Pricing and availability

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Average Price: $2,173

High-end/Boutique

$300

$701+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

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Description

The Vox AC-30 HH is a combo guitar amplifier that continues the legacy of Vox’s iconic British sound. Revered by musicians for its rich tonal versatility, this amplifier is a staple for both stage and studio performances. Featuring a classic design, the AC-30 HH offers the unique blend of vintage warmth and modern reliability. Its all-tube design contributes to a sound that is both powerful and articulate, making it a favorite among guitarists who need a dependable workhorse with a classic edge.

With its hand-wired circuitry, the AC-30 HH delivers a pure and unadulterated signal path, ensuring that your guitar’s tone remains intact and expressive. The amp includes two channels—Normal and Top Boost—each offering distinct tonal characteristics. The Normal channel provides a smooth, clean sound, while the Top Boost channel offers enhanced gain and dynamic range for more expressive play. This flexibility allows players to effortlessly switch between pristine cleans and gritty overdrives.

The Vox AC-30 HH is equipped with a Celestion Alnico Blue speaker, known for its smooth response and classic chime. The onboard Tremolo and Reverb effects add depth and dimension to your sound, making it suitable for a variety of musical styles. Whether you're playing blues, rock, or indie, this amp delivers a sound that is both rich and dynamic, ensuring your performances are always memorable.

Key Features:

  • 30 watts of power
  • All-tube design with hand-wired circuitry
  • Two channels: Normal and Top Boost
  • Celestion Alnico Blue speaker
  • Built-in Tremolo and Reverb effects
  • Iconic Vox styling and durable construction

Product specs

Brand Vox
Model AC30HH 50th Anniversary Hand-Wired Heritage Collection 30-Watt Guitar Amp Head
Finish Cream
Year 2007
Made In China
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 are the core tonal characteristics of the Vox AC-30 HH?

The Vox AC-30 HH is known for its classic British tone, offering a rich, chimey clean sound and a smooth overdrive when pushed. Its EL84 power tubes contribute to its signature warm and articulate sound, making it ideal for rock and blues genres.

Is the Vox AC-30 HH suitable for live performances?

Yes, the Vox AC-30 HH's 30-watt power output is suitable for live performances, providing ample volume and headroom. Its two channels allow for versatile sound shaping, making it a reliable choice for gigging musicians.

How does the Vox AC-30 HH handle effects pedals?

The Vox AC-30 HH is well-regarded for taking pedals effectively. Its clean channel provides a solid foundation for modulation and time-based effects, while the overdrive channel pairs well with distortion and boost pedals.

Does the Vox AC-30 HH include built-in reverb?

No, the Vox AC-30 HH does not include built-in reverb. Musicians looking for reverb effects will need to use an external reverb pedal or processor.

What are the impedance options for the Vox AC-30 HH?

The Vox AC-30 HH offers impedance options of 16 ohms and 8 ohms, providing flexibility when connecting to different speaker cabinets. This allows for compatibility with a wide range of setups.

ProGuitarShopDemos

ProGuitarShopDemos

Vox AC30 Handwired Heritage, Fender Telecaster

Video thumbnail for Vox AC30 Handwired Heritage, Fender Telecaster by ProGuitarShopDemos

Vox AC30 Handwired Heritage, Fender Telecaster

ProGuitarShopDemos

ProGuitarShopDemos

Video thumbnail for Vox AC-30 HH, Les Paul, Strato and Weber attenuator by BetoRich7

Vox AC-30 HH, Les Paul, Strato and Weber attenuator

BetoRich7

BetoRich7

Video thumbnail for Vox Heritage Collection AC30HH | Playthrough Demo by ChoptonesOfficial

Vox Heritage Collection AC30HH | Playthrough Demo

ChoptonesOfficial

ChoptonesOfficial

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Vox AC-30 HH.

User experience

  • The high-end "chime" characteristic of the AC30 can be polarizing; some find it too pronounced, especially with certain overdrive pedals.

    Source
  • Owners suggest using a load box like the Two Notes Captor to manage volume for home recording, allowing for power amp saturation without excessive loudness.

    Source
  • Some users report the reverb on the AC30 is subdued unless the master volume is set high, suggesting reliance on external reverb pedals at low volumes.

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  • The AC30C2 can be modded with a line selector pedal like the Boss LS-2 for switching channels without a footswitch.

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Value and pricing

  • Purchasing a used handwired AC30 at the price of a new PCB version is highlighted as a smart investment due to potential value retention.

    Source

Comparisons

  • PCB traces in Vox amps are reported as lower quality compared to premium brands like Bogner, affecting durability and serviceability.

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  • The AC30's voicing is described as less suitable for high-gain metal tones, favoring clean to crunchy sounds over scooped metal tones.

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Setup and maintenance

  • PCB versions have been criticized for serviceability, with issues such as incorrect capacitor values requiring extensive disassembly to repair.

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Build quality

  • Owners note older Chinese-made AC30CC2 models feature superior plywood cabinets and tube rectifiers, contributing to a preferred sound and durability over newer models.

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  • The handwired AC30 lacks onboard tremolo and reverb, which are present in PCB models, impacting functionality preferences for some users.

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Mods and upgrades

  • Using transparent overdrive pedals is recommended over mid-boosting ones like the Tubescreamer, which may clash with the AC30's mid-forward sound.

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  • Owners recommend replacing stock tubes with NOS Amperex or Sovtek tubes for improved tone quality.

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Features and functionality

  • Many owners appreciate the master volume for controlling the AC30's loudness without sacrificing tone quality.

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  • The AC30 is known to generate significant heat, which could be problematic in small, enclosed spaces.

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  • The AC30C2 with Celestion Blue speakers is noted to have a significant tonal improvement over stock speakers, described as lifting a "blanket off the amp."

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Owners often mention the AC30's weight as a deterrent for gigging, highlighting its cumbersome nature compared to more portable models.

    Source
  • Despite being a 30-watt amp, the AC30 is often used at lower wattage settings at home, including 3 watts for tube breakup without excessive volume.

    Source
  • The AC30's 2x12 configuration provides fuller sound compared to the AC15's single speaker, beneficial for louder band contexts.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Vox Heritage Collection AC30HH head review | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

The Vox AC-30 HH impresses with its vintage tone and modern build, offering excellent value for rootsy rock and pop. The hand-wired EF86 channel adds a rich texture, and the overall quality is solid and reliable. However, the absence of reverb, tremolo, and a standby switch might deter those seeking more versatility. Despite these omissions, its competitive price and classic Vox sound make it a standout choice for those who crave simple, clean, and crunchy tones.

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Seth Morrison uses Vox AC-30 HH

Seth Morrison

Guitarist

Skillet

...
Verified via YouTube

NO LONGER IN USE. On Seth's Instagram page, he posted an updated shot of his amp setup, and the Vox has been replaced by a Tyler. https://www.instagram.com/p/BQCEf02l9p8/?taken-by=morrisonseth&hl=en

For most of his career with Skillet, Seth is been using a Vox AC-30HH for his cleaner tones. He has another one that acts as his backup. The amp can be shown at 9:03.

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 Vox AC-30 HH, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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