Pricing and availability
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Store
Reviews
Price
Average Price: $1,502
High-end/Boutique
$300
$701+
Price Tier
Budget
Standard
High-end
Price History
Based on price data from 6 merchants for "Vox AC30C2". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
The Vox AC30C2 is a combo guitar amplifier that beautifully encapsulates the classic tube-driven sound that has been the backbone of rock music for over half a century. Handcrafted in the UK, this 30-watt amplifier is powered by 3 x 12AX7 preamp tubes and 4 x EL84 power amp tubes, providing a dynamic response and rich harmonic warmth that is quintessentially Vox.
The AC30C2 offers two channels, normal and top boost, each with independent volume controls. The normal channel delivers a clear, clean tone, while the top boost channel adds a musical overdrive and interactive bass and treble EQs, allowing you to carve out your signature sound.
One of the standout features of the AC30C2 is its flexible power sharing capabilities. It features an 8/16-ohm speaker output and a second 16-ohm extension speaker jack, giving you the option to mute the internal speakers and connect external cabinets for increased volume and spread.
Sweeten your tone further with the AC30C2's onboard reverb and tremolo effects, both adjustable to your liking. An effects loop provides patching points for your favorite pedals, while the optional VFS2 footswitch offers hands-free control over the reverb and tremolo.
With its classic spring reverb, tremolo effects, and its dual-channel preamp, the Vox AC30C2 carries on the tradition of the legendary AC30, making it a modern classic for crafting your own iconic tone.
Key Features:
- 30-watt, 2 x 12" combo guitar amplifier
- 2 channels with independent volume controls - normal and top boost
- Powered by 3 x 12AX7 preamp tubes and 4 x EL84 power amp tubes
- Onboard reverb and tremolo effects (controllable via optional footswitch)
- 8/16-ohm speaker output and a second 16-ohm extension speaker jack
- Features 2 x 12" 8-ohm Celestion G12M Greenback speakers
- Handcrafted in the UK
- True bypass effects loop for integrating your favorite pedals
Owner's manual
Vox AC30C2 User ManualProduct specs
| Type | Tube |
| Number of Channels | 2 |
| Total Power | 30W |
| Speaker Size | 2 x 12" Celestion G12M Greenback |
| Preamp Tubes | 3 x 12AX7 |
| Power Tubes | 4 x EL84 |
| Reverb | Spring Reverb |
| Effects | Classic Tremolo |
| EQ | 2-band, Tone Cut |
| Inputs | 4 x 1/4" (high/low normal, high/low top boost) |
| Outputs | 2 x 1/4" (8/16 ohms) |
| Effects Loop | Bypassable FX Loop |
| Footswitch I/O | 1 x 1/4" (tremolo, reverb) |
| Footswitch Included | No |
| Bias Type | Cathode Biased |
| Construction Material | Black Tolex, Maroon Grille |
| Power Source | Standard IEC AC cable |
| Height | 21.89" |
| Width | 27.64" |
| Depth | 10.43" |
| Weight | 70.99 lbs. |
FAQs
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What are the main tonal characteristics of the Vox AC30C2 amplifier?
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The Vox AC30C2 is renowned for its classic British tone, offering chimey cleans and rich overdrive. It features both Normal and Top Boost channels, allowing for a wide range of tonal possibilities, from jangly cleans to full-bodied overdrives.
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Is the Vox AC30C2 suitable for live performances?
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Yes, with its 30-watt power and dual 12" Celestion G12M Greenback speakers, the Vox AC30C2 is powerful enough for live gigs, providing ample volume and presence to cut through a band mix.
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Does the Vox AC30C2 support an effects loop?
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The Vox AC30C2 includes a bypassable effects loop, allowing you to integrate your favorite effects pedals while maintaining the amp's signature tone.
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Can the Vox AC30C2 be used with a footswitch?
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Yes, the Vox AC30C2 has a footswitch input that allows you to control the tremolo and reverb effects hands-free, although the footswitch is not included with the amp.
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What type of power tubes does the Vox AC30C2 use?
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The Vox AC30C2 is equipped with four EL84 power tubes, contributing to its classic British tone and dynamic response.
Videos
Guitarist
Vox AC30C2 video review demo Guitarist Magazine
Reviews
PROS
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Iconic, chimey Vox tones ideal for a range of music styles
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Excellent clean and overdriven sounds, very versatile
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High-quality Celestion Greenback speakers provide clear, responsive tones
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Works exceptionally well with pedals, enhancing versatility
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Durable and sturdy build, despite heavy weight
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Features like tremolo, reverb, and an effects loop add value
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Loud enough for gigs, with master volume for tone control at lower volumes
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Simple to use, with a plug-and-play setup
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Attractive classic design with attention to visual details
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Provides legendary sound quality and warmth suitable for recording and live performance
CONS
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One review mentions poor build quality and unflattering harmonic overtones
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Heavier than expected, making transport challenging without assistance
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Some users experienced issues with stock tubes and reverb quality
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Lacks a mid control on the EQ, which could limit tonal shaping for some users
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Made in China, which may concern purists accustomed to UK-manufactured Vox amps
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Vox AC30C2.
Build quality
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The Vox AC30C2 is notably heavy at 72 lbs, with its weight attributed to its speakers and transformers, requiring three handles for easier transport.
Source
Comparisons
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Owners compare the AC30C2 favorably to high-end $3000 amps, emphasizing its superior tone quality despite being mass-produced.
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Users note the AC30's tonal character as being "sparkly with chime," making it ideal for rock and British invasion tones, whereas the Twin Reverb is favored for its clean, scooped sound.
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Owners prefer the AC30C2's tonal quality over the AC10, despite the latter being smaller and more suitable for low volume use.
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Use cases and applications
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The amp excels when played loudly, allowing tubes to crank, making it ideal for detached homes but challenging in shared living spaces.
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The AC30 is considered a more versatile choice for those using various guitars like a Strat, Tele, or Les Paul, due to its legendary tone.
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The AC30C2 can be effectively used in a finished basement with volume cranked, ideal for edge-of-breakup tones.
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User experience
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One owner reported five years of trouble-free use after purchasing a used model, suggesting potential longevity without immediate need for maintenance.
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Owners mention the AC30 can feel "thin" at lower volumes unless cranked, highlighting its strength in louder playing environments.
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The 12" Alnico Blue speakers in the AC30C2 are highly praised for their sound quality, even at lower volumes.
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Value and pricing
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Owners have paid between $600-$700 for used models, while new models are priced significantly higher, reflecting its strong resale value.
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Features and functionality
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The AC30 lacks an effects loop and attenuator, unlike the AC30H head version, which allows for more versatility in volume control and effects integration.
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The master volume allows the AC30C2 to be played quietly without losing tonal versatility, suitable for home use in various room sizes.
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Critic Reviews
5.0 out of 5
Based on 13 Reviews and 76 Ratings
1195
Awesome Live Amp
I was looking for an amp for live gigs with my band Park-69. Tom Delonge is one of my influences and used a Vox AC30 for a while, so I decided to get one. I must say wow! The Greenbacks really pack a punch.
15323
A Fine Modern Version of a Classic Amp
The Vox AC-30C2 (the "C" stands for "Custom") was released in early 2010 to replace the previous AC-30CC (or "Custom Classic") line. For those who are unfamiliar with the venerable AC-30 amplifier, this combo has been in production since the early 1960s and has appeared on countless stages worldwide, and on many of the most popular rock and pop recordings of all time. The secret to the Vox AC-30's magic seems to lie in its versatility: it is capable of producing beautiful, chiming clean tones at high volumes, yet it can also dish out some fairly nasty overdrive sounds when it's cranked. And more importantly, it can hit every sweet spot in between these two extremes.
Bear in mind that these amps are no longer manufactured in the UK. Korg acquired Vox in 1992, and in 2005, they moved production to China. Subsequently, some players insist that the quality of products has diminished. And indeed, with the release of the AC-30C2, some changes were made to the company's flagship amp that offended purists, but it's worth noting that many of these alterations are considered by other players to be improvements.
As the former owner of an AC-30TB/6 that was manufactured in the UK (which I unfortunately had to part with several years ago for financial reasons), my personal opinion is that the AC-30C2 represents a step forward in some ways, and a step back in others.
When I first plugged into the amplifier at my local music store, I was immediately struck by the build of the amp. It's every bit as heavy as I remember my old AC-30 being, but the three plastic handles on the modern model feel thicker and sturdier, making transportation at least a little easier and less worrisome. Also, although the cab is apparently made of MDF (particle board, basically), the whole thing seems well-constructed and very solid.
The amplifier retains its older siblings' classy looks... Read More
1255
Sounds awesome. But also huge and heavy and loud...
Well, what can you say? It's the legendary VOX AC30. The iconic tweed grill is classic. And it sounds spectacular, although I definitely don't understand the whole "top boost" thing. The LAST thing this amp needs is more top-end! It already sounds so clean and high, it's almost brittle. Seriously, any more top boost and this thing will break glass--especially if you turn the volume past 3, cause this thing is also ear-splitting LOUD. It's also very heavy. I removed the middle handle because there was no way I was every going to try and one-hand carry this thing. Frankly if you need clean and loud, I don't think there is a better amp. But you better really need it, cause it is serious overkill for just about everything else.
263
Beautiful
This amp has been on my wish list for a long time. When I finally got one in my possession, I could not quit playing it, day after day. The clean tone is beautiful. Has lots of room for pedal work. Run a JHS Angry Charlie through it and you got a great distortion sound. This is so worth price. You get one of these you will not regret. Lots of different options for EQing and just changing the sound right from the amp itself. LOVE it.
189
A great way to get the VOX sound
I do not think one has to have a vintage/EF86/Tube Rectifier/Blue VOX to really get the VOX tone. The AC30C2 allows you to get those sounds without the issues that arise with other models. Clear chords, chiming breakup, bell-like leads, and mid-saturated overdrive describe the AC30 and the C2 is able to do that.
The main piece that you might want to change about the C2 is just one of the speakers. It does come with 2 Greenbacks rather than Celestion Blues. So change out one of the Greenbacks with a Blue. Then, you can have both the attitude of the Greenback and the Chime of the Blue.
660
Best clean tone I've ever heard.
Let me start this off by saying this is a CLEAN AMP. If you want a heavy rock machine, a Marshall would be a better choice. But even then, the breakup sound of this amp ROCKS! I can go from funk metal to blues just by turning down the volume knob. And while the overdriven sound of this amp is awesome, the clean tone is even better. It's the perfect amount of warmness and brightness, and it is perfect for any style of music that needs a clean tone. The clean tone of this in my opinion is on par with the Fender Deluxe/Twin Reverb. I have had no problems with this amp, and I love it to death.
222
the rock amp
had a budget tube half stack before, but used mostly for metal which didn't work out to my tastes. After ending up playing rock/indie I went with the amp with most soul and warmth. Love this thing. Breaks up nicely and can maintain a great clean tone. Maybe one day I'll get a fender DR or something to compliment it.
Artist usage
Add artist
From the “Pursuit of Tone” video by Ernie Ball you can see a Vox AC30C2 blue limited edition on the floor.
“I’m very happy with all of my VOX gear. From my AC30 to my Night Train there's never a dull moment," Brendon says, on Vox's website.
Yvette played with a Vox ac30 c2 amp on one of her live performances at NAMM 2017.
I need it. Although I’d say I get my sound, that kind of distorted break-up, mostly from the interaction between my pickups and my amp. I play through a Vox AC30 on stage and it breaks up so nicely with my pickups. I set the master volume so that, if I want to play lightly, it’ll be clean, but if I dig in a little bit, it’ll break up and get dirty. So I really rely on that. Sometimes, if you do half-step stuff, it sounds really gnarly. I love that grossness.
Vox AC30 was one of the two amplifiers used during the 90's era acording to guitargeek.
"Welcoming my new toy VoxAC30C2! It was my dream to buy these stuff! Thank God :)))" Angger Dimas posts a photo of his new Vox combo amp, with a black Fender Stratocaster plugged into it (running through a couple of pedals).
In this article for their album An Awesome Wave it says an AC30 from the 60's was used on the record. The amp was mentioned in 2021 guitar.com interview.
I’m not a pedal guy,” he responds definitively, instead he gets his tone from one very specific source. “We have one amp that we’ve recorded everything on in the band,” he continues. “It’s an old Vox AC30, which I think was once owned by David Gilmour. Clive Langer had it, and now our producer Charlie Andrew, is the steward of it.
"...My favourite combo of amplifiers is a Fender super reverb and a AC 30 combined..."
In the video titled "Brad's Guitar World - Learn With Us - The Vamps Plus" by CL loves thevamps on YouTube, Bradley Will Simpson is seen displaying his Vox AC30C2 Limited Cream Edition at the 1:09 mark.
Album Usage
The Vox AC30C2 has been featured on the following albums:
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 AC30C2, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
Community setups
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