Rat Valve Amps makes note of the fact that the quality of components chosen by Vox for this amp is extremely good. In fact the stock output transformer is said to be "superb", and this from a guy that has been building and modding amps for 35 years. I have the AC4 head and it's proven to be phenomenal value. Have had it for 1 year now, no problems, no hiss or hum, just great tone. Save your money and keep this amp stock. Save up for a Carr Raleigh if you want something special.
I think both are really nice sounding..On the rhythm work I like the mod better as it was much less harsh and better balanced but the original one's brightness I think sounded nice on lead. I like both..
I Love all my Amps, which are all completely stock! Some of them are Fenders,Marshalls from the 60ies,70ies,some are Modern Boutique Amps like Dr Z and some are Brand New Reissues like the Vox AC4!
I was ready to send my AC4 to Fargen for a mod. I'm glad I watched this first. I like the stock amp much more. The mod sounds like it is a lot less bright and has dull highs. However, lows are improved by the mod. Not worth it to me. Thanks for posting. You have a cool style...
At first listen, the stock sounds better. But the modified is actually so much more useful, it seems. I mean, having a dynamic high end is nice. But it can be piercing and cause problems in your mix a lot.
Listened to reviews of Marshall class5,Blackstar HT5 and standerd Vox AC4 tonight and your modded Vox blows them away bro` ! An amp maker should offer your mod` as an optionall extra ! Well Done ! Pece Ye`All !!
can you do an AC30 CC2? i have a vox ac30 CC2 with warfdale speakers and would like a clearer sound when using overdrive pedals. before i go and buy alnico blue speakers im gonna add a mercury upgrade kit. do you do these?
good video bob i tried to do a video comparison with my fender champs one stock and one point to point wired nos tubes and 8 in weber and just overwhelmed the mic on my video camera, i need to figure out how to hook up a good mic to my computer or camera. all these people leave comments how they like the stock better im sure if they were their they would love you mods. good job keep it up ...jim
I've had a stock AC4 to play with and at best I thought it was OK ... way too bright in a horrible way and unnatural harsh highs when pushed ... I think the clip of the stock amp sounds better than what the amp sounds like live ... I have a VJr with Merc. Mag. kit it doesn't lack anything as far as highs ... I'd expect the same for the AC4 kit
Stock is better. The modified cuts the high end and that's why it sounds smoother. But I prefer to keep my highs intact is only to accomidate humbucker pickups. Thumbs down for me.
It sounds good but i think i like the stock one better. Less compressed and more open sounded. Anyway i like your playing stile. Btw i orded VOX AC4 TV8 today =)
@StateAD I agree I own one! it sounds great when you dial it in, and my Line 6 XT Live sounds great when set right. I will be getting a line 6 POD HD-500 soon should sound good also. Just my subjective opinion... which is really what a preference really is something that you prefer over another... Great video thought nice playing. I Subscribed.
Great stuff...have you ever done a OT, PT & choke mod to a Bogner Alchemist? I was thinking of getting this done w/ Merc Magnetics components, but would like to hear the difference and get some more info first.
Humm sounds nice but seeing as the upgrade kit cost more than the amp itself, for double the price there are quite a few amps to compete in that upper price range.
what are the cabinets under each amp for ?
hofnersinla 4 weeks ago
Holy jimmy legs! Nice demo though
onetime504 2 months ago
Rat Valve Amps makes note of the fact that the quality of components chosen by Vox for this amp is extremely good. In fact the stock output transformer is said to be "superb", and this from a guy that has been building and modding amps for 35 years. I have the AC4 head and it's proven to be phenomenal value. Have had it for 1 year now, no problems, no hiss or hum, just great tone. Save your money and keep this amp stock. Save up for a Carr Raleigh if you want something special.
itsonlyrcknroll 2 months ago
I think both are really nice sounding..On the rhythm work I like the mod better as it was much less harsh and better balanced but the original one's brightness I think sounded nice on lead. I like both..
MrEasler 2 months ago
I Love all my Amps, which are all completely stock! Some of them are Fenders,Marshalls from the 60ies,70ies,some are Modern Boutique Amps like Dr Z and some are Brand New Reissues like the Vox AC4!
azharkamal 3 months ago
A great example of how "better sounding" is in the ear of the beholder.
carpballet 3 months ago
Dear Mercury Magnetics, stop "upgrading" amps. Thanks.
TheRealRayJ 3 months ago
I was ready to send my AC4 to Fargen for a mod. I'm glad I watched this first. I like the stock amp much more. The mod sounds like it is a lot less bright and has dull highs. However, lows are improved by the mod. Not worth it to me. Thanks for posting. You have a cool style...
fatstrat6969 4 months ago
At first listen, the stock sounds better. But the modified is actually so much more useful, it seems. I mean, having a dynamic high end is nice. But it can be piercing and cause problems in your mix a lot.
ebeatworld 4 months ago
Listened to reviews of Marshall class5,Blackstar HT5 and standerd Vox AC4 tonight and your modded Vox blows them away bro` ! An amp maker should offer your mod` as an optionall extra ! Well Done ! Pece Ye`All !!
auto4union 5 months ago
honestly the stock sound is better - Modded sound is too muffled, IMO
lifternate 6 months ago
can you do an AC30 CC2? i have a vox ac30 CC2 with warfdale speakers and would like a clearer sound when using overdrive pedals. before i go and buy alnico blue speakers im gonna add a mercury upgrade kit. do you do these?
joshuarugg 11 months ago
good video bob i tried to do a video comparison with my fender champs one stock and one point to point wired nos tubes and 8 in weber and just overwhelmed the mic on my video camera, i need to figure out how to hook up a good mic to my computer or camera. all these people leave comments how they like the stock better im sure if they were their they would love you mods. good job keep it up ...jim
jimibob68 11 months ago
I've had a stock AC4 to play with and at best I thought it was OK ... way too bright in a horrible way and unnatural harsh highs when pushed ... I think the clip of the stock amp sounds better than what the amp sounds like live ... I have a VJr with Merc. Mag. kit it doesn't lack anything as far as highs ... I'd expect the same for the AC4 kit
RockMumbles 1 year ago
flat.
laser74hobby 1 year ago
Stock is better. The modified cuts the high end and that's why it sounds smoother. But I prefer to keep my highs intact is only to accomidate humbucker pickups. Thumbs down for me.
fabbola 1 year ago
It sounds good but i think i like the stock one better. Less compressed and more open sounded. Anyway i like your playing stile. Btw i orded VOX AC4 TV8 today =)
StateAD 1 year ago
@StateAD I agree I own one! it sounds great when you dial it in, and my Line 6 XT Live sounds great when set right. I will be getting a line 6 POD HD-500 soon should sound good also. Just my subjective opinion... which is really what a preference really is something that you prefer over another... Great video thought nice playing. I Subscribed.
discreetdatasecurity 6 months ago
Hi Bitterclinger, I haven't had the chance to work on a Bogner Alchemist. If I ever do I'll let you know if some Mercs will add to the flavor.
mcmusicsound 1 year ago
Great stuff...have you ever done a OT, PT & choke mod to a Bogner Alchemist? I was thinking of getting this done w/ Merc Magnetics components, but would like to hear the difference and get some more info first.
bitterclinger 1 year ago
i hope this comes to the UK
AaronOwenSmith 1 year ago
If all we're hearing are the amps then why is there reverb on it?
musiccalgary 1 year ago
You said "uuhhhh..." about 400 times.
musiccalgary 1 year ago 2
Humm sounds nice but seeing as the upgrade kit cost more than the amp itself, for double the price there are quite a few amps to compete in that upper price range.
MFastoso 1 year ago
Anyone that would like me to upgrade their AC4 may contact me at my email
bmcmusic@comcast.net
I will explain exactly what is needed. It is fun amp and much more recording friendly and pedal friendly when modded.
Bob
mcmusicsound 1 year ago 2
How can I arrange to have you mod my AC4 with this ugrade kit?
tanger335 1 year ago
Love your solo at 05:20... nice sounding amp. love these little buggers.
marc12marc 1 year ago