Vox AC30CC 212 Combo

Considering the limitations of the AC-30's of old, I have to give the Custom Classic high marks for the added features. Even though master volumes, half power switches, and effects loops are more the norm these days, to finally see VOX step up is to be commended.

I've owned a JMI era AC-30, a 92 Korg era reissue AC-30, and now the AC-30 CC2 and I can say the sound quality is a 10. Tonally it's not an exact replica of a 60's Vox, but very close. For some things I can say I actually prefer the Custom Classic. I think the normal channel with the brilliance switch engaged is more appealing to my ears then that of a vintage "treble" AC-30. I think the amp sounds great with my tele, strat, or 335. It really seems to love the single coil pickups on my strat in any of the 5 positions.

So far so good. I think there are some inherent design issues with this amp. The soldered speaker leads being one of them. The guy from North Coast does indeed do a nice mod on the speaker leads for no charge if you buy one from them. From what I understand, VOX does it's own QC on it's tubes with a 12 hour burn-in at the factory. I changed my tubes after the first week, so I can't comment on the factory tubes reliability. I put a quartet of NOS Mullards in it and hope I don't have to change them for a long time. I see a lot of these amps on ebay with the grillcloth loose or trim pieces missing or even cracks in the vinyl. Makes you wonder. Mine has been great so far.

The people at VOX r&d in England have actually answered the phone and were very helpful with questions I had before buying the amp. Never had to deal with warranty stuff or the folks at Kong.

I'm going to call it a 9.5. There is no question that this is a wonderful sounding version of the famous AC-30. With the added features like the master volume, pretty nice reverb, bias adjustment switch, smoothing switch, effects loop, etc., the Custom Classic is an amazingly great deal at around a thousand bucks.

The new Custom Classic reissues have...well i won't bore anyone with the features, they've been listed lots of times. the basic one is that there are 2 non-switchable channels, (normal and top boost) and that you can link them with a switch rather than patch cords as in the olden days, i'm told. I would take off some points for non footswitchablity of the 2 channels but love the link feature. reverb is ok, but my Electro-Harmonix Wiggler has got a better-sound vibrato effect (and one of its settings is based on the AC30 vibrato channel!)...

I'm mainly using a Les Paul through it, so far. I go straight in, or sometimes I use the Wiggler and/or a Big Muff. I'm really into the vintage psychedelia right now which is one of the reasons i love the way the amp sounds. It's not too noisy, and can be turned down pretty low (play in an appartment during the day) and still get good tone and 'dynamic response' (pick attack, etc.). The master volume allows for a strictly clean tone or by cranking it you can dirty it up yourself depending on how hard you play. Top Boost sounds good and can get a ton of overdrive, but i prefer a setting i've found using the Link feature (blends normal and top boost channels). If you're looking for this sound, it's great in my opinion. I'm afraid i don't have much basis for comparison with regard to the older issues/vintage vs Custom Classics.

I've read most of the bad stories about the reliability of this amp, especially the Custom Classics. Everyone loves the sound but hates the construction. I would DEFINITELY recommend buying your new AC30CC through www.northcoastmusic.com. This guy runs it by himself, and test-runs each amp for 12 hours, fixes cosmetic blemishes, not to mention any microphonic tubes/other defects before shipping it (double boxes it too) for FREE from wisconsin. No extra fee for this. He also solves the soldering problem on the speakers (when opening amp to changing tubes)described in other reviews, by unsoldering the speakers himself and adding clips for easy access, all for free and under complete approval from Vox USA (won't void the warranty or anything). DO IT THEY'RE GREAT. my amp's had no problems, though i haven't had it too long or taken it anywhere much....

haven't really dealth with them yet, havent had it but for like a month...hope they're good, there's a service center in my town which is lucky.

been playing for 8 years, and own lots of other instruments. i would buy this amp again if it was lost or stolen although saving up the money again would suck. i like the amp overall right now a lot. I compared it to Fenders such as the twin/deville (too loud, can't get cranked sound at quiet volumes), but loved the AC30. Looks mighty pretty too.