Die-hard Vox fans will bemoan the master volumes and absence of a valve rectifier, but Vox's Heritage Collection is there for those folks. This amp mixes versatile tonal performance with modern build standards at a very attractive price point. The reverb can span subtle and warm or deep and brash - as you like it - while the tremolo throbs deep and beautiful for atmospheric musings. Whether it's a brash Fender Tele ably mimicking Lennon's trademark Ricky twang or a soupy Epiphone Casino that adds cream to the mix, this AC30 Custom is certainly versatile - it even does a good Brian May at - gasp! - a manageable volume!
Overall, this amp feels more overdriven than one of the older UK-made reissues, and as a result, slightly less visceral too which is no bad thing.įew players have the luxury of cranking a non-master volume AC30 to its full potential the new amp is still plenty loud enough for gigging, but gives you the flexibility to set up tones from '60s-inspired cleans through to a convincing classic rock overdrive at any output level.Don't expect super-clean cleans when the master is cranked, however: this amp loves to drive.
The Normal channel has less scope for adjustment and is cleaner sounding - we achieved good results jumping the channels with a patch lead and mixing the two. Much of that is in evidence in the Top Boost channel here, but thanks to the master volume setup, it's much easier to coax the AC30C2 into overdrive at lower levels. Traditionally, the classic-spec Top Boost AC30 offers chiming clean tones with a brilliant-bordering- on-gritty edge, all of which gets darker and more overdriven as you wind it up. One significant change from 'proper' AC30 spec is that the Custom has a solid-state rectifier instead of a GZ34 valve. Internally, the Custom is built around a modern PCB design like the majority of new amps from the big brands. Weighing in just over 32kg, it's a fairly hefty amp, as you'd expect but any portability issues are done away with thanks to the three strong plastic handles that enable you alone, or with help from a bandmate, to move it. The optional two-way VFS2 footswitch turns the reverb and tremolo on and off - it seems a bit stingy to have to shell out another £32 for the privilege.