EL84 Guitar Amp Magic: Vox AC15 & AC30, Matchless HC-30 & Victory VC35 Compared - That Pedal Show

We demo and compare guitar amps using EL84 power tubes: Vox AC15 C1, 1961 Vox AC30, Victory VC35 The Copper and Matchless HC-30. We play clean, crank the amps to overdrive and also use a couple of key boost pedals.
Life too short for long KZbin videos? Please see the ‘Interesting bits and go-to sections’ information below.
In this episode Dan and I fire up four amps that we like very much to see what we can learn. Dan’s beloved 1961 AC30 is his most treasured amplifier… but not the one he chooses to play as his main amp. That would be his Matchless HC-30 which - as amp fans will know- is chiefly inspired by those classic Vox amps of old. So how do they compare?
But fear ye not those of thinner wallet. Clearly not everyone has multiple thousand pounds/dollars/euros to drop on these rarefied lungs of rock’n’roll, so we also include the much more attainable Vox AC15 C1 and Victory VC35 to see how they stand up. (And if you want to hear a digital simulation side by side with the AC30, watch next week’s show on the Strymon Iridium.)
It’s a long video with plenty of tangents, even more variables and about as much scientific analysis as a three-year-old eating trifle, so anyone looking for stringent A/B comparisons and hard conclusions will be disappointed. It's just how it is here people.
Enjoy the episode!
Pedals & stuff in this episode…
• TheGigRig Three2One
www.thegigrig.com/three2one
• Keeley D&M Drive
UK & Europe: bit.ly/2oTblU1
Australia: bit.ly/2pUDUAE
USA: bit.ly/3DIJDia
• Thorpy Camoflange
UK & Europe: bit.ly/39Pslnu
Australia: bit.ly/2PL6KFP
USA: bit.ly/3DLc80u
• Tri-Fi Colordriver
tru-fi.com/tru-fi-pedal-colord...
• Analogman Mini Beano Boost
www.analogman.com/beano.htm
• JHS Pulp ’n’ Peel V4
UK & Europe: bit.ly/2CmZoy6
Australia: bit.ly/2JZTgQq
USA: bit.ly/3DHpSaN
• Boss DD-200
UK & Europe: bit.ly/2kyinR3
USA: bit.ly/309eIxJ
• Meris Mercury 7
UK & Europe: bit.ly/2Jb6RVq
Australia: bit.ly/2VHxcBo
• TheGigRig G2
www.thegigrig.com/g2
* Why do we have preferred retailer and US affiliate links? Find out here: www.thatpedalshow.com/partners
Interesting bits and go-to sections…
- Intro playing: 0:00
- What are we doing today?: 02:36
- It’s dangerous: 04:15
- Why no Morgan or DrZ?: 05:10
- AC15 and AC30 compared: 06:24 (07:10)
- AC15 and 30 overdriven: 09:18 (10:05)
- AC15 flat out: 11:40
- AC30 flat out: 13:08
- Beano Boost (treble booster) into AC15: 15:01
- AC30 with Beano: 17:20
- …and with humbuckers: 18:25
- Both amps and Beano Boost: 20:20
- What happens after the fifties? (Mick’s dodgy history lesson): 22:01
- And then the Matchless arrives: 25:30
- Tangent about Vox Amps: 28:03
- A tangent on cathode resistors: 28:30
- Yet another tangent on handedness and more tangents..: 30:38
- Victory VC35: 31:05
- Vox AC30 and Victory VC35 Compared: 33:24
- … and with Colour Driver: 34:33
- What are we calling the black Strat?: 37:00
- Victory VC35 and Strat: 38:10
- Victory max gain and treble booster: 41:30
- Matchless DC-30 and Vox AC30: 42:50
- Overdriving the Matchless: 44:14
- Mick’s DC-30 tangent: 48:37
- Strat & DC-30: 50:00
- Humbuckers with DC-30: 53:10
- … and Beano Boost: 54:10
- The problem of AB listening: 57:17
- The VOX EF86 Channel: 57:46
- How can an amp be that expensive?: 01:01:40
Guitars in this episode:
• Gretsch G6228 Player’s Edition Jet BT w/V Stoptail - • What About Gretsch Gui...
UK & Europe: bit.ly/2pHeThN
USA: imp.i114863.net/PGPM6
• Fender American Vintage ’59 Stratocaster - no video yet
• Gibson Memphis 1958 ES-335 - Mick’s video at bit.ly/2mpJA8X
• Fender Custom Shop 1963 Telecaster - Dan’s video at bit.ly/2dlZJ6K
Amps in this episode
• 1961 Vox AC30 with Celestion Alnico Blue speakers
• Vox AC15C1 with Celestion G12M Greenback
UK & Europe: bit.ly/36BSfrw
USA That Pedal Shop: bit.ly/3E0H1Qs
• Victory VC35 The Copper and V212-VB cab/Celestion G12M Greenback and Celestion G12H
UK & Europe: bit.ly/2NpF31i
USA That Pedal Shop: bit.ly/3SkS5fJ
• Matchless HC-30 with Hughes & Kettner Vintage 212 / Celestion G12M Greenback
We hope you enjoy this episode. Please subscribe to our channel.
You can buy TPS merch to support our efforts www.thatpedalshowstore.com
We are on Patreon - crowdfunding for creatives
/ thatpedalshow
Please visit our preferred retailers!
UK & Europe: Andertons Music bit.ly/2cRvIvt
Australia: Pedal Empire bit.ly/2mWmJQf
USA: That Pedal Shop www.thatpedalshop.com/

[@justinoneil6971]

This video should get no negative feedback...just like a VOX!

[@ThatPedalShow]

Nicely done sir. :0)

[@mattgilbert7347]

Careful with that one, it's an antique

[@chuckyz2]

Theres always going to be trolls and thin skinned @#&%….

[@joethrelfall6370]

@@ThatPedalShow a comparison between Dan's 1961 vox ac30 and the vox ac30 heritage.

[@davibelo]

kkkk awesome comment!!!

[@JediAxis]

Best Mick quote ever: "...for what it is...this is what it is." Best way to start a comparison/demo. Most comments INSTANTLY answered. Love it!

[@bonestockrotorary]

Tele into a matchless is the clean tone I have in my head. I spent a long time messing with fender amps thinking something was wrong with me. First time I plugged into a vox, I was blown away. And matchless just took it to 11

[@ebeep]

I went on that same Fender-to-Vox journey and will never go back. I unwittingly kept trying to get Vox tone from a variety of vintage blackface and brownface Fenders for well over 10 years before I finally found what I was looking for ;)

[@rickflippin1]

I went with 2 genz Benz black pearls just sounds like Vox and matchless had an illegitimate child just love em

[@josephestes7076]

Same. Bad Cat Cub for me. EF86 goodness.

[@davidanthonybird1897]

I too took the same journey from fender to vox 20 years ago. I had a 63 non top boost . now have a gand wired ac 30 and ac 15 hw . both have 68 fender band masters big box exstention speaker cabs. Simi open back . One has celestion blues and the other 66" silver bell alnicos . i run sylvainia and amprex el84s and late 50s mullard long black plate 12 ax7 s ans 1 50s long black plate rca in in v 1 . Its hard to get a bad sound out of it. Clean dirty or fat lead tone..... It does it all in Royal style!

[@bluesrock4696]

The Genz Benz Black Pearl 30 cranked is glorious!

[@paulberger6540]

Dan's wearing his tone pants again - better look out. Intro was absolutely stunning!

[@wheelsdetroit8608]

Holy mustard pants Dan!!!!!

[@KalJoao]

They hurt my eyes!

[@owntone5]

Paul Berger I was trying to figure out if they were also leather. Tone pants - that’s too funny!

[@sayhuhhhh]

Dan and Mick should name their band Tone Pants

[@JohnW335andTele]

It will be a sad day when the show ends! A lot of us look forward to each weekly episode. Thank you Dan and Mick (and crew) for all of the hard work you put into each episode! We love your playing, knowledge, and hearty laughs!

[@darwinsaye]

Love that moment when you switch from the close mic on the AC15 to the room mics. Really demonstrates the difference from what you hear in most amp demo videos to what you're going to actually hear in person when you get one home.

[@joeleonard643]

Amazing show guys, the love and enthusiasm for what you do is totally contagious! Keep up the good work.

[@DirtyKurty_]

We're so lucky that we get to listen to Dan rip through a Vox amp so often. Beautiful, beautiful guitar tones. Cheers gentlemen!

[@ralvknights]

I felt awe hearing the tones of the Victory and the Matchless. I've concluded that the TPS shines in greatness due to several strong pilars: experience in seeking best gear, positive humor and tangents, Simon's hard work, Andertons support, yet IMHO the strongest power of TPS is the exquisite choice of notes, melodies and sensitive playing that prove that Mick and Dan are indeed musicians with the biggest mojo soul. Inspired you are both good sirs and keep the joy of schwang alive. Live long, keep rocking and prosper. Thanks a million for being part of making us gear nerds happy.

[@ThatPedalShow]

Ah, thanks Rolo, really appreciate it

[@joethrelfall6370]

@@ThatPedalShow will be getting some of your pedal board tape off your site soon. Love brian May's tone and use it myself with the correct gear. The ac30 cranked with a treble booster is just magic. I am still waiting for part 2 of this?

[@christianboysen1594]

13:50 This is by far the coolest way of showing, that a doubling of power equals a +3dB increase. TPSS: "That Pedal Science Show"!

[@robholiday5370]

Best topic for weeks guys, loving it. Not knocking the guest episodes at all, they’re great as an occasional change of pace, but for me this kind of stuff is what you’re about. 2 effortlessly likeable blokes in a room, experimenting and educating with guitar gear. Love it.

[@exoduslnx]

I love this show and watching you guy so much, its like I'm in the room with you having blast. You guys kill it, thanks.

[@zackguitar07]

I've seen almost every episode of TPS but outside of ones with special guests, these are the best tones I've ever heard from you guys! I was a Fender-style amp only guy for a long time, then came across a modded master volume AC30 built to Thom Yorke's specs by my local amp guy and I fell in love. Rented it for a few gigs and had to buy it before someone else did. EL84 amps are simply magical!

[@tskjek08]

I love Dan’s World! His playing at the very beginning was heavenly and worthy of shedding a tear. Also, what Mick played on the Strat at a little over the hour mark was sublime. Great video lads!

[@coquio]

Everyone: So how's the midrange on that amp? Dan & Mick: Very specific

[@mattraino3274]

Wow- great intro Dan! I love it when your first few minutes of the video are so captivating!! Well done sir.

[@bmcash3411]

Intro guitar was one of the best pieces of guitar I’ve heard in a while!

[@nolarocks]

@@markhammer643 So will a Dan.

[@CentaurusRelax314]

@@nolarocks If you love him so much, why don't you just marry him already. : )

[@LukeJackandWill]

I got some real Jeff Buckley vibes from it.

[@alexgarr8386]

You two are blooming genius’s that are apart of my love for the guitar and for that mates I thank you🙏

[@druwk]

Beautiful tone inspires us in our playing. Discovering how, and what we play, what tone inspires our style(s), and how to achieve that sound with the gear we have...or realizing there is a straighter path with different gear can be maddening? Seeing Dan’s face in the happy place playing the Matchless was priceless!

[@oisinmcphillips2090]

That intro playing is the best tone I've heard on this channel that wasn't from a guest, damn.

[@bengottard7698]

Loving Dan's facial expressions playing through that Matchless, pure enjoyment and tone. Great sounding amp.

[@Keigan884]

I just have to say, your joy while playing always makes me want to go play my guitars. I can’t say that for any other guitar shows. Thanks!

[@lookmanostrings]

You guys are unbelievable. You make hour long videos and for the most part, I watch most of it. This never happens to me. Well done. It's like if Anderton's Captain and Rob Chappers had an actual personality, were not insufferable, were down to earth, and provided actual useful information. LOL. Thanks for the work you guys do. Very informative.

[@nathanmontover1436]

I'm at 1:42 and i'll stop now and say thank you for an awesome show. inspired playing, Dan!! can't wait to see where all this goes!!!!

[@dj_617]

Dan’s beard did grow fast since monday

[@Saixtanwar]

Thats his spare beard he keeps down under

[@elonmush4793]

A big muff

[@JeremyKolassa]

@@elonmush4793 If EHX doesn't make a Dan themed Muff we know this timeline can't be salvaged

[@greatreset3]

EL-84's put hair on your face! This is proof! 🎶🎸

[@davedavem]

@@elonmush4793 Big Muff Pi Face

[@adamscottv]

Loved Dan's clean tone on the Gretsch into the AC30 at the beginning. And the playing was on point too. Very nice , Dan.

[@Human-hq3dy]

I don’t hear enough clean demos on vox amps

[@chrisburris5829]

Excellent episode guys! Y’all definitely have a great show! Cheers from Texas

[@stevec.1802]

Excellent presentation, spot on. Loved every minute of it.

[@Nikola85ZgCRO]

The Pearly Gates story, if I remember correctly, goes something like this; ZZ Top had an aspiring actress friend who needed to travel from Texas to Hollywood to audition for a role. The band borrowed her their car, she made the trip, auditioned and got the part. The car was subsequently named Pearly Gates, because it had brought her good luck, as if it had “divine connections”. Later the actress friend sold the car and sent the money back to Billy, who received it just as he found out about a certain ‘59 Gibson Les Paul whose owner was willing to part ways with it. Because the guitar was bought with Pearly Gates money, and sounded so heavenly and was so inspiring to play, as if it had “divine connections”, it was named Pearly Gates.

[@ThatPedalShow]

Thank you!

[@mcren6781]

Theres absolutely nothing like the sound of p90s or darker pickups through a chime amp. Its like peanut butter and jelly. A match made in heaven.

[@zacharysmithingell5460]

I absolutely couldn't agree more. I'm doing that for alternative hard rock and it's such a unique sound for the genre these days, I can't believe more people don't do it.

[@Attilargh]

I really love it when you really get into a specific piece of kit and explore its history and workings. Could you do similar episodes on other famous amps? Bassmen and their derivatives, maybe?

[@nodismattoleari7272]

Wow Dan that's impressive. You are a wizard. Thank you for that magical intro. Mattia from Italy.

[@kylecravens8052]

When I've had Matchless amps in the past, I've always felt it was a best of both worlds between Vox and great Fender amps with something special that gives it more depth. Such incredible amps

[@realtruenorth]

I'm dying to know what amp replaced it.

[@Halkbi]

I love these more amp focused episodes! Something that I think is long overdue is an episode on preamp overdrive vs power amp distortion, the differences in inherent sound characteristics and how it may or may not affect the way you want to set up your pedalboard. Quite often when you talk about "gainy amps" it isn't specified whether you're pushing the preamp or the power amp which might lend people to assume that a certain pedal is going to work just as well into their amp's distortion channel as it does into your Marshall Plexi. I haven't looked back since I got my attenuator and could rely on power amp breakup at any given volume level, and it certainly has saved me a lot of money trying out different distortion units. If one could dream further, you should get Johan Segeborn aboard for such an episode.

[@robertjakeman1004]

I already love this video before i even pressed play!! You guys at TPS smashing it out the park as always!!

[@dominicgiovannoni7072]

Great set! Awesome production! Super episode!! Thx😁🙏🏼

[@9418matthew]

Guys, I look forward to your videos each and every week...I enjoy your playing and your excitement which shines through...can you do show on Fender Tone Master Twin Reverb?

[@Gjuby]

Oh f.... That intro by Dan just blew my mind! Phenomenal!

[@erajad]

Sweeping through the master/gain controls on the AC15 from roughly 10:15 forward for a couple minutes is one of the most illuminating things I've seen in many, many (many) hours of watching TPS. SO instructive!! Thanks for doing that.

[@ThatPedalShow]

Ah coooool! Glad it was useful. We should do more stuff like that as standalone short videos maybe. Cheers!

[@erajad]

@@ThatPedalShow Brilliant suggestion! You've got so many "nuggets" like this. Hope it happens!

[@guitarsimon1]

Super exciting realisation that Mick and Dan now both own their dream amps, it was a journey (and will continue to be) but you made it fellas! Now just for those Strat pickups to complete the final piece of the puzzle 👀

[@guitarvaultstore8032]

As a huge Vox fan, I would live to see the new AC30HW2 vs. Dans AC30 shootout style.

[@dannyharvey7398]

GuitarVaultStore I was thinking exactly the same thing, even against the Matchless. I’ve never played a Matchless or a vintage Vox, but I couldn’t imagine the sound being that different between these and the Vox AC30HW2 (or AC15HW1 that I own) to justify the HUGE price variance.

[@joetoe9207]

@@dannyharvey7398 got em both and similar but even across the matchless line, differences. Appreciate what you are saying. Just so many variables.

[@CarlyonProduction]

@@joetoe9207 I had that experience playing matchless amps too. I have to say, one thing I love about the ac30 (why I am going back to playing one soon) is that they are more focused in the mid range> Matchless tends to have more low end and more way up top (from the ones I played) I am also super curious to hear the black star hand built amps. I know people turn their noses up at those, but they seem to be fairly faithful recreations.

[@mh-oh8kf]

I have a late 90’s Vox Ac30tbx and its been my main amp for 10 years. (Built in the Marshall factory as Mick mentioned) What fantastic amplifiers.

[@darrenc8776]

You guys have consistently made awesome videos but your last 5 or 6 videos have been outstanding. Cheers guys

[@ThatPedalShow]

Thank you!

[@cyrusfontaine2598]

I always comment on the recording, but it really is getting stellar! Closer and closer to the sound of an amp in the room!

[@rayprevailer8454]

Oh yeah...after working a normal 14 hour day on the railroad, I come home to have a couple beers and slip into guitar & gear geek heaven. Exactly where I belong. Great review of gear gents. Hailing from Nebraska USA.

[@kolbyisawesome]

Hello fellow Nebraskan! Are you at UP?

[@rayprevailer8454]

@@kolbyisawesome Nope, BNSF.

[@CorbCorbin]

All the live long day even?

[@valendis]

That matchless just sounds epic!

[@VonBluesman]

Dan I am amazed, the Matchless HC 30 with their 2 X 12 Cab is my favorite amp. I was blessed to get a Mark Sampson made version brand new. Also, I have a Fender Custom Shop Tele new old stock just like yours and it is my favorite Tele. I chose it because it feels amazing in your hands and plays like butter, the neck felt perfect and the frets have an excellent finishing job, it has fantastic sound, and the candy apple red is so beautiful. Muddy Waters played an original 1960’s model. I met his son in my home town at a festival, Little Walter, Muddy’s harmonica player was raised here until he moved to Chicago. Our past time mayor of the town was really into good music and the city would fund the Little Walter Festival. It is amazing we are oceans apart and have real similar taste in musical gear. I love ya’lls show. Thanks for the video. Wishing you and Mick the best. GOD bless ya’ll. Play on Jimi !!! 🎸👍👏🙏✌️😎

[@chriscoker7841]

I have watched every TPS and I basically never comment but I had to pause at the two minute mark to say this. Dan - your playing on the intro is inspirational, and I love that Gretsch it sounds beautiful. Keep up the amazing work guys!

[@ThatPedalShow]

Ah, thanks so much Chris :)

[@Xarulu]

That fly on the pedalboard at 16:40 🤘😎

[@risteardohaodha23]

The lesser known Tonebottle fly. Tone appreciation spans all of God’s creatures, very large and very, very small… particularly it seems when there’s cranked Vox amps 😎

[@johnstaf]

I was wondering if anyone had commented. 🤣

[@jeremiahMc11]

The tone at 44:45 was some of the best Dan tones I’ve ever heard. I’m always amazed at how well this show is mixed/engineered. Keep it up gentlemen!

[@Matthewtaylorn]

I believe you meant 17:23.

[@nolarocks]

very beautiful intro. you are extremely creative and express yourself wonderfully.

[@RobertNolan]

Just a great bromance with a camera and some gear. It never gets old.

[@tshuqwud1693]

We need a "our guitars and gear" video about the matchless. Spectacular amp.

[@KaiserSoze-dp1hw]

The 30 is the holy grail. The 15 is a more compressed deal I know it came 1st. I’ve had both. The 30 is heavy and all the usual complaints. It still remains the holy grail. Just sounds amazing

[@chrisact9601]

Haven't tuned in for a while. Videos are kinda long and I'm time poor. But drinking rum and staying up late tonight, watching "That Pedal Show". Rawwwwkkkkkkk!!!! Hello from Australia!

[@Caseysays]

Great video Gents!! Came across your channel recently and I am really enjoying it. Thanks for the great content!

[@ThatPedalShow]

Welcome!

[@mattparker9706]

TPS with a Gretsch in the thumbnail = immediate click!

[@guitarfoo34]

This is perfect. I just bought an AC15 yesterday and I’m currently figuring out a pedalboard situation for it. Cheers!

[@furbymetal83]

do yourself a favor , and try: Boss Blues driver, boss od3, way huge saucy box, proco rat, sabbadius mr white and an op amp big muff.

[@keithfaust8925]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/fZjMZYGhrNKenJY They did a show on the VoxAC15

[@macgrory]

And a good quality treble booster!

[@Les537]

Germanium fuzz,a klon type thing and if you want to use a lot of natural tube gain some kind of germanium treble booster will get you all the flavors. Nothing with too much bass. Forget about tube screamers, OCD and the like. At least that's my experience. You want something that will control the flabby lows and boost the highs.

[@RustyBuckers]

Just did something similar this year. Boss TU3 -> MXR Compressor -> 18v (1990s) Danelectro Cool Cat Chorus -> Univibe -> Spark Boost -> Timmy -> Blues Driver -> Strymon el cap -> Strymon big sky -> Ditto X2. Probably going to drop the chorus because I never use it. The Spark Boost -> Timmy -> BD combo gives a crazy amount a versatility, and I switch between a gretsch and tele. And I run all that into an AC15 (though after this vid, I want to try a Matchless)

[@mattrector431]

This might be my favorite comparison video, ALL of these amps sound gorgeous in there own way.

[@angrybird1018]

Great show guys, made me lust after another new amp .... I can't afford to keep watching your show!!!! The '61 AC 30 is gorgeous ....

[@CarlyonProduction]

Nothing beats the vox midrange. As much as I love the matchless, having all the extra bass and treble makes it something totally different. in some cases it may work better, but the thing I love about the AC30 is how well it slides into a mix precisely because its all midrange

[@5000rgb]

My God that Matchless sounds heavenly!

[@daddio307]

As much as all of us here delight to hear any and all intros, outros and everything in between from such fine players as yourselves, what we REALLY yearn to hear is the 2 of you in a band setting, just really digging in and producing incredible music. While that might not always fit within the parameters or format of the show, still I wish (we wish) you could occasionally figure out a way to do it. Consider it showing real world applications of the things you weekly discuss.

[@ThatPedalShow]

We’ve done a few band/jams recently. Would be cool to do more for sure!

[@jrchanning]

What an amazing array of amps, outstanding, Dan in his element !! 😃

[@robin4616]

Amazing show, as always. I recently got a Matchless SC Mini on a trade. It is basically a 6W version of the C-30 series, and it is based on the second channel (EF86), it has the 6 positions rotary tone switch, a volume, a Master volume, and the cut control. It has a 12" Celestion Heritage G12H30. I am curious if you ever tried it ? I find it awesome but I never tried the real deal. Cheers guys !

[@bexserver]

49:22 is some of the best playing that's ever been on the show, beautiful. Also I love how emotional Dan gets over hear a moving guitar tone. I've only ever felt that way once over a tone and have never been able to repeat it.

[@NotMarkKnopfler]

Me too, and ironically it was on my AC30. Literally 10 seconds later the sound guy at the gig said "and you can turn that fucking thing down for a start". 😢

[@trebleboost7]

Intro = goosebumps. literally. Dan! Wow. Right there again proved why I am aligned to the Vox character too.

[@ollie1322]

I really like it when you have Guests in the Show, but "my" TPS is when you 2 talk Gear. Awesome interesting Show, thx Guys :o)

[@mootsym]

I seem to be settling to prefer EL84 amps vs. the rest. There's just something about playing rhythm with an over-driven EL84.. it just rocks, and then you have the clean chime. Winning.

[@kgriff1205]

My favorite all time combo amp of mine was a Mesa Boogie DC-2 Studio Caliber, (2x EL84 Dyna-Watt power section) imho, one of the greatest amps they ever made!

[@davidamooreii1805]

I had Boogie 20/20 power amp ("Dyna-Watt"); the loudest 22 watts/per channel known to mankind! (IME of course), but that was a sweet power amp. I had it paired with one of their 2X12 3/4-back tuned cabinets.

[@erniesfo]

The intro to this video is very pretty. Some of the best TPS audio has generated in a while. There is a real nice interaction between the DD-200 and the Meris Mercury7.

[@MrKleaner]

Thanks for doing this video! I love my VOX AC15 C1! I would love to have a AC30, but too heavy and loud for doing shows today. The sound guys always want low stage volume and the AC 30 has a sweet spot and that spot is too loud for most situations. I also have a AC10 which is a great sounding amp cranked for recording. I have done gigs in small bars with the 10 and have had so many people come up and tell me that the sound coming from the amp , was epic! Great sounding amp Dan with your 61 Vox! Keep rocking boys!

[@gabrielledebourg2487]

I've recently grown to love the Vox AC-sound, especially with my Fender Cabronita and I've been looking into that Victory and then this comes along… Music to my ears! If you do a follow-up, how about including the Orange TremLord 30? While not just a Vox-amp, it definitely has some of that embryo, with 4xEL84, high headroom and a speaker by Lavoce (meaning The Voice, from the Latin word "Vox"). It's also touted as a amp for use with pedals, which feels appropriate.

[@philandkrisgaggero297]

Matchless HC-30 for the win. When I imagine THE sound of what my tone should sound like....nailed it.

[@breathtimebreath4934]

Brilliant show!!!! Love Matchless Amplifiers!!!

[@tarallo2]

I love this! Would love some more valve amp family/amp type deep dive videos in the future. I'd much rather hear you guys play than read hearsay on forums.

[@7Miralas]

That Gretsch sounds phenomenal!

[@robertstapleton3598]

THAT Strat through THAT Matchless (around the 50:00 mark) = as good a clean sound as I have ever heard. Feel free to have a shootout where anyone tries to better that. P.S. And thanks for demoing the Vox style amps with that Gretsch. That's a good marriage too.

[@chrislestermusic]

I agree. Matchless is just in it’s own league.

[@kevrochlin4544]

Isn't it amazing what two guitar amp and pedal nerds can create ;-) What a fantastic show. Love

[@_RLP]

Kudos to you guys, for doing this amazing show. Such a delight to watch. With that being said, I'm not a fan of the vox sound, however, some Matchless, Bad Cat and Morgan amps always surprise me. The HC30 and the Luca are very good examples... Definitely looking forward for part 2. Cheers and thanks again.

[@JelleKramerSongs]

“Why don’t you have a morgan amp in todays show?” - “because we haven’t received it yet”. No comment.

[@99cobra01]

I’m actually pretty impressed with the Victory in this demo

[@gazwilliams1629]

Watching this again years later as am After a vc35. And man! That intro piece by Dan there! Wow 😮

[@tclaybaugh]

Dan, that intro was beautiful. Good on ya.

[@NINEWALKING]

First time I’ve watched this I forgot to comment on the cathode resistor thing. You keep on watching and enjoying the video and forget to share the information. So now before I forget again let me share. Reason Dan mention is the proper one, old tubes could/can handle more current. But it all comes from the current voltage in the mains. During 60’s, when best amps where made, mains voltage was hardly hitting the spec of 110V and 220V depending on the Country. I remember that even in the early 80’s net was challenged to keep up. Now days mains is well over 120V and between 230 and 240V. Higher the Voltage they get better efficiency and less issues so distributors went up. Considering that amps DC voltage is always higher then mains that bump of 10% on the primary side is getting important. For example old amp with cathode bias like Vox AC30 was designed and biased with 220V coming into the amp. DC rail first node would hit for example 320 volts. 50 Ohm resistor would be good enough to bias the tubes. Now if you put in 240V your first node would hit 350V. You feed the output transformer with the first node and it feeds the plates of the output tubes. Hence plate voltage gets 30V higher. This means that tubes get like 330-340V plate voltage. First that is out of the spec for most new tubes. Some old tubes can handle it though. But now comes the even bigger issue. Raising plate voltage will rise the plate current and that results in higher plate Power. If that power figure is bigger than what tube can handle tube will get into the major issues. It might fail to balance it self and it will keep on rising the plate current until something gives up or it is going to be stable but way to hot and red plate. First one can take tubes out or output transformer or the power transformer or start the fire or all of the above. Red plating and or to hot tubes and amp will chew true the output tubes rapidly. Now some NOS tubes can take it and sound awesome when under such scrutiny. Most modern tubes give up though. Therefore people change cathode resistors to higher values to bring back the biasing to a normal position. One uses 80 Ohm in 4x output tubes amps, 150 Ohm in 2x output tube amps and mostly 240 Ohm in single ended amps. This in the most of the cases tames the amps. This numbers are depending on the amp and it’s voltage. Amps that make higher DC voltage will need higher values. Changing the output tubes in cathode biased amps is simple compared to same thing in the fixed adjustable bias amps but one needs to check basing from time to time. If not every change than check biasing when going to new tube brand or batch of the tubes. Always check at least for red plating. Turn the amp on with no signal and look at the tubes (dark condition). Tubes should glow up and down but plates should not glow. If they do turn off the amp immediately and you might save the tubes. Leave it and something will go wrong. In doubt look for good amp tech. Most of the cathode biased vintage amps need higher value cathode resistor even with NOS tubes. Currently produced ceramic power resistors are not bad and should not change the sound of the amp. They need to be high power handling. I use 10 Watt resistors mostly. For some amp I use two. Like two 150 Ohm in the parallel. This is overkill but they do not go as hot as single resistor does. When checking old amps I do check filter Caps and at least output tubes coupling caps. If ESR value is off, as it mostly is replace the filter caps. If the coupling caps leak the DC you will not be able to bias the tubes even with the higher value if the resistor. So if the positive voltage is leaking into the grids it will send the tubes into the warp. Remember that leak does not mean that the have 0 Ohm for DC. If the coupling caps leak just 10% of the rail voltage it will negate the negative grid voltage created by the delta made by the cathode resistor and will kill the tubes. Same happens in the fixed adjustable bias amps. Leak over powers the negative supply and tube grid looses needed negative bias voltage. So often coupling caps need to go as well. I try to keep as many original parts in as possible but what needs to go needs to go. You keep the original parts for collectors value. Anyways one single resistor and still so important.

[@NINEWALKING]

@@PeterDad60it is a valid solution. Specifically for home use. Bit annoying when you gig. One more thing you need to carry and should not forget. Best variac's are the old once. Second hand and cheap. Oversized. Heavy buggers but can provide proper power. Some people think any variac will do while it is only a XX Watt amp. But that is only output power. Tube amps pull often 5x more power from the mains than their rated output power. Some Class A amps draw even 7x more than their rated power. Lucky most of the old once can deliver few hundred Watt's. Good solution. But adapting amp to current power delivery has it's merits as well. You can ug it anywhere and do not need to carry one more thing around and do not need to fear you will forget to bring it with you. Not a problem for some people but might be an issue for some. I see why would manny of players want to use the Variac. No need to touch the amp and no need to risk modifying it or giving it to someone that could potentially ruin it. Specifically if you do not know good amp tech. Playing home it is the great solution. I would have to say though only Variac's are goid for this use. Auto transformer single winding kind. Avoid modern electronics switching power regulators. Most of the cheap once are not true sinusoid output and deliver chopped power that is hard for the amp. Power transformer gets hot from it and filters have hard time coping with it. Really good power conditioner that do work good cost nice chunk of money and are pretty chunky. Mostly 2 HU rack mounting units. If you are a touring Superstar that is already having racks of equipment carried by the roadies sure again a valid solution. If not again OK solution for stationary use but costs money and one more thing to carry around. Old Variac does a tric cheaper and in true sinusoidal wave fashion. Professional Power conditioner keeps power fluctuations and spikes away and keeps steady Voltage and that ensures perfect bias to. It is a overkill fir most of the people.

[@shredgd5]

The AC30 has a sweetness in its tone that the Matchless doesn’t have

[@robby_d23]

Even though this is a great video, it doesn't give you the true experience of what it's like to play either one of the amps. I'm fortunate to own a few Matchless amps and I can promise you they make any Vox amp sound borderline lifeless. And that's not saying that Vox amps don't sound great, it's just that a good DC30 in person sounds absolutely massive in comparison.

[@santibanks]

@@robby_d23im pretty sure the matchless are great amps to play with (I enjoy my bad cat preamp). But I understand the sentiment voiced, of everything I heard here, the actual AC30 just sounds the nicest as the amps are presented here in their recorded form. The Matchless lack some warmth (=low mids) or even have right out harshness in the top (Victory). I understand the variables that go into all of this and that the mic never captures what the experience in the room is as a player (sticking my PRS into a Friedman with a 4x12 was an eye opener for me, having been used to just preamps and impulse responses).

[@terranceturner7972]

Great show guys! Looking forward to a part two! ;) EDIT: AND, you guys should def compared the other boutiques to the matchless! A matchless I once played still icky me as being closer to a Dr. Z than the vox I was A/B’ing it with.

[@iTrove]

While I am learning just about everything I currently know about amps and pedals from your channel... I have only had a guitar and amp for about 6 or 7 weeks now and teaching myself something new as I go through the wrong side of my 50’s . The “Victory” sounded noticeably flat when you first started playing there. That “Matchless” seemed to have a depth unlike all the others.. amazing. I am learning so much from you all. I am trying to learn about my little 57 champ reissue... so far it seems to be getting better as I learn new cords. One day I am going select a pedal to pair it with. Love the channel,

[@geokar16]

I love my EL-84 Peavey Classic 30. One of the best < $1000 amps ever made.

[@chrislestermusic]

Those really are great amps.

[@quicklynamed]

AC15 more than holds its own.

[@modestoney1577]

I think so too. And i guess the different speakers play a big role in the differences between those two amps, especially in the midrange. I own a AC30 CC2 and i always found the overdriven tones too fizzy, because i had the vintage AC30 tone in mind as a reference. It was an alright fine amp and i came to the conclusion that the reissues just sound way different than the old ones. After years i decided to try to change one speaker and put a midrange pronounced Vintage 30 in it (after all an attemp by Celestion to recreate their old AlNiCos with ceramic magnets), left the other speaker in it, which is the rather unspectacular stock "Wharfdale". The difference was remarkable and the midrange response totally changed. Much more pronounced, much more focused, a lot more like old AC30s sound. Sooner or later i will change the second speaker also i guess, but for now i´m already satisfied with how much the character of the amp changed.

[@modestoney1577]

@UCjDW39z1Jh8RhPlELH1y44A depends on the type of band IMO. for a hard rocking band with a loud drummer they are most probably too weak, that´s true.

[@ascott101]

Sublime tones in this episode, excellent job chaps. Makes me miss my AC15, but after spending almost the value of the amp on repairs just out of warranty it was time to say goodbye. 😞 Everytime that Beano Boost is brought in the gates of heaven open.

[@aaronsingh7738]

Such a good sound!! Having just got a VC35 to replace my Morgan PR36 and due to gig it later with my V140 I now can’t wait!!! Such a good sound!!

[@jamesprisciandaro3144]

Also, I would LOVE to hear how the ac10 hangs with its peers!

[@flobeeonekinobee2353]

I bought an ac10 lovely little amp Fantastic digital reverb sweet sound but too loud for home not enough headroom for gigs and it hated all my drive pedals, so I sent it back, shame I couldn't afford to keep it for my collection, it's so pretty!! I have a boss katana now, it suits my needs, covers all situations well, very versatile and only cost £150!

[@MatthewCookArt]

seriously though, you guys need a dr. z (or 12). Knowing what you guys are into, you will LOVE them

[@lancecass8997]

32:10

[@joeysaucier1]

I loved this video as I just acquired a used AC15HW1 and have been exploring sounds. I need a treble booster ASAP!

[@timchalmers1700]

Great show guys !! Even 2 years later.

[@danabnormal5892]

That delay sounds bloody good

[@lancecass8997]

Boss has done it with that dd200. All the sounds of the 500, much more pedal like and friendly to use. Highly recommend it. Unless you need ton's of midi settings, you'll be more than happy and never go back after you discover and fall in love with dual and pattern mode. I rid of all of my delay pedals after learning my 500. It's settings are deep, but you can get any delay sound and tone dreamable with it. Good luck. Delay makes guitar fun always.

[@MrRodyf]

New Christmas T-Shirt logo: " 'Tis the season to Schwang"....just sayin'

[@gitarendirk1]

Really enjoying your style of writing, Mick. I read the whole description because of it. You would make a good novelist!

[@ThatPedalShow]

Thanks man. I was a writer for many years. Couple of novels in me for sure. Though my current interest is philosophy. I am going to write a philosophical look at Adlerian psychology one day. Others have done it... but there is more to say. I’m rambling....

[@rickyjones7282]

My first amplifier was a 1963 Vox AC15 which I still have & it's AMAZING!!!!!!! I have loads of other amplifiers & they're all special!!!!!