to slow the trem down and rearrange the bright cap setup I would love to hear more of your thoughts on this
I used to be a vox fanboy, but nowadays I dig my silverface fenders more than ever, no amount of features can make up for that warm clean tone that takes pedals so well
I have an early unit from 2010, got it new for 500 bucks back then, and that's what I've been using since then, AC15C1 and AC30C2X for bigger venues, never failed once, funny how they tried to emulate the Treble normal channel of the AC30, it always sounded too boomy on me especially with Gibson guitars, not as boomy as the one on the TBX but boomy enough to get muddy with lack of clarity on single notes, especially if pushed with a thick treble booster like the Cornish TB83.
I've been gigging with my AC15C1 for years. A few times it cut out during a gig and attributed that to bad cables, but I'm not 100% sure. I would be nice to have someone like you check it out. I've had some weird swirling hiss sounds on the Top Boost. I'm the Los Angeles area, not sure where you are located.
Did I miss a walk through on any Vox AC15HW? Curious after seeing some of your AC30HW ‘what’s under the hood’ revelations. Much appreciated. Looking for a smaller living room amp with the Vox flavors. Not sure after your thorough walk through a of pitfalls and penny pinching.
@@PsionicAudio Much appreciated. Given that it’s the same amp, would that master volume(never played with one) make it useable for a living room space or would the half pint AC15HW be a better fit. 53 year old ears, MS and bad back so a bit cautious on going too big. I think I’m drilling down on the AC15HW. My 65’ Reverberocket GS12R is more than enough but it doesn’t play well with the pedals so I enjoy the cleans and get the occasional overdrive through the power section. I own nothing with chime. I guess I’m talking myself into the AC15HW and I haven’t come across something in that tonal vein that would fit the bill. Im a sucker for both reverb and trem. Magnatones have come up but the price point is in my budget for used vehicles. Am I not asking the right question? Missing that flavor as i have the for mentioned Ampeg, 55’ Gibson GA-45, a 65’ Gibson Falcon GA19RVT and a rare Harmony 430 with a stellar matched pair of RCA BP 6973. Those power tubes woke up a ho-hum amp. Just missing that Vox voice and want to remedy that. Housebound due to illness and my local amp techs (in a very rural part of the world) are from another time so point to point is preferable when it inevitably needs TLC. Are there better years for the modern HAnd Wired versions. Apologies for my devolution into amp therapy. Cheers! Has the Rendezvous kept up its reputation for ribs? My 12 year old tastebuds never forgot that or the Peabody Ducks. I went from rural Mt. to Memphis as a kid and my mountain mind was blown.
That was a great video! I'm looking for this amp right now and I think it has it all: great cleans, great overdrive, push it with some overdrive/fuzz pedal and it gets really angry and awesome. But the only thing I'm kinda worried about it... is that I heard that this amp is unreliable and somewhat fragile (besides the grill cloth). Is this really true?
Not in my considerable experience. Just remember the stock tubes were cheap to begin with and traveled several thousand miles to get to you. And the input jacks must not be loose.
On Tube Rectifiers - I heard it will sound better at lower volumes without and also Dumbles (considered by many as the best amps) are always made with solid state rectifiers. I'm not sure if you can confirm or not
Lyle have you seen any Fender Bassbreakers? The oldest should be 6-7 yr.s old now? Ive come close to picking up a used 15 wt kind of "Marshally" or the Vox-ish 18/30 (like what I saw/heard on YT demo's) but "life" in the form of a newborn grandson keeps getting in the way.
In the fifties and the sixties, they manufactured cars that would last generation after generation. Then in the seventies marketing realized that if an auto wouldn't last as long as the older cars, they could sell more cars and parts, so they began manufacturing garbage. This marketing strategy seems to be what's going on with amplifiers, make cheaper quality amps with inferior parts and make more money selling replacements. The Fender amps made today don't last like the seventies models do, and then there's the unreliable EVH amps, just to mention a couple. When I'm shopping for a new amp, I look at the used market first. When I see tons of a particular amp on the used market, that signals red flags, that something must be wrong with this amp.
I have an ac15 too but is the 2x12 version, thinking of replacing the stock EL84, do you know if its a good idea tu change it for the more reliable and robust 7189 tubes?
Does the Ruby company still exist? I have not had any luck finding a Ruby reverb unit. Would a MOD reverb tank be a good replacement for the stock Vox tank? Thanks.
Haha yes I can imagine it's easy to lose them. With my AC30 the screws seem to stay in the ply when I back them off allowing me to remove the panel while keeping them all in place, lucky me. There are a silly amount of screws though. Enjoying your stuff, man.
Thanks. Remember it’s one thing if you have ONE amp that you’re working on. I have dozens in various stages at all times. I have to be very proactive not to lose all the little bits…
I had the ac15c1x for 3,5 years, played it every day at home and rehersal with not even a hickup during those 3,5 years, in my opinion it is a superior amp to lets say a Blues Junior in every way.I only sold it because i got a H&K Puretone so the Vox didn't get much attention anymore😕,still sad about it.Thank you for the video, I love this channel.
Great series of videos. Thanks! Question, If I buy a AC 15 used, for say, $500, What is my worst case scenario for professional repairs if I get a lemon? Is there anything which is completely unavailable? I am good with tools, but I know almost mothing about solid state electronics. If it was a '72 Cadillac, I could re-wire it from scratch (that is what I used to do for a living - automotive electrical, pre computers) I am not going to play it 2000 hours a year, more like 250 - 300 hours.
Sorry to be late to the party - I just discovered this video and channel today. Really great stuff! I'd be curious to know your thoughts on (and how it compares to the AC15C1) my model Vox AC15: a still stock '96 "Made in England" Vox AC15TB 2x10.
Thank you for your great work ! I' m not a tech but I love these videos. So much to learn. I found the cabinet screws lesson very helpful. I have a 2016 limited edition AC 15 C1 in Tan Bronco and I love the sounds and the reverb. I also have a 1974 Pro Reverb and so I can compare the reverb quality.
I was sent an ac15cc1 by mistake. I ordered a used ac15c1. I don’t know if I should send it back? It kinda rocks! They said I can keep it or get the newer model. What would you do?
Unlike a Fender combo or a dual input Marshall, both input jacks work at the same time (at least, in the one I tried 10 years ago or so). I was able to hook up an ABY box and footswitch between both channels. Takes some tweaking of the channel eq's (tone ctls and top cut) to balance it out, but the salesman was intrigued that it was able to be set up that way.
I bought an AC30CC head a number of years ago. I got it for a great price because the reverb wasn’t working. When I got it and opened it up the problem was very obvious. The tanks RCA plugs weren’t plugged in! Plugged them in and…glorious Vox reverb.
I have the big brother of this amp briefly mentioned here, the AC15C2. Which comes with 2x 12 inch speakers, has served me for hundreds of shows from small clubs (100-300 cap) to large venues (1000-3000 cap). Interesting to note the normal channel voicing, thanks for the info and great video.
I own this in head + 2x12 cab format. The extra 12" gives it a bit more body and low end, and it doesn't hurt that they are Greenbacks too. If I want the classic chimey sound, I'll play my AC4 with a 1x12 Celestion Blue. Best of all worlds!
These are very nice amps for the price. One mod I like with these and the 30, is to fit a mini toggle in allowing me to switch between the normal and bright coupling cap value. The more compact ac10 is also a great value, but with one HUGE caveat- they replace the first gain stage triode with a FET. Most will never notice the difference, EXCEPT for people who like to boost the front end with an overdrive pedal+ here is where the FET does rear its head
The only advantage of a tube rectifier is that the B+ voltage rises softly when tube rectifier warms up. If the tube recifier voltage sag is what you want, it can be quite accurately achieved just by using in series with a solid state rectifier a series resistor which roughly matches the inner resistance of the tube rectifier (which is of course not constant, but quite close) at normal operating point. And if you have original unused NOS Mullard/Miniwatt GZ34 rectifiers, you probably will notice that they give full B+ voltage so quickly that the cold start max B+ will be at the same level as by using SS rectifier without preheating, only for a bit shorter time. SS rectifier allows using much much higher B+ filter caps as well because for example 1 amp rectifier diodes of today can handle huge short time surge currents without problem.
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A screw has a point for creating a hole in wood.. A bolt has a flat end that requires a threaded nut.
Love the custom colors. Looks great in red. Purple would look cool next to it if you had two. ;) I had a purple AC30 TBX I regret selling. These AC15's are good little amps for the money if you find one used. Nice video....Thanks again!
I have a Vox AC30C2X...gotta love the blue speakers. They knock off a tiny amount of top end which is good because the Vox has heaps... An amazing amp.
I’d like to know your thoughts on victory amps. I personally own the v40 deluxe combo. I love it and made the purchase because it’s lifer amp imo. But would love your opinion
Thank you for your technical input/evaluation of AC10. I have Fender Blues Jr. and a friend told me a Vox is tone I'm looking for and he was right. but, Should I get an AC15 or an AC30 for an extra C-Note? What is your input/evaluation of a Marshall DSL20 compared to DSL40 Or the best Marshall tone Amp for a non gigging guitar enthusiast?
Great video! I just bought a brand new Vox AC15C1 at Sweetwater because of this video. I’m happy to report that mine came with a Ruby Tubes Reverb tank like this one.
Great amp! I use mine in the pit with a semi-hollow and of course a Ric 660/12. Nice clean tones with the semi-hollow, and the Ric was made to be run through a Vox. Find it takes pedals really well if done in moderation. Run a bit of compression chorus and reverb to taste. Mikes well to the house.
I’ve got one of these with the creambacks paired with a 5F6a clone as a wet/dry rig and it’s the BEST tone I’ve gotten in the past 20 years… I’ve had the boutique Morgan’s, Badcat’s etc, and those are great amps… But I personally don’t hear a difference tone-wise and I can tote my AC15 anywhere to any gig and I’m not constantly worried about it getting damaged. These are workhorse amps for real working musicians.
@Psionic Audio What are your thoughts about the bias? These come with a 120r cathode resistor that runs the el84s quite hot. I have seen one running at 130% dissipation. All that heat ends up going into the tube sockets and board above the tubes!
I am enjoying your content and appreciate the information you provide. Have you had any dealings with Hughes & Kettner amps, specifically the the GM40. Would like to see the guts on that picked apart.
Just traded in my Fender BJ that had Bill M mods and a new speaker for an AC15. Thank you so much for all the info you provided that helped steer me in that direction.
I'm only 13 minutes in to the video but seeing all that threw board components would make me happy, No microscope needed, probably simple to follow traces and bog standard two legged caps. Easy working.
And you can pull the boards separately. And it only takes 10 minutes to pull. And no morass of cables to detach. Different sized connectors, all well labeled. It's like whoever did the board spent time in the trenches.
I've had one of these for 8 years now. Dragged on countless miles, thrown in many cars and it now resides in a friends studio being used on records small and large. For the money I don't think you're going to find anything much better. Now... If Vox could start making a Fender style amp of the same quality and rough pricing of the AC15.
I dont know. That PCB design looks kinda crap to me with all those spade connectors jumping everything. Looks like a whole lot of corners were cut to maxamize profits and minimize quality. If this is the best we can expect for under $1000, then the market is shit and we should just embrace modeling asap.
Could you please tell me if its difficult to take off the mdf buffle board from this amp? I would love to try and make my own plywood buffle board as I just cant gell with the mdf. Ive tested the amp into an external speaker cab made of ply and sounds so much better than when the speaker is in the Vox mdf cabinet
EZ81 is equivalent of 6CA4 and does not use 5v dedicated winding. Even though it takes 6.3v, you'll be taxing 6.3v winding and may or may not burn it out depending on the transformer design. I couldn't help laugh when you said that the tolex can get damaged if you look at it too hard.
Thank you very much about this valuable info. I have the AC15c2 and I finally got a proper answer to my question - should I bother with the standby switch or not. I have not heard the AC15c1, but my c2 sounds amazing.
I got a AC30 Custom Classic with tube rectifier it had bad wiring from the factory and blew tubes every week till a found a tech who found the problem, I said my amp is the second best AC30 he’s heard and worked on the best being one owned by crowded house
Your prices on getting a VoxAC30 was way off even a year ago. Especially since the inflation we have been in for some time. Guess it depends on if you are talking about a VoxAC30C2?? They have been around $1300 for some time.
I like to practice at guitar stores on a Vox 15 but it is not a gigging amplifier in my opinion. Playing with yourself and playing with A live drummer Are two different things. JJ tubes - pretty lousy sounds - PU ! . Vintage GE NOS Grey plates Are cheaper than RCA's and they sound pretty good and Are tough compared to the new stuff. My favorite amplifier was A Sovtek Mig Lead 100 through a Marshall 1960 A cabinet with Celestron speaker's, they don't build them like that anymore. 580 VDC on the plates and Vintage Mullard El 34 tubes with Ei pre amp tube's. That was a great guitar amplifier , I looped the hi and lo channels together. My Biggest complaint with Vox is the price of The AC 30 . They are over priced in my opinion.
Well great to see your expert knowledge on this Amp,i used to own many 60s AC30s sadly they all burnt up while playing ,my AC50 never had a problem rock solid, used an 100 w ACOUSTIC amp that blew the buildings down ,then later moved back to an AC15 c1 for the house ,at first i did miss the twin BLUE ALNICO speakers, but apart from that was very pleased with it, and found it very controllable unlike the vintage ones ,neither was i disappointed when it was cranked up full it did miss the blue twins then ,sounds great at lowish levels meaning amp working above half but not full guitar on half,it seems ok with pedals too,going to change tubes for JJs ,get a cab with Alnico twin blues perfect, They are great for any Amp , nice to see you had no major problems with this amp,keep up the good work
Had mine for 10 years, all original (except for the tubes). Been with me on a lot of gigs and rehearsals. Never failed me once. Great pedal platform too. Love this amp!
At some point we could see a Tone master AC15 ... ,then all your tech. troubles will be over...
@@vincentl.9469 Tonemaster is Fender - no?
@@pharmerdavid1432 what I meant was a solid state replica of the 15 model just as the Tone master is a replica of the Deluxe Reverb ...
@@vincentl.9469They tried doing a hybrid version, the "valve reactor" series...they were not well recieved
@@vincentl.9469sent they make the AC15VR which is their solid state version
I went through many affordable amps before returning to an AC15C1. It such a great amp.
Ended up returning my ac10 to grab a used ac15 because of your insight, i have a good feeling this is going to be my holy grail amp! I loved the ac10 didnt stop playing it for the month i had it. The thing i liked ab it is that it basically plays itself!
the notes seem to jump out faster than you can play them on class A amps!
@@lauratanner8475 yep! I have zero regrets trading up. I actually got lucky and the one i got looked barely used inside and out. Also the previous owner had already did the reverb tank swap that Mr. Psonic did. Looking for a nice delay pedal now to round off my rig
@@brendanjames8818 hey that's awesome 👍. I missed whether or not this amp has an fx loop. Delays, especially digital ones, sound much better in the loop than in front of the amp. It's usually not too bad with clean tones but definitely beneficial for dirty tones.
@@lauratanner8475 it does not sadly but i mainly use it very clean, only breaks up ever slightly when i really dig in on the strings. Its more of a squish sound than a break. My main source of dirt is a JPTR FX pedal (katastrophe)
Awesome Video, you. I always wanted a vox but couldn’t afford the tag on a hand wired non PCB. So I built one, those of you who that have the ability to I highly recommend this amp. I built mine(non reverb) AC-15 using Hoffman’s Board based off of Sluckey’s 1960’s vox. I was the Guinea pig building this when it was first designed. Check it out, Hoffman, el34 world and Sluckey amps. You’re going to dig Sluckeys designs.
the plastic panel pullers for cars interiors would work great for prying the back of the ac without damaging it. inexpensive as well for set.
I have a Vox AC30C2 reissue after they worked out some of the kinks and it is a great amp just replaced the tubes and I love it.Vox tremolo sounds really good to my ears.Different than a Fender tremolo .Very infomative channel my friend.I use JJ tubes.Great Advice on using proper hardware
last month I bought a ac15 c2 used for 400€. best clean tone I've ever had, but sounds absolutely ass with a distortion pedal. Also not a fan of analog spring reverbs.
Also very confusing to dial in the tones. I plug into the TB channel but then have to crank the normal channel volume to get any low-end. The Ac15 didn't became my nr1 Amp, but I love to play it from time to time, definitely do not regret buying it.
I haven't finished the video yet, but as an aside, I believe all Vox amps from the Dallas Arbiter era to when Korg made the AC15/30TB amps were solid state rectified. My AC30 has a solid state rectifier and no standby switch and one of the last of the old hand-wired models. According to North Coast Music these AC30s put out closer to 40 watts than 30.
I've currently got Electro Harmonix 7025s in the preamp and they've held up fine, tho my amp only sees bedroom use.
Good stuff, Lyle. As the happy owner of one of these fine amps, it's great to see you take a deep dive into it. While I prefer the clean tones of my Fenders, this is the amp I usually bring along, simply because it's so much more versatile and capable of many styles of music without needing pedals.
Hey Lyle. Thanks for the wealth of information. Ever had one of the Tony Bruno designed Voxes on your workbench? Wondering what’s your take on ‘em. Cheers and looking forward to more of these pirate’s parrot’s views of whatever you’re working on.
I,too, take an interest in any amp that has a designer name on it. Is it really any better? What changed?
I play it when I have the right sound and guitar in hand, just for the pure pleasure.
May i add that if you can move the reverb away from any replacement speaker, or test it first. The anount of draw on the cheap springs in the area of the magnet can be a noise issue when your pushing the amp
The Vox AC-15C1 is still true to it's classic 60's sound. I can't get The Beatles tone, but I have nailed a Roling Stones - Brian Jones ere tone. It's a real enigma of an an amp but , I went looking for any info I could get on it and how the knobs all work together. The EQ channel is especially interesting, brilliant and unlke typical EQ, the Top Boost sounds like nothing else. Legendary Reverb, Tremolo.
As a pedal freak it's my only amp that I actually question what I'd bring to gig with.
I toatally agree with the gripe about the closed back. I thought it was a design choice which had more of a tonal implication.
As for the solid-state over tube rectifier, I came across a classic AC30 with an amazingly lowered price point al b/c someone swapped out for a tube rectifier. So, Vox appears kn0w what it was doing.
They wanted to make a totally unique amplifer, and accomplished that in spades.
Amazing videos! Thanks so much!
I am surprised by your dislike of the Traynor YGM 3. You mentioned in another video that they are cheaply made and sound crappy (paraphrasing here)
I have had quite a few over the years and found no cheapness at all. AFAIK similar resistors and caps to the YBA. OF course, replace the dynamite stick power caps,
The weak point IMHO is the terrible Marsland speaker. The Reverb is also too much even at modest settings. There are good mods available to channel more signal to the next stage and remove the excessive reverb. Also i tend to slow the trem down and rearrange the bright cap setup
I would love to hear more of your thoughts on this
Amazing video. Thanks. Very informative!!!
Sounds exactly like an AC30 I bought a while ago. I brought it back faster than I got it. Just not my sound. Love the fenders.
I used to be a vox fanboy, but nowadays I dig my silverface fenders more than ever, no amount of features can make up for that warm clean tone that takes pedals so well
@@jasondorsey7110 I have an old silver face vibrolux and an ac15. Two different animals for sure. Both have a place for me
Fantastic review. Thanks.
I have a 2x12" vox Bruno amp and it weighs 70 lbs. It rarely gets moved but it was relatively inexpensive.
There’s a reason the AC30s have three handles.
I have an early unit from 2010, got it new for 500 bucks back then, and that's what I've been using since then, AC15C1 and AC30C2X for bigger venues, never failed once, funny how they tried to emulate the Treble normal channel of the AC30, it always sounded too boomy on me especially with Gibson guitars, not as boomy as the one on the TBX but boomy enough to get muddy with lack of clarity on single notes, especially if pushed with a thick treble booster like the Cornish TB83.
I've been gigging with my AC15C1 for years. A few times it cut out during a gig and attributed that to bad cables, but I'm not 100% sure. I would be nice to have someone like you check it out. I've had some weird swirling hiss sounds on the Top Boost. I'm the Los Angeles area, not sure where you are located.
Cheers Lyle! You’re one of the good ones! Hope you are safe and happy!
Freaking hilarious. I build amps as a hobbyist. I love this.
Did I miss a walk through on any Vox AC15HW? Curious after seeing some of your AC30HW ‘what’s under the hood’ revelations. Much appreciated. Looking for a smaller living room amp with the Vox flavors. Not sure after your thorough walk through a of pitfalls and penny pinching.
The 15HW is the same inside as its big brother.
@@PsionicAudio Much appreciated. Given that it’s the same amp, would that master volume(never played with one) make it useable for a living room space or would the half pint AC15HW be a better fit. 53 year old ears, MS and bad back so a bit cautious on going too big. I think I’m drilling down on the AC15HW. My 65’ Reverberocket GS12R is more than enough but it doesn’t play well with the pedals so I enjoy the cleans and get the occasional overdrive through the power section. I own nothing with chime. I guess I’m talking myself into the AC15HW and I haven’t come across something in that tonal vein that would fit the bill. Im a sucker for both reverb and trem. Magnatones have come up but the price point is in my budget for used vehicles. Am I not asking the right question?
Missing that flavor as i have the for mentioned Ampeg, 55’ Gibson GA-45, a 65’ Gibson Falcon GA19RVT and a rare Harmony 430 with a stellar matched pair of RCA BP 6973. Those power tubes woke up a ho-hum amp. Just missing that Vox voice and want to remedy that. Housebound due to illness and my local amp techs (in a very rural part of the world) are from another time so point to point is preferable when it inevitably needs TLC. Are there better years for the modern HAnd Wired versions. Apologies for my devolution into amp therapy. Cheers!
Has the Rendezvous kept up its reputation for ribs? My 12 year old tastebuds never forgot that or the Peabody Ducks. I went from rural Mt. to Memphis as a kid and my mountain mind was blown.
Thanks for the great vids. Are super teck caps ok for fender amps?
Never heard of them. Just about every tech I know uses F&Ts in them.
I replace all AX7s in my fenders with AT7 and any reverb i use Au7.
Good god, i sure hope so, i just went out and bought one because you said to…. ;)
Watched the video now…whew! Thanks for all the work you do.
That was a great video!
I'm looking for this amp right now and I think it has it all: great cleans, great overdrive, push it with some overdrive/fuzz pedal and it gets really angry and awesome. But the only thing I'm kinda worried about it... is that I heard that this amp is unreliable and somewhat fragile (besides the grill cloth). Is this really true?
Not in my considerable experience. Just remember the stock tubes were cheap to begin with and traveled several thousand miles to get to you. And the input jacks must not be loose.
@@PsionicAudio do you consider this amp as a good option for playing in a house at very low volume?.. 😊
@@Rau1Syeh , it has master volume
On Tube Rectifiers - I heard it will sound better at lower volumes without and also Dumbles (considered by many as the best amps) are always made with solid state rectifiers. I'm not sure if you can confirm or not
No real difference at low volumes. Dumble mostly did higher wattage amps with more filtering than a tube rectifier allows.
The one thing I wish I had on my AC 15C1 is an effects loop. Is it possible/wise to have one installed?
I just score AC15C1 in purple tolex for $258, really need some advice to learn about this amp. Thanks!
Lyle have you seen any Fender Bassbreakers? The oldest should be 6-7 yr.s old now? Ive come close to picking up a used 15 wt kind of "Marshally" or the Vox-ish 18/30 (like what I saw/heard on YT demo's) but "life" in the form of a newborn grandson keeps getting in the way.
I had the 15 watt bassbreaker head, briefly; it was extremely noisy, and to my ears didn't sound any better than my upgraded blues junior
How reliable is my vox AC10
In the fifties and the sixties, they manufactured cars that would last generation after generation. Then in the seventies marketing realized that if an auto wouldn't last as long as the older cars, they could sell more cars and parts, so they began manufacturing garbage.
This marketing strategy seems to be what's going on with amplifiers, make cheaper quality amps with inferior parts and make more money selling replacements. The Fender amps made today don't last like the seventies models do, and then there's the unreliable EVH amps, just to mention a couple.
When I'm shopping for a new amp, I look at the used market first. When I see tons of a particular amp on the used market, that signals red flags, that something must be wrong with this amp.
I have an ac15 too but is the 2x12 version, thinking of replacing the stock EL84, do you know if its a good idea tu change it for the more reliable and robust 7189 tubes?
7189s are my preference.
I spliced a cheap attenuator in so I could play cranked in the living room.
Does the Ruby company still exist? I have not had any luck finding a Ruby reverb unit. Would a MOD reverb tank be a good replacement for the stock Vox tank? Thanks.
Yes, pretty much the exact same tank.
Make sure you get the one for this model.
@@PsionicAudio Thank you. I'll order one later today.
Which version of the AC15 is the normal channel based on?
In stock form it’s in between the Normal and Treble versions.
Every 12ax7 I put in v1 is microphonic when I tap it, all of em. What gives?
Just dont back the screws off 100% keep them sitting in their holes and you can still remove the back
Unless you want to make sure you don’t lose them, in which case you put them in a container. Ask me how I learned this…
Haha yes I can imagine it's easy to lose them. With my AC30 the screws seem to stay in the ply when I back them off allowing me to remove the panel while keeping them all in place, lucky me.
There are a silly amount of screws though.
Enjoying your stuff, man.
Thanks.
Remember it’s one thing if you have ONE amp that you’re working on.
I have dozens in various stages at all times. I have to be very proactive not to lose all the little bits…
What are your thoughts on the Vox Ac30 S1?
Haven't had one on the bench. I know it's a different circuit, but good or bad I cannot say.
@@PsionicAudio ok ty
Wow. Now that’s what I call an amp review. Very dense. Worth multiple views if you’re in the market for one (like I am). Thank you, Lyle.
Ten Years Gone? You stirred up some old memories chief! Thanks for all that you do.
An absolute gem of a channel! So much knowledge and curiosity are exchanged here. It's fantastic!
Got mine preloaded with a Creamback and upgraded tubes for $799. Worth every penny.
I had the ac15c1x for 3,5 years, played it every day at home and rehersal with not even a hickup during those 3,5 years, in my opinion it is a superior amp to lets say a Blues Junior in every way.I only sold it because i got a H&K Puretone so the Vox didn't get much attention anymore😕,still sad about it.Thank you for the video, I love this channel.
I literally just bought a Vox AC15C1 but with the Celestion Creamback Speaker and that is exactly the speaker I perfer. It sounds amazing!
"In The Light" is the most underrated Zeppelin riff in my opinion.
And on some days I remember how to play it. ;)
It’s amazing how little people talk about that amazing song
@@hittinskinz24 🏴☠Amazing Guitar overdubs in The last 30 seconds or so...are simply Majestic sounds Ethereal.
@@hittinskinz24 I've never heard little person mention that song.
Much agreed!
Great series of videos. Thanks! Question, If I buy a AC 15 used, for say, $500, What is my worst case scenario for professional repairs if I get a lemon? Is there anything which is completely unavailable? I am good with tools, but I know almost mothing about solid state electronics. If it was a '72 Cadillac, I could re-wire it from scratch (that is what I used to do for a living - automotive electrical, pre computers) I am not going to play it 2000 hours a year, more like 250 - 300 hours.
Sorry to be late to the party - I just discovered this video and channel today. Really great stuff! I'd be curious to know your thoughts on (and how it compares to the AC15C1) my model Vox AC15: a still stock '96 "Made in England" Vox AC15TB 2x10.
Would you consider the Vox AC15CH Head a candidate for your list of under $1,000 amps?
Thank you for your great work ! I' m not a tech but I love these videos. So much to learn. I found the cabinet screws lesson very helpful. I have a 2016 limited edition AC 15 C1 in Tan Bronco and I love the sounds and the reverb. I also have a 1974 Pro Reverb and so I can compare the reverb quality.
The AC15 cc was my first tube amp. I build amps now but still find myself comparing every new one to my old ac15.
I was sent an ac15cc1 by mistake. I ordered a used ac15c1. I don’t know if I should send it back? It kinda rocks! They said I can keep it or get the newer model. What would you do?
Unlike a Fender combo or a dual input Marshall, both input jacks work at the same time (at least, in the one I tried 10 years ago or so). I was able to hook up an ABY box and footswitch between both channels. Takes some tweaking of the channel eq's (tone ctls and top cut) to balance it out, but the salesman was intrigued that it was able to be set up that way.
Holy crap that is awesome
good to know these amps are loved and respected, i’m planning on grabbing a pair of these for a shoegaze setup
What's your opinion of the current AC 15 c2 ? Any difference in the 1x12 and the 2x12 other than size , weight and number of speakers ?
Same amp, more speakers.
If you put a little dab of blue Loctite on those threads, you'll never have to check them for loosening.
I bought an AC30CC head a number of years ago. I got it for a great price because the reverb wasn’t working. When I got it and opened it up the problem was very obvious. The tanks RCA plugs weren’t plugged in! Plugged them in and…glorious Vox reverb.
The "jangle" is due to the absence of negative feedback in the amp design.
I have the big brother of this amp briefly mentioned here, the AC15C2. Which comes with 2x 12 inch speakers, has served me for hundreds of shows from small clubs (100-300 cap) to large venues (1000-3000 cap). Interesting to note the normal channel voicing, thanks for the info and great video.
I own this in head + 2x12 cab format. The extra 12" gives it a bit more body and low end, and it doesn't hurt that they are Greenbacks too. If I want the classic chimey sound, I'll play my AC4 with a 1x12 Celestion Blue. Best of all worlds!
Anyone know if/where you can buy those tiny elastics that hold the clip onto the tubes? or diy alternatives?
They’re short lengths of heat shrink.
These are very nice amps for the price.
One mod I like with these and the 30, is to fit a mini toggle in allowing me to switch between the normal and bright coupling cap value.
The more compact ac10 is also a great value, but with one HUGE caveat- they replace the first gain stage triode with a FET. Most will never notice the difference, EXCEPT for people who like to boost the front end with an overdrive pedal+ here is where the FET does rear its head
The only advantage of a tube rectifier is that the B+ voltage rises softly when tube rectifier warms up.
If the tube recifier voltage sag is what you want, it can be quite accurately achieved just by using in series with a solid state rectifier a series resistor which roughly matches the inner resistance of the tube rectifier (which is of course not constant, but quite close) at normal operating point.
And if you have original unused NOS Mullard/Miniwatt GZ34 rectifiers, you probably will notice that they give full B+ voltage so quickly that the cold start max B+ will be at the same level as by using SS rectifier without preheating, only for a bit shorter time.
SS rectifier allows using much much higher B+ filter caps as well because for example 1 amp rectifier diodes of today can handle huge short time surge currents without problem.
A screw has a point for creating a hole in wood.. A bolt has a flat end that requires a threaded nut.
Love the custom colors. Looks great in red. Purple would look cool next to it if you had two. ;) I had a purple AC30 TBX I regret selling. These AC15's are good little amps for the money if you find one used. Nice video....Thanks again!
Yeah I have this Ac15c1 in Purple, bought it 11y ago cause I liked the color of it 😆
I have a Vox AC30C2X...gotta love the blue speakers. They knock off a tiny amount of top end which is good because the Vox has heaps... An amazing amp.
Where’s the best place to buy that ruby reverb tank? That sounds way better
great channel, just found it love to watch the electronic work and obviously your great voice heheh
I’d like to know your thoughts on victory amps. I personally own the v40 deluxe combo. I love it and made the purchase because it’s lifer amp imo. But would love your opinion
Thank you for your technical input/evaluation of AC10. I have Fender Blues Jr. and a friend told me a Vox is tone I'm looking for and he was right. but, Should I get an AC15 or an AC30 for an extra C-Note? What is your input/evaluation of a Marshall DSL20 compared to DSL40 Or the best Marshall tone Amp for a non gigging guitar enthusiast?
I may have missed it in a previous video, but I'd love to hear your opinions on the AC10C1. Purchase validation, lol!
What reverb tank do you recommend?
Great video! I just bought a brand new Vox AC15C1 at Sweetwater because of this video. I’m happy to report that mine came with a Ruby Tubes Reverb tank like this one.
Great amp! I use mine in the pit with a semi-hollow and of course a Ric 660/12. Nice clean tones with the semi-hollow, and the Ric was made to be run through a Vox. Find it takes pedals really well if done in moderation. Run a bit of compression chorus and reverb to taste. Mikes well to the house.
I’ve got one of these with the creambacks paired with a 5F6a clone as a wet/dry rig and it’s the BEST tone I’ve gotten in the past 20 years… I’ve had the boutique Morgan’s, Badcat’s etc, and those are great amps… But I personally don’t hear a difference tone-wise and I can tote my AC15 anywhere to any gig and I’m not constantly worried about it getting damaged. These are workhorse amps for real working musicians.
@Psionic Audio What are your thoughts about the bias? These come with a 120r cathode resistor that runs the el84s quite hot. I have seen one running at 130% dissipation. All that heat ends up going into the tube sockets and board above the tubes!
You're voice sounds just like Neil Pert, Canuck?
I am enjoying your content and appreciate the information you provide. Have you had any dealings with Hughes & Kettner amps, specifically the the GM40. Would like to see the guts on that picked apart.
Just traded in my Fender BJ that had Bill M mods and a new speaker for an AC15. Thank you so much for all the info you provided that helped steer me in that direction.
"microphonic tube" im sure it will be better after its manhandled
It sounds good. And I'm glad it doesn't have the early dark voicing. Also the Zeppelin stuff sounded good on there.
have you made repairs on the current production ac10? how does it compare to the 15 from a service pov?
I'm only 13 minutes in to the video but seeing all that threw board components would make me happy, No microscope needed, probably simple to follow traces and bog standard two legged caps. Easy working.
And you can pull the boards separately. And it only takes 10 minutes to pull. And no morass of cables to detach. Different sized connectors, all well labeled. It's like whoever did the board spent time in the trenches.
I've had one of these for 8 years now. Dragged on countless miles, thrown in many cars and it now resides in a friends studio being used on records small and large.
For the money I don't think you're going to find anything much better. Now... If Vox could start making a Fender style amp of the same quality and rough pricing of the AC15.
It IS as good as I changed course from a HRD and bought tbe green version of that exact model only because of your channel. I could not be happier.
I read that Jimmy Page used a Supro amp for a bunch of led zep classic recordings .
A supro amp, a danelectro electric, a harmony acoustic...cheap department store "starter" gear...don't get hung up on brand names
I dont know. That PCB design looks kinda crap to me with all those spade connectors jumping everything. Looks like a whole lot of corners were cut to maxamize profits and minimize quality. If this is the best we can expect for under $1000, then the market is shit and we should just embrace modeling asap.
Could you please tell me if its difficult to take off the mdf buffle board from this amp? I would love to try and make my own plywood buffle board as I just cant gell with the mdf. Ive tested the amp into an external speaker cab made of ply and sounds so much better than when the speaker is in the Vox mdf cabinet
I used to have the AC15c2, great amp.
EZ81 is equivalent of 6CA4 and does not use 5v dedicated winding. Even though it takes 6.3v, you'll be taxing 6.3v winding and may or may not burn it out depending on the transformer design.
I couldn't help laugh when you said that the tolex can get damaged if you look at it too hard.
16 wood screws in the back of my Vox for the back panel lol that was 2007 I guess lol
Thank you very much about this valuable info. I have the AC15c2 and I finally got a proper answer to my question - should I bother with the standby switch or not.
I have not heard the AC15c1, but my c2 sounds amazing.
I got a AC30 Custom Classic with tube rectifier it had bad wiring from the factory and blew tubes every week till a found a tech who found the problem, I said my amp is the second best AC30 he’s heard and worked on the best being one owned by crowded house
Your prices on getting a VoxAC30 was way off even a year ago. Especially since the inflation we have been in for some time. Guess it depends on if you are talking about a VoxAC30C2?? They have been around $1300 for some time.
I can't find a Ruby rrv3eb1c1b reverb tank anywhere. Would you know where I could find one, or compatible version?
I think it weighs a ton though.
I like to practice at guitar stores on a Vox 15 but it is not a gigging amplifier in my opinion. Playing with yourself and playing with A live drummer Are two different things. JJ tubes - pretty lousy sounds - PU ! . Vintage GE NOS Grey plates Are cheaper than RCA's and they sound pretty good and Are tough compared to the new stuff. My favorite amplifier was A Sovtek Mig Lead 100 through a Marshall 1960 A cabinet with Celestron speaker's, they don't build them like that anymore. 580 VDC on the plates and Vintage Mullard El 34 tubes with Ei pre amp tube's. That was a great guitar amplifier , I looped the hi and lo channels together. My Biggest complaint with Vox is the price of The AC 30 . They are over priced in my opinion.
Great channel
you have a lovely melifluous voice
I watched all of your Vox videos, and at some point I realize I know what you're gonna say about a certain part of an amp. Always a joy, Lyle.
Well great to see your expert knowledge on this Amp,i used to own many 60s AC30s sadly they all burnt up while playing ,my AC50 never had a problem rock solid, used an 100 w ACOUSTIC amp that blew the buildings down ,then later moved back to an AC15 c1 for the house ,at first i did miss the twin BLUE ALNICO speakers, but apart from that was very pleased with it, and found it very controllable unlike the vintage ones ,neither was i disappointed when it was cranked up full it did miss the blue twins then ,sounds great at lowish levels meaning amp working above half but not full guitar on half,it seems ok with pedals too,going to change tubes for JJs ,get a cab with Alnico twin blues perfect, They are great for any Amp , nice to see you had no major problems with this amp,keep up the good work