Vox Amp Type(s) you use

[Rudolf Wagner]

Hi Simon,

We almost exclusively play AC30s and have a couple of them in our studio. When we played live a lot we used to mainly play through the “VR” version since it’s lighter and a bit more reliable when dragging it from stage to stage (fewer tubes).

At the Cavern Club we played the amps that were already there – AC30s with top boost and reverb.

They have a huge stock of new and vintage AC 30s, and while they all sounded a bit different we could not say the vintage ones were better.

We’ve pretty exclusively stuck with Vox amps over the years and can’t see ourselves switching away from them anytime soon, simply because of the unique sound they produce. Vintage or not, they rock – even the VR versions, the pedals or even the Mini headphone amps.

Thanks for the question!

[Simon Walkey]

Hi Mona,

Thanks for your reply. It was interesting and also really helpful as I am strongly considering cashing in my early 70s Sound City 120w in for a Vox.

My amp is very clean but also lacks character so I’ve used a lot of pedals to get the sounds I want. It’s also very loud (I use a soak) and bulky as it’s a head and I have to lug a 2×12 cabinet around too if I take it anywhere.

It has taken me some time to realise that many of the British bands whose sounds I like actually come through a Vox amp. I don’t think I can stretch to a new one (or a great vintage one) without saying goodbye to my current valve amp which is on the rare side but not particularly desirable.

I have some of those Vox Amplug headphone things too! The Blues one is cool. They are good for practice but I have also made up leads so I can use them as in-line effects (until I get ‘the real thing’).

Your comments will help me when I go to the big guitar shops in London!

Cheers and Merry Christmas to you and Lisa when it comes!