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Description

For guitarists seeking an amplifier head that delivers both power and tonal versatility, the Matchless HC-30 Guitar Amp Head stands out as a distinctive choice. Built with meticulous craftsmanship, this amp head is revered for its dual-channel design, offering a seamless blend of clean and overdriven tones. The HC-30 features a meticulously hand-wired circuit, contributing to its rich, dynamic sound that faithfully captures every nuance of your playing.

Perfect for both studio and stage, the HC-30 allows you to dial in your preferred sonic character with precision. Its robust construction ensures reliability, making it a trusted companion for touring musicians. Whether you're after crisp cleans or a crunchy, saturated drive, the Matchless HC-30 is engineered to provide a wide tonal palette, making it a versatile tool for any genre.

With its unique ability to deliver shimmering highs and warm lows, this amp head is designed to complement your guitar's natural sound, enhancing your playing experience. The inclusion of a master volume control provides excellent headroom management, allowing you to achieve the desired output level without sacrificing tone quality.

Key Features:

  • Dual-channel design for versatile tone shaping
  • Hand-wired circuitry for superior sound fidelity
  • Master volume control for precise headroom management
  • Renowned for delivering both clean and overdriven tones
  • Built to withstand the rigors of both studio and live environments

Product specs

Brand Matchless
Model HC-30 2-Channel 30-Watt Guitar Amp Head
Finish Various
Year 2000 - 2025
Made In United States
Categories Guitar Heads
Built-In Effects No Built-In Effects
Electronics Tube
Impedance 16 ohms, 4 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 are the tonal characteristics of the Matchless HC-30 Guitar Amp Head?

The Matchless HC-30 is known for its rich, complex tones, offering a blend of clarity and warmth due to its EL84 power tubes and dual-channel design. It excels in delivering both sparkling cleans and harmonically rich overdrives.

Does the Matchless HC-30 Guitar Amp Head have built-in effects?

No, the Matchless HC-30 does not have built-in effects, allowing you to use your preferred external pedals for modulation, delay, and reverb.

How many channels does the Matchless HC-30 Guitar Amp Head have?

The Matchless HC-30 features a two-channel design, providing versatile tonal options for different playing styles and genres.

What type of power tubes does the Matchless HC-30 use?

The Matchless HC-30 uses EL84 power tubes, which are known for their chime-like high frequencies and smooth overdrive characteristics.

Is the Matchless HC-30 suitable for live performances?

With its 30-watt output and robust build, the Matchless HC-30 is well-suited for live performances, offering ample volume and dynamic range for gigging musicians.

That Pedal Show

That Pedal Show

EL84 Guitar Amp Magic: Vox AC15 & AC30, Matchless HC-30 & Victory VC35 Compared – That Pedal Show

Video thumbnail for EL84 Guitar Amp Magic: Vox AC15 & AC30, Matchless HC-30 & Victory VC35 Compared – That Pedal Show by That Pedal Show

EL84 Guitar Amp Magic: Vox AC15 & AC30, Matchless HC-30 & Victory VC35 Compared – That Pedal Show

That Pedal Show

That Pedal Show

Video thumbnail for Matchless HC-30 | The Holy Grail of EL84 Amps by Zach Wish

Matchless HC-30 | The Holy Grail of EL84 Amps

Zach Wish

Zach Wish

Video thumbnail for Matchless Amplifiers HC-30 demo by Rob Chapman

Matchless Amplifiers HC-30 demo

Rob Chapman

Rob Chapman

Video thumbnail for Matchless HC-30 // How I dial in my tone (C-30/DC-30) by Paul Davids 2

Matchless HC-30 // How I dial in my tone (C-30/DC-30)

Paul Davids 2

Paul Davids 2

Video thumbnail for Gearfight: Matchless HC30 vs JMI AC30/6TB by Tonecast

Gearfight: Matchless HC30 vs JMI AC30/6TB

Tonecast

Tonecast

Video thumbnail for Matchless HC30 Demo Norwegian Wood Beatles by Oscillate Music

Matchless HC30 Demo Norwegian Wood Beatles

Oscillate Music

Oscillate Music

Video thumbnail for The Matchless HC-30 - The KING of EL84 Amps?? by Daniel McLaughlin

The Matchless HC-30 - The KING of EL84 Amps??

Daniel McLaughlin

Daniel McLaughlin

Video thumbnail for Start with the great Matchless HC-30 by Francisco Abreu Music

Start with the great Matchless HC-30

Francisco Abreu Music

Francisco Abreu Music

Reviews

5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 4 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
matthewkkennedy

'93 HC-30

I recently acquired a '93 DC-30 that had been rehoused into a head chasis. The bright caps have also been cut, which makes it pair really well with my Jazzmaster and Tele! I have a non-matching but also '93 2x12 Matchless cab with shower curtain tolex.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Daniel Steinhardt uses Matchless HC-30 Guitar Amp Head

Daniel Steinhardt

Singer, Guitarist

Tin Spirits

...
Verified via Photo

In an Instagram post, Daniel Steinhardt showcases his Matchless HC-30 Guitar Amp Head, highlighting its exceptional sound when paired with his LazyJ J20.

See how John Flansburgh uses Matchless HC-30 Guitar Amp Head

John Flansburgh

Guitarist

They Might Be Giants

...
Verified via Mixonline

John Flansburgh’s amp is an original Matchless HC 30 head and a Xits (custom) 2-12 cabinet. “We use an SM57 off the axis of the cone to balance out the 3k that is prevalent in the mic,” monitor engineer Carter explains. “Both Flans and Dan Miller use JDI SGI line drivers to help balance out their signals, then run through Sennheiser G2 wireless systems.” Flansburgh’s footpedal gear includes the Radial SGI TX and SGI RX, Boss Noise Suppressor NS-2, Electro-Harmonix micro POG, MXR micro flanger and Semaphore tremolo.

See how Duke Erikson uses Matchless HC-30 Guitar Amp Head

Duke Erikson

Guitarist, Music Producer

Garbage

...
Verified via Premierguitar

In this profile from Premier Guitar magazine, the sidebar lists a DC-30 head (with matching cab) among Erikson's gear.

See how Rogers Stevens uses Matchless HC-30 Guitar Amp Head

Rogers Stevens

Guitarist

Blind Melon

...
Verified via YouTube

Rogers Stevens used the Matchless HC-30 Guitar Amp Head extensively during Blind Melon's performances, as seen in their live show at The Metro on YouTube.

See how Kenny Greenberg uses Matchless HC-30 Guitar Amp Head

Kenny Greenberg

Guitarist

...
Verified via YouTube

Although Greenberg plays through his 1954 Twin Tweed a lot, for studio recording and other purposes, Greenberg uses the "Sampson-era" Matchless HC-30 head. This is either a 1992 or 1993 version of the HC-30. He has a couple of those amplifiers, and he mostly uses them for recording, as they are great recording amplifiers. Signal from HC-30 usually goes to Category 5 2x12 Cabinet.

See how Derek Wells uses Matchless HC-30 Guitar Amp Head

Derek Wells

Guitarist

...
Verified via YouTube

In the video titled "Derek Wells Studio Rig Rundown Guitar Gear Tour" by Premier Guitar, at the 48:49 mark, Derek Wells is seen showcasing the Matchless HC-30 Guitar Amp.

See how Jesse Valenzuela uses Matchless HC-30 Guitar Amp Head

Jesse Valenzuela

Guitarist

Gin Blossoms

...
Verified via Guitargeek

According to Guitar Geek's rig diagram, Valenzuela is using Matchless HC-30.

See how Sean Woolstenhulme uses Matchless HC-30 Guitar Amp Head

Sean Woolstenhulme

Guitarist

The Calling

...
Verified via Photo

In this photo, which shows Woolstenhulme's amplifier room, one of the amplifiers that can be seen is the Matchless HC-30.

D

Dave Pirner

Guitarist, Singer

Soul Asylum

...
Verified via Matchlessamplifiers

Dave Pirner is listed on Matchless Amplifiers' website as using the Matchless HC-30 Guitar Amp Head.

See how Paul Moak uses Matchless HC-30 Guitar Amp Head

Paul Moak

Guitarist, Keyboardist

Heart

...
Verified via Premier Guitar

At 42:37, a Matchless HC30 can be seen as a part of Paul Moak's amp collection.

See how Brad Tursi uses Matchless HC-30 Guitar Amp Head

Brad Tursi

Guitarist

Old Dominion

...
Verified

Brad is listed on their artist page as a user of the HC-30.

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 Matchless HC-30 Guitar Amp Head, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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