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Average Price: $1,982
High-end/Boutique
$300
$701+
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Budget
Standard
High-end
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Description
Introducing the Vox AC30HW2, a hand-wired marvel that represents the pinnacle of amplifier construction. With its meticulous design and high-end components, this amplifier delivers a sound that is as lofty as it is pure. The heart of the Vox AC30HW2 lies in its hand-wired turret board construction, a painstaking process that ensures an efficient signal path with minimal loss and no restriction in amplitude.
This all-tube design, combined with a variety of new functions, keeps pace with the needs of today's artists. The Vox AC30HW2 offers a rich variety of tonal shadings, revealing its enormous potential in any musical scenario. The vintage fawn-colored vinyl gives a nod to the classic AC30 from the 1960s, while the two Celestion G12M Greenback speakers deliver the robust and distinctive Vox sound.
Key Features:
- Turret board hand-wired construction for minimal signal loss
- All-tube design for a vibrant, organic sound
- Equipped with ECC83/12AX7 preamp tubes (x3) and EL84 power tube quartet
- Features matched Ruby Tubes for extended dynamic range
- Traditional two-channel design with Top Boost and Normal channels
- Includes a Bright switch in the Normal channel for added tonal variety
- Top Boost channel offers a Hot/Cool switch for added gain
- Master Volume/Bypass switch for direct, pure high-gain tone
- OP mode switch to cut the amp's Output Power level in half
- Two Celestion G12M Greenback speakers
- Comes with a VFS1 footswitch for easy channel switching
- Includes a premium, custom-fit dust cover
Product specs
| Brand | Vox |
| Model | AC30HW2 Hand-Wired 2-Channel 30-Watt 2x12" Guitar Combo |
| Finish | Fawn |
| Year | 2010s |
| Made In | Vietnam |
| Categories | Guitar Combo Amps |
| Electronics | Tube |
| Number of Channels | 2 Channels |
| Number of Inputs | 4 Inputs |
| Output Power (Watts) | 30 |
| Power Tube Type | EL84 |
| Reverb | None |
| Speaker Configuration | 2x12" |
FAQs
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What type of music genres is the Vox AC30HW2 best suited for?
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The Vox AC30HW2 is renowned for its chime-like cleans and classic British overdrive, making it ideal for rock, indie, and blues music. Its versatile tonal range caters to both rhythm and lead guitarists.
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Does the Vox AC30HW2 have built-in reverb?
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No, the Vox AC30HW2 does not include built-in reverb. It focuses on delivering pure tube-driven tones, so an external reverb pedal would be needed if reverb is desired.
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What speakers are used in the Vox AC30HW2?
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The Vox AC30HW2 features two 12-inch Celestion G12M Greenback speakers, known for their warm and balanced sound, which complements the amp's classic tonal characteristics.
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Is the Vox AC30HW2 suitable for gigging with a drummer?
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Yes, with its 30-watt output and dual 12-inch speakers, the Vox AC30HW2 is powerful enough to hold its own in live settings alongside a drummer, delivering ample volume and presence.
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How does the hand-wired construction of the Vox AC30HW2 affect its sound?
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The hand-wired construction of the Vox AC30HW2 enhances signal purity and tonal clarity, providing a more dynamic and responsive playing experience compared to mass-produced circuit board amps.
Videos
N Stuff Music
VOX Hand-Wired AC30 Combo Amplifier
VOX Hand-Wired AC30 Combo Amplifier
N Stuff Music
Vox AC30 Hand Wired - Demo and Inspection
bbmade
Vox AC30HW2
Nick Adams
VOX AC30HW2 Celestion G12M and Alnico Blue Comparison
DogoHouse Instrument Gear
VOX AC30HW2
Hoochies SidePark
Reviews
PROS
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Highly dynamic, responds well to picking nuances
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Master volume allows good saturation at lower volumes
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Works well with overdrive pedals, especially Boss ME-70
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Capable of achieving aggressive tones similar to JCM800
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Excellent for both loud gain and pushed cleans
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Offers beautiful dynamics when clean, ideal for jazz
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High-quality build, knobs, switches, and jacks are sturdy
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Clean tones are warm with crisp tops and smooth mids
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Tone controls offer extensive versatility despite learning curve
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Half-power switch useful for managing stage volume
CONS
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Heavier than expected, over 75 pounds
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Noisy and buzzy at higher volumes, sensitive to electrical noise
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Stock Ruby tubes may contribute to noise issues
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Lacks built-in tremolo, reverb, and effects loop
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Tone controls complex and interdependent, requiring adjustment
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Some users report minor issues with buzz from bad power supplies
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Vox AC30HW2.
Value and pricing
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Owners consider $1300 for a mint AC30HW2 with Greenbacks an exceptional deal, especially compared to listings priced over $1200 for non-functioning units.
Source
Features and functionality
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The AC30HW2's Greenback speakers are noted, though some prefer the Alnico Blues found in the HW2X model for their unique tonal characteristics.
Source -
The absence of a reverb tank is noted to maintain a true signal path, appealing to those who prefer pairing the AC30HW2 with external reverb effects for versatility.
Source -
The AC30HW2 is appreciated for its compatibility in a wet/dry rig setup, offering a unique blend of reverb effects and the amp's natural tonal clarity.
Source
Use cases and applications
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Ideal for psych rock, the AC30HW2 provides the desired sound profile that complements the genre, differentiating it from the Fender DeVille 4x10.
Source
User experience
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Users transitioning from heavier amps like the Fender DeVille find the AC30HW2's weight manageable, despite the initial concern about its heft.
Source -
Owners express a strong initial attachment, describing the amp as "amp for life" due to its hand-wired construction, suggesting long-term satisfaction and reliability.
Source
Build quality
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The handwired AC30HW2 is reported to be more durable and easier to repair than the AC30C2, with potential improvements in cabinet construction.
Source
Comparisons
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Users note the AC30HW2's durability contrasts with the AC30C2, which has been associated with reliability concerns, though some say these are exaggerated.
Source -
Some users prefer the older AC30/6 model for its vibrato over newer models that incorporate reverb, suggesting a preference for vintage features in the Vox lineup.
Source
5.0 out of 5
Based on 5 Reviews and 24 Ratings
41029
best new vox since the marshall-made ac30tb RI's in the 90s
I like everything about this amp. I don't miss the vib/trem channel, the bright switch on the normal channel brings the non-top-boost JMI brilliant channel sounds and the 'hot switch on the top boost channel is to die for. The master volume is pretty useable and the half-power switch is a huge help in these days of stage volume restrictions. What a well-though-out take on the classic design. Did I mention the gorgeous fawn Nubtex? Even the stock greenbacks sounded pretty solid, but she really came alive when I installed a G12 blue and an H30 55hz clone. That pair of speakers really makes for a larger than life vox tone, clean or dirty.
5339
you love your voxes like me with mashall jcms and mesas, which I hear you dislike :)
41029
I love 2203s and 2204s... mesas? its more a build quality theing. I outright dislike the triple rec though, poor man's soldano. love the SLO100 and the hotrods although I don't turn the gain up so high and I play 'em stupid loud so the power tubes are giving up a little when I dig in.
Awesome amp, some slight modding needed.
Have absolutely loved this amplifier. Had some minor issues with unwanted buzz with bad power supplies in live applications. Found out that there was an issue with the resistor placements on the grid, but once we fixed that there were very few issues! LOVE THIS AMP!
1201
Just bought one.
Will update this soon, but i played one awhile back fell in love so i decided to buy one sight unseen. I've gone through so many AC30c2 (and the CC2 and the AC30vr) that i decided to try this one. I'm stoked to hear the sounds.
41029
Its night and day compared to a Chinese AC30. A little brighter, tighter and punchier than my 1962 ac30, but very close. You will never part with this amp. Vox nailed it this time. If you got the version with greenbacks consider replacing them with Blues (weber blue dogs will do, though I prefer the Celestion RIs once they break in). The greenbacks sound good but get a bit mushy. This amp is also loaded with useful features that don't bog the circuit down. Hot mode is a blast! And this amp is just beautiful to behold, isn't it?
43
Amazing Amp!
I've recently bought one of these amps and they're just perfect. Sparkling Cleans.
41029
mine holds up to my vintage ones.... I really like the ac30 for its dirt though, dunno why everyone is so obsessed with the clean sound because there isn't much of it at stage levels, its subtley dirting up right away on any stage where you're not asked to be a tinny whisper under the drums. in half power there's almost no headroom on the reissue.... my '63 really has no headroom. There just isn't a truly clean sound but the sounds it makes are clorious. but congrats. This is vox's best amp in years. I am dying to try the new EF86 versions they released at NAMM. Kinda weird that this one has the fawn tolex from the EF86 preamp era while the new ones with the older preamp have transitional smooth black tolex.... and then only the funk custom classics get black basketweave nubtex. Vox is a mystery these days.
51
Artist usage
Add artist
In this interview with Premier Guitar magazine, Thompson explains that she uses an AC-30HW2X because she prefers vintage sounds, and feels it best approximates older Vox units. "It’s the handwired reissue with the Celestion Blue alnico speakers," she says. "It’s the closest modern Vox AC-30 I’ve found to the original sound of the ’60s ones."
Linde is likely using the Vox as a personal monitor since he appears to be hiding a Kemper profiler rack to the side of the stage.
15:14
In this picture taken during a Wednesday show, Jake can be seen using a VOX AC30 and a Fender Blues Deluxe.
At 7:00 in this Angel & Airwaves show, David Kennedy's Vox AC30 hand wired amp can be seen.
At 3:18 you can see a vox AC30 handwired.
The other half of Rosamilia's amp equation is a Vox Hand-Wired series AC30. Each amp sports a pair of Weber Blue Dogs. He runs the JMP dry and pipes delays and other swirly effects through the AC30. Rosamilia carries vintage backups for each amp: a small 1967 Marshall PA-20 head and 1962 Vox AC30 loaded with Celestion Blue 12" speakers.
According to Premier Guitar, Vaden uses the Vox AC30HW2 amplifier.
Can be seen in several live videos
In this Flickr image, Tilley uses a Vox Hand Wired AC30 amplifier.
Josh McClorey of The Strypes is seen using a Vox AC30HW2 amplifier in a photo from Asset-cache, highlighting his preference for this hand-wired model.
Album Usage
The Vox AC30HW2 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 AC30HW2, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
Community setups
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