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.
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!
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 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.
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'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.
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 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?
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)
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.
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 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.
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
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.
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.
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!
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
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
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.
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.
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'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 really appreciate the insights! I'll wait until I burn out my Line 6 Catalyst that I already bought before I make another purchase! But it's great to know what to pay attention to for future reference!
I bought an ac15 c1 white bronco. It is the best amp! The issue is i started building a two 6l6gc amp. I have to compare it to the Vox, so I am forever unhappy with my build. One day, hopefully, one day.🙂
do these ones have the ef86 preamp? ef86s are really great with pedals, they got a ton of gain to accommodate the losses of using effects and the cabling in between. I wish some company would start making really good modern ef86s. I love them, and they have certain advantages, but of course can be temperamental.
@@Rau1S You can’t get good overdrive sound at low volume with any 15 watt tube amp without pedals. You have to rely on good overdrive pedals into clean sound on the AC15. I use a BB preamp or a Wampler pantheon but there’s lots of options. Transistor amps or digital amps can get you quite good overdrive sound at low volume. Boss Katana is a good option then.
i have the blue and cream version, almost the same month as your red one. i like using an aby pedal in the top boost input as well as the normal. i've changed the tubes and reverb tank and it sounds much better. great amp! thanks for the great review!
You could try tire levers to remove the back panel. They’re plastic so they’d be less likely to damage the vinyl. Pedros levers would likely be work well.
I am starting to like my AC15C1X after damping my stock chinese tubes with some cork pieces I am cutting and experimenting. Also the main pcb has to have somethin damping it in the middle, close to the power tubes connector socket. I still got some ringing, maybe a tube filament (EL84). The main power transformer has a thin metal cover that rings on some frequency, so I stuck a piece of styrofoam that dampens it. I suspect the pcb tube sockets rub against the chassis, will investigate. I got a more defined tone, and it is ringing nice at high gain as guitar combos should. You got to really crank it with some overdrive (I like he treble booster) then explore the weird resonances. I also removed all of those cheap tube retainers, since the sockets hold those tubes so well, and they also introduce weird resonances. Awesome channel with tons of info!
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.
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
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.
4 หลายเดือนก่อน +1
A screw has a point for creating a hole in wood.. A bolt has a flat end that requires a threaded nut.
Hi congrats on the 25k just wanted to say I really enjoy the channel and your no nonsense slow key style. I have no interest in fixing an amp myself as I like being alive but find the shows informative and fun. Cheers, Neil, Manchester, UK
Once you drain the caps your life is safe while poking around inside, but if you do NOT drain the caps - watch out! An amp tech told me about touching a live amp with a screwdriver which subsequently shot out of his hand and embedded itself in the all behind him!
I have one of these and it's been a real headache to get good sounds out of it. I usually play a fairly bright Strat, and this amp can get pretty harsh on the high end. Especially at low volumes you just can't turn down the treble. I resisted the urge to cut the treble bypass caps, like a lot of people do. The greenback speaker also doesn't help because it sounds weak in an open-backed cabinet. So in the end I bought a 1x12 extension cab with an Alnico blue in it (the box cost more than the Vox). I put the Blue in the Vox and the Greenback in the closed back extension cabinet. They blend really well now. I also put in a 1" wide piece of paint stirrer in front of the speaker like the original Voxes. It helps. Yours sounds better with the Les Paul. but I still hear some of that harsh high end. Using it as a pedal platform set clean on the Normal channel works pretty well. I haven't replaced the reverb, but at low settings it sounds OK.
Great video. The overdrive sounded harsh in the high end to my ears. I think I'd rather play a Princeton style circuit and get overdrive from a pedal. I did like the warm cleans though.
Great Video. Hugely informative. I only wish you had a camera (or a mirror?) on the control panel of the amp so we could constantly see the settings as you play.
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
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.
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
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
There is a little trick with the C1 AC15’s. You can’t jumper the channels BUT if you’re in the normal channel and you turn the treble boost volume to max, you get a little change when you turn the treble or bass pot. 🤷🏻♂️ I could be crazy but it sounds to me like it slight changes
For under $ 10 , Harbor Freight Tools has plastic trim removal tools that you should be able to slip in there and not damage anything . Once a L shape tool is hooked behind it , you can pull it forward .
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.
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.
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 think I paid about 500 bucks for mine new.Its Red also plus I have a Chrome stand for it. I will be Upgrading it and putting a Blue AlNiCo in it. One of 10 Billion projects on the list.
I loved my ac15cc. I only sold it because I got a matchless DC 30 on a killer deal, and a buddy sold me a heritage handwired ac30head at a steal. I wanted a vox head to put on a head shelves in the studio, and combos just take up space for me.
That direct coupled cathode follower design causes stress to that 12AX7/ECC83 in two different ways: One is the cold startup situation with cold heaters which causes too high grid to cathode voltage to the cathode follower. The other problem is that in many amps the cathode to heater voltage of the cathode follower of DCCF is around 180 VDC or even more and it is often too much for some tubes and the high cathode to heater voltage causes heater to cathode insulation to fail. To make that risk lower, I sometimes use on purpose a clearly mismatched double triode where the cathode follower is lower current triode and the first triode is higher current triode at same bias voltage. The first higher current triode causes larger voltage drop at plate resistor (100k usually) which then gives lower DC voltage to the CF grid. If the plate voltage driven to the CF grid is less than 150V even those bad reputation russian tubes can often, according to my experience, handle it without problems. Well perhaps the sound of that mismatched triode DCCF is a bit different but it still sounds DCCF because it still is a DCCF. 😁
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'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.
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
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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!
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.
I literally just bought a Vox AC15C1 but with the Celestion Creamback Speaker and that is exactly the speaker I perfer. It sounds amazing!
I went through many affordable amps before returning to an AC15C1. It such a great amp.
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
Got mine preloaded with a Creamback and upgraded tubes for $799. Worth every penny.
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.
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.
"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!
good to know these amps are loved and respected, i’m planning on grabbing a pair of these for a shoegaze setup
“Dang it, Bobby”. Gotta love the Hank Hill impersonation, I tell you what.
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.
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'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.
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.
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?
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)
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
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 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.
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
great channel, just found it love to watch the electronic work and obviously your great voice heheh
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.
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.
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.
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 😆
Great channel
you have a lovely melifluous voice
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
I have a Red 2016 that has never been out of my place . Love it.
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
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.
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.
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.
Great to see Lyle having a goodtime. Keep up the great content!
Jimmy Page is the man. The solo in Black Dog is Epic, so good.
Bought an AC15C1X new, retubed it with nos Reflektor 6p14p power tubes and a Ruby 5751 in V1. Love it.
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'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 really appreciate the insights! I'll wait until I burn out my Line 6 Catalyst that I already bought before I make another purchase! But it's great to know what to pay attention to for future reference!
I bought an ac15 c1 white bronco. It is the best amp! The issue is i started building a two 6l6gc amp. I have to compare it to the Vox, so I am forever unhappy with my build. One day, hopefully, one day.🙂
Love my AC15C1. Very clear and dynamic even at low volume and great with pedals. Many tube amps are dead at low volume.
do these ones have the ef86 preamp? ef86s are really great with pedals, they got a ton of gain to accommodate the losses of using effects and the cabling in between. I wish some company would start making really good modern ef86s. I love them, and they have certain advantages, but of course can be temperamental.
@@lauratanner8475 no. Its 12ax7
It's really that goog at very low volume?.. this is a priority for me.
@@Rau1S I think so
@@Rau1S You can’t get good overdrive sound at low volume with any 15 watt tube amp without pedals. You have to rely on good overdrive pedals into clean sound on the AC15. I use a BB preamp or a Wampler pantheon but there’s lots of options.
Transistor amps or digital amps can get you quite good overdrive sound at low volume. Boss Katana is a good option then.
Would you consider the Vox AC15CH Head a candidate for your list of under $1,000 amps?
It sounds good. And I'm glad it doesn't have the early dark voicing. Also the Zeppelin stuff sounded good on there.
Always good to hear Ten Years Gone...
I had the same issue with my input jack. Easy fix. Sounds beautiful and very reliable
I actually use my stock AC15C2 with two SG's , humbuckers and P90s and love it.Strats and Teles too.
No problem.
Your Zeppelin sounds fine.
I may have missed it in a previous video, but I'd love to hear your opinions on the AC10C1. Purchase validation, lol!
20:36 Oh!!! Classic repair tech moment! It can happen to the best. Thanks for this channel, btw, I'm learning a lot! :)
I got an ac15c1x with the alnico blue for $625 hardly used, pretty stoked on that deal
Makes a big difference to find a set of nos u.s made tubes.
I have the hand wired AC15C1 cream colored .
i have the blue and cream version, almost the same month as your red one. i like using an aby pedal in the top boost input as well as the normal. i've changed the tubes and reverb tank and it sounds much better. great amp! thanks for the great review!
What tubes and tank are you going with?
@@afterstars jj tubes. i don't remember the reverb tank but it is a shorter decay which i do like better. i believe it is the accutronics.
You could try tire levers to remove the back panel. They’re plastic so they’d be less likely to damage the vinyl. Pedros levers would likely be work well.
I am starting to like my AC15C1X after damping my stock chinese tubes with some cork pieces I am cutting and experimenting. Also the main pcb has to have somethin damping it in the middle, close to the power tubes connector socket. I still got some ringing, maybe a tube filament (EL84). The main power transformer has a thin metal cover that rings on some frequency, so I stuck a piece of styrofoam that dampens it. I suspect the pcb tube sockets rub against the chassis, will investigate. I got a more defined tone, and it is ringing nice at high gain as guitar combos should. You got to really crank it with some overdrive (I like he treble booster) then explore the weird resonances. I also removed all of those cheap tube retainers, since the sockets hold those tubes so well, and they also introduce weird resonances. Awesome channel with tons of info!
I own the ac15 and the ac30, and they sound very different, I cannot believe that they are basicly the same circuit. Both have greenback speakers...
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.
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
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.
A screw has a point for creating a hole in wood.. A bolt has a flat end that requires a threaded nut.
Where’s the best place to buy that ruby reverb tank? That sounds way better
Hi congrats on the 25k just wanted to say I really enjoy the channel and your no nonsense slow key style. I have no interest in fixing an amp myself as I like being alive but find the shows informative and fun. Cheers, Neil, Manchester, UK
Once you drain the caps your life is safe while poking around inside, but if you do NOT drain the caps - watch out! An amp tech told me about touching a live amp with a screwdriver which subsequently shot out of his hand and embedded itself in the all behind him!
Thanks for letting me in on the secret, I have now removed the back panel from my bass combo.
I have one of these and it's been a real headache to get good sounds out of it. I usually play a fairly bright Strat, and this amp can get pretty harsh on the high end. Especially at low volumes you just can't turn down the treble. I resisted the urge to cut the treble bypass caps, like a lot of people do. The greenback speaker also doesn't help because it sounds weak in an open-backed cabinet. So in the end I bought a 1x12 extension cab with an Alnico blue in it (the box cost more than the Vox). I put the Blue in the Vox and the Greenback in the closed back extension cabinet. They blend really well now. I also put in a 1" wide piece of paint stirrer in front of the speaker like the original Voxes. It helps. Yours sounds better with the Les Paul. but I still hear some of that harsh high end. Using it as a pedal platform set clean on the Normal channel works pretty well. I haven't replaced the reverb, but at low settings it sounds OK.
Yea Fender Stratocasters do kind of suck. My AC15C1 sounds great with my Les Paul.
Ymmv but I always keep the Tone Cut knob around 2-3 o'clock and roll the guitar's Tone knob down to ~6-7 and that usually does the trick.
Really great informative videos. Many tks for sharing your experience and knowledge. 👍👍
Great video. The overdrive sounded harsh in the high end to my ears. I think I'd rather play a Princeton style circuit and get overdrive from a pedal. I did like the warm cleans though.
Great Video. Hugely informative. I only wish you had a camera (or a mirror?) on the control panel of the amp so we could constantly see the settings as you play.
Thanks. That’s in the works soon. Still paying off my most recent video equipment upgrades. ;)
@@PsionicAudio haha! Fair enough. Any chance of your going over some of the more popular / useful mods to the AC15?
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
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.
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
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
You’re on a roll Lyle! Thank you!
1st though customer had a cutout cord as well...?
Very cool looking amp😉😎👍
Great information...thanks😎👍❤🖖
There is a little trick with the C1 AC15’s. You can’t jumper the channels BUT if you’re in the normal channel and you turn the treble boost volume to max, you get a little change when you turn the treble or bass pot. 🤷🏻♂️ I could be crazy but it sounds to me like it slight changes
I do this and its really noticeable. It does make my particular amp super hissy and noisy though.
@@pierrederesistance mine gets real hissy and noisy too if I max out the treble,
And when plugged into Top Boost Channel (and master volume is above 4), the normal channel's volume acts as bass boost.
@@Elvisml2 🤔 had no idea about that one. @Psionic is there a reason for this?
@@BCEpedals Channel bleed goes both ways.
For under $ 10 , Harbor Freight Tools has plastic trim removal tools that you should be able to slip in there and not damage anything . Once a L shape tool is hooked behind it , you can pull it forward .
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.
Nice 10yrs gone! That’s my fave - testing my tone song! Cool amp too.
The Vox CC series have plywood cabs, the newer Custom series are MDF cabs
MDF is heavier than plywood.
@@jerrystephenson1172 Your are correct. That's why he says it's so heavy in the video. The CC series was lighter
If you put a little dab of blue Loctite on those threads, you'll never have to check them for loosening.
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.
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 think I paid about 500 bucks for mine new.Its Red also plus I have a Chrome stand for it. I will be Upgrading it and putting a Blue AlNiCo in it. One of 10 Billion projects on the list.
I loved my ac15cc. I only sold it because I got a matchless DC 30 on a killer deal, and a buddy sold me a heritage handwired ac30head at a steal. I wanted a vox head to put on a head shelves in the studio, and combos just take up space for me.
I love that amp. How can I convince my wife that I absolutely need one?
There is a vox ac15 C1 for sale in my area for $400 after watching your video it might be worth investing in
I play it when I have the right sound and guitar in hand, just for the pure pleasure.
I have one of these. It's absolutely awesome!
I used to have the AC15c2, great amp.
That direct coupled cathode follower design causes stress to that 12AX7/ECC83 in two different ways:
One is the cold startup situation with cold heaters which causes too high grid to cathode voltage to the cathode follower.
The other problem is that in many amps the cathode to heater voltage of the cathode follower of DCCF is around 180 VDC or even more and it is often too much for some tubes and the high cathode to heater voltage causes heater to cathode insulation to fail.
To make that risk lower, I sometimes use on purpose a clearly mismatched double triode where the cathode follower is lower current triode and the first triode is higher current triode at same bias voltage. The first higher current triode causes larger voltage drop at plate resistor (100k usually) which then gives lower DC voltage to the CF grid. If the plate voltage driven to the CF grid is less than 150V even those bad reputation russian tubes can often, according to my experience, handle it without problems. Well perhaps the sound of that mismatched triode DCCF is a bit different but it still sounds DCCF because it still is a DCCF. 😁
Great instructional video! thank you so much
What reverb tank do you recommend?
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'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.
The AC15C1 is a great sounding amp.
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
I really like your videos....Thanks.
Good thermal design and pcb selection with thicker traces and good solder goes a long way towards quality
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.