Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 3 stores. Prices updated .

Average Price: $2,497

High-end/Boutique

$300

$701+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

Description

Step into the realm of sonic brilliance with the Vox AC30HW2X, a masterpiece that harmoniously blends vintage allure with modern craftsmanship. This hand-wired beacon of tone delivers an auditory experience that's as rich and detailed as its heritage suggests. With matched Ruby tubes and dual 12" Celestion Alnico Blue speakers, this combo amplifier offers a clarity and depth that's both rare and sought after. Perfect for the discerning guitarist who seeks the legendary Vox tone, enhanced for the contemporary stage and studio. This isn't just an amp; it's a conduit to the past, fine-tuned for the future.

Key Features:

  • Hand-wired construction on a turret board for unparalleled sound fidelity.
  • Equipped with matched Ruby tubes for a lush, harmonious sound palette.
  • Features dual 12" Celestion Alnico Blue speakers, delivering clear and powerful output.
  • Offers Regular and Top Boost channels, catering to a wide range of musical styles.
  • Designed for today's players, combining classic Vox tone with modern reliability.

Owner's manual

Vox AC30HW2X User Manual

Product specs

Brand Vox
Model AC30HW2X Hand-Wired 2-Channel 30-Watt 2x12" Blue Alnico 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

What are the tonal characteristics of the Vox AC30HW2X?

The Vox AC30HW2X is known for its classic "British chime" with rich, jangly high-end tones, thanks to its Celestion Alnico Blue speakers. It offers a warm, full-bodied sound with excellent clarity and dynamic response, making it ideal for rock, pop, and blues genres.

Is the Vox AC30HW2X suitable for gigging with a drummer?

Yes, the Vox AC30HW2X, with its 30-watt output and 2x12" speaker configuration, provides ample volume and projection for live performances alongside a drummer.

Does the Vox AC30HW2X take pedals well?

The Vox AC30HW2X is highly regarded for its compatibility with effects pedals, maintaining clarity and tone integrity, making it a versatile choice for guitarists who use a variety of effects.

Does the Vox AC30HW2X have built-in reverb?

No, the Vox AC30HW2X does not include built-in reverb, allowing the amplifier to focus on delivering pure, uncolored tube tone.

What type of power tubes does the Vox AC30HW2X use?

The Vox AC30HW2X utilizes EL84 power tubes, contributing to its distinctively bright and articulate sound profile.

Vox Amps

Vox Amps

VOX Hand-Wired AC30HW2X - Demo

Video thumbnail for VOX Hand-Wired AC30HW2X - Demo by Vox Amps

VOX Hand-Wired AC30HW2X - Demo

Vox Amps

Vox Amps

Video thumbnail for VOX AC30HW2x by gmaddox6

VOX AC30HW2x

gmaddox6

gmaddox6

Video thumbnail for 2012 Fender American Deluxe Telecaster + VOX AC30 HW2X Handwired by rollysguitars

2012 Fender American Deluxe Telecaster + VOX AC30 HW2X Handwired

rollysguitars

rollysguitars

Video thumbnail for 2004 Fender Custom Shop 1956 Reissue Stratocaster NOS + VOX AC30 HW2X Handwired by rollysguitars

2004 Fender Custom Shop 1956 Reissue Stratocaster NOS + VOX AC30 HW2X Handwired

rollysguitars

rollysguitars

Reviews

PROS

  • Hand wired turret board construction for quality sound

  • Can produce a wide range of sounds

  • Impeccable tone, serving as a model for boutique amps

  • Easy to use for beginners, yet offers depth for experienced players

  • Organic, warm yet bright tone

  • Eye-catching appearance

CONS

  • Needs to be played loud to achieve full sound

  • May hum and hiss, especially with a treble booster

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Vox AC30HW2X.

Mods and upgrades

  • Owners often replace one of the speakers with an Alnico Blue Celestion for improved tone.

    Source
  • A vintage ProCo Rat pedal is highly recommended to pair with this amp, enhancing its sound when plugged directly into the front, rather than using an effects loop.

    Source

Build quality

  • Fine leather straps are a popular upgrade to replace the factory plastic ones.

    Source

User experience

  • The amp's heavy weight is frequently cited as a challenge, often requiring two people to move it.

    Source
  • Some users purchase a trolley to manage the amp's substantial weight for easier transport.

    Source
  • Owners describe this amp as potentially life-changing, with some never returning to solid state amps after experiencing its sound quality.

    Source
  • Owners familiar with heavy amps like the Fender DeVille find the AC30HW2's weight manageable in comparison.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Owners find the amp exceptional for distortion, making it ideal for rock genres.

    Source
  • The Vox chime is praised for psych rock, indicating its suitability for this genre.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Despite a high market price, the amp is considered a worthwhile investment for its legendary sound.

    Source
  • Some units marked as "blemished" are actually in pristine condition, sold at a discount due to being floor models or open box items.

    Source
  • A mint condition AC30HW2 priced at $1300 is considered a great deal compared to typical listings over this price range.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • This Vox model notably lacks a stand-by switch, a feature commonly used to extend valve life in other tube amps.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The AC30HW2 with greenbacks is compared favorably to the AC30HW2X with Alnico Blues, indicating value despite speaker differences.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Feature - Gear Review: Vox AC30 XW2X Guitar Amplifier - NZ Musician

nzmusician.co.nz

The Vox AC30HW2X stands as a testament to Vox's legacy, delivering world-class performance with its hand-wired design and vintage charm. Its incorporation of modern features, like the Hot/Cool switch and Master Volume Bypass, offers versatility without compromising its classic tone. The amp's ability to translate subtle playing nuances into rich, musical expressions makes it a prized choice for seasoned players. However, minor issues like a faulty power-on light and channel bleed detract slightly from its otherwise stellar craftsmanship. Overall, this amp is a premium choice for those willing to invest in superior sound quality.

positive

Vox AC30HW2X & AC15HW1 review | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

The Vox AC30HW2X is a tonal powerhouse, offering the best sound from post-sixties AC models. With its hand-wired design and Celestion Alnico Blue speakers, it delivers clarity and harmonic richness. Though it lacks reverb and tremolo, its build quality and aesthetic appeal are top-notch. The absence of reverb might deter some, but the amp compensates with its dynamic range and versatile overdrive options. It's a substantial investment, but for those seeking classic Vox tones with modern usability, it's a worthy contender.

positive

5.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 3 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Stone Gossard uses Vox AC30HW2X

Stone Gossard

Singer, Guitarist

Pearl Jam

...
Verified via YouTube

Part of Stone Gossard’s live rig for much of the 2010s. Can be seen throughout this footage of Pearl Jam’s 2010 gig at Madison Square Garden as one of two amps Stone is using - the other being a Marshall.

See how Elvis Costello uses Vox AC30HW2X

Elvis Costello

Singer, Guitarist

Elvis Costello & The Imposters

...
Verified via YouTube

Minute 6:54

Elvis Costello and The Imposters - March 8, 2018 - Port Chester (complete show) Larry Rulz Published on Mar 16, 2018 Recorded on March 8, 2018 at the Capitol Theatre in Port Chester, NY.

See how Steve Diggle uses Vox AC30HW2X

Steve Diggle

Guitarist

Buzzcocks

...
Verified via YouTube

In the YouTube video titled "The Buzzcocks Ever Fallen in Love," Steve Diggle is not seen using a Vox AC30HW2X amplifier.

See how Alex Fischel uses Vox AC30HW2X

Alex Fischel

Guitarist, Keyboardist

Spoon

...
Verified via YouTube

At 4:51 in this video, you can see the Vox AC30HW2 used by Alex.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

More Vox Combo Guitar Amplifiers

Community setups

Similar

Gear Guides

  • Added to Equipboard on by

    azfatboy
    azfatboy

    Gear IQ 1255