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Average Price: $595

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$300

$701+

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Description

For guitarists who crave that elusive, living, breathing tone, the Laney VC30-212 is your gateway to sonic nirvana. A standout in the realm of combo amplifiers, this powerhouse delivers a pristine British class A tube sound that musicians treasure. Its secret lies in the Class A power, which ensures minimal crossover distortion, keeping the valves perpetually hot and ready to imbue your sound with that distinctive touch of warmth and clarity.

The VC30-212 boasts an impressive configuration featuring a pair of 12" custom-designed 35W speakers. These aren't just any speakers; they are meticulously crafted to translate the amplifier's 30W output into a rich tapestry of sound. Whether you're playing in a cozy studio or a bustling live venue, this amplifier offers a robust, full-bodied projection that holds its own.

A single channel design with Hi and Lo inputs gives you the flexibility to adapt to any musical style or instrument. With footswitchable gain stages, you have the freedom to sculpt your sound with precision. The 3-band EQ and bright switch further enhance your tonal palette, offering endless possibilities for crafting your signature sound. Complete with reverb, an effects loop, and a footswitch for seamless transitions, the VC30-212 is more than an amplifier; it's an artist’s companion on the journey to musical excellence.

Key Features:

  • Class A tube power with minimal crossover distortion
  • 30W output through two 12" custom-designed 35W speakers
  • Single channel with Hi and Lo inputs
  • Footswitchable gain stages and level control
  • 3-band EQ and bright switch for tone shaping
  • Integrated reverb and effects loop
  • Includes footswitch for added versatility

Product specs

Brand Laney
Model VC30-212 30-Watt 2x12" Tube Guitar Combo
Finish Black
Year 2010s
Categories Guitar Combo Amps
Built-In Effects Built-In Effects
Color Family Black
Electronics Tube
Number of Channels 2 Channels
Number of Inputs 2 Inputs
Output Power (Watts) 30
Power Tube Type EL84
Reverb Digital Reverb
Speaker Configuration 2x12"

FAQs

What kind of tones can I expect from the Laney VC30-212 for different music genres?

The Laney VC30-212 offers a versatile range of tones, from warm, clean sounds ideal for blues and jazz to rich overdriven tones suitable for rock and alternative music. Its EL84 tubes and 2x12" speakers provide a classic British tone with a smooth top end and articulate mids.

Is the Laney VC30-212 loud enough for gigging with a drummer?

Yes, the Laney VC30-212's 30-watt output and dual 12" speakers deliver ample volume for live performances, even in a band setting with a drummer. Its tube-driven power ensures clarity and presence on stage.

Does the Laney VC30-212 take pedals well?

The Laney VC30-212 is known for its excellent pedal compatibility, thanks to its clean channel and effects loop. This allows you to incorporate a variety of effects pedals, enhancing your tonal palette without losing the amp's natural character.

What are the core tonal characteristics of the Laney VC30-212?

The Laney VC30-212 is characterized by its classic British tone, offering chime-like cleans, a pronounced midrange, and a smooth, musical overdrive. Its EL84 tubes contribute to a responsive and dynamic sound, making it suitable for a wide range of musical styles.

How does the footswitchable gain stage work on the Laney VC30-212?

The Laney VC30-212 features a footswitchable gain stage that allows you to easily switch between clean and overdriven tones during performances. This feature provides flexibility and convenience, enabling seamless transitions between different sound settings.

Laney Amplification

Laney Amplification

Laney VC30-212 electric guitar amplifier demo

Video thumbnail for Laney VC30-212 electric guitar amplifier demo by Laney Amplification

Laney VC30-212 electric guitar amplifier demo

Laney Amplification

Laney Amplification

Video thumbnail for Laney VC30-212 Demo By Vladimir Maisiuk by Vladimir Maisiuk

Laney VC30-212 Demo By Vladimir Maisiuk

Vladimir Maisiuk

Vladimir Maisiuk

Video thumbnail for Laney VC30-212 Might Be Tight And Spanky, But Don't Let That Get Around by gearwire

Laney VC30-212 Might Be Tight And Spanky, But Don't Let That Get Around

gearwire

gearwire

Video thumbnail for Laney VC30-212 Demo by MusicalDistributors

Laney VC30-212 Demo

MusicalDistributors

MusicalDistributors

Video thumbnail for Laney VC30-212 Guitar Combo Amp by Gear4music Guitars

Laney VC30-212 Guitar Combo Amp

Gear4music Guitars

Gear4music Guitars

Video thumbnail for Laney VC 30 212 Guitar Amplifier Test by Duta Musica Production

Laney VC 30 212 Guitar Amplifier Test

Duta Musica Production

Duta Musica Production

Reviews

PROS

  • Blends Vox chime with Fender Blackface cleans effectively

  • Durable, withstanding years of use

  • Excellent pedal platform, handles drive pedals well

  • Features two footswitchable channels for versatility

  • Clean channel remains clear at high volumes

  • Generates little cross over distortion, pure Class A tone

  • Responsive to playing dynamics and guitar volume control

  • Capable of both bright clean sounds and creamy overdrive

  • Aesthetically pleasing with a classic British appearance

CONS

  • Clean channel only breaks up at maximum volume

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Laney VC30-212.

Features and functionality

  • The Bluetone Loadbox Lite 50W is recommended for its compatibility with the Laney VC30-212, offering a line out for easy recording.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The Fryette Power Station is noted as an excellent option combining a loadbox and tube power amp, though it's heavy and costly.

    Source

User experience

  • The Two Notes Captor X, while focused on cabinet simulation, is criticized for mediocre attenuation and limited reactive capabilities.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Dirty FX loop jacks can cause feedback; cleaning or using a short cable may resolve the issue.

    Source
  • Running a short cable between FX send and return can sometimes boost volume if loop exceeds unity gain.

    Source
Add

5.0 out of 5

Based on 3 Reviews and 10 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
jeremy_trotter

Great Workhorse Amp

When I got this amp, I was looking for an AC-30, the VC-30 is a better. It combines the chime of the Vox amps with the cleans of a Fender Blackface. Having played through both the AC-30 and the Blackface Fenders, I still prefer the VC-30 because it blends both amp tones perfectly. Damn near indestructible, I've had mine since 2008, and will play top dollar to repair or replace it if everything happens to it. Also a great pedal platform amp, and can handle any drive pedal that is placed in front of it well.

grungie

Excelent Amp with a wide range of Natural Tones, and excelent Reverb and Drive.

TWIN CHANNELS

The 30 watt VC30-210 features two footswitchable channels, with three band EQ on the drive channel and a bright switch. If you are looking for pure, expressive, classic tone, you need to look no further than the VC30. The VC30-210 is the classic retro option and features a 1a pair of specially selected 10" HH drivers . Why 2 × 10" – traditionally 10" drivers have been used to achieve great clean tones – they respond quicker and produce a very pleasing mid range.

CLASS A TONE

The VC30-210 generates very little cross over distortion because it runs in pure Class A mode – its valves are always hot and ready for you, which gives it that unmistakable Class A sound and feel, a players tone with many sweet spots.

The VC30-210 is very dynamic and can be easily controlled by the pressure of your pick on the strings and many tones can be found between one and ten on your guitar's volume knob. From a chiming bright clean sound to the vintage caress of the creamy overdrive, whether it is single coils or hum buckers, the VC30 delivers.

The VC30-210's clean channel is immediately impressive and lives up to its name remaining clean almost all the way to the maximum volume, when it begins to break up in the perfect pleasant way you only get from pushing an EL84 hard. Drive-wise the VC range has its roots in the bluesy side of things, but push the front end of the amp a little harder with a pedal and the gain really sings.

VERY BRITISH

All this housed in a very 'British' and specifically a very 'Laney' black basket weave vinyl covering, with black and grey speaker grille – with white piping, rugged leather handles and finished with chromed corners. Giving a very purposeful no-nonsense appearance.

Simple, logical and intuitive – just as guitar amplifiers should be

jimmarchi1

Is that from the Laney website?

sebas_hernandez

really nice

delightful sound too start on guitar and to learn

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Mikael Akerfeldt uses Laney VC30-212

Mikael Akerfeldt

Singer, Guitarist

Katatonia

...
Verified via Allaxess

In this biography, it is confirmed that Mikael Akerfeldt uses a Laney VC30 amp.

See how Lou Barlow uses Laney VC30-212

Lou Barlow

Singer, Guitarist

Dinosaur Jr

...
Verified via YouTube

In this live you can see a laney vc30 behind him

See how Rolando Mora uses Laney VC30-212

Rolando Mora

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via YouTube

Podemos ver el amplificador atras de rolando

We can see the amp behind rolando

See how Benjamin Curtis uses Laney VC30-212

Benjamin Curtis

Guitarist

Tripping Daisy

...
Verified via Photo

This brief write-up on the official Laney site talks about Benjamin Curtis of The Secret Machines, and Tripping Daisy bringing 4 VC-30 amps on tour.

See how jack heath uses Laney VC30-212

jack heath

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via YouTube

used as both studio and stage amp

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 Laney VC30-212, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Martin 000-16GT
Martin 000-16GT Steel-string Acoustic Guitars
1
TC Electronic Spark Booster
TC Electronic Spark Booster Boost Effects Pedals
1
PRS SC 245
PRS SC 245 Solid Body Electric Guitars
1
TC Electronic Trinity
TC Electronic Trinity Reverb Effects Pedals
1
Boss CEB-3 Bass Chorus
Boss CEB-3 Bass Chorus Bass Effects Pedals
1
B.C. Rich Mockingbird
B.C. Rich Mockingbird Solid Body Electric Guitars
1
Boss BC-1X Bass Compressor
Boss BC-1X Bass Compressor Bass Effects Pedals
1
Ibanez GSR200
Ibanez GSR200 Electric Basses
1

1 alternative for Laney VC30-212, curated by the Equipboard community.

Vox AC30 Guitar Combo Amp

$699.00 - $1,038.06

similar sound high-end alternative

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