Other great mods for this amp are to swap the 12ax7 with a less gainy 12 ay7; I also cut the particle board back in half for an open back design which together the different tube gives some added headroom and makes it less boxy sounding.
Very informative video. I've owned one of these little amps for years and never really used it much. I've just started to get back into playing electric guitar (from acoustic and bass) and decided to change the valves in this amp, partly off the back of this video, and wow, what a difference. I swapped out the stock tubes for a set of custom groove tubes selected by Watford Valves. It's stopped a rather annoying background humming, brightened up the sound and it has more depth - it still overdrives far too quickly for casual playing IMO, but I will play around with the settings some more and the guitar controls before seriously thinking about swapping for something else. For anyone considering buying one of these - the 1/4 watt setting is still extremely loud for home practice!
I got one of these in trade recently. Absolutely did not want a small combo amp having already got an AC30 and no desire to do anything but turn the master down to room level. However .. had a great idea. My drummer got some bongos, the bassist played an acoustic bass and I played through the AC4TV. Perfect for coffee shop gigs. I spent $120 on the amp and the following week we were fully booked in 'super small' venues.
This is an incredibly helpful video about a great little amp and how to make it sound better. I just picked up a used one completely stock and like new. Thanks so much for helpful ideas!
Just retubed my AC4-TV per your instructions. Used Mullards. Seems to have more headroom and a much sweeter disposition. Thanks for your help and demo.
Al dik 2 jaar erg veel plezier mee! Staat elke dag wel een paar uur aan en gaat nog als een gek! 175 euro,demomodel geweest en in de uitverkoop gekocht..... goeie video en je spreekt goed over de grens!
I've got 2 of these one at home, one at the rehearsal room I co-own. Valve change is well worth while but my main advice with the Ac4tv is that it really needs to run hot. Warm it up for at least 10 minutes before playing, longer if possible and the sound an dynamics improve beyond belief. The message even with upgraded tubes is run this amp hot to get the best sound and playing experience.
What a great review. Thanks for this, I'm close to picking one up near me for $200. I love how you don't shy away from the downsides like lack of bass. That's no problem for me as a Beatles fan lol
Thanks brother, I just picked one up today after watching this video outstanding amp. Very happy with their original tubes but will definitely look at upgrading
I noticed more clarity and definition with the new valves. I personally like old Blackburn made mullard valves but use jj's when I'm unable to source them. I used to own the head and cab version of this amp and put in a celestion blue and that was pretty killer
I've used a little ac4 as a practice amp for a long time. IME they are a pretty boxy sounding thing, the stock sovteks were actually the nicest sounding tubes I ever had in it, and the greatest sound improvement you can achieve with these is to run them into a proper cabinet. The tubes don't make as much of a difference in these as they would in a larger tube amp where you have more than one power valve, and a phase inverter to play with etc Also, it's fine to handle tubes for guitar amps with your hands
I have the AC4TV head running into the 12" cab. I find the attenuator useless. It sounds great on 4w but on anything lower the sparkle just goes away like someone threw a blanket over the amp. I did find a big difference changing the tubes to Mullards and Mesa tubes. The biggest difference to me was ditching the really dull Celestion 70/80 speaker to a real Greenback. The speaker brought it to life for me.
Your guitar looks and sounds outstanding. Great video presentation. Ya, I'm driving 45 minutes each way tomorrow to grab one. A little rip in the Tolex, but sweet price of $130.
sound is a difficult thing to describe but the new tubes do sound better for sure. I love small tube amps im currently loving my marshall jvm1 comvo. one watt is great for home and practice
Wadenkrang Guttenberg I got the jtm 1c the other day. the 1 watt cranked sounds pretty damn nice. people always talk shit about those marshall 1 watt amps, but to me it'd exactly what I wanted. a good tone quieter tube amp. I can't crank my marshall 2554 jubilee or two rock crystal . lol.
I have an AC4TV with a Bitmo Mod which is really cheap (check the net), and well worth it. I eventually put in a Celestion Vintage 10" that I had but even with the Bitmo mod alone it's a great amp for the money you've spent.
My AC4TV mini stack does a small gig ok and adding a PA mic the soundman can sort its wattage. I bought a discounted shop demo model and immediatly ceased using tranny amps. The factory hardware is a good cheap setup. The mismatched (8 Ohm output & 16 Ohm speaker) load impedence "crunches" the sound. The easy mod is to cut a slot in the rear panel or in my case a "cat flap" for open or closed mode sound.The Ruby tube is still there and the EL84 is now an Elecrtroharmonix. I installed a screen resistor for the EL84 to drive an 8 Ohm Weber Blue Pup ($100AUD) at 8 Watts. Life was simple and pleasing but then came lock down. I built an extension cab and bought a Weber 8 Ohm (very helpful people) alnico hemp cone. The cab is the same size (a bit taller) and it makes a mini stack with the speakers connected in series to give the original 16 Ohms load. This required a fair bit of workshop time and installing jacks etc. The hemp cone sounded the same in the chip board combo as the ply extension cab so the Blue Pup got the plywood cab. There's two voices decernable, each doing what the other doesn't. I also have a speaker selection switch that simply puts a shorting link across the speaker to be silenced. The screen resistor is still there so 8 Ohm load at 8 Watts is ok. In summary; sure change the stock EL84 and build a cat flat in the rear panel but beyond that buy an AC15-C2. I taught electronics for twenty five years so extreme modding is no big deal but my Vox vote goes to the AC15 as the sweetist and best value Vox amp. CheersTerry
Really like your video, you have the right attitude and learned even more than just about the Vox AC4-TV. Learned About playing dynamics. I could not figure out how to get the shimmery tone. Thank you!
nice post. first time seeing you. I have the amp and I still like it. I agree with the dynamics. An LP Standard cannot clean up like a Tele. That said, the LP can make the small amp sing too with all the guitar options. Four knobs. Thanks.
Lol Sovtek and Electro Harmonix are both New Sensor/Mike Matthews. Ruby tubes are just tested and rebranded. Nothing cheap there and it’s a myth that you can’t touch the tubes with your bare hands. There not automobile lightbulbs 😂🤣😂. Great video though! I am getting one today and will be turning the tone knob up even higher for more chime and natural compression. I’ll also use a Telecaster mostly and I’ll roll the tone knob back a tad but I love it bright. I agree bass is actually the enemy of guitar tone and why most players don’t sound right and their band sounds mushy, dull, and blended. Sculpt your tone and the band will sound like a multifaceted diamond 💎 Cheers! 🥂
I play such a small Vox ac4tv. Very great Vox tone - at 4 Watts, of COURSE. Very good responding to your playing. For rehearshal very good, live has to be miked.
You might want to add to this video that if you touch the metal chassis of the amp with one hand and one of those capacitors near the tubes with the other hand you are as good as dead when about over 400 volts of electricity goes through your body and stops your heart. Either drain the capacitors first or make sure you don't touch the capacitors when you change the tubes.
i just read your comment that you worked for 30 years in a guitar shop. i m near to buy a rock amp that sounds like the 60/70s Rock sound. maybe you can recommend me if i should buy the VOX AC 4 C BL or the VOX AV 30+ Valvetronic. this sounds very good as well. Thank you for help.
Subscribed, with bell on. Excellent review. I have the ac4tv Mini with 6.5 inch speaker, worse than the 10 obviously. But I like the amp. So I’m going to get the V212C cabinet, @ 16 ohm. It’ll kick arse with 2x12s I reckon. And now I’m going to change the tubes out. Wow! No idea you could do that easily. Then that I have a cab, I’ll buy a Marshall 1 watt tube for the bottom end. I was going to get the ac15 with 1/6 watt attenuation. But I think I’ll just use the ac4. I like it’s simplicity and the ac15 is a bit complicated on the controls for me. I don’t like options.
Not sure what gives. My AC4 even on 1/4 watt is horrendously loud. Have seen this mentioned by a few players before, but others are convinced it can be whisper quiet. Is there some inconsistency in manufacturing here?
I have the same experience. Really unsuitable even on 1/4 watt for bedroom practice. Mine seems to break up later than most I've seen even on 1/4 watt. I'm going to op open it up and see if it was modified. Lovely cleans though
I once had a Boss Katana 100 (bought that version because of the fx-loop and the possibility to use the GA-FC) but I only used it on 0,5W Mode... It was loud enough to me, even with the volume on half... My concern about this amp is the lack of bottom end..
by scraping out a little bit of wood at the base of the cab - and the extra inch or two at the top if the cab - i reckon you could probably JUST squeeze in a 12 inch ? How cool would that be !!
Just bought one of these for £110 for practice and to mess around with. I've no desire to swap the tubes or speaker, but the tutorial is handy should I ever need to do it anyway. I have a couple of pedals I'll try using with it, see how it sounds. I'm a crap player though, and my ears aren't great, so I'll probably think it sounds awesome either way. 😁
Awesome vid thanks I just got one on eBay hope to be picking it up tomorrow Thanks for the tube-mod-tip I think I'll give it a go, the better low end sounds good, I'm gonna be playing my Theramin thru it, can't wait to hear it Cheers!
I have heard from a tech guy that improvement in overall sound with new tubes is just that they are new. I would like to hear an A/B from new to 6 months in
Touch the tubes. They aren’t halogen headlights.If they’re getting hot enough to break from skin oils, something is wrong with your amp. If you wanna really make that amp sound as good as it’s circuit will allow, put a Weber Alnico Blue pup10” or Blue Dog12”. Pretty good demo! Be interesting to hear one compared to an original’65 with ef86 preamp.
Opzich, een product kopen met de intentie om het te upgraden hoeft niet slecht te zijn, imo. N vriend van me wilde n goedkope elektrische gitaar met n humbucker en een akoestische pickup. Duur bestaan die wel, maar voor hem was t toch de betere keus om een goedkopere gitaar te modifyen. Eigenlijk bedoel ik het zo: als je een heel specifiek iets in je hoofd hebt, en je niet lang wilt wachten/sparen, dan is het kopen van een product en het modifyen ervan opzich geen slechte optie. Maar das natuurlijk super situationeel en ook slechts mijn mening ;) Oh en ik vind je videos nice, keep it upp :y
My favorite Vox AC4 video!!! I just won one on Ebay, for the price you mentioned, bought it after watching your video. love the old tv classic look. They called it a modeling amp, so they didn't know what they have. Thanks for showing the Mod, such a thorough video. My only question is, the power tube does not need bias adjustment, because it's an "A" class amp?
You've got quite a bit of room reverb there, bud; what kind of mic did you use? BTW, I so wish YT still allowed commenters to post links. Because what you said about this whole 'buy and modify' thing is spot on.
I was torn between this amp and the ac10. I got the ac10 because it had a reverb knob on it and i was worried because people say the ac4tv was boxy sounding and the ac4tv lacked eq knobs. when I played through my ac10 for the first time i was blown away by the BASS! i turned it all the way down and it is still very boomy with bass. i wish i could turn it down lower. im still interested in this amp.
I bought the ac4tv and it is boxy Indeed, one has to expect that given its dimensions and cheap construction. And I find It very bass-heavy and boomy as well (especially with the neck pickup of a Strat and the volume turned up quite a bit).
These little AC4TV amps I suppose are mimicking the Normal channel of the Vox AC30/15 amplifiers - while the AC4C1 amps are mimicking the top boost channel. Seems to get as gritty despite having one less preamp tube of its brother. I have to get one and compare the two
Actually, you've replaced only the preamp tube, because the amp one was already a Sovtek, which is the same with Electro Harmonix (check the tube box, you'll see made in Russia and Sovtek written on the EHx). RUBY tube from the preamp is a china made Shunguang, but these are good quality tubes (you can find them on Thomann and their price is bigger than EHx), so VOX does not put crappy tubes on their amps! I have also an AC4TV, but mine came with 2 Sovtek (preamp+amp) and looking to replace the tubes, just for fun, and I'll go for the JJ tubes (it makes no sense to replace Sovtek with EHx, even if I already have 2 new EHx 12AX7 bought back in the past, so I'll go only for JJ EL84 first). I don't think this is gonna be some kind of a magical upgrade, but I am expecting to see a slightly different sound and response. In your case, the difference you've heard (because I can't hear it on this video) was the result of replacing preamp Ruby tube with an EHx. Imagine what could have been if the bigger one would have been also replaced :)
I also want to buy a Vox amp, thinking about a 4 or a 10. I now know what my second purchase after that will be :) Great video. Greetings from Spijkenisse
Derk Bergman definitely worth the effort, it's a small investment that can have great results. I once took a BJ to my buddy Frits v Mourik who worked MAGIC on that thing, with a tube change and re-biased for more gain 🤘🏻
It is my main amp so a bit of love by changing the tubes could be a really nice thing to do. I already changed the speaker to a Celestion G12H. Imo it sounds more balanced and handles the overdrive/cranked sounds better.
Are you JJ's evil twin? I ordered a Solar Bender 'cause your demo sounded so damn good. I heard a much improved clean chime. I will re-tube my 15 w el84 amp with OE JJ tubes as suggested by the builder. My Marshall likes =C= el34 and 6n4 Chinese 12ax7.
I'm a little confused when you said it's not necessary to swap to a new speaker. Most vox amps come with a cheap celestion speaker which is worth about 10 dollars. You can buy an ac15 or ac30 with the stock or with greenbacks or bluebacks but I own an ac10 and there is no option for that. many ppl say that vx10, blueback, greenback, are better and they cost like 150 to over 200 dollars... So what would you say on that matter? wouldn't that be acceptable? I just don't know what an appropriate other option there would be since there is only one vox ac10. None of the small voxes come with better speaker option. I don't want or need a bigger amp since I only play in my bedroom.
I've had this app for 10 years or so was thinking of selling it for an orange micro dark. Maybe I will play with tubes. I want it more growly and I wouldn't mind losing Headroom as it's an apartment amp any suggestions?
I have an AC4TV and an Orange Terror Stamp (basically the same as a Micro Dark/Micro Terror but with a headphone/cabinet simulator and an effects loop). They are both great for home use and recording. If I had to pick one over the other, I'd probably keep the Orange but that's just because it can do things the Vox can't (like headphone jack and effects loop). However the Vox AC4TV is an amp I've had for 10 years as well and it is a great amp.
Thank you for this awesome vid, i just replace the bulbs on my ac4tv but when closing the back of the amp my cat jump on the amp and the the components touch the speakers, should i'll be worry ?
Wadenkrang Guttenberg True, I've owned the AC4C1 in red with 10" speaker and I didn't really like that amp either. The AC4TV, however, is a different beast.
The Vox AC4C1 was built to mimic the top boost channel, this amp in this video is built to mimic the normal channel. If you like the top boost on an ac30 you will like the former amp, if you like the normal channel you will most likely prefer the amp in this video. Personally I have a hard time with humbucker guitars, and the brightness of the ac4c1 complements the muddiness of humbuckers well. If you are going to play thin bright single coil guitars, then you don’t want an amp that emphasizes brightness
great video JJ as usual... I want to buy the VOX AC4C1-12..so please tell me is it good idea to get that amp?? n' what changes could u advise me to do to the VOX AC4C1-12 ?? I'll appreciate u JJ n' someone else reply me . t-you =)
elmero mero I'd check out the AC10, that is a KILLER amp with more clean headroom than, say, an AC4 and more overall volume. I also like the reverb and portability of the AC10 and it packs quite a bit of low end oomph regardless of that 12" speaker. Again: it totally dependa on the CONTEXT in which you're going to use it.
elmero mero and as for mods: don't modify anything unless you find something you're not happy with... with the AC4, for me, it was that tube ratte. Speaker mods should always be the last thing you aim for.
HELP I have this amp but it isn't turning on it's quite old, about 3 or 4 years and has had a lot of use. anyone know how to fix this? does it just need a retube?
Lol @ "it's quite old, about 3 or 4 years". 3 or 4 years isn't old for a tube amp--even an Oriental one. Hell, I've got guitar picks older than that still in use.
I understand there are only like 3 tube manufacturers, but each manufacturer makes different grades of tubes, like fender makes different grades of guitars. Buy a bunch of different modern made 12ax7 tubes and they will all have different internal construction despite the fact they are all made by the same 2-3 manufacturers. Chinese make some crap tubes and make some great ones!
I don’t know about the Russian Big Muff because I’ve had and use the same big muff that I had when I graduated high school in 1973. I Use it often with my AC 4 TV. It sounds awesome, and the amp is still as wonderfully touched sensitive with it as it is without it. It’s a great combination.
thanks JJ, your videos are awesome and really helpful, l’ve just bought the TV based on your two ac4 videos. i was wondering which one you like the most. greetings from argentina
It's fucking loud at 1/4 watt. I hadn't had an AC4TV in 9 years. Just got a used one and I swear it is loud. I don't remember my last one being like that. Time to open up the amp and see what tubes are in it.
Thanks for this great review, JJ! I'm doubting between this AC4 with only tone and volumen pots and the limited edition Blue/White with gain, treble, bass and volume controls, but whitout attenuator: www.voxamps.com/ac4tvcb
I have the head version and feel that having it through a 12 inch speaker has a bigger positive effect on the tone than the tube change. Although the tube change has definitely added some more brightness and complexity to the sound. here's a clip of mine through a 1x12 cab: th-cam.com/video/bgaAOchISsc/w-d-xo.html
While this is a good review of the amp JJ, you said quite clearly, "Always best not to touch the tubes with your hands, right?" No No No No! It's the same old internet myth over and over again. Since the dawn of the valve era 80 odd years ago people have been doing just that with no ill effects. Do you think that military equipment in the field gets that degree of coddling? Certainly not. It's designed to cope with the roughest of treatment under the most demanding of conditions. Keeping the valves pristine with not a mark on them is just not an option at any time. And, do you know what? There is never a problem with the valves. They are chosen because they are so "not fussy". Valves are NOT halogen lamps. There is no coating to damage with your fingerprint oils, and there is certainly no reason for your fingers to cause any form of thermal problems in the thickened hardened glass envelope. That is all it is, a tube made of thick toughened glass. Please stop spreading this internet stupidity started by those who don't properly know the field to those who don't know the tech of anything. Ask the old time engineers who have used valves all their working career and they will tell you.
Not exactly science, but I imagine it's like the headlights in your car. The oil from your skin sits on the lamp and creates a hot-spot in the lamp. The uneven heating of the lamp means uneven expansion of the glass which increases chances of cracking.
makes it a lot easier if you keep the amp attached to the back plate (just unscrew the 2 screws on the top, and the 7 outer screws on the back plate)
Other great mods for this amp are to swap the 12ax7 with a less gainy 12 ay7; I also cut the particle board back in half for an open back design which together the different tube gives some added headroom and makes it less boxy sounding.
Very informative video. I've owned one of these little amps for years and never really used it much. I've just started to get back into playing electric guitar (from acoustic and bass) and decided to change the valves in this amp, partly off the back of this video, and wow, what a difference. I swapped out the stock tubes for a set of custom groove tubes selected by Watford Valves. It's stopped a rather annoying background humming, brightened up the sound and it has more depth - it still overdrives far too quickly for casual playing IMO, but I will play around with the settings some more and the guitar controls before seriously thinking about swapping for something else. For anyone considering buying one of these - the 1/4 watt setting is still extremely loud for home practice!
I'll be honest. The little dude sounded great with both set of tubes. Great playing as well! ✌🏻
I just did this upgrade and it sounds incredible. It's like someone took a blanket off the amp. Thank you
I got one of these in trade recently. Absolutely did not want a small combo amp having already got an AC30 and no desire to do anything but turn the master down to room level. However .. had a great idea. My drummer got some bongos, the bassist played an acoustic bass and I played through the AC4TV. Perfect for coffee shop gigs. I spent $120 on the amp and the following week we were fully booked in 'super small' venues.
This is an incredibly helpful video about a great little amp and how to make it sound better. I just picked up a used one completely stock and like new. Thanks so much for helpful ideas!
Just retubed my AC4-TV per your instructions. Used Mullards. Seems to have more headroom and a much sweeter disposition. Thanks for your help and demo.
Used Mullards and seems to have more headroom and a much sweeter overall disposition. Thanks for the demo and your help
Al dik 2 jaar erg veel plezier mee!
Staat elke dag wel een paar uur aan en gaat nog als een gek! 175 euro,demomodel geweest en in de uitverkoop gekocht..... goeie video en je spreekt goed over de grens!
I've got 2 of these one at home, one at the rehearsal room I co-own. Valve change is well worth while but my main advice with the Ac4tv is that it really needs to run hot. Warm it up for at least 10 minutes before playing, longer if possible and the sound an dynamics improve beyond belief. The message even with upgraded tubes is run this amp hot to get the best sound and playing experience.
Nice video, it's good to see such a thorough and honest discussion of the amp.
What a great review. Thanks for this, I'm close to picking one up near me for $200. I love how you don't shy away from the downsides like lack of bass. That's no problem for me as a Beatles fan lol
Great amps. I’ve had one for 6 years. Love it. Hope you got one
Thanks brother, I just picked one up today after watching this video outstanding amp. Very happy with their original tubes but will definitely look at upgrading
What a massive difference the EHX tubes made!
I noticed more clarity and definition with the new valves. I personally like old Blackburn made mullard valves but use jj's when I'm unable to source them. I used to own the head and cab version of this amp and put in a celestion blue and that was pretty killer
I've used a little ac4 as a practice amp for a long time. IME they are a pretty boxy sounding thing, the stock sovteks were actually the nicest sounding tubes I ever had in it, and the greatest sound improvement you can achieve with these is to run them into a proper cabinet. The tubes don't make as much of a difference in these as they would in a larger tube amp where you have more than one power valve, and a phase inverter to play with etc
Also, it's fine to handle tubes for guitar amps with your hands
I have the AC4TV head running into the 12" cab. I find the attenuator useless. It sounds great on 4w but on anything lower the sparkle just goes away like someone threw a blanket over the amp. I did find a big difference changing the tubes to Mullards and Mesa tubes. The biggest difference to me was ditching the really dull Celestion 70/80 speaker to a real Greenback. The speaker brought it to life for me.
Your guitar looks and sounds outstanding. Great video presentation. Ya, I'm driving 45 minutes each way tomorrow to grab one. A little rip in the Tolex, but sweet price of $130.
sound is a difficult thing to describe but the new tubes do sound better for sure. I love small tube amps im currently loving my marshall jvm1 comvo. one watt is great for home and practice
Wadenkrang Guttenberg I got the jtm 1c the other day. the 1 watt cranked sounds pretty damn nice. people always talk shit about those marshall 1 watt amps, but to me it'd exactly what I wanted. a good tone quieter tube amp. I can't crank my marshall 2554 jubilee or two rock crystal . lol.
I have an AC4TV with a Bitmo Mod which is really cheap (check the net), and well worth it. I eventually put in a Celestion Vintage 10" that I had but even with the Bitmo mod alone it's a great amp for the money you've spent.
My AC4TV mini stack does a small gig ok and adding a PA mic the soundman can sort its wattage. I bought a discounted shop demo model and immediatly ceased using tranny amps. The factory hardware is a good cheap setup. The mismatched (8 Ohm output & 16 Ohm speaker) load impedence "crunches" the sound. The easy mod is to cut a slot in the rear panel or in my case a "cat flap" for open or closed mode sound.The Ruby tube is still there and the EL84 is now an Elecrtroharmonix. I installed a screen resistor for the EL84 to drive an 8 Ohm Weber Blue Pup ($100AUD) at 8 Watts. Life was simple and pleasing but then came lock down. I built an extension cab and bought a Weber 8 Ohm (very helpful people) alnico hemp cone. The cab is the same size (a bit taller) and it makes a mini stack with the speakers connected in series to give the original 16 Ohms load. This required a fair bit of workshop time and installing jacks etc. The hemp cone sounded the same in the chip board combo as the ply extension cab so the Blue Pup got the plywood cab. There's two voices decernable, each doing what the other doesn't. I also have a speaker selection switch that simply puts a shorting link across the speaker to be silenced. The screen resistor is still there so 8 Ohm load at 8 Watts is ok. In summary; sure change the stock EL84 and build a cat flat in the rear panel but beyond that buy an AC15-C2. I taught electronics for twenty five years so extreme modding is no big deal but my Vox vote goes to the AC15 as the sweetist and best value Vox amp. CheersTerry
I agree that the guitarists place in a band is to fill the mids
Really like your video, you have the right attitude and learned even more than just about the Vox AC4-TV. Learned About playing dynamics. I could not figure out how to get the shimmery tone. Thank you!
Muy buena review man! de las mejores que vi, muy detallada!
I have one of these and sounds great with a Les Paul .I love it.
I have a Celestion Greenback in mine and Harma valves. Sounds fantastic! Great little amp.
nice post. first time seeing you. I have the amp and I still like it. I agree with the dynamics. An LP Standard cannot clean up like a Tele. That said, the LP can make the small amp sing too with all the guitar options. Four knobs. Thanks.
Nice thorough review, man. Appreciated!
Lol Sovtek and Electro Harmonix are both New Sensor/Mike Matthews. Ruby tubes are just tested and rebranded. Nothing cheap there and it’s a myth that you can’t touch the tubes with your bare hands. There not automobile lightbulbs 😂🤣😂. Great video though! I am getting one today and will be turning the tone knob up even higher for more chime and natural compression. I’ll also use a Telecaster mostly and I’ll roll the tone knob back a tad but I love it bright. I agree bass is actually the enemy of guitar tone and why most players don’t sound right and their band sounds mushy, dull, and blended. Sculpt your tone and the band will sound like a multifaceted diamond 💎 Cheers! 🥂
They’re both New sensor, but they have different specs.
Great video and comparison. It's OK if you touch the tubes with your hands. The idea was somehow carried from halogen lamps.
I play such a small Vox ac4tv.
Very great Vox tone - at 4 Watts, of COURSE. Very good responding to your playing.
For rehearshal very good, live has to be miked.
You might want to add to this video that if you touch the metal chassis of the amp with one hand and one of those capacitors near the tubes with the other hand you are as good as dead when about over 400 volts of electricity goes through your body and stops your heart. Either drain the capacitors first or make sure you don't touch the capacitors when you change the tubes.
I’ve worked on tube amps in my own shop for thirty years. Trust me. You can handle them without gloves. They’ll be just fine.
i just read your comment that you worked for 30 years in a guitar shop. i m near to buy a rock amp that sounds like the 60/70s Rock sound. maybe you can recommend me if i should buy the
VOX AC 4 C BL or the VOX AV 30+ Valvetronic. this sounds very good as well. Thank you for help.
Subscribed, with bell on. Excellent review. I have the ac4tv Mini with 6.5 inch speaker, worse than the 10 obviously. But I like the amp. So I’m going to get the V212C cabinet, @ 16 ohm. It’ll kick arse with 2x12s I reckon. And now I’m going to change the tubes out. Wow! No idea you could do that easily. Then that I have a cab, I’ll buy a Marshall 1 watt tube for the bottom end. I was going to get the ac15 with 1/6 watt attenuation. But I think I’ll just use the ac4. I like it’s simplicity and the ac15 is a bit complicated on the controls for me. I don’t like options.
Not sure what gives. My AC4 even on 1/4 watt is horrendously loud. Have seen this mentioned by a few players before, but others are convinced it can be whisper quiet. Is there some inconsistency in manufacturing here?
I think some people's definition of loud is VERY VERY Different to mine. I find the 1W very loud in my house too.
You’re not mad. 1/4 watt is too loud. I have the ac4tv mini and it has 1/10 watt which I use all the time. It’s still loud .
I have the same experience. Really unsuitable even on 1/4 watt for bedroom practice. Mine seems to break up later than most I've seen even on 1/4 watt. I'm going to op open it up and see if it was modified. Lovely cleans though
I once had a Boss Katana 100 (bought that version because of the fx-loop and the possibility to use the GA-FC) but I only used it on 0,5W Mode... It was loud enough to me, even with the volume on half... My concern about this amp is the lack of bottom end..
I like the red thing below the desk...
Wonderful demo! Just liked it and subscribed. You convinced me :)
by scraping out a little bit of wood at the base of the cab - and the extra inch or two at the top if the cab - i reckon you could probably JUST squeeze in a 12 inch ? How cool would that be !!
Cool! Thanks - I’m gonna upgrade the tubes in mine!
Awesome review you deserve more views and subs keep it up man
Just bought one of these for £110 for practice and to mess around with. I've no desire to swap the tubes or speaker, but the tutorial is handy should I ever need to do it anyway. I have a couple of pedals I'll try using with it, see how it sounds. I'm a crap player though, and my ears aren't great, so I'll probably think it sounds awesome either way. 😁
Awesome vid thanks
I just got one on eBay hope to be picking it up tomorrow
Thanks for the tube-mod-tip I think I'll give it a go, the better low end sounds good, I'm gonna be playing my Theramin thru it, can't wait to hear it
Cheers!
Lookin' rockin' with the long hair, dude!
TheTRUTH thanks man
I have heard from a tech guy that improvement in overall sound with new tubes is just that they are new. I would like to hear an A/B from new to 6 months in
Yeah i was just thinking the same thing.. I got a bugera and the stock tubes were horrible too..
Amazing video, thanks for sharing! I’m gonna look into one of these
Touch the tubes. They aren’t halogen headlights.If they’re getting hot enough to break from skin oils, something is wrong with your amp. If you wanna really make that amp sound as good as it’s circuit will allow, put a Weber Alnico Blue pup10” or Blue Dog12”. Pretty good demo! Be interesting to hear one compared to an original’65 with ef86 preamp.
Yeah agree, got an AC30 and the stock tubes are brittle and harsh.
Opzich, een product kopen met de intentie om het te upgraden hoeft niet slecht te zijn, imo. N vriend van me wilde n goedkope elektrische gitaar met n humbucker en een akoestische pickup. Duur bestaan die wel, maar voor hem was t toch de betere keus om een goedkopere gitaar te modifyen. Eigenlijk bedoel ik het zo: als je een heel specifiek iets in je hoofd hebt, en je niet lang wilt wachten/sparen, dan is het kopen van een product en het modifyen ervan opzich geen slechte optie. Maar das natuurlijk super situationeel en ook slechts mijn mening ;)
Oh en ik vind je videos nice, keep it upp :y
My favorite Vox AC4 video!!! I just won one on Ebay, for the price you mentioned, bought it after watching your video. love the old tv classic look. They called it a modeling amp, so they didn't know what they have. Thanks for showing the Mod, such a thorough video. My only question is, the power tube does not need bias adjustment, because it's an "A" class amp?
You've got quite a bit of room reverb there, bud; what kind of mic did you use?
BTW, I so wish YT still allowed commenters to post links. Because what you said about this whole 'buy and modify' thing is spot on.
I was torn between this amp and the ac10. I got the ac10 because it had a reverb knob on it and i was worried because people say the ac4tv was boxy sounding and the ac4tv lacked eq knobs. when I played through my ac10 for the first time i was blown away by the BASS! i turned it all the way down and it is still very boomy with bass. i wish i could turn it down lower. im still interested in this amp.
I bought the ac4tv and it is boxy Indeed, one has to expect that given its dimensions and cheap construction. And I find It very bass-heavy and boomy as well (especially with the neck pickup of a Strat and the volume turned up quite a bit).
You can absolutely touch the tubes. you won't hurt them in any way.
Thank you for this video!!!
These little AC4TV amps I suppose are mimicking the Normal channel of the Vox AC30/15 amplifiers - while the AC4C1 amps are mimicking the top boost channel. Seems to get as gritty despite having one less preamp tube of its brother. I have to get one and compare the two
Actually, you've replaced only the preamp tube, because the amp one was already a Sovtek, which is the same with Electro Harmonix (check the tube box, you'll see made in Russia and Sovtek written on the EHx). RUBY tube from the preamp is a china made Shunguang, but these are good quality tubes (you can find them on Thomann and their price is bigger than EHx), so VOX does not put crappy tubes on their amps!
I have also an AC4TV, but mine came with 2 Sovtek (preamp+amp) and looking to replace the tubes, just for fun, and I'll go for the JJ tubes (it makes no sense to replace Sovtek with EHx, even if I already have 2 new EHx 12AX7 bought back in the past, so I'll go only for JJ EL84 first). I don't think this is gonna be some kind of a magical upgrade, but I am expecting to see a slightly different sound and response. In your case, the difference you've heard (because I can't hear it on this video) was the result of replacing preamp Ruby tube with an EHx. Imagine what could have been if the bigger one would have been also replaced :)
Nice information. Thanks.
Hello! Great video, .. It's is good for recordings? .. I hear than has a Hum as soon is turn on.. It's is true?
I also want to buy a Vox amp, thinking about a 4 or a 10. I now know what my second purchase after that will be :) Great video. Greetings from Spijkenisse
Btw, I own a first gen Blues Junior. Is changing the tubes worth it? Any opinions? Thanks!
Derk Bergman wat leuk, groetjes terug uit Spijkenisse Rock City!
Derk Bergman definitely worth the effort, it's a small investment that can have great results. I once took a BJ to my buddy Frits v Mourik who worked MAGIC on that thing, with a tube change and re-biased for more gain 🤘🏻
It is my main amp so a bit of love by changing the tubes could be a really nice thing to do. I already changed the speaker to a Celestion G12H. Imo it sounds more balanced and handles the overdrive/cranked sounds better.
Are you JJ's evil twin? I ordered a Solar Bender 'cause your demo sounded so damn good. I heard a much improved clean chime. I will re-tube my 15 w el84 amp with OE JJ tubes as suggested by the builder. My Marshall likes =C= el34 and 6n4 Chinese 12ax7.
Mr. mips JJ's evil twin? 🤓
Cheers man great video very helpful
Thanks really useful. Looking at s/h one atm or new DSL1cr (for home use). Hard choice. Svetlana do a good new issue 12ax7 btw.
I love a headstock of that guitar! What is it?
Great video mate, thanks!!
I'm a little confused when you said it's not necessary to swap to a new speaker. Most vox amps come with a cheap celestion speaker which is worth about 10 dollars. You can buy an ac15 or ac30 with the stock or with greenbacks or bluebacks but I own an ac10 and there is no option for that. many ppl say that vx10, blueback, greenback, are better and they cost like 150 to over 200 dollars... So what would you say on that matter? wouldn't that be acceptable? I just don't know what an appropriate other option there would be since there is only one vox ac10. None of the small voxes come with better speaker option. I don't want or need a bigger amp since I only play in my bedroom.
Michael McGill if you don't really play at loud volumes you'll never really notice the difference in installing a more efficient speaker IMO
I've had this app for 10 years or so was thinking of selling it for an orange micro dark. Maybe I will play with tubes. I want it more growly and I wouldn't mind losing Headroom as it's an apartment amp any suggestions?
I have an AC4TV and an Orange Terror Stamp (basically the same as a Micro Dark/Micro Terror but with a headphone/cabinet simulator and an effects loop). They are both great for home use and recording. If I had to pick one over the other, I'd probably keep the Orange but that's just because it can do things the Vox can't (like headphone jack and effects loop). However the Vox AC4TV is an amp I've had for 10 years as well and it is a great amp.
Great demo!
Hey JJ!!!! Is that a "Them crooked Vultures" L.P. Up left in this video?
Love your demos Man!!! :)
Guy Lalonde Yes, I ❤ that record so much!
Thank you for this awesome vid, i just replace the bulbs on my ac4tv but when closing the back of the amp my cat jump on the amp and the the components touch the speakers, should i'll be worry ?
I'm sure that won't have caused any issues :)
Really useful, thanks man
I had the vox 4tv blue and it was hella bright. thx
Wadenkrang Guttenberg True, I've owned the AC4C1 in red with 10" speaker and I didn't really like that amp either. The AC4TV, however, is a different beast.
The Vox AC4C1 was built to mimic the top boost channel, this amp in this video is built to mimic the normal channel. If you like the top boost on an ac30 you will like the former amp, if you like the normal channel you will most likely prefer the amp in this video. Personally I have a hard time with humbucker guitars, and the brightness of the ac4c1 complements the muddiness of humbuckers well. If you are going to play thin bright single coil guitars, then you don’t want an amp that emphasizes brightness
Tubes aren't halogen or hid light bulbs so no need for gloves to touch them.
New tubes have a little bit more chime and jangle as notes resonate. Way more "Vox"y, which is why I guess you buy a Vox.
What about the Bias? It does not need to be adjusted after replacing these tubes?
I was reading also and it looks like as it is a Class A amp it doesnt need to be re-biased.. Cheers!
The new tubes just sounded like the amp was being pushed harder: more compressed and distorted.
Anyone tried plugging an 8 ohm cabinet into the 16 ohm output ? I'm a little scared to try on mine.
I think you can but volume may suffer? Not sure you should though. Just buy a 16 cab. Annoying that Vox cabs are mostly 8ohm these days.
Just wondering after replacing the tubes do they need to be re-biased?
I was reading also and it looks like as it is a Class A amp it doesnt need to be re-biased.. Cheers!
Good Job!!!
Great demo! I'm undecided between this and the ac4c1! Which one is the best to be a practice amp to play at home?
I think this because the C1 doesn't have an attenuator. Using a 4W at home can get too loud very quickly.
thanks a lot JJ
great video JJ as usual... I want to buy the VOX AC4C1-12..so please tell me is it good idea to get that amp?? n' what changes could u advise me to do to the VOX AC4C1-12 ?? I'll appreciate u JJ n' someone else reply me . t-you =)
elmero mero I'd check out the AC10, that is a KILLER amp with more clean headroom than, say, an AC4 and more overall volume. I also like the reverb and portability of the AC10 and it packs quite a bit of low end oomph regardless of that 12" speaker. Again: it totally dependa on the CONTEXT in which you're going to use it.
elmero mero and as for mods: don't modify anything unless you find something you're not happy with... with the AC4, for me, it was that tube ratte. Speaker mods should always be the last thing you aim for.
JJ, does the AC4 offer an external speaker out? I'd love to hear that one through a big 212 or 412 cabinet ...
Ma Rio Yes, I mentioned that in the video. It's 16 ohms.
Thanks, yes i realized you mentioned that ...later ... do you have the possibility demoing this with a big cab?
This amp is great And the guitar looks And sounds cool too
Klinkt goed, en wat een lief bordje op de achtergrond!
So the stock tubes were not generic chinese then :),,not bad straight from the factory,,my ac15c1 had chinese
awesome video dude, what's the name of the song?
HELP I have this amp but it isn't turning on it's quite old, about 3 or 4 years and has had a lot of use. anyone know how to fix this? does it just need a retube?
Lol @ "it's quite old, about 3 or 4 years".
3 or 4 years isn't old for a tube amp--even an Oriental one. Hell, I've got guitar picks older than that still in use.
Nice video! Groeten, Jimi
I understand there are only like 3 tube manufacturers, but each manufacturer makes different grades of tubes, like fender makes different grades of guitars. Buy a bunch of different modern made 12ax7 tubes and they will all have different internal construction despite the fact they are all made by the same 2-3 manufacturers. Chinese make some crap tubes and make some great ones!
all guitar amps will pick up varying right hand picking position, it isn't a Vox thing
what about this with a russian big muff?
I don’t know about the Russian Big Muff because I’ve had and use the same big muff that I had when I graduated high school in 1973. I Use it often with my AC 4 TV. It sounds awesome, and the amp is still as wonderfully touched sensitive with it as it is without it. It’s a great combination.
Is this amp good for pedals?
Magnum OverPowered absolutely, it takes pedals really well
I know they are different flavors of AC4, but do you prefiere the TV or the C1-10?
MarianoUrreta the AC4TV is my favorite of the two
thanks JJ, your videos are awesome and really helpful, l’ve just bought the TV based on your two ac4 videos. i was wondering which one you like the most. greetings from argentina
MarianoUrreta Thanks! And enjoy your new amp! I definitely like the TV bettet.
careful of those filter capacitors!
Pity that the speaker is 16 Ohm..
I can piss off family at 1/4 watt setting
It's fucking loud at 1/4 watt. I hadn't had an AC4TV in 9 years. Just got a used one and I swear it is loud. I don't remember my last one being like that. Time to open up the amp and see what tubes are in it.
@@joellebrodeur1015you think it’s loud now, try plugging it into a 4x12!
Thanks for this great review, JJ! I'm doubting between this AC4 with only tone and volumen pots and the limited edition Blue/White with gain, treble, bass and volume controls, but whitout attenuator: www.voxamps.com/ac4tvcb
AMG DUCATI I would say: two less knobs to worry about
I have the head version and feel that having it through a 12 inch speaker has a bigger positive effect on the tone than the tube change. Although the tube change has definitely added some more brightness and complexity to the sound. here's a clip of mine through a 1x12 cab:
th-cam.com/video/bgaAOchISsc/w-d-xo.html
Hey English teacher those thing's on your gloves are called bows :)
While this is a good review of the amp JJ, you said quite clearly, "Always best not to touch the tubes with your hands, right?" No No No No! It's the same old internet myth over and over again. Since the dawn of the valve era 80 odd years ago people have been doing just that with no ill effects. Do you think that military equipment in the field gets that degree of coddling? Certainly not. It's designed to cope with the roughest of treatment under the most demanding of conditions. Keeping the valves pristine with not a mark on them is just not an option at any time. And, do you know what? There is never a problem with the valves. They are chosen because they are so "not fussy".
Valves are NOT halogen lamps. There is no coating to damage with your fingerprint oils, and there is certainly no reason for your fingers to cause any form of thermal problems in the thickened hardened glass envelope. That is all it is, a tube made of thick toughened glass. Please stop spreading this internet stupidity started by those who don't properly know the field to those who don't know the tech of anything. Ask the old time engineers who have used valves all their working career and they will tell you.
gloves?! get out! show me a scientific reason!!
Not exactly science, but I imagine it's like the headlights in your car. The oil from your skin sits on the lamp and creates a hot-spot in the lamp. The uneven heating of the lamp means uneven expansion of the glass which increases chances of cracking.