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Average Price: $1,895

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$300

$801+

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Description

Transform your soundscape with the AC30HWH 30 Watt Hand-Wired Head, a testament to the legendary Vox craftsmanship. Perfect for guitarists who crave both vintage aesthetics and modern reliability, this amp head delivers that iconic chime and rich overdrive synonymous with Vox. With its handwired turret board construction, the AC30HWH offers unparalleled signal integrity, ensuring that each note you play resonates with clarity and warmth.

This 30-watt powerhouse is built around an all-tube design, featuring three ECC83/12AX7 preamp tubes, four EL84 power tubes, and a GZ34 rectifier tube. These high-quality tubes, including matched Ruby Tubes, provide a dynamic range that is both expressive and responsive. The dual-channel configuration — normal and top boost — provides versatile tonal options, with each channel offering unique features. The top boost channel's hot/cool switch introduces a higher gain potential, while the normal channel's bright switch enhances your high-end presence.

The AC30HWH also includes a master volume bypass switch, allowing you to unleash your guitar's natural tone uncolored by external controls. For more intimate settings, the OP mode switch halves the output power, maintaining that classic Vox sound even at lower volumes. Aesthetically, the vintage fawn-colored vinyl and retro oxblood grill cover pay homage to the 1960s era of rock 'n' roll, making this amp as much a visual delight as it is a sonic marvel.

Key Features:

  • 30-watt power output
  • All-tube design with 3 ECC83/12AX7 preamp tubes, 4 EL84 power tubes, and a GZ34 rectifier tube
  • Handwired turret board construction for superior sound quality
  • Dual-channel: normal and top boost, each with high and low inputs
  • Hot/cool switch on the top boost channel for increased gain
  • Bright switch on the normal channel
  • Master volume bypass switch for pure tone
  • OP mode switch to reduce output power by half
  • Includes VFS1 footswitch, premium speaker cable, and custom-fit dust cover

Product specs

Brand Vox
Model AC30HWH Hand-Wired 2-Channel 30-Watt Guitar Amp Head
Finish Fawn
Year 2010s
Made In Vietnam
Categories Guitar Heads
Electronics Tube
Impedance 16 ohms, 8 ohms
Number of Channels 2 Channels
Number of Inputs 4 Inputs
Output Power (Watts) 30
Power Tube Type EL84
Reverb None

FAQs

What makes the Vox AC30HWH 30 Watt Hand-Wired Head unique compared to other AC30 models?

The AC30HWH is a hand-wired amplifier, meaning each component is meticulously connected for optimal sound quality and reliability. This model is known for its vintage tone and craftsmanship, appealing to purists seeking an authentic AC30 experience.

Is the Vox AC30HWH suitable for live performances?

Yes, the AC30HWH's 30-watt output and classic tube-driven sound make it ideal for live performances, offering enough headroom and clarity to cut through a band mix effectively.

What type of tubes does the Vox AC30HWH use?

The Vox AC30HWH utilizes EL84 power tubes, known for delivering a chimey and articulate tone that complements the amp's overall sound signature.

How many channels does the Vox AC30HWH have?

The AC30HWH features two channels, providing versatility in tone options and allowing guitarists to switch between different sound textures effortlessly.

Does the Vox AC30HWH include built-in reverb?

No, the Vox AC30HWH does not have built-in reverb, focusing instead on delivering pure, unaltered tube tone. Players often use external reverb pedals for additional effects.

ProGuitarShopDemos

ProGuitarShopDemos

2010 Vox AC30 Hand-Wired Head

Video thumbnail for 2010 Vox AC30 Hand-Wired Head by ProGuitarShopDemos

2010 Vox AC30 Hand-Wired Head

ProGuitarShopDemos

ProGuitarShopDemos

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about AC30HWH 30 Watt Hand-Wired Head.

Comparisons

  • The Vox AC30 Hand-Wired Head is often compared to Valvtech, Morgan, and Matchless, which some users suggest build superior versions of the Vox sound.

    Source
  • Tophat and Cornell are recommended for a superior AC30 build, especially for those prioritizing component quality over Vox's cost-saving designs.

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Use cases and applications

  • Stratocaster guitars with SSS configurations are noted to pair wonderfully with the AC30HWH, though they may produce significant feedback at high volumes.

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Features and functionality

  • The Vox AC30HWH is described as having a bright sound that only hits its "sweet spot" at very high volumes, suggesting the use of an attenuator for volume control.

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  • There's anticipation for an integrated attenuator feature in future Vox AC30HW models, enhancing volume control without sacrificing tone.

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  • The AC30HWH can function as both an AC30 and an AC15 in triode mode, offering versatility for different power needs.

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  • Bridging channels and using the tone cut feature can enhance tonal flexibility, adding or subtracting top boost as needed.

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Mods and upgrades

  • The Celestion Vintage 30 speaker is recommended for achieving a sound closer to the original '64 AC30, while some users consider switching to a Weber Alnico or a Blue speaker for tonal variation.

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  • Budda SuperDrive Series 1 amps are suggested for a turret board construction, offering both Vox and Marshall tones in one unit.

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  • Many owners recommend using a Two Notes Captor X for attenuation, enabling the amp to reach its tonal sweet spot without excessive volume.

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User experience

  • Owners mention that the Vox AC30HWH can be inconsistent in its tonal output, with some days sounding better than others, particularly for users who are meticulous about distortion tones.

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  • Owners frequently rediscover their love for the AC30 even when primarily using other amps, indicating its unique tonal appeal.

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  • Some users report the amp is significantly louder than expected, even compared to higher wattage amps like a 40w Marshall.

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  • The amp's top boost channel is noted for its clean output, requiring specific setups to achieve desired overdrive tones.

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Value and pricing

  • The release of new handwired Vox models is expected to reduce the prices of recent handwired versions, making them more accessible.

    Source
  • It's mentioned that the amp may have depreciated by 20-30% from its original retail value since 2007.

    Source

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Grace Potter uses AC30HWH 30 Watt Hand-Wired Head

Grace Potter

Singer, Guitarist

Grace Potter and the Nocturnals

...
Verified via Voxamps

The VOX AC30 and my flying V, that is my signature sound

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use AC30HWH 30 Watt Hand-Wired Head, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Vox V212HWX
Vox V212HWX Guitar Amplifier Cabinets
1

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