Scott Whigham - Vox AC30 CC2 with Fender Stratocaster (Normal Channel)

[berherbi]

hey scott, your vids are really good , thx , I am waiting for the next ones....thx berh

[PaipeerHollow]

Great review.

Are there differences between the AC30VR and the CC2?

Thanks!!!

[sk8ergil]

hahahahahaha, hate the bridge sound too

[lilscampful]

Jeff Bridges, TRON! Great review Scott. Kinda torn between getting AC30cc2 and Ac15C1 or C2 atm. I would love to get a 30CC2 but might be a bit on the big side for me...

[Lallen785]

Scott, I play a wide range of styles and can't decide between an AC30 or a Fender amp. I use a Strat and an SG. Which would you say iis more versatile, the AC30, or a Fender amp such as the Blues deluxe and Hot Rod? Would really appreciate your advice.

[velebr3]

@Lallen785 I would take Vox. :)

[VlastaStevanovich]

Hello Scott, great review. The only AC30 review on the internet that is actually worth watching. I have just a little question - AC30C2, Blues Deluxe or Hot Rod Deluxe for Clapton / Peter Green / Hendrix style blues (they all cost the same here in Europe), and AC15C1 or Blues Junior (same price) for same styles? Thanks in advance, and keep the videos coming.

[DFWWhighams]

@VlastaStevanovich You're too kind - I'm sure there are lots better ones out there!!! But you made my day anyway :)

Hot Rod Deluxe with Vintage 30s would be my pick!

[VlastaStevanovich]

@DFWWhighams Thanks for the advice. I was kind of leaning towards the AC30C2 because I have a soft spot for Vox. I suppose you are thinking about the DeVillle since you say Vintage 30s because Deluxe has only one speaker, maybe not. Anyway, I'll look into it. I'll try both of them :)

And about the AC30 review, trust me - I've seen them all, your 2 videos about the AC30 are the best. Cheers

[TonyFeral]

have you ever heard of power chords?

[Schiallo]

Hi! Really good demo! I have a question: are you using the normal channel with the brilliance switch on or off? It's just to understand the normal channel clearity with the switch off..thanks!

[ScottWhigham]

@Schiallo Thanks for the kind words :) I was using the Normal channel with the brilliance switch on!

[DreamDeliriumMusic]

really good review

[joshhorne]

Gosh, man. Thank you so much for posting a demo where you actually play chords instead of crazy ridiculous lead licks that no one actually uses in real playing situations. And I appreciate your honesty.

There's a lot of hype about the build quality of the CC's and the fact that they're made in China, the type of wood the cabinet's made of, etc. etc. What's your honest opinion about the build quality of the CC's? B/c I REALLY want one. ;)

[ScottWhigham]

@joshhorne This is a tough thing to answer b/c I sold it after having it only a few months. The winds changed and I wanted something else so I had to sell this to free up funds. I never had trouble with it though and I drove it pretty hard. But I've read a lot about problems. Where there's smoke, there's fire IMO...

[ScottWhigham]

@joshhorne Thanks! Glad you liked it :)

I never had a problem with mine. I played it a TON and it was flawless for me. I have read lots about the problems but I guess I was lucky.

[IamMagPie]

I love VOX amps due to a love for The Beatles. Sadly my VOX has stopped working on one of the two speakers. Sent it to repair, and it worked for a week. Now only one of the two speakers make a sound. The other one is dead.

[13mwolfe]

Great Demos! I do have one question to ask about selecting amps. I've been saving up for a new amp this summer and I've come to two decisions on which amp to get. The Fender Blues Deluxe Reissue (tweed) or Vox AC30CC2. I'm playing a Fender American Standard Strat and I play mostly blues, jazz, and classic rock. The Vox AC30 would just about break the bank and I would have no extra money to buy some pedals. With the Fender I could buy a Tubescreamer, Wah, Delay pedal, etc. What is your opinion?

[ScottWhigham]

@13mwolfe Thanks! I'd opt for the Blues Deluxe, I think. The pedals add versatility and, if you are playing several styles, you need that IMO. Other people would opt for the AC30 though. There is no "right" answer!

[MrBigmuffer]

i have a question, will a vox ac15 and a fender highway one strat be a good combination to play live? i also have the option to buy an epiphone custom and a vox ac30, I plan to use it for gigs, what should I do?

[ScottWhigham]

@MrBigmuffer Both are great options. I think AC15 is not loud enough for a heavy/loud drummer. Your choice depends on whether you will be micing your amp or not. If so, it comes down to whether you like the 1x12 or 2x12. If you aren't micing your cab, then I'd probably opt for an AC30 so that I could be loud enough.

[guitarmunky100]

I LOVE THAT 

[MrMorenight]

i must tell you these demos are excellent and were very usefull for me.

I only have one question about your VOX AC30 CC2 demos. Is this the model with Alnico Blue speakers, or the one with greenbacks? is there so much diferencences (in sound) between them?

[ScottWhigham]

@MrMorenight Thank you :) This particular AC30 had the Wharfdales in it - nothing special. To answer your other question, OMG there are massive differences in the Blues and green backs. They aren't alike at all to my ears. I like the Celestion Blue, Celestion Gold, and the E/V SRO type of speakers with the Vox-y style amps but that's a personal preference, you know?

[MrMorenight]

Hey Scott!! these demos are excellent and were very usefull for me.

I only have one question about your VOX AC30 CC2 demos. Is this the model with Alnico Blue speakers, or the one with greenbacks?

[MrMorenight]

Hey Scott!! Great Video!! only one question: are these blue alnico speakers or greenbacks? have you checked out this amp with both speakers? is there so much differences betwwen both?

[animepwn3r]

How do you get that gain on the amp? I played an ac30, but I didn't know how to get some gainy sound on it

[ScottWhigham]

@animepwn3r Hmmm - nothing special. I was using a hotter-than-normal set of pickups, I think (Lindy Fralin Blues Specials)

[Hec123456789]

@animepwn3r TOP BUSTER OR SATURATION OF VOL

[ScottWhigham]

@elomeguito I've never really sat down and looked.

[elomeguito]

hey what is de difference between a AC30 CC2 and a AC30 C2?

[RafaelJackmout]

What about the noise, dude? I don't have a nice budget so I keep using cheap guitars and amps, the noise is always there (sure, pretty loud in distortion). But as I search and hear those expensive gears as Fender and Vox... the last thing I would expect is that noise which is clearer, or only clear, when you r not playing the guitar but the pickups are one.

Woudn't it be a matter of cabbles? I mean... I might be, ya?

[ScottWhigham]

@RafaelJackmout Hmmm - I'm not quite sure what you are referring to? Is there noise in the video, or on your amp? I'm sorry - it's been over a year since I shot that video and can't really remember any noise issues.

[RafaelJackmout]

@ScottWhigham I guess it is the normal noise of the single pickups... I just don't know why it gets louder in the middle position (as you noticed in the video). Nevermind, not a big deal.

[RafaelJackmout]

@ScottWhigham I guess it is the normal noise of any single pickup. Nevermind, not a big deal. Thank you for answering

[Guppy915]

I agree, I am a bit intimidated with mine as well. Have you had any success with stompboxes? I have exact same amp. However when I look at other amps and they play I am like that's cool, then they throw on the clean and I am like no waay the vox ac30 ALWAYS rules! It reigns supreme in the glassy clean department, it has that aura about it. This video has nice sounds. Your Stratocaster sounds great. I have exact same amp as yours CC2. It is so versatile and can do so much.

[ScottWhigham]

@Guppy915 Voxes take pedals super well - I used a Tim, a Timmy, an Xotic BB Preamp - all sounded good.

[stfuXdonny]

Looks and sounds like a young jeff bridges =)

[Fishpigg]

2.08 you need to get out more

[BucksStudent]

"What I love about the Vox is the RAAAAAANNNGGGEEE of tone."

Yeah, gotta love that raaaaaannngggeee. Great sounding amp.

[OgreDaddy]

Nice work on the demo Scott.



[MrJimmiClapton]

dude how do you record the good sound quality? what mic through wat equipment etc be grateful if you could let me know

[ScottWhigham]

@MrJimmiClapton Hmmmm - I see a Shure SM7B on one speaker but I don't know if there are two mics or just one that are active! It's been a while since I did this one... It's just a mic into a run-of-the-mill Tascam mic pre.

[gamergeek3000]

hate to say it, but i just watched the vox video about the ac-30 and they said you get more clean headroom on the 50 hot bias.

[ScottWhigham]

@gamergeek3000 I don't know who "they" are but maybe so. Try the various options and you'll hear a difference, I bet!

[kpmurphy62]

Nice amp I too am a fender twin man BUT this one would be a great add to my stable!

[ScottWhigham]

@kpmurphy62 You *need* both sounds, don't you? I know I do :)

[PopExpo]

i wanna try an AC30 but i basically grew up on the fender/fender type rig. this demo helped alot. 

[ScottWhigham]

@PopExpo Glad it helped - thanks for the comments. I love that Fender tone too but, after I tried my first Vox, it was just so chime-y and shimmery - very different in a good way. You just need both!

[intheblues]

@ScottWhigham I have two fender amps and a new vox ac30. The vox is killer. I've been a fender/fender guy for ages but I have turned, this amp blows the fenders away at low volume, I love it :)

Cool stuff man, nice channel

[atorresmusic]

Hi Scott Great informative video! I was wondering how this amp would compare to the Egnator Rebel 30 and the Marshall Haze 40 as far as cleanliness and the quality of the distortion.

[lukevmusic]

That sound is GORGEOUS!!! great demo!

[chymist66]

Scott I could most definitely tell the difference with where you picked the strings. The difference was huge I thought, just on the same neck pickup. Beautiful clean tone.

[jayscott49]

this is the best demo i've seen on YouTube, thanks so much! i've been thinking about getting an AC 30 after playing every vintage Fender there is, but have no knowledge of them, so this is awesome. i also favor the neck pick-up and relatively clean, no pedals tone- love Jimmie Vaughan's 2 tweed bassmans tone but want something different. anyway, thanks again!

[ScottWhigham]

@jayscott49 That's awfully cool of you to take the time and say nice things like that. Makes my day start off nice :) Thanks!

[getshorty102]

Dude, I love your demo's. You say some much more about an amp than anybody else on youtube. Usually you just hear somebody play a solo then try to demonstrate how much gain it gets. It took you two videos to demo this amp, I have seen demos of this amp that cover both channels in one video that is shorter than either of your videos. I love the depth of your videos!

[ScottWhigham]

@getshorty102 Hey, thanks - that's really nice to say. Some folks hate that I talk and prefer the "straight into the demo" stuff. I can't help it lol - I love gear and love to talk!

[ScottWhigham]

@Harwarth No need to shout. This isn't a forum where you can ask a question and expect to get an answer ASAP. Use a search engine. Can't be that tough to figure that question out.

[metalfreak4677]

@ScottWhigham Is this amp good for classic hard rock like Led Zeppelin,ZZ top,Black Sabbath?

[ScottWhigham]

@metalfreak4677 Hmmmm - I wouldn't really say it is ideal but you can get similar British tones with it. I think a Marshall is probably more what you would want for those but i could be wrong.

[metalfreak4677]

@ScottWhigham It will do. Marshalls are so high priced!

[Metalhead001122]

How much are these amps on average?

[ScottWhigham]

@Metalhead001122 Dunno - I usually look on ebay and craigslist to sort of get a feel. Probably $700ish?

[Metalhead001122]

@ScottWhigham Thanks. Yeah $700 is pretty acurate, I looked at 'Allans Music' and 'Billy Hyde' And they're around that......... And then there is Guitar Centre which is $2000 : /

[bhumimanusha]

this is actually one of the best and comprehensive demos I've ever seen. I'm going to get this amp soon, thanks Scott. all the best to you

[ScottWhigham]

@bhumimanusha Thanks for the comments - I always appreciate it when people go out of their way to say something nice :)

[CowcarMusic]

What version of the AKG 414 are you using? XLS or XLii? I really like the sound that you have and I'm getting a C414 but I'm not sure if I'm getting an XLS or XLii...

[ScottWhigham]

@CowcarMusic This was the B-ULs TLII version. Great mic for guitar.

[TheArcade14]

Hey i was wondering what you thought of the ac30C1. just the custom not the custom classic. I know the circuitry is different. What are your thoughts on the differences between the custom and the custom classic

[ScottWhigham]

@TheArcade14 Hmmm - haven't actually tried it :( I liked this one a ton even with the stock speakers. It was just great. I did check out one of the hand-wired ones but it had lots and lots of problems - I didn't buy it.

[MrJackanthony]

@ScottWhigham Great demo, except(my opinion) The part about different pick possitions. i hear similar great definitive "difference" on my mesa express and deluxe revb. Still wanna get me a vox though. Keep em coming man, Cheers :)

[ScottWhigham]

@TheArcade14 I actually don't know - this was my first and only one and I got it at such a great bargain that I never bothered to look!

[m4xh]

hot gives you more clean headroom not warm.

[triumphntragedy]

seriously you just exude "cool"

[triumphntragedy]

seriously you just exude "cool"

[Rouse1994]

When you're talking about the picking in the beginning, I have no idea what you're talking about, I've gotten that same effect and its just as dramatic with a crappy digital marshall combo...

[ScottWhigham]

@Rouse1994 Okay... Thanks, I guess, for sharing.

[Emwikts1970]

Hey great demo :)

Got a question concerning voloume in relation to tone:

Do i have to crank up the voloume in order to get that sweet sound you have? Or does it sound great at low levels too? I know that i won't get an awesome overdrive sound without high levels and blast away my neighbours eardrum but i wonder if it is worth to buy this amp anyway. Got an ad30vt, it has a kind of power-soak controller that allows to heave a great sound at low levels...

hope you understand what my point ;)

[ScottWhigham]

@Emwikts1970 Volume is actually low for this video - maybe on 3 or 3.5 IIRC. A little above "bedroom" but not much!

[AndyBaylor]

It's coming across just fine....the picking dynamic demo is perfect.

Sounds great!!!

[catatafish22]

(youtube really needs to give us a larger comment limit)

in continuation of my previous comment........ basically my question is how long, exactly, should i wait after turning the power on to turn the standby on? without damaging the amp.... and same thing goes for turning it off, how long do i wait to cut the power after switching the standby off?....

or should i just not use standby all together?

Sorry for the large question, but im really confused and dont want to damage my amp...

[ScottWhigham]

@catatafish22 I'm not aware of that particular problem - it's one of those "Hasn't happened to me so I've not looked for the solution" type of things. I use Standby on every amp I've ever owned and never had a problem blowing tubes as a result. Very weird and I'm sorry that I can't offer more!

[catatafish22]

hey, i have an AC30. i was wondering if you knew anything about using the standby switch? i blew a tube recently, it happened from just turning the standby on (after turning the power on, of course)...since then i have searched the internet for advice using the standby, and i have seen a few forums saying that using the standby function on an AC30 damages the tube rectifier, because of a current rush or something.. ive asked around, no one seems to be able to shed any light.

[jordanlcombs]

How do you think a 50's road worn strat would sound through one of these baby's?

[ScottWhigham]

@jordanlcombs I think it would sound great! My EJ strat was wonderful through it. I tried it w/ the 57 classic pickups and a set of Lindy Fralin Blues Specials and both were great.

[PAULisDEADMANnumber9]

vox is my choice amp. with marshall at second.

[knowledgeisthepower1]

Is this good 4 Red hot chili pepers tone, SRV. Hendrix?

[ScottWhigham]

@knowledgeisthepower1 Hmmmm - I don't know. I'm not good at answering those kinds of questions. Maybe someone else is better qualified to answer that. Sorry!

[BOTFA111]

@knowledgeisthepower1 it takes pedals very well. cranked up with a good overdrive or fuzz you would get great sounds out of it.

[MigelMeUp]

@knowledgeisthepower1 yeah man, the thing about this amp is that it has a perfect clean tone, so in the end, it'll depend on your guitar. Iff you have a fender strat, then definitely get this for that tone (i know its a late response but just sayin' :P)

[spicbuddha]

LOVE AC30"s! They are SO musical, thanks for helping point that out, maybe kids coming up will respond to a natural sounding amp and a more musical way of playing...

[starassist1977]

Scott, seriously, thanks for posting this and all of the other vids you post. I'm a newbie and I can't tell you how much it's helped me. I just got a 62 reissue tele (first guitar yah!) and I'm thinking this vox would be a great match for it, or for whatever guitars I may get in the future because of it's versatility. keep em coming!!!

[ScottWhigham]

@starassist1977 Thanks for the kind words - glad you like! And congrats on the tele

[facuuq]

nice man!

[skurtix]

What mics are those on the amp? Sounds like a ribbon and a dynamic?

[ScottWhigham]

@skurtix Sorry about the delay in responding - didn't see this one. The mics are an SM7B and an AKG 414 (one of the good ones)

[skurtix]

Hey scott, Is the new AC30 CC2's trem and reverb analog effects or digital? Have you compared it to the slightly older ac30tv, that beige one?

[ScottWhigham]

@skurtix No clue for sure but I'd assume those are true analog. And no I haven't tried the ac30tv

[velocitycolin]

Fantastic video. Excellent audio as well. It's nice to see some people on here with ears for the tiniest distinctions in tone. Thank you!

[ScottWhigham]

@velocitycolin Thanks :)

[MrMudclub]

I got this amp about 2 months back and I have to say it is unbeliveable in its sonic ability.I have played guitar for just on 30 yrs and used a Marshall jcm 800,Fender twins,and also Peavey classic 50 in that time, this baby gives you all of these amps in one.If you get the chance to buy one do it as they just sound wonderful.

[fenderpeter]

Hi!!

Your demo is seriously great.

I own a vox ac30 CC2 too.. but never really used the top boost.. may i ask what your settings are? It really sound good man.. thanks for the demo!

[ScottWhigham]

@fenderpeter Thank you :) The settings were Top Gain: 50%, Treble: 60%, Bass: 60%, Cut: 50% IIRC. I don't like it too dirty on the Vox - just enough to give me those chills :)

[iceman91291]

lol. I know it's a personal question, but i wanted to get the opinion of someone that has played both amps. Since I live in Puerto Rico, where music store supplies are limited, I have have not had the chance to play either. I just wanted to get some insight on what you liked about each amp. For example, did you like the pro reverbs distortion more for a certain style? did you prefer the ac 30 for bright clean tones? Any feedback u could give me would be appreciated even if its just your opinion.

[ScottWhigham]

@iceman91291 Tough question - it's like asking, "What did you like about the Strat vs. the Les Paul?" The Vox is more "out of the box" distortion - you have to work to get the PR to distort. At low volume, the Vox is going to break up easy but the PR has to be at 3-6 to start breaking up. Definitely prefer the PR for bright clean - Vox's clean is nothing like the PR.

[iceman91291]

@ScottWhigham Thank you so much for your help! After watching some more videos I think I am leaning towards the PR. Hopefully in the future I will be able to own both amps.

[ScottWhigham]

@iceman91291 Next week I'm doing some PR videos if you want to check on those - I'll do at least one if not two.

[iceman91291]

@ScottWhigham sounds great!

[iceman91291]

Cool! hopefully you'll post a video for the X10 then. I was wondering if the AC30 you showcased in this video was one of the newer models, which are made in china ( i think). I am considering buying a tube amp mostly for gigging in small clubs. At first I was considering buying the blues deluxe, but now i am leaning more towards the ac30 because of all the options it offers. Any suggestions?My budget is a little more than 1000 and i play alt rock/blues/jazz/funk.

[ScottWhigham]

@iceman91291 Yes, this was one of the Chinese CC2s with just the stock speakers (not AlNiCo). This would be a great amp for gigging in small clubs for most people IMO. There are the US versions of the AC30 that you can get used for about $1000 - the hand-wired ones, for example.

A lot of guys who play those styles like the Fender Pro Reverb. That's what I play and I play rock/blues/jazz/funk.

[iceman91291]

@ScottWhigham So would you reccomend the Fender Pro Reverb over the AC30? (even the hard wired ones?)

[ScottWhigham]

@iceman91291 That is a personal question there - which do you like better? The AC30 and the Pro Reverb are just so massively different that it's hard for me to say which one is best for you. I like them both and my current rig is a Tube-Tone Pro Reverb clone and an on-order Xits X10 (a higher gain version of the AC15). I like both sounds!

[iceman91291]

Love all your demos, great playing! It would be nice to get some demos of this same amp but with you showcasing the tremelo, reverb, blend features etc.

[ScottWhigham]

@iceman91291 Thanks! Unfortunately I ended up selling it a few weeks back. I love the AC30 but I bought an Xits X10 instead (which is like a higher-gain version of the AC15).

[iceman91291]

@ScottWhigham Cool! Hopefully you'll post a video on the X10. Was the ac30 you had, made in China? If so, do you think it makes a big difference? I am personally thinking of buying a tube amp mostly for gigging in small clubs, and i need something in the 1000$ range. I was thinking of getting the blues deluxe but now i am leaning towards the ac30 because of all the options it offers. I mostly play alt.rock, funk, jazz, blues. Any suggestions?

[lambadalasse]

awsome authentic Vox sound....5*

[intemperie2]

la cosita sabrosa!!!!!!!!

[01pbk]

just saw your review of the Vox AC30cc amp. This sounds great and just what I was looking for, but I was after your opinion on the AC15 Vs AC30 for my purpose.

I have a Fender Stat with Noiseless Vintage pickups and like that nice clean sound, but I also prefer to use a Boss ME-70 multi FX unit for distortion etc. I play classic rock & roll, nothing to heavy. I mainly play at home so can't be too loud but want an amp that is not going to quiet at a small club gig.

[ScottWhigham]

@01pbk The classic dilemma! My AC30 never goes above 3-4 in a solo gig for a small club. But, with a band with a loud drummer in a small venue, it goes to about 7-8 which is beyond the AC15's capability.

AC15 is too light for some combo work, no doubt. The more you crank, the more distorted it gets. Sometimes that is good but, to me, cranking my AC30 to 10 isn't great - 7-8 is much better sounding.

You might want to get the AC30 and then look into getting an attenuator (Dr. Z Airbrake?)

[blueslab]

Hi Scott!

I agree with jazzvi below - an excellent and relaxed demo.

I use the AC30 with the celebrated Alnico Blue speakers when I play melodies from the sixties. The AC30 and Alesis Q2 with the EFTP (Echos From The Past) and a strat with heavy stringgauge and vintage pickups makes it happen.

I belive it is a perfect amp if you like to play in the style of Hank B Marvin.

BRGDS from Stockholm, Sweden

//Rolf

[ScottWhigham]

@blueslab Thanks, Rolf :) I must admit to not knowing who Hank B Marvin is though!

[jazzvi]

excellent demo. i have truly enjoyed watching it, especially the first part showing the dinamic range.

[ScottWhigham]

Thanks :) That's one of my favorite things about the Vox. It's also why it is my go-to practice amp - it seems to really amplify my mistakes, moreso than my blackface Fenders.

[darek277]

good job nice tone!

[ScottWhigham]

Thanks - love the tone of a good ol' AC30!

[ManitouPL]

great videos man. i really like it

[ScottWhigham]

Thanks :)