I think cos so many boutique, more expensive companies made clones of Vox, guitar snobs assumed that they must therefore be better than what they're based on. Amazing how often you see the question along the lines of "which amp should i get for Vox tones"......a Vox!?! They're super affordable and sound killer.
@@johnnathancordy yeh, I guess cos they're made in China thats an instant turn off. You can pick up vintage AC30's for less than £2000, its crazy how good value they are.
To answer your Q in your written intro: “yes” to the room mic sound being the way to go. Lots of good amp and pedal reviews out there, but even an SM57 and 121 on the speaker in a decent studio is just one tone and nothing like the sound of being in the room with it. So it’s great to hear this - I’m listening through good headphones and can exactly imagine how it sounds in situ. Nice video squire - your playing, strat tone and overview of the amp’s sounds are epic. PS I have a Morgan AC20 arriving in the next week or so lol.
I love the sound of Vox, and also my supro delta king. These super warm tube amps are all I need. With that, you have the platform to create almost any sound you want, and there are so many dynamics
I just bought one. The AC15 C1. So my first electric guitar rig currently consists of my Sire Larry Carlton T7 vintage and the Vox AC15. Looking forward to learning to play an electric 🤘
i have a ac15hw1 (swapped the greenback for a alnico blue so essential a hw1x) and i LOVE that amp, at home i use it for a pedal-platorm with od ,fuzz & modulation (it doesent have a reverb or trem) and and it takes pedals rly rly well. in rehearsal i crank it , and it shines in another lvl that just fits right in the mix with other instruments. Favourite amp!
I just picked up a used ac15hw1x in black (instead of fawn). I bought a fawn one a couple years ago but it was defective and I sent it back. Much prefer the traditional black. It should be here in a few days. Stoked!
such nice clean tones you're getting there ! love that strat too ! I thought these would be one -trick ponies like my Marshalls and others were, I finally got an AC15 last year after maybe 20 years or more of putting it off, I have a number of guitars, most have gotten on well with certain amps and not others, but I have to say the AC15 has made them all come alive again, It's just amazing with my USA strat, but also the Ric 360/12, Gibson Les Pauls both HBs and P90s, Gretsch TV Jones, and a few others, I'm not sure there's anything that doesn't get on well with these amps, loves pedals too. It seems that unless you want full metal tones, there's very little this amp can't excel with. Mine is only a year or two old, I don't know what the older ones are like that everyone raves about but this one is pretty magical, and was cheaper than the Fender Tonemaster Deluxe which I sold like a month after I bought it. I have an old Fender Blues Jr I love too but for a little extra weight the AC15 is just that bit more open and dynamic in tones. Mine is the AC15C1X with the Alnico Blue, apparently more headroom and more cleans before break-up but I doubt it matters, just amazing.
@@kosmicwizard it matters only in regards to whatever tone/sound a player is trying to achieve, I have two AC15s with a greenback and an alnico blue respectively as I use both when gigging as well as recording with a pedal I personally modified to switch between the two at a moments notice. It's also the best pedal platform of any tube amp out there not only vintage style tube amps.
I've got the little Vox 4watt AC4TV (made in China I assume) (with 3 wattage choices instead of master volume, works well), picked it up used 7 years ago for $250 bucks. I've used it in small gigs (coffee shop) and built an extension cab with a 12 inch speaker that makes it work quite well for a bit larger settings. The AC4TV sounds wonderful.
I love the early Blackmore tone AC30. I was thinking of getting a VOX but to be honest there are so many variants you just don't know what to buy. VOX has had its ups and downs tbrough the years and it is reflected in the quality and product line up.
The sound on the video is sooo beautiful! Yeah, after researching for quite some time a bought the AC15 handwired. It’s about $1,000 or more less than similar boutique amps. It seems to be the best for the COMPLETE Vox tone. I think people don’t like that they’re not made in Britain but Vietnam. Well, I guess that’s the reason for the lower price and why I went with handwired as I believe it’s comparable to US and Brit made.
I remember I had the Vox 15w Night Train combo, i absolutely LOVED it! It had annoying tube rattle and after returning it and trying 1 more which had the same problem I had let it go.. I was so disappointed because it was so good :( EDIT: Omg i should have just changed the tubes.... O_O damnit. I wrote this before you mentioned your tube rattle.
My AC15 can rattle as well. Believe the sell cushion devices to help with that. People have also suggested not pushing them all the way in, but to leave a small gap. Haven't tried either.
Also, the EQ on the top boost channel will affect the normal channel to a degree even if you're only plugged into the normal. As long as you turn the top boost up still, the eq makes a decent change still
@Kyle Dege mine is the c1 and it makes a difference, I think the c2 is the same apart from the speaker so definitely try it. You need the top boost volume up quite high which introduces some noise but it will affect the eq on the normal channel
I had a Gibson Goldtone GA-15RV that was an early AC15 clone during the early 2000s. It was based on a Trace Velocette, which is also an AC15 clone. It was a beautiful amp. I can see why they aren't more popular, though. These amps require a really experienced touch (like yours, John) . Their high midrange content is so complex and transparent that every mistake is instantly (and clearly) apparent to anyone listening. It's a quality I love about these amps, but recognize that this would be terrifying for the less competent guitarist. Good on you for featuring this great specimen and in such a competent way!
I just got one. It's a second hand one, around 6-7 years old. It should arrive within the hour. Stock AC15, Greenback. Had one years ago, regretted selling it.
The normal channel just has one less preamp tube I think, I think the top boost just uses an extra tube which is where the extra gain comes from. I often run into both channels on mine which is mega and you can balance them nicely. Since having the HX stomp it's been easy to achieve as well, used to be a proper knob ache to sort out before.
I have this one coming. With the cream back. My first Vox. Usually a fender amp guy with a couple of clones. I fell in love with the one at GC. I hope it sounds as good.
Because the 1st rule of Vox AC15 is nobody talks about Vox AC15. ;-) As usual, fantastic playing! The only Vox tube amp I own is an AC4 in blue tolex. The other guitarist in the band I'm in plays through a Vox 2x12 AC15. I should ask to play through it sometime.
I bought an Egnater Tweaker 15 and while I liked the Fender and Marshall tones, to me it was lacking in the Vox setting. I got yellowjacket adapters to run it on el84 power tubes, and bought a 2x12 cabinet loaded with Celestion alnico bluebacks. I still wasn't completely satisfied, so I took the head back to stock and then traded it for a Vox AC15C1. I swapped the V1 tube for a Phillips branded Mullard 7025A preamp tube and put the J/J EL84s that I got with the Yellowjacket adapters in the Vox. Finally, I pulled the stock ceramic greenback and put one of the Bluebacks in the Vox. I created a homemade AC15C1X and I absolutely love it for what it is! It's marvelous straight into the Top Boost channel and it's also a great pedal platform on the normal channel. Very versatile, great cleans and compressed leads, cuts through the mix like nobody's business and yet does that one quintessential VOX thing that I've never been able to duplicate with any other amp. Cheers.
My AC10 JMI clone head doesn't have top-boost circuit, but does have the EF-86 in the vibrato-tremolo channel, which is a very musical and touch sensitive preamp tube - Dick Denny's favorite. Like yours, the normal channel is a good pedal platform, the EF-86 channel I love just the way it is - no pedals required, maybe a delay?
@@musikvonandreas I like to think so. All I am suggesting is that you are not as big a deal as you probably think you are. Your playing is decent but your real talent appears to be in singing and production. Whatever works for you. Either way, even if I play guitar a little better, you are a better overall entertainer than I am so don't listen to me. Just having a bit of fun. Cheers!
Late to the party but love the VOX sound. Just picked up a AC15C1X limited edition red/black with the alnico blue Celestion. It’s glorious! Sounds great with my Tele and LP standard
I’ve been gigging with an AC15 for a good 10 years now… Just on the normal channel perfect for most gigs and mics up really well with a sm57 .. strats . Teles Lp juniors , I always get comments from other players on my tone.
I used to have one but I got rid of it and a Suhr Badger 35 after getting the Iridium. No regrets at all. I use the Iridium with my large pedal collection to go FOH now and it’s a perfect setup for me.
Nice amp. I had one and a Traynor clone called the YCV15 Blue. The biggest difference was the Traynor had a much tighter bass response and a much lighter baltic birch cab. Both were very sweet and also could bark.
I play a stock AC15 Head. Bought it new 5 years ago for just about 600 Euros. It's the best Amp I ever played in 35 years. If you're searching for THAT VOX Sound, go for a VOX! Same with Marshalls, Fenders, Boogies, etc.
IMO the Vox AC15HW1 is hands down in the top 3 massed produced amps ever. I have tried an absolute multitude of amps, and yes some boutique amps might perhaps be more reliable to a degree, but if you want the best of classic rock, pop sound over many decades it’s here in spades. Even 7.5 watts for that early overdriven compressed tone is off the charts. If you want high headroom, then that’s more Fender or Rivera’s territory. If you want metal, then maybe Mesa, Orange or however brash and dark you choose to go. But, for anything you would hear on mainstream radio over the past 7 decades, you can do it with the Vox. (I’m not taking anything away from the other Vox’s, AC30C2, AC30S1 or AC15C1, or the alnico’s, but I just made a bond with the AC15HW1 personally.
@@johnnathancordy Haha. That was a Custom Classic Chinese AC30 I think? I wonder if it’s still in the cupboard? 16 year old you used it as a pedal platform for your POD XT Live! Seriously the sparkly clean tone on this is really something.
It's tough to envision me playing anything else! It won't ever be a Fender but with the right speaker I get a little closer. Eminence Lil Texas neo is what I use. Never will be a Deluxe but I will manage because everything else is divine!
My Cornford hurricane might be interesting as a comparison. It's also two el84 output cathode biased. Not quite as chimey as a vox but probably holds together when driven a bit better. Looks like you've got a bit more space in the new place for amps.... If you know what I mean...
I had a Hurricane and it’s a very special amp, the AC15HW is indeed loosely goosey when running hard but it is glorious. I find the AC takes time to dial in but rewards with more tones.
John Lennon used an AC 15. If you really want that 60's tone you should try a pair of Holland made 6BQ5 Amperex Bugle Boy tubes. The EF86 tube can get microphonic so it is best to mount it's tube socket on some sort of shock mount.
The AC15 is one of the only production amp that Psisonic recommends stock on his channel. The man is very accomplished amp tech, and doesn't miss an opportunity to find flaws in any amp.. So that says something. He doesn't recommend the AC10 by the way, which is very akwardly engineered.🎸
Hi there That looks like a Vox AC15 C1 limited edition bronco I have one of those myself they sound really nice mine has a cream back speaker and if yours is the bronco it will have the same Thumbs up from Australia 🇭🇲👍🇭🇲
You should have a meeting with Dan from TPS. He teaches you about VOX amps and you can teach him some HX Stomp. I really think that TPS needs a HXStomp episode with no frfr and cab simulations. Just straight to an fx loop. Too much love for things like the Strymon Iridium and not much for the Stomp.
Once you get Dan talking about Vox and Matchless, he won't stop until he dies of thirst and hunger. The only way to get him to take a break is to use Australian Kryptonite - aka Beer
Have you ever tried a Celestion Blue in this amp? I have the same creme tolex model and was thinking of a speaker change, although the Celestion Green is voice very nice for this amp.
I have owned two of these ac15 HW 1 and hwx. Definitely the blue celestial is the way to go. It's like it's perfectly voiced for this amplifier not that the Greenback was bad but the celestion blue is just so much more Dynamic and just so much more organic in its range of tones. If you buy one I guarantee you you will not be disappointed!
I think its understandable. Theyre a bit noisy, wattage wise their a bit tweener between home/band wattage, they dont work with a lot of mainstream pedals, and most importantly there arent alot of "that sound" thats vox. I have one and i love it for playing at home. Its glorious. Love it with a hotcake
I bought an AC15HWX in about 2016 I guess. Damn I loved that amplifier but times got tough and I had to sell it to pare down my gear. Should have sold my Deluxe reverb! It was a 65 reissue. But the thing with the ac15 with the blue alnico and a Les Paul going through it was just gravy of the God's tone! I felt like at one point during this Jam I was able to get that Dwayne Allman live at the Fillmore intense speaker shredding distortion! I've never gotten that before or since out of an amp. I'm in a position now where I can afford to buy another AC 15 so as soon as I get off this comment I'm contacting musician's friend and I'm going to buy another! It's been too long! And by the way if you're on the fence about getting one of these amps get off the damn thing! This amp is great for jazz blues or just about any kind of rock. I don't know that I've had a more versatile amp over my 40 Years of playing.
John, did you mentioned that you have change the tube of the amp? Your tone is just amazing, the best one I heard in all those AC15 video. I am wondering whether I should buy one. Just want to know is the tube you are using in the amp is original or u have done some upgrade? If yes, what is the model of the tube? Thank you.
I always found the Ac15 an ac30 fit great on stage and in the mix. They are underrated because people either don't gig or choose their tone/gear while playing by themselves/at home.
I choose gear FOR playing by myself at home (neighbors is they hear it, but I keep it low). The AC10C1 that came into my life a couple month ago sounds wonderful at low volumes, and has the top boost circuit - sounds great cranked too. I may get a Cele cream back 10" for it eventually, maybe change tubes, but it sounds great the way it is. I've always wanted the Vox sound, and now that I got it the flood gates burst open in my mind - I had to have the "real" thing next. A month or two after getting the AC10C1 I found a AC10 JMI clone HEAD by "3rd Rail amps" (Brian), which is my first amp head. 3rd Rail Amps makes very affordable clones of Vox amps, but he only makes a few, has a Facebook page and Reverb, but no channel or website yet. His 1965 AC-10 twin inspired him to become an amp builder, and he played it through a 12" silver bell. While the original AC10 didn't have the top boost circuit that Dick Denny copied (including their mistake) from Gibson's GA-77 Vanguard for his AC-30 top boost. It does have the EF-86 preamp tube in the vibrato (tremolo) channel - Denny used it in all of his amp designs, because it was his favorite - the most musical tube in his opinion. In the AC30 the EF-86 became microphonic from the vibrations, so it was designed out. The original AC-10 was pretty much the same circuit as the original AC-15, but through a 10" speaker instead of 12", and neutered down to about 10 watts, with a smaller power transformer. But the output stage and transformer are the same. I found an original Vox Celestion (even has Vox's address on the speaker label) silver bell speaker with the famous "pulsonic" cone (expensive, but worth it), because I believe a special amp deserves a special speaker - no?
Yep! Got the AC10VB, with the Celestion Creamback and it' is gorgeous. Same sparkly cleans and crisp crunch. Even with an Octave Fuzz (itself going through a Hudson Broadcsst to round off the top end) it sounds amazing.
That kind of "clang" thing right? I think that's part of what makes the cleans edge tasty, but when it gets driven I'm a bit less fond. At volume I imagine it might round out and warm up a bit
@@johnnathancordy I'm a massive fan of the crate v32 palomino tube amps...they're an EL84 based amp and basically a 70s ac30 clone with a few mods. I talked to the designer of those amps and he said he basically just ripped off a 70s ac30 that was an extremely hot amp (Hot Bias). anyway the palominos have that "clank" and natural compression once cranked up a bit...there's an excitement behind each note. super amazing. if you get a chance to pick one up, definitely do. idk about UK prices but you can get em for super dirt cheap here in America Crappy enclosures and crappy speakers so pick up a head or use the combo with a cab
I think so. I play humbuckers through mine. Put the channel volume at about 9 o clock to start with and then increase the master to the desired volume. Cranking the channel volume (preamp) will create more compression/distortion.
@@johnnathancordy boo! I was curious if you own the Mesa Boogie Triple Crown? I am super hot for that amp and would love to see you shred some light on it😁
It's a great amp. I am split between this one for 800 or a Fender Reverb for 1600. Vox has better Tremolo for sure, but Fender has slightly better clean tone. Not so much better or worse, just different...and it is 1600!
In todays market the white ones are hardwired in Asia somewhere, note not in china. You also have the full hand wired ones made in the uk but they are limited.
I think cos so many boutique, more expensive companies made clones of Vox, guitar snobs assumed that they must therefore be better than what they're based on. Amazing how often you see the question along the lines of "which amp should i get for Vox tones"......a Vox!?! They're super affordable and sound killer.
This sums up exactly what I mean about the underrated nature of these?
@@johnnathancordy yeh, I guess cos they're made in China thats an instant turn off. You can pick up vintage AC30's for less than £2000, its crazy how good value they are.
@@StevenJoseph made in china and it's awesome.
@@StevenJoseph To be fair, boutique Vox clones use higher quality parts, but I totally get what you are saying. These handwired amps are very nice.
@@maxpeck4154 Love my ac15. Only amp I need.
Came here for the amp demo, stayed for the awesome playing. Great job man.
To answer your Q in your written intro: “yes” to the room mic sound being the way to go. Lots of good amp and pedal reviews out there, but even an SM57 and 121 on the speaker in a decent studio is just one tone and nothing like the sound of being in the room with it. So it’s great to hear this - I’m listening through good headphones and can exactly imagine how it sounds in situ. Nice video squire - your playing, strat tone and overview of the amp’s sounds are epic. PS I have a Morgan AC20 arriving in the next week or so lol.
OOh would you let me know how you rate the AC20?
@@johnnathancordy good shout. Will report back.
@@onenotesolo256 2 years later...
I love the sound of Vox, and also my supro delta king. These super warm tube amps are all I need. With that, you have the platform to create almost any sound you want, and there are so many dynamics
I just bought one. The AC15 C1. So my first electric guitar rig currently consists of my Sire Larry Carlton T7 vintage and the Vox AC15. Looking forward to learning to play an electric 🤘
Vox and a telecaster is a great sound to learn with!!
@pharmerdavid1432 I have a T7 and just today got my vox ac15c1. What's your favorite setting on guitar and amp for dialing it in? Thx
I video is about the AC15HW1, not the C1....
Totally different amp....
@@bryantrockfield9865 I know, that's why I included the C1 ending....
I just purchased an AC15HW1x and it really does live up to the hype and is perfect levels for my apt use.
i have a ac15hw1 (swapped the greenback for a alnico blue so essential a hw1x) and i LOVE that amp, at home i use it for a pedal-platorm with od ,fuzz & modulation (it doesent have a reverb or trem) and and it takes pedals rly rly well. in rehearsal i crank it , and it shines in another lvl that just fits right in the mix with other instruments. Favourite amp!
exactly!
I just picked up a used ac15hw1x in black (instead of fawn). I bought a fawn one a couple years ago but it was defective and I sent it back. Much prefer the traditional black. It should be here in a few days. Stoked!
such nice clean tones you're getting there ! love that strat too !
I thought these would be one -trick ponies like my Marshalls and others were,
I finally got an AC15 last year after maybe 20 years or more of putting it off,
I have a number of guitars, most have gotten on well with certain amps and not others, but I have to say the AC15 has made them all come alive again,
It's just amazing with my USA strat, but also the Ric 360/12, Gibson Les Pauls both HBs and P90s, Gretsch TV Jones, and a few others,
I'm not sure there's anything that doesn't get on well with these amps, loves pedals too.
It seems that unless you want full metal tones, there's very little this amp can't excel with.
Mine is only a year or two old, I don't know what the older ones are like that everyone raves about but this one is pretty magical, and was cheaper than the Fender Tonemaster Deluxe which I sold like a month after I bought it. I have an old Fender Blues Jr I love too but for a little extra weight the AC15 is just that bit more open and dynamic in tones.
Mine is the AC15C1X with the Alnico Blue, apparently more headroom and more cleans before break-up but I doubt it matters, just amazing.
the speaker definitely matters
@@kosmicwizard it matters only in regards to whatever tone/sound a player is trying to achieve, I have two AC15s with a greenback and an alnico blue respectively as I use both when gigging as well as recording with a pedal I personally modified to switch between the two at a moments notice. It's also the best pedal platform of any tube amp out there not only vintage style tube amps.
I'll end up getting an alnico blue. Maybe a Weber. I have a David Allen BrownSugar with an alnico.my fender clone.
I've got the little Vox 4watt AC4TV (made in China I assume) (with 3 wattage choices instead of master volume, works well), picked it up used 7 years ago for $250 bucks. I've used it in small gigs (coffee shop) and built an extension cab with a 12 inch speaker that makes it work quite well for a bit larger settings. The AC4TV sounds wonderful.
Ive use the same voxac4tv with a cab with celestion greenback 12, it sounds totally different and awesome.
It has a great sound but I had lots of hum and hiss with mine, even with no guitar plugged in. Do you have that problem?
@@wilhelmhagberg4897 no, it's totally quiet. That's too bad about yours.
@@wilhelmhagberg4897 I have replaced the 1st tube a couple of times, it could be something like that.
I love the early Blackmore tone AC30. I was thinking of getting a VOX but to be honest there are so many variants you just don't know what to buy. VOX has had its ups and downs tbrough the years and it is reflected in the quality and product line up.
Brilliant in the room real feel with no editing, sounds mint dude
There is literally B roll in the first 20 seconds
The AC-15, in whatever current available variation, is just a fantastic tool. 🎸🇺🇸
The sound on the video is sooo beautiful! Yeah, after researching for quite some time a bought the AC15 handwired. It’s about $1,000 or more less than similar boutique amps. It seems to be the best for the COMPLETE Vox tone. I think people don’t like that they’re not made in Britain but Vietnam. Well, I guess that’s the reason for the lower price and why I went with handwired as I believe it’s comparable to US and Brit made.
that jam in the end is no joke man. i hope it becomes (a part of) something outside of this vid cuz it's heavy powerful
What incredible talent, such beautiful melodic tones ❤
It's also criminally underrated with a P90 Les Paul. Can sound super soulful kind of blues in tones with a Les.
I a p90 sg though an ac15 and it was the sound I’ve had in my head
Any les paul into Vox sounds great. Something about the mid range to me just sings.
I remember I had the Vox 15w Night Train combo, i absolutely LOVED it! It had annoying tube rattle and after returning it and trying 1 more which had the same problem I had let it go.. I was so disappointed because it was so good :(
EDIT: Omg i should have just changed the tubes.... O_O damnit. I wrote this before you mentioned your tube rattle.
My AC15 can rattle as well. Believe the sell cushion devices to help with that. People have also suggested not pushing them all the way in, but to leave a small gap. Haven't tried either.
Special thanks for letting us hear the room sound!
Sweet playing!
Also, the EQ on the top boost channel will affect the normal channel to a degree even if you're only plugged into the normal. As long as you turn the top boost up still, the eq makes a decent change still
@Kyle Dege mine is the c1 and it makes a difference, I think the c2 is the same apart from the speaker so definitely try it. You need the top boost volume up quite high which introduces some noise but it will affect the eq on the normal channel
I had a Gibson Goldtone GA-15RV that was an early AC15 clone during the early 2000s. It was based on a Trace Velocette, which is also an AC15 clone. It was a beautiful amp. I can see why they aren't more popular, though. These amps require a really experienced touch (like yours, John) . Their high midrange content is so complex and transparent that every mistake is instantly (and clearly) apparent to anyone listening. It's a quality I love about these amps, but recognize that this would be terrifying for the less competent guitarist. Good on you for featuring this great specimen and in such a competent way!
I just got one. It's a second hand one, around 6-7 years old. It should arrive within the hour. Stock AC15, Greenback. Had one years ago, regretted selling it.
The normal channel just has one less preamp tube I think, I think the top boost just uses an extra tube which is where the extra gain comes from.
I often run into both channels on mine which is mega and you can balance them nicely. Since having the HX stomp it's been easy to achieve as well, used to be a proper knob ache to sort out before.
I use the stereo output of my Boss RC-30 Looper to plug into both inputs on my AC15
I have this one coming. With the cream back. My first Vox. Usually a fender amp guy with a couple of clones.
I fell in love with the one at GC. I hope it sounds as good.
Because the 1st rule of Vox AC15 is nobody talks about Vox AC15. ;-) As usual, fantastic playing! The only Vox tube amp I own is an AC4 in blue tolex. The other guitarist in the band I'm in plays through a Vox 2x12 AC15. I should ask to play through it sometime.
@Kyle Dege That's what I'd get, the bigger cabinet helps almost as much as the extra speaker.......?
I bought an Egnater Tweaker 15 and while I liked the Fender and Marshall tones, to me it was lacking in the Vox setting. I got yellowjacket adapters to run it on el84 power tubes, and bought a 2x12 cabinet loaded with Celestion alnico bluebacks. I still wasn't completely satisfied, so I took the head back to stock and then traded it for a Vox AC15C1. I swapped the V1 tube for a Phillips branded Mullard 7025A preamp tube and put the J/J EL84s that I got with the Yellowjacket adapters in the Vox. Finally, I pulled the stock ceramic greenback and put one of the Bluebacks in the Vox. I created a homemade AC15C1X and I absolutely love it for what it is! It's marvelous straight into the Top Boost channel and it's also a great pedal platform on the normal channel. Very versatile, great cleans and compressed leads, cuts through the mix like nobody's business and yet does that one quintessential VOX thing that I've never been able to duplicate with any other amp. Cheers.
My AC10 JMI clone head doesn't have top-boost circuit, but does have the EF-86 in the vibrato-tremolo channel, which is a very musical and touch sensitive preamp tube - Dick Denny's favorite. Like yours, the normal channel is a good pedal platform, the EF-86 channel I love just the way it is - no pedals required, maybe a delay?
Great sound and fantastic playing.
I use the greenback version and I love it. I prefer it over some of my fender amps. Great demo.
Unreal playing and sound! 👏
I've had a C1x for about 8 years now. Phenomenal amp.
I play mine on big stages.. The one amp that never lets me down! Love it to bits ❤️
Your bedroom does not count as a big stage.
@@MOAB-UT pretty funny, aint ya? ;)
@@musikvonandreas I like to think so. All I am suggesting is that you are not as big a deal as you probably think you are. Your playing is decent but your real talent appears to be in singing and production. Whatever works for you. Either way, even if I play guitar a little better, you are a better overall entertainer than I am so don't listen to me. Just having a bit of fun.
Cheers!
Late to the party but love the VOX sound. Just picked up a AC15C1X limited edition red/black with the alnico blue Celestion. It’s glorious! Sounds great with my Tele and LP standard
I’ve been gigging with an AC15 for a good 10 years now… Just on the normal channel perfect for most gigs and mics up really well with a sm57 .. strats . Teles Lp juniors , I always get comments from other players on my tone.
Nice playing, thanks!
I used to have one but I got rid of it and a Suhr Badger 35 after getting the Iridium. No regrets at all. I use the Iridium with my large pedal collection to go FOH now and it’s a perfect setup for me.
How do you use the iridium when at home ?
@@kylebichler2258 I use it at home with my same pedalboard I use live. I run it through my interface and studio monitors and also record with it.
You put it best by saying “puts the sound in the room.” I feel the same about my ac15
Beautiful tones and playing! I love these amps as well although I currently don't own one. Thanks for an in depth demo on what makes these great
I use one everyday. Great little amps
Nice amp. I had one and a Traynor clone called the YCV15 Blue. The biggest difference was the Traynor had a much tighter bass response and a much lighter baltic birch cab. Both were very sweet and also could bark.
What a wonderfully musical demo
The AC 10 is pretty sweet as well.
Im saving up to get the ac15h.
Got the same amp and the pod go with all your patches :), for the price thats the best valve amp, great playing mate !
Dumb that pod. get fractal. or pedals.
I play a stock AC15 Head. Bought it new 5 years ago for just about 600 Euros. It's the best Amp I ever played in 35 years. If you're searching for THAT VOX Sound, go for a VOX! Same with Marshalls, Fenders, Boogies, etc.
What's the effect that you fire at 0:35 ? I love the way the loop sounds.
IMO the Vox AC15HW1 is hands down in the top 3 massed produced amps ever. I have tried an absolute multitude of amps, and yes some boutique amps might perhaps be more reliable to a degree, but if you want the best of classic rock, pop sound over many decades it’s here in spades. Even 7.5 watts for that early overdriven compressed tone is off the charts.
If you want high headroom, then that’s more Fender or Rivera’s territory. If you want metal, then maybe Mesa, Orange or however brash and dark you choose to go. But, for anything you would hear on mainstream radio over the past 7 decades, you can do it with the Vox.
(I’m not taking anything away from the other Vox’s, AC30C2, AC30S1 or AC15C1, or the alnico’s, but I just made a bond with the AC15HW1 personally.
This sounds beautiful.
You're responsible for the first time I heard an Ac30 in person!
@@johnnathancordy Haha. That was a Custom Classic Chinese AC30 I think? I wonder if it’s still in the cupboard? 16 year old you used it as a pedal platform for your POD XT Live! Seriously the sparkly clean tone on this is really something.
It sounds so beatifull! 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
Can you please share a link to the tubes that you added?
It's tough to envision me playing anything else! It won't ever be a Fender but with the right speaker I get a little closer. Eminence Lil Texas neo is what I use. Never will be a Deluxe but I will manage because everything else is divine!
My Cornford hurricane might be interesting as a comparison. It's also two el84 output cathode biased. Not quite as chimey as a vox but probably holds together when driven a bit better. Looks like you've got a bit more space in the new place for amps.... If you know what I mean...
I had a Hurricane and it’s a very special amp, the AC15HW is indeed loosely goosey when running hard but it is glorious. I find the AC takes time to dial in but rewards with more tones.
That intro song.... forget the amp. That is so moving. I do love the amp though! :D
John Lennon used an AC 15. If you really want that 60's tone you should try a pair of Holland made 6BQ5 Amperex Bugle Boy tubes. The EF86 tube can get microphonic so it is best to mount it's tube socket on some sort of shock mount.
The AC15 is one of the only production amp that Psisonic recommends stock on his channel. The man is very accomplished amp tech, and doesn't miss an opportunity to find flaws in any amp.. So that says something.
He doesn't recommend the AC10 by the way, which is very akwardly engineered.🎸
Video and explanation of the amp were great... not used to that much whammy bar though! Either way, thanks for the video review and explanation.
2:45 sounds like a brett garsed chord progresion. Awesome
Hi there
That looks like a Vox AC15 C1 limited edition bronco
I have one of those myself they sound really nice mine has a cream back speaker and if yours is the bronco it will have the same
Thumbs up from Australia 🇭🇲👍🇭🇲
This is superior playing
It’s because it’s too Fu*king LOUD!😂
I think it's underrated by TH-cam players but when you see the most sold amps in 2021 in Reverb, the only tube amp in the list is the AC15.
I use an ac15c2. It’s perfect for practice and on stage
You can use an AC30 at home, just feed a Modeller into the front of it. It is the Chime/the sparkle, the early Beatles Rocky sound.
been using a vox ac15c1 for over 10 years. bought it for around $400 new... how can you beat that?
Bought a new one for
$35.00 75 years ago and they throwed in a jar of pickled hog knuckles been using it every since.
If I needed an amp, I’d go with the AC15, definitely!
I have a Vox AC15C2 that I hardly use now but I keep. It is gorgeous but heavy as.
Hi very good demo as usual!!!what will be the best pedals to go with a vox ac 15 c1 for soloing??
Sounds fantastic as always. Question is this the AC15C1?
You should have a meeting with Dan from TPS. He teaches you about VOX amps and you can teach him some HX Stomp.
I really think that TPS needs a HXStomp episode with no frfr and cab simulations. Just straight to an fx loop.
Too much love for things like the Strymon Iridium and not much for the Stomp.
Once you get Dan talking about Vox and Matchless, he won't stop until he dies of thirst and hunger. The only way to get him to take a break is to use Australian Kryptonite - aka Beer
What is that pitch delay near the start?
muy bueno!!, que guitarra estas usando y con que set de pickups?Saludos
what model were the mesa boogie tubes? sounds great and love your playing at the beginning mate. cheers
Have you ever tried a Celestion Blue in this amp? I have the same creme tolex model and was thinking of a speaker change, although the Celestion Green is voice very nice for this amp.
I have owned two of these ac15 HW 1 and hwx. Definitely the blue celestial is the way to go. It's like it's perfectly voiced for this amplifier not that the Greenback was bad but the celestion blue is just so much more Dynamic and just so much more organic in its range of tones. If you buy one I guarantee you you will not be disappointed!
How do you change channels without putting the amp on standby?
I had a hand wired one that was super noisy. Fun but wore on my ears after a bit.
Is this the AC15C1 or the hand wired version?
This is the first one heard of a mainline amp being underrated.
Please do a review about Line6 DT25 Tube amp.. That amp is Undervalued
Is this the normal AC15C1 with the Greenback speaker?
Sir John!
This is fabulous sounding, but may I ask.... Is the L6 HX box at all in the chain here? Or is the live sound nothing but the Vox AC15?
I bought it one recently second hand…the stock tubes were not great…got a full set of JJ’s in it and i find myself playing this more than my 5E3 amp
I think its understandable. Theyre a bit noisy, wattage wise their a bit tweener between home/band wattage, they dont work with a lot of mainstream pedals, and most importantly there arent alot of "that sound" thats vox. I have one and i love it for playing at home. Its glorious. Love it with a hotcake
What are you using for looping here, your stomp? Sounds beautiful, but then again you always do.
Paired with a Deluxe Reverb and you win the tone war.
Nice blend!!
It is an insanely popular amp. People definitely talk about them
A M A Z I N G
My issue is the weight. I don’t want to carry around a 50lb combo. Not worth it when there are tons of other combos in the 30-40lb range.
Sounds excellent! What delay/reverb pedals did you use with this? Any ODs or boosts, or was it all just the amp besides the looper/ambient FX?
I bought an AC15HWX in about 2016 I guess.
Damn I loved that amplifier but times got tough and I had to sell it to pare down my gear. Should have sold my Deluxe reverb! It was a 65 reissue.
But the thing with the ac15 with the blue alnico and a Les Paul going through it was just gravy of the God's tone!
I felt like at one point during this Jam I was able to get that Dwayne Allman live at the Fillmore intense speaker shredding distortion! I've never gotten that before or since out of an amp.
I'm in a position now where I can afford to buy another AC 15 so as soon as I get off this comment I'm contacting musician's friend and I'm going to buy another!
It's been too long! And by the way if you're on the fence about getting one of these amps get off the damn thing!
This amp is great for jazz blues or just about any kind of rock. I don't know that I've had a more versatile amp over my 40 Years of playing.
John, did you mentioned that you have change the tube of the amp? Your tone is just amazing, the best one I heard in all those AC15 video. I am wondering whether I should buy one. Just want to know is the tube you are using in the amp is original or u have done some upgrade? If yes, what is the model of the tube? Thank you.
Hey Ryan, it wasn't tonal reasons, it was just because the original ones were rattling!
@@johnnathancordy so you change the tube with same model? Thx so much!
dang so good
AC15 C2 baby, it's the best amp I've ever played out of. just needs an FX loop....
I always found the Ac15 an ac30 fit great on stage and in the mix. They are underrated because people either don't gig or choose their tone/gear while playing by themselves/at home.
Couldn't agree more!
I choose gear FOR playing by myself at home (neighbors is they hear it, but I keep it low). The AC10C1 that came into my life a couple month ago sounds wonderful at low volumes, and has the top boost circuit - sounds great cranked too. I may get a Cele cream back 10" for it eventually, maybe change tubes, but it sounds great the way it is. I've always wanted the Vox sound, and now that I got it the flood gates burst open in my mind - I had to have the "real" thing next. A month or two after getting the AC10C1 I found a AC10 JMI clone HEAD by "3rd Rail amps" (Brian), which is my first amp head. 3rd Rail Amps makes very affordable clones of Vox amps, but he only makes a few, has a Facebook page and Reverb, but no channel or website yet. His 1965 AC-10 twin inspired him to become an amp builder, and he played it through a 12" silver bell. While the original AC10 didn't have the top boost circuit that Dick Denny copied (including their mistake) from Gibson's GA-77 Vanguard for his AC-30 top boost. It does have the EF-86 preamp tube in the vibrato (tremolo) channel - Denny used it in all of his amp designs, because it was his favorite - the most musical tube in his opinion. In the AC30 the EF-86 became microphonic from the vibrations, so it was designed out. The original AC-10 was pretty much the same circuit as the original AC-15, but through a 10" speaker instead of 12", and neutered down to about 10 watts, with a smaller power transformer. But the output stage and transformer are the same. I found an original Vox Celestion (even has Vox's address on the speaker label) silver bell speaker with the famous "pulsonic" cone (expensive, but worth it), because I believe a special amp deserves a special speaker - no?
Anyone plays a vox ac10? Feel like this one is also very underrated. I own it and completely love it
Yep! Got the AC10VB, with the Celestion Creamback and it' is gorgeous. Same sparkly cleans and crisp crunch. Even with an Octave Fuzz (itself going through a Hudson Broadcsst to round off the top end) it sounds amazing.
It's got a metallic edge to the tone that I'm not sure if I l like or not. I think maybe I do. Thanks
That kind of "clang" thing right? I think that's part of what makes the cleans edge tasty, but when it gets driven I'm a bit less fond. At volume I imagine it might round out and warm up a bit
@@johnnathancordy yep. it cuts through a mix very very well. especially at these slightly overdriven "cleans" like here in the video
@@johnnathancordy I'm a massive fan of the crate v32 palomino tube amps...they're an EL84 based amp and basically a 70s ac30 clone with a few mods.
I talked to the designer of those amps and he said he basically just ripped off a 70s ac30 that was an extremely hot amp (Hot Bias). anyway the palominos have that "clank" and natural compression once cranked up a bit...there's an excitement behind each note. super amazing.
if you get a chance to pick one up, definitely do. idk about UK prices but you can get em for super dirt cheap here in America
Crappy enclosures and crappy speakers so pick up a head or use the combo with a cab
When I tried a AC15 in a store I wasn’t able to get it clean, I was a bit disappointed tbh, is there a trick or did I do something wrong?
Were you playing humbuckers into it?
@@johnnathancordy i guess yes :(
@@MaxSebastianMayer I think maybe for humbucker folks looking for more clean headroom the ac30 might be the way to go?
I think so.
I play humbuckers through mine. Put the channel volume at about 9 o clock to start with and then increase the master to the desired volume. Cranking the channel volume (preamp) will create more compression/distortion.
@@johnnathancordywill a Active Humbucker get more noiser on this then?
Do you own literally everything awesome, Johnathan?
I sold this one recently atually!
@@johnnathancordy boo! I was curious if you own the Mesa Boogie Triple Crown? I am super hot for that amp and would love to see you shred some light on it😁
Shame there is no effects loop on ac15s
It's a great amp. I am split between this one for 800 or a Fender Reverb for 1600. Vox has better Tremolo for sure, but Fender has slightly better clean tone. Not so much better or worse, just different...and it is 1600!
I think this is the handwired point2point version, isn’t it? As opposed to the standard Chinese AC15s
No this is definitely a cheapy - it just has a limited edition tolex!
In todays market the white ones are hardwired in Asia somewhere, note not in china.
You also have the full hand wired ones made in the uk but they are limited.
love mine. so so so many tones and colors out of the box. Wish I got a 30…but the 15s are heavy enough to haul!