Closest amp to AC-30 sound?
- Thread starter ledzepp29
- Start date
That90'sGuy
DyzaBoyzologist
Re: Closest amp to AC-30 sound?
I'd say the TopHat Club Royale, since it's a Class A amp, has very similar voicing to it. Absolutely phenomenal tone!
I'd say the TopHat Club Royale, since it's a Class A amp, has very similar voicing to it. Absolutely phenomenal tone!
Gearjoneser
Gear Ho
Re: Closest amp to AC-30 sound?
Obviously the big dollar amps like Badcat Blackcat 30 and Matchless DC-30 are similar, and better, but for lower dollars, Laney, Orange, Bedrock, Gibson Goldtone 30RV, or even the Vox Valvetronix 2-12 combo are pretty fair contenders.
Obviously the big dollar amps like Badcat Blackcat 30 and Matchless DC-30 are similar, and better, but for lower dollars, Laney, Orange, Bedrock, Gibson Goldtone 30RV, or even the Vox Valvetronix 2-12 combo are pretty fair contenders.
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DeadSkinSlayer3
Guest
Re: Closest amp to AC-30 sound?
Laney VC30
Laney VC30
Re: Closest amp to AC-30 sound?
For under a grand, about the only thing that is going to give you authentic Vox tones will be the Valvetronix with the one 12AX7 in it.
Another amp you might want to consider would be something like the Crate 3212. It gives pretty nice EL84 tones.
That's the key for what you are asking for. Finding a decent amp with EL84 power tubes is the first place to look.
That Crate uses 4 of them. Something like the Ampeg J12T uses two of them and will give you some decent vox/marshall tones in a small 20 watt box.
To get into the Matchless/BadCat territory, you're going to have to rob a bank.
For under a grand, about the only thing that is going to give you authentic Vox tones will be the Valvetronix with the one 12AX7 in it.
Another amp you might want to consider would be something like the Crate 3212. It gives pretty nice EL84 tones.
That's the key for what you are asking for. Finding a decent amp with EL84 power tubes is the first place to look.
That Crate uses 4 of them. Something like the Ampeg J12T uses two of them and will give you some decent vox/marshall tones in a small 20 watt box.
To get into the Matchless/BadCat territory, you're going to have to rob a bank.
Hot _Grits
Buttery Toneologist
Re: Closest amp to AC-30 sound?
Try looking for a secondhand Mesa Blue Angel. More versatile than an AC30, and significantly more roadworthy.
Or possible a secondhand AC15...
Try looking for a secondhand Mesa Blue Angel. More versatile than an AC30, and significantly more roadworthy.
Or possible a secondhand AC15...
NoMoreMKIV
New member
Re: Closest amp to AC-30 sound?
The Mesa Maverick gets a sound that can be tweaked in toward the AC-30 tone. If you drive the right speaker cabinet (maybe a 2x12 with Vintage 30's?) it would probably do the trick.
It's a Class-A, EL-84 driven amplifier, so not surprising.
However, it will still cost you some cash to get one, so if you're looking for a cheap solution to the AC-30, maybe need to go with modeling amplifiers?
By the way, I should mention that the Vox practice amp, called the Pathfinder, has a really nice Vox tone, even though it's all solid state. The thing is tiny, and has nice vibrato too. In fact, I have run the line out of this amp into a big cabinet and been amazed at the tones you can get. Must be the best $100 amp out there.
The Mesa Maverick gets a sound that can be tweaked in toward the AC-30 tone. If you drive the right speaker cabinet (maybe a 2x12 with Vintage 30's?) it would probably do the trick.
It's a Class-A, EL-84 driven amplifier, so not surprising.
However, it will still cost you some cash to get one, so if you're looking for a cheap solution to the AC-30, maybe need to go with modeling amplifiers?
By the way, I should mention that the Vox practice amp, called the Pathfinder, has a really nice Vox tone, even though it's all solid state. The thing is tiny, and has nice vibrato too. In fact, I have run the line out of this amp into a big cabinet and been amazed at the tones you can get. Must be the best $100 amp out there.
Pandemonium
New member
Re: Closest amp to AC-30 sound?
I'll second that.
I'll second that.
Wattage
High Voltologist
Re: Closest amp to AC-30 sound?
You know I wasn't thinking! The Crate VC5212 50 watt Vintage Club 2x12 combo can be tweaked a bit to get you in the ballpark. A set of the new Eminence Brit style speakers like the Red Fangs and a good set of tubes you'd be doing pretty well. They break up a lot easier than the Vox's especially with the stock speakers but I think if you put a bit of effort into getting a good speaker match and looking for a set of tubes with good headroom you'd be pretty close for a budget AC30.
You know I wasn't thinking! The Crate VC5212 50 watt Vintage Club 2x12 combo can be tweaked a bit to get you in the ballpark. A set of the new Eminence Brit style speakers like the Red Fangs and a good set of tubes you'd be doing pretty well. They break up a lot easier than the Vox's especially with the stock speakers but I think if you put a bit of effort into getting a good speaker match and looking for a set of tubes with good headroom you'd be pretty close for a budget AC30.
Indie P Bass
New member
Re: Closest amp to AC-30 sound?
I'd steer clear of anything valvetronix, if I were you. I was trying one of them out with a 3hb Ibanez LP from the 70's and a 3hb Epiphone LP and every tone on it had a digital tone under it. I was really annoying. If I were you, I'd just save up and get that AC-30, or find another, cheaper amp that you like the tone of.
I'd steer clear of anything valvetronix, if I were you. I was trying one of them out with a 3hb Ibanez LP from the 70's and a 3hb Epiphone LP and every tone on it had a digital tone under it. I was really annoying. If I were you, I'd just save up and get that AC-30, or find another, cheaper amp that you like the tone of.
