Dr.Z Carmen Ghia or a Vox AC30CCH

[eksfiles]

Would you trade a Carmen Ghia head for a Vox AC30CCH? Give me reasons why you would or wouldn't. What's the advantages of having one over the other.

Thanks in advance.

[TimH]

I would. Personally I love the AC30CC...one of the best amps I've ever owned regardless of price. Advantages of the AC30...more sounds, one of the best MV's I've had, trem, reverb and more headroom if you need it. I tried to buy a Ghia once and although I like it it fell a bit short for me. If you're looking for a low watt blues amp then the ghia is for you more than the AC30...but IMHO if you want more than that get the AC30 and some blue speakers (Webers work fine).

[stout-hearted]

I'm a recent Ghia owner and I'm kicking myself that I've waited so long to buy one. For years one of my best buddies on the east side of Texas kept telling me - "Get a Z! Get a Ghia!" Because of its simplicity I had a hard time putting out the cash for one, but this year found me in need of a new amp and I got a Ghia. It has literally breathed life into my guitar which already sounded great, but now it is even greater. It has inspired me to play more because of the way it responds to my pick attack and how good it sounds with effects as well.

Earlier in the year I got a great deal on an English made VOX with a Celestion Blue, but although it sounded really fine - I felt like it was limited in what it offered plus the weight factor was a concern for someone my age.

I love the Ghia so much and I found it much louder than many reviews led me to believe. My goal is to buy another for home and keep the current one where I play every week. Then on those specials occassions go stereo and knock the walls out.

One more thing. My amp tech has not been impressed with the quality of most Chinese amps. He'll admit a few are fine, but his shop is always visited by a Chinese amp in need of resoldering or replacement parts.

[Jim S]

[ford]

I wouldn't, but I guess your goals and what you are wanting to do with your amp would really dictate what you do.

The Vox does have the trem and reverb, but both are average to below average to me. The amp does sound very good though. If you are looking for the AC30 sound, it gets you there though.

The Ghia doesn't sound like an AC30, but it does have some of those characteristics. It's simplicity and tone are what make it a great amp. Plug in and go and get some great tones with just a couple of knob fiddles...

rock

bford

[Bearded]

If you're like me you need both. :AOK

Seriously, though, if you're looking for chimey vox clean with humbuckers, don't buy a ghia, it breaks up to fast, but that slightly overdriven tone. Oh man.

You may also think about a Mazerati or a Stang Ray as a compromise.

[myles111]

Originally Posted by eksfiles

Would you trade a Carmen Ghia head for a Vox AC30CCH? Give me reasons why you would or wouldn't. What's the advantages of having one over the other.

Thanks in advance.

These are very different amps.

I would never trade a Carmen Ghia for anything for the most part, or to be more accurate, I would never give up my Ghia.

The Vox CC is a cool amp but picking one over the other is like picking whether you want chicken for lunch or a new pair of boots.