From AC30 to High Gain?

[bennettcab]

I'm in the market for a new amp. My perfect amp would be an AC30 Top Boost on one channel and idk, something modern / higher gain on a second channel. Ideally something that can go from U2 to (high gain) Muse. It should probably have an effects loop since I use a lot of delay. I've pretty much ignored higher gain stuff so I'm pretty lacking in knowledge about amps other than vintage recreations.

Anyone have any suggestions? Or am I looking for an AC30 with the right pedal? Thanks.

[Rena Rune]

Interestingly enough, the AC30VR is exactly like this, but is Hybrid rather than full tube. I really wouldn't underestimate what you can do to an AC30 with pedals though.

[jondkang]

Maybe try Joe's 30/800?

http://www.morganamps.com/amps/30-800/30-800.php

[Stratman76]

Maybe try Joe's 30/800?

http://www.morganamps.com/amps/30-800/30-800.php

I thought of that here but it's kind of an odd bird, one that needs two independent channels (IMHO). I'd be more encouraged by a decent sounding clip.

To the Op...I'm on a similar quest. I think we may be better off with something like a Morgan AC20 Deluxe or a Dual 20 and a good gain/distortion pedal (BTW- no loops in either of these.)

[nullin]

Maybe something like a Matchless Independence or a Bad Cat Hot Cat?

[JosephN0624]

I think Radiohead's old stuff is a pretty good indicator that you can do that with an AC30 and a good pedal. I'm pretty sure all the heavier stuff is with an AC and pedals. The 30/800 is probably another good place to start looking though.

[tele_jas]

Not sure if you're looking for Boutique, or "anything"... Have you tried a Vox AC50cp2?

http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/AC50CP2/

Or as sone have said, an AC30 and a good pedal, like a Wampler Triple Wreck?

[FFTT]

Bad Cat Hot Cat 100

The perfect blend of a custom shop Marshall and an AC100

[dsimms]

Maybe something like a Matchless Independence or a Bad Cat Hot Cat?

I've got the Bad Cat Hot Cat 30. You should check this amp out. The two channels (clean and gain) are independent, but with an ABY or stereo pan pedal (my preference), you can use it like a channel switcher. I've had mine for 8 years and it doesn't have reverb or an effects loop, but I don't miss it. You can run your chorus or delay in your pedal board on the clean side and won't miss the effects loop, but you might miss the effects loop if you like delay on your gain channel. The newer models have an effects loop and reverb.

The cleans and overdrive/gain are really good on this amp. It's got two EL-34's instead of EL-84's. It doesn't have the sag/compression I've found in the AC-30's I've played, but the cleans are some of the best of any amp I've played, regardless of power tube configuration. The gain channel is extremely flexible. I don't use or need any overdrive pedals with this amp.

[mAx___]

The 2010 handwired AC30s have a "Cool Mode" (traditional Top Boost gain) and a "Hot Mode" with an extra stage that produces plenty of gain in the Top Boost channel.
Plus the Normal channel of course, which has less gain but takes pedals really well.

These amps are extremely well made with turret board construction (unlike previous versions), allowing you to modify or upgrade any of its components if desired.

For the price I highly recommend you try one of these, I couldn't be happier with mine.

[Etosser]

I second the newer AC50. From what you describe, it seems like Vox had the same idea with that offering.

[atson67]

I'm in the market for a new amp. My perfect amp would be an AC30 Top Boost on one channel and idk, something modern / higher gain on a second channel. Ideally something that can go from U2 to (high gain) Muse. It should probably have an effects loop since I use a lot of delay. I've pretty much ignored higher gain stuff so I'm pretty lacking in knowledge about amps other than vintage recreations.

Anyone have any suggestions? Or am I looking for an AC30 with the right pedal? Thanks.

I use a ('79) AC30 set pretty clean and use pedals for overdrive. Better than most channel switchers i have played. Delays sound great as well (since the amp is clean).

[Stu Cats]

http://www.3rdpower.com/product_BD112.htm It has an AC30 in one channel and a plexi in the other.

[ken374]

Newer vox's are great can do Van Halen stuff pretty easy, I can crank my amp full power and it sounds so good and clear its stupid! retubing, cables and guitars make a difference.

[mspizziri]

What about the bigger two channel Vox Night Train

I tried the smaller one before and was pretty impressed with the amount of gain it had

[Keld]

Just for something a little different, check out the Komet Constellation - not sure if you can get them new anymore, but they are fantastic amps. No loop, but I've been happy with delay/verb in front.

http://www.kometamps.com/constellation.html

[Stratman76]

Here's my Vox list (in current order of interest)

Valvetech Hayseed 30 Watt Head with ½ power switch ’63 reproduction, two-channel with Top Boost channel $1299 non-buffered series effect loops is an option (stated as LINE LEVEL ONLY re: the loop)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=doGG7ysuhtA

Vox AC30HWH – hard-wired head, two-channel, Top Boost Channel includes a Hot Switch to provide more gain, half power switch $1,299

Fargen AC Duo Tone – two-channel with passive effects loop $1499
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7yzHTecMAqs

Magic Amps – Brit MK II TB86 (two channel) $2099 by Mike Moody (goes by Moods here on TGP) ask about Woods Choke and Effects Loop
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BT7ufSku5ww

Morgan Dual 20 (two channels - no effects loop) $1699
Morgan AC20 Deluxe $1550

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PhyxWljme3w

TopHat King Royale Style II TH-K35 $2599 two-channel AC 30 type + $100 for passive effects loop.

Vox NightTrain NT15H 15 watt $499 modded by Ben Fargen (+$399.00?)
Vox Night Train NT50H 50 watt includes bypassable effects loops and Girth Channel for + gain/crunch. Class A/B with EL34s hmmmm - this is no AC30! $699 Foot switch is optional.

The Valvetech Hayseed looks like a real bargain! I'm sure the Magic Brit is an exceptional amp but $2k is a little tough when I'd probably end up getting a Marshall style as well. I'm after a quality effects loop so I can better run delays after the gain channel or possibly bypass the amps pre-amp stage to run a brutal gain pedal.

To Chad (the Op) b/c we seem to be on the same path I hope this is helpful to you!

[JosephN0624]

Here's my Vox list (in current order of interest)

Valvetech Hayseed 30 Watt Head with ½ power switch ’63 reproduction, two-channel with Top Boost channel $1299 non-buffered series effect loops is an option (stated as LINE LEVEL ONLY re: the loop)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=doGG7ysuhtA

Vox AC30HWH – hard-wired head, two-channel, Top Boost Channel includes a Hot Switch to provide more gain, half power switch $1,299

Fargen AC Duo Tone – two-channel with passive effects loop $1499
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7yzHTecMAqs

Magic Amps – Brit MK II TB86 (two channel) $2099 by Mike Moody (goes by Moods here on TGP) ask about Woods Choke and Effects Loop
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BT7ufSku5ww

Morgan Dual 20 (two channels - no effects loop) $1699
Morgan AC20 Deluxe $1550

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PhyxWljme3w

TopHat King Royale Style II TH-K35 $2599 two-channel AC 30 type + $100 for passive effects loop.

Vox NightTrain NT15H 15 watt $499 modded by Ben Fargen (+$399.00?)
Vox Night Train NT50H 50 watt includes bypassable effects loops and Girth Channel for + gain/crunch. Class A/B with EL34s hmmmm - this is no AC30! $699 Foot switch is optional.

The Valvetech Hayseed looks like a real bargain! I'm sure the Magic Brit is an exceptional amp but $2k is a little tough when I'd probably end up getting a Marshall style as well. I'm after a quality effects loop so I can better run delays after the gain channel or possibly bypass the amps pre-amp stage to run a brutal gain pedal.


I dont' think you can go wrong with the Hayseed...you get a whole lot of amp at a very reasonable price.

[Deadduck]

Orange Dual Terror can do this.

Or, any AC-30 type design with a Crowther Hot Cake.

[mAx___]

The Hayseed 30 in that YouTube demo sounded really good. Too bad it doesn't have a Normal Channel instead of the EF86...

[dantedayjob]

Traynor YCV 50? I had a couple of these in a stereo rig and loved the tone. Virtually every review someone referenced "Brian May Tone"

[Ncuab]

Shaw Amps makes some great stuff.

[kwood86]

bad cat hot cat FTW!

[radioboy950]

Don't know if you came across this yet, but the Morgan sounds great in this clip, and the 30/800 is on my radar.

aLV0Lg8ytng

[blankstaircase]

try a AC30 with a Boss Blues driver with a BBE Boosta Grande infront of the Blues driver.. I giged the way for some time. I had a older KORG 91' AC30 (made in england) with 2 Blues. It was a great modern rock tone. The Boosta Grande really made that Blues driver shine. Also was a great pedal by itself. Lots of top end sparkle....Or try a Z maz 18, that will get you in the park. If you got the cash, just get a Matchless chieftian. those have a fender thing with a vox chime going on.. They sound great with a OCD or a BB preamp in front of them.

[ldizzle]

fuzzfuzzfuzz

[AshlandBump]

The Hayseed 30 in that YouTube demo sounded really good. Too bad it doesn't have a Normal Channel instead of the EF86...

In the current (2011) Hayseed, there's a 3-way switch for the ef-86/Bypass channel that toggles between ef-86 Normal, ef-86 Brilliant, and Normal, the Normal uses a 12AX7 preamp, like the AC-30.

I've been leaving mine on ef-86 Normal most of the time however.

[Stratman76]

In the current (2011) Hayseed, there's a 3-way switch for the ef-86/Bypass channel that toggles between ef-86 Normal, ef-86 Brilliant, and Normal, the Normal uses a 12AX7 preamp, like the AC-30.

I've been leaving mine on ef-86 Normal most of the time however.

Overall, how do you like your Hayseed?

[AshlandBump]

Overall, how do you like your Hayseed?

I like it, a lot. My current Hayseed was made this year so it's up to date on all the mods and I can definitely say that Rob has nailed the punch and clang and chime that a good AC-30 should have. I've had my share of AC-30s (1998 TBX, 2003 HW, 2005 CC) and AC-30 clones (2005 Hayseed, 2007 JMJ, etc.). The Top Boost channel has the classic chime that my TBX had (sold it for the '03 HW - mistake) and the JMJ-30 has. The bypass, or ef-86 channel definitely has the grind that a good ef-86 channel should have. I put a GEC ef-86 that I had lying around in the amp, otherwise, it's a stock head with a 2x12 cabinet with a pair of Blues in it. I'm using a Startouch A/B/Y to toggle between the channels or blend them together -- three great options. The thing I've noticed about the Hayseed is the sustain it brings out in my guitars, even when playing clean so it's not all compression/sag. My main guitar is an ES-335 and it just rings out with this amp.

The JMJ is a great clone too but I think the master volume gives the Hayseed a slight edge -- hard to say, they're both great amps. The master volume is key for me because I do a lot of late-night practicing at home and it still sounds good at relatively low volume, quiet enough not to wake the family. Of course, it sounds better truned up, but what amp doesn't?

[Brooklynhero]

Look no further than a Mesa TA30

I have a TA15 - and it does exactly what the OP described - just at a lower wattage.

[slyzspyz]

Look no further than a Mesa TA30

I have a TA15 - and it does exactly what the OP described - just at a lower wattage.

I almost beat you by a couple of minutes but decided to read the whole thread in case someone already mentioned it!

[Stratman76]

My updated list. I know it's not wise to rely on you-compressed video clips which are often recorded with camera mics, but, to me, the first two Magic Brit clips make it seem like an amp worth the extra $800 over the Hayseed. The Hayseed is unquestionably the value leader. That said, if these clips are presented simply as circumstantial "evidence," the Magic Brit wins.

Magic Amps – Brit MkII TB86 (two channel) $2099 by Mike Moody

***Incites GAS for this amp…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PhyxWljme3w

with Tele
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2i8H_vO5XQ4

http://magicamps.com/BritMKII.cfm

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BT7ufSku5ww

MkII 86 (not the Top Boost version)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?NR=1&v=5g7x-4EwjV8

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uFabTB8ephU

http://www.thegearpage.net/board/showthread.php?t=155624

Valvetech Hayseed 30 watt Head with ½ power switch $1299

With Crook Tele + some pedals (low end compromised by camera mic?)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=doGG7ysuhtA

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OR_8ltAhj3M

Morgan Dual 20 (two channels - no effects loop) $1699
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y8TrH9QLYn0

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qBJ83di23ic

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pQkOGmHFaQI

Morgan AC20 Deluxe $1550
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aJTSXmy4Dw0

[rsm]

Vox AC50CPH (or combo: AC50CP2) or AC100CPH.

[PTraina]

I would say the morgan 30/800 is pretty much the only place to go. No one else is doing what Joe is doing on that amp.

[theroan]

Egnater Mod50.

[JosephN0624]

If you have the extra $800 I agree....Magic is probably what you'd want.

That being said...I've seen magic amps get much more expensive once you start adding on options.

[Coldacre]

I think Radiohead's old stuff is a pretty good indicator that you can do that with an AC30 and a good pedal. I'm pretty sure all the heavier stuff is with an AC and pedals.

actually none of their heavy stuff is done with an AC30. Jonny plays clean through an AC30 and switches to a Fender 85 & ShredMaster for dirt; Ed plays through a Mesa Boogie for dirt and Thom played through Twins & a Rat for those first 3 albums.

but that's not to say the humble AC30 can't do the job, it's just a matter of the right pedal. I like the DriveMaster or BD-2 through the normal channel. sounds massive

[ken374]

I get some awesome gain on mine:) with a les paul
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SZXHB6vJtgI