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EZchair Picker · July 7th, 2008, 11:37 AM

I have the AC30, peavey classic 30 and classic 50 combo amps. I like each amp, but for different reasons.

If you're wanting to dial in overdrive/distortion at lower levels using a master volume knob, I think you're gunna like the the classic 30 better. The Vox relies more on natural tube overdrive that only comes at louder volumes. Additionally, it you want a rock music type of OD sound (AC/DC territory), a tele ain't gunna be able to do it on the Vox. You're gunna need something with a hot humbucker to push it that hard and you'll need to crank her up. The Vox cleans, especially with the blues, is really hard to beat though and the classic 30 doesn't even come close. But the C30 does have channel switching, which can certainly be an added plus if you need it. Additionally, you can do speaker and tube swaps to the C30 that really can make significant improvements (both clean and OD sounds) based on what you're looking to get out of it for a very reasonable amount of money. If you can get away with running strictly clean or overdriven with limited clean sounds, the AC30 is gunna give you glorious tones. If you're covering different material and need to be able to switch on the fly for various situations, then a modded C30 gets the nod. Also IMO, the C30 is also more pedal friendly, especially if you're gunna use any OD/distortion pedals. I got my C30 for $425 new and am into it for $110 in mods. It's the best $535 amp that I've come across. YMMV.

July 7th, 2008, 11:37 AM	#30 (permalink)
EZchair Picker Tele-Meister Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Between the lines Posts: 314	I have the AC30, peavey classic 30 and classic 50 combo amps. I like each amp, but for different reasons. If you're wanting to dial in overdrive/distortion at lower levels using a master volume knob, I think you're gunna like the the classic 30 better. The Vox relies more on natural tube overdrive that only comes at louder volumes. Additionally, it you want a rock music type of OD sound (AC/DC territory), a tele ain't gunna be able to do it on the Vox. You're gunna need something with a hot humbucker to push it that hard and you'll need to crank her up. The Vox cleans, especially with the blues, is really hard to beat though and the classic 30 doesn't even come close. But the C30 does have channel switching, which can certainly be an added plus if you need it. Additionally, you can do speaker and tube swaps to the C30 that really can make significant improvements (both clean and OD sounds) based on what you're looking to get out of it for a very reasonable amount of money. If you can get away with running strictly clean or overdriven with limited clean sounds, the AC30 is gunna give you glorious tones. If you're covering different material and need to be able to switch on the fly for various situations, then a modded C30 gets the nod. Also IMO, the C30 is also more pedal friendly, especially if you're gunna use any OD/distortion pedals. I got my C30 for $425 new and am into it for $110 in mods. It's the best $535 amp that I've come across. YMMV.