Matchless/VOX Connection

[ef86pentode]

Ladies & Gents:
So, I have some Matchless Amps and I LOVE the clean & the grit.
I have always been told that the Matchless Circuits are largely based on the VOX AC15 & AC30 top boost. Is this truly the case?
I played a VOX AC30 at a shop once and I will not lie, I didn't see too overt a connection. Perhaps the specimen was not ideal or perhaps my ear was off that day...who knows.
Umm, where was I? Oh yeah, just how close is the circuit? How much did Mr. Sampson borrow from a truly great amp when he created (IMHO) a modern classic?
Thank you in advance.
Best,
MG

 

[PUCKBOY99]

Re: Matchless/VOX Connection

:beerchug: GREETINGS!!!

I just bought a Matchless Clubman & I was told that it would sound like a cross between a Plexi & a Vox.

When overdriven, I can hear the Plexi, but I really don't hear a Vox coneection, granted, I've never played an actual Vox...only thru modellers & recordings.

Either way, I love the little beast for what it is...a true classic rock MACHINE !!! :bigok:

 

[Luke Duke]

Re: Matchless/VOX Connection

Hey man, Welcome to the Forum!

I don't know how much he actually borrowed, but I've heard the same thing as you. I've only played through one AC30 RI and it had greenbacks, and one AC15 RI. The warm middy tone I associate with a clean vox is present in matchless. Overdriven, well they seem to be their own beasts, quite a bit thicker with much more gain, at least the ones I've heard.

I think it's great to have these boutique amp builder basing their designs on hybrids of out favorite amps. My Z for example has a plexi meets vox tone.

Luke

 

[Lewguitar]

Re: Matchless/VOX Connection

My Matchless SC-30 definately has a Vox AC-30 vibe to it: EL-84 tubes in both, cathode follower circuit, cathode biased, etc. I have a Matchless 2x12 cab with a pair of mid 60's Celestion alnico 12's in it like the Beatles used and played through those it is very Voxey! Lew

 

[Lewguitar]

Re: Matchless/VOX Connection

Just one more thing: the classic Vox AC-30 sound includes alnico magnet (not ceramic magnet) Celestions 12's. Greenbacks are fine speakers but they don't sound at all like the 60's G12 Celestion Alnico Blue 12's the Beatles used. Lew

 

[Luke Duke]

Re: Matchless/VOX Connection

Just one more thing: the classic Vox AC-30 sound includes alnico magnet (not ceramic magnet) Celestions 12's. Greenbacks are fine speakers but they don't sound at all like the 60's G12 Celestion Alnico Blue 12's the Beatles used. Lew

I realized that when I tried it, but I just don't associate voxes with the beatles....kind of funny huh?

Greenbacks are snappier if I remember my sound clips right....Lew?

Luke

 

[Gearjoneser]

Re: Matchless/VOX Connection

I've asked Phil Jamison these kinds of questions once. He's stated that the new and old Matchless amps are equal in construction and tone. When asked about Vox, he said that they reverse engineered the original Vox's, but made improvements wherever they saw fit......basically learning from the shortcomings of the original design. He didn't go into component details, but that was the jist of what he said.

With the DC-30's, they're like an improved AC-30 IMO. Basically similar, but better in quality and size of tone.

I'm more of a fan of Chieftains, since I've had a DC-30 and 2 Chieftain 2-12 combos.
My lifetime keeper is a black/grey cloth/white knob 97. Jamison said that the Chieftain is more of an RCA Bassman preamp section, mated to a plexi power section, but both sections aren't exact copies of Fender or Marshall, just Matchless's upgraded interpretation of those designs.