Re: Vintage vs. Reissue Vox AC30
I've also played on every version of the AC-30, and most boutique copies of it.
A big factor is the speakers and tubes. I think a big cause of failure amongst Vox amps is the fact that the EL-84's are slammed with voltage, and when a tube fails, something else burns up. For that reason, Vox owners should really be dilligent when it comes to replacing tubes. JJ's hold up really well, and that's why Matchless ships with them.
The old ones that have been well maintained and the Limited Handwired are the 2 that represent the true Vox sound the best, especially with Alnico Blue speakers. That's the signature Vox jangle, we associate with the early 60's. With Celestions, they take on a grindier sound, which many people prefer when they're cranking them and trying to get more gain.
The 90's/Korg reissues were very nice amps as well, and often shipped with the choice of Greenbacks or Celestion Alnico Blues, which I think they still do.
The Breakup on these circuit board versions was OK, but not quite as smooth as the older ones.....just a tiny bit rattier. They were also brighter.
Still, they were pretty decent amps, and a lot of 90's alt/rock bands loved them. I think the tubes they shipped with were the main source of their problems......cheap Sovtek or EI's that had too many problems with microphonics. JJ's usually cleared up any problems.
As for the modern Chinese CC's, they approached them differently, and the quality is hit or miss, probably based on component quality. I've heard about problems from some, and zero problems from others. I'd probably baby it if I owned it, and I'm not sure I'd gig without a backup....but that goes for any EL-84 amp. I was pleasantly surprised with the versatility and the tone....the best thing was the addition of reverb and more gain. I have to admit, I really like the new ones. It's easier to dial in the exact gain level you want, whereas the traditional AC-30's were non master volume.
