VOX AC-15 vs Fender Blues Junior III

VOX AC-15 versus Fender Blues Junior III - which one sounds the best? This is a comparison video to help you find out which one is better for your type of tone.
Get the amps online:
🛒 Sweetwater (USA) - imp.i114863.net/XBBMG
🛒Thomann (Global) - bit.ly/2RhZlLH
🛒 Guitar Center - guitar-center.pxf.io/GjdVM2
- guitar-center.pxf.io/JrdVMv
These two amplifiers are perhaps the most popular and great-sounding 15-watt speakers on the market today. A huge thanks to World of Music for letting me demo these amps and to film this shootout.
Thanks for watching! Please let me know which one you like the best and why.
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#voxac15 #fenderbluesjunior #guitaramps ‎
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[@bradlyguldemond8144]

This is a great video. It's hard to get folks doing a true comparison of amps thats so comprehensive. Much appreciated!

[@abradfordajb]

These amps are a great match in a dual-amp setup. More thick grittiness from the Vox, and nice top end clarity from the Fender. That's a killer vintage combo.

[@mattgilbert7347]

I recently discovered that amazing truth! Both are now my never-sell combos! I run wet-dry or stereo. For even more fun, I put my little 5W Champ clone in between and go wet-dry-wet! Such great stuff! Cheers :)

[@intheblues]

Thanks for watching! 500k views! Check them out on Sweetwater: Buy a VOX AC-15 ► Sweetwater (USA) - imp.i114863.net/XBBMG ► Thomann (Global) - bit.ly/2RhZlLH ► Amazon UK - amzn.to/34jIrl7 ► Amazon Canada - amzn.to/2yB89WA Buy a Fender Blues Junior JR ► Sweetwater (USA) - imp.i114863.net/G99Mn ► Thomann (Global) - bit.ly/2JHQLlk ► Amazon UK - amzn.to/3c0IQeS ► Amazon Canada - amzn.to/39KqFZy (affiliate links)

[@workofhishand]

I love what you've done with diffusion and what not using plywood in that studio. Love the down to earth vibe and I bet it sounds awesome too!

[@pentatonic235]

I'd love a perfect mix of both, they each have nice character.

[@kevinandmelodycrawford3575]

I considered myself a strictly “Fender Amp Person” until this video, this Vox is raw and some Delta Blues or SRV going through that thing would be right up my alley! Well done!

[@shred5]

I had an AC30 for years, nice amp forr that stuff. But the models with the alnico blue speaker sound a whole lot better.

[@goldie1453]

Sweet comparison Shane! Loving the amp demos....doesn't seem to be that many out there so good stuff ;) Great store too....been going there for years.

[@electricurinal]

I've had an ac15 for a couple of years. I dig it. Recently got a tweed Blues Jr. I really dig it. Pretty good stereo rig. I feed each amp with an output of my TC Flashback delay... with hardly any delay between the amps. Thick and juicy! Great demo. You capture the character of each amp nicely.

[@AndrewPrater116]

I like them both! Great guitar playing man, thanks for the review!

[@TheGreekPhysique]

These sound so different I need to own both. Thank you for helping me make up my mind!

[@kyotosal]

Looks like I will have to have one of each. I love the clean sound of the JR and how the Vox just rocks!

[@deanmccaskill5495]

That's exactly how i solved it

[@mrtambourineman6107]

6:25- love dat smile! - his smile speaks volumes to why we play guitar :)

[@colony13stars]

Great comparison - thank you very much!

[@J155P]

Your playing is absolutely incredible and how I wish I could play. Looks so fun. Wish I knew exactly what to practice in what order to get me there.

[@ksmithreps1]

Very helpful, thanks for posting!

[@josephdimalante7023]

I would like to hear them together playing at the same time with a A-B switch. Thanks for this one, they sound great!

[@adaptiveagile]

Great review as always

[@starcycle1]

Vox early breakup is fizzy/raspy and muffles the character of the pickups, while the fender is a fuller, clearer tone and more organic sounding. They're both good amps depending on the application, vox maybe if you want more rhythm grind, fender if you want more lead articulation, but for overall sound I'd have to give it to the bjr in this demo

[@MrJONNYMAN01]

That Vox sounded sweet, made me smile every time you played through it. I wanted a Tweed but your vid and playing convinced me I still love that Vox tone. I own a Pathfinder 10 and that sounds good too.

[@MrHottrodder67]

As always Shane nice job! I love my vox amps. I have had the fender blues Jr but for classic rock that I play the Vox amps are the tone for me. I loved the ac15 so much, I bought the AC30! Both are loaded with greenbacks. Keep up the great demo's!

[@DucksDeLucks]

Vox has a distinctive sound that is very nice but not bluesey IMO. The Fender has more of a moan to its sound, more earthy. I'd like to own both.

[@abradfordajb]

" I'd like to own both. " THAT'S the ticket. Dual amps with an A/B/Y floor switcher.

[@adriandelgadogallegos9996]

My dream gear is having a blues Jr 15w, a fender bassbreaker 15w, voxac15 and a supro black magick all in stereo mode! Punchy and deafening!

[@MrWishihadagibson]

Yes dude! I miss those old comparison videos you used to do.

[@intheblues]

+bradleyjowe Thanks mate, there's more on the way :-)

[@BrandonKJohnson]

Dang it!! Every time you switch, I like THAT ONE better lol I have neither of these amps but want both and I think the Vox to my ears and my playing would be my favorite.

[@doca9357]

I have a BJii and a newer AC 15 with the greenback speaker courtesy of craigslist, they're both nice in my opinion, the vox has a MOD reverb and the BJ has a accutronics tank, nice thing about the BJ is being much lighter, the low end sounds a little fuller on the Vox, though I could build a pine cabinet quite cheaply and quickly and maker a slightly larger cab to improve the low end, they both have their points

[@_Planeview_]

@@doca9357 if your life was in the balance and you had to pick one, which one would it be?

[@will24147]

Great demo, thank you.

[@shawnbell6392]

Both sound good. Always like your playing Shane.

[@josephvoll3842]

Cool Review! Thanks!

[@bradleycaywood1839]

I just ordered the VOX AC15. I liked my Blues Jr. but it has been in for repairs 3 times. With repairs, I have a $800.00 paper weight. No more good money after bad. Of course, it quit while playing in a jam session. Good review-Thanks!

[@Johnny-kq5wc]

This vid helped me pick my VOX, which I have been playing out with ever since.

[@dannymartinez3600]

Did you get the AC10? You ever pair it with a Tube Screamer? I got to play one at GC and loved it but hear a lot of comments about how it’s not a good pedal platform. I’m not a huge pedal person but wild like ability to run some delay and tremolo on occasion along with the TS for dirt on lower volume practicing.

[@MrAMF50]

I like Blues Jr. for the pretty cleaner stuff but maxed out the Vox is a beast! very Marshal like.

[@EddieDingle76]

Love me some Fender amps, particularly the blues jr. but I fell in love with my AC-15 the day I plugged into it and I can't imagine playing with anything else.

[@Kouta2243]

Would love to hear the same comparison with something hollow eg a 335 Gibson. Would open up a whole new discussion!!

[@Cesar0787]

awesome review. I'm about to buy a Blues Junior Tweed

[@gregorycobb5063]

That look on your face at the very end playing the Tele neck pickup through the VOX, that's the way I feel with the same rig every time I play!!!!!!! Yeah Cool Man

[@robertrockwell6996]

I love how your face changed when you kicked in the gain on the Vox. You can see you are feeling it. Love to see it! Getting lost in playing, awesome!!!

[@chriskucholtz6967]

That shows which amp he preferred, didn't it?

[@tedsparger5441]

both amps sound great. I think playing with some single coils in addition to the humbuckers in your Tele would help to show the difference of the two amps as well. Great video!

[@richardo775]

The vox is loud af and in your face and the blues jr is a little more modest but still maintains an aggressive tone. Each of them have their own purpose and sound great!

[@philfrank9226]

The wood on the wall sounds really good.

[@SuperCrackerjacks]

I love the notes you play! The rest is also really good

[@shawnbell6392]

The AC15 is a great amp, especially with the Celestian Blue, and I have to say the speaker in the tweed Jr sounds much better than the one in the tolex version. I could seeing getting a tweed Junior. Didn't ever warm up much to the tolex one I had for a while. And I always thought the tone controls in the tolex version did very little. The guy from Texas Blues Alley did a demo when he had his tweed Junior gone over by Bill M when he was still around and that amp sounded incredible.

[@utai4571]

10 years ago i would have take the vox at any price ... man , now i'm so much more into the blues junior sound, it's so much more alive to me ! the vox sound to much scoop for my taste

[@krambo4474]

If I were shopping for an amp, I’d be screwed after watching this because I’d want the both of them. Killer tones on each.

[@jaxonwilkie2389]

They both sound fuggin incredible

[@danlopez2012]

Where'v I been all this time? Sheeesh, the blues jr sounds nice, but the Vox just makes ya smile! Huge difference over youtube, bet its intensely different in person. Thanks Shane... I might forsee a Vox in my future

[@vladimirlopez7840]

Wow the AC15 is my next amp. I’m in love.

[@stevenolsen3162]

Super informative

[@michaellittlewood3032]

They both sound great and so do you!

[@fuelsmell]

I bought my Blues Junior two years ago because of your video. I continue to be happy with my decision after that time. Great amp . Of course both amps are great, but to me the Fender sounds more bluesy and 60s.

[@fuelsmell]

Luke no I left the Jensen Speaker in . It works Great. We are talking about a 15 Watt Amp for Garage use . More than enough , and good sound. Maybe if you playing in a wider place ... but than you don’t use a 15 Watt Amp.

[@nevillecragg9066]

To me the Fender sound seemed pigeon holed into retro blues tones specifically while the Vox was able to play any genre including blues. Was also a warmer round tone. Thanks 🤘🏻

[@Justafeller]

I know this may come as a total shock but it is called a Blues Junior.

[@mikestibor1]

Both are great. these are the two amps I was deciding between. ultimately decided the Vox was more versatile and running through both channels at the same time creates the ultimate tone!

[@philipchau6019]

How do u like it

[@markstanford594]

The Blues Jr. all the way. I looked at both and bought the Blues Jr. Have considered changing the speaker, but really have grown to love the Lightning Bolt. Good demo.

[@BillyE5150]

Man, I love Fender amps, & they always sound great, but in this comparison, I like the Vox sound better. It's got something extra going on sound wise...

[@michaellittlewood3032]

Good one thanks.

[@RickNPhx]

An excellent job of doing a comparison. I think I like the clean and drive sound of the Vox better. Just a bit nicer sound.

[@georgehoggatt3759]

Have both amps and guitar,spot on.

[@jussioman]

A perfect speaker match for both of the combos. :)

[@bluesrocker91]

This is exactly the sort of video I've been searching for all afternoon... I'm seriously considering buying a Blues Junior, but hearing it came with EL84s, I thought it might sound too Voxy for my liking (I've played through an AC15 and couldn't get along with it). I'm glad to hear that the Blues Junior sounds nice and Fendery, just what I'm looking for.

[@bluesrocker91]

@Howardsend88 I should mention that I did end up buying a Blues Junior and I didn't like it at all... I ended up selling it within a year. It had a lot less bass than I had been led to believe, and certainly didn't have that big, glassy Fender sound I was after. I went back to using a Hot Rod Deluxe and now use a Blues Deluxe Reissue.

[@hawg427]

I've got that same Blues Jr. and I like it better than the Vox. Especially with the Fat button engaged.

[@rolandr86]

The Vox AC15C1 "Tone Cut" is all the way up. Turn it down a bit you could get a similar tone the Blues Junior. When purchasing a small combo, it came down to these two amps. The "Tone Cut" was the difference. That's a tone shaping features that's over looked. These two amps were above all the other amps for my needs.

[@acocote2137]

I do like the fact the BJ does not break up as fast... It has more clean headroom... But the VOX has a great, great color when pushed... That is only my opinion... I do have Fender and love them...

[@ironpirites]

i like this demo. These two amps certainly sing with different voices. I think the Vox sounded better to my ears in the cleaner settings but after that it became a matter of personality. The Blues Jr. has an American twang to its voice all the way around, which is certainly called for with a lot of American music. Both amps are very nice.

[@hawsshaw]

I always love D Blues Jrs Tweed and black 😎

[@stephenplante2273]

The fender is preferable hands down according to my personal taste. The vox, especially on neck pickup, as with most vox amps, I've noticed, sound very muddy and muffled and bassey. Thr fender has that wonderful crystal clear clarity and vintage like tongue that fits perfect forlow working bluestoneswhich I cover. it's a no brainer

[@paulcardsfan]

i agree Fender sounds more clean and bluesy -i like the fender sound better not as muddy and clean the way i like it !

[@Strongpersuader]

Yep! You can make a clean amp sound dirty but you can't make a dirty amp sound clean. Besides being more usable as far as tone is concerned, just because the BJr is super pedal friendly, it is also easier to lug around with its smaller footprint. IMHO, to choose the BJr over the AC-15, even though I also appreciate the VOX, is a no brainer.

[@kaivrock]

The Vox is a rock and roll amp. It likes to get down and dirty. I still heard more space and dimension with the Vox. The Fender would be frustrating for anyone not interested in playing the blues. Even at full crank, its kind of shy. The two probably shouldn't be compared.

[@pamclark3995]

if I had to just pick one I think it would be the fender blue's Junior. but I really like the vox as well.

[@dancomber9768]

I use VOX AC15C1 Greenback and I love it!!! My Strat sounds great through it and my Les Paul breaks it up and pushes the tubes sooo sweet!

[@karmanic7492]

I’d rock both these together - get that cool VOX top end breakup and the BJr filling out the low mid range… pretty dope considering how affordable these are

[@JimiJam24]

I grew up in a family where my Grand father, Father and a uncle played in working country bands, so no pedals or overdrive to be heard. Being born in 65 the British invasion was like aliens had landed. I had to have that sound. Then the big hair 80`s came OMG what a time for a young guitar player to live! Now that I'm older though, I'm moving back to those tone machines. The tweed deluxe, a simple one channel Princeton. But my favorite is the Peavey Classic series. I have them all. 50-4/10, 30-1/12 and the 20 mh, which is a masterful tone machine through a vintage 30 omg what a sound! Here, these are both great amps, one having more overdrive, the vox, but again they both are super sweet with great tones and can be used for different situations. You want that overdriven sound, get the Vox, if your after clean, get the BJ. I'm lucky, I have them both! Great video!

[@fatherlarsathon]

The Blues Jr. sounds like a guitar, while the AC15 sounds like an AC15. This is a preference and application decision. For sitting in my house and wanting to hear my guitars, I'm going to plug into the Blues Jr. If I want to get a big rock sound in a larger environment I'd probably take the AC15.

[@ASSman864]

The vox sounds better for me but the blues junior just screams buddy guy to me, which is a good thing

[@obriantomlinson2776]

I love BUDDY GUY!

[@anthonysilva5312]

Had a BJ, sold it. Bought the Vox . Love it. I now have a 1983 Marshall JCM 800, the AC15 and a PRRI. I’m a happy guy.

[@jonathanseitz8644]

both sound fantastic

[@johnnyj8531]

The Vox sure has a nice thick tone, Great video

[@ArielsSmartyPants]

WIcked demo, they both have desirable qualities. The VOX has some sweet groove.

[@pcollenyt3683]

No doubt both great amps. I'm lucky to have an original '97 MIA green-board BJ and have installed a Jensen C12N speaker. Nice smooth clean and OD , and with a good pedal up front (Barber Direct Drive for me) it's a very nice rig for small to medium venues (mic'd, of course)

[@tonepursuit7110]

VOX has a nice glassy breakup which is why I love it so much! Paired with a Morning Glory Overdrive and you get juicy glassy tones!

[@DSilvergun]

I've owned both of these amps. The Blues Jr. is a decent amp but it can't do overdrive very well. Not only that the stock speaker is weak whereas the stock Greenback in the Vox is really good. Good to the point where it doesn't need to be replaced with an alnico speaker.

[@themadkraken1912]

I use pedals for my overdrive so I think I'll take the Blues Junior, I love the tone in general and Fenders love pedals.

[@JolibudProductions]

I came only for the fender, great review man!

[@Acroanidd]

Just picked up a Vox AC15. It's been one of those amps that I've always wanted caught one when it was on sale and just had to. Compliments my Tele perfectly! Between the guitar and amp I can honestly tell that I'm just going to have to work on practicing to get my sound better. There's nothing that's going to hide my flaws or lack of skill. But done right (as we've all seen countless time and as demonstrated here) that combination can sing. Cheers!

[@immutablecantrip]

what price was it on sale for?

[@Acroanidd]

@@immutablecantrip $599 it was hard to pass up at that price for sure.

[@immutablecantrip]

@@Acroanidd new?? Where do you find a deal like that?

[@Acroanidd]

@@immutablecantrip last month guitar center had them and a bunch of other amps on sale. I went in to get some picks and walked by the sign showing the price.

[@rissole49]

I bought the Vox AC15 - love it

[@chucklee2995]

I preferred the vox in each category except wide open gain and volume, the blues Jr. Prevailed but only when turned up all the way,

[@johnc3403]

A a lifelong Beatles fan, I can hear the lineage and heritage coming through the Vox and it is absolutely superb but as a blues head and a Blues jr owner, I'm thoroughly happy with my choice.

[@jamesmaloney8191]

They both sound great!

[@aitken1965]

Both are great all-round amps that come up on the used market frequently. I have both, and I enjoy both of them immensely.

[@vincentl.9469]

I sense the Fender voicing is better suited to pure blues....

[@aitken1965]

@@vincentl.9469 it’s hard to pin down a “Blues Jr Sound” since there’s such a range of speakers and models. I have the Blues Jr III with a C-Rex speaker and upgraded capacitors and power resistors. It’s much bigger sounding than your average Blues Jr

[@notomatoesbbq]

Man that vox sounds great, I would love to hear a head to head with the vox and a greenback equipped Blues Junior.

[@JFK1180]

I think that the clarity of the B.J that cuts through, makes it a better amp to use in studio and and club gigs. The tone is just much more beefy and beautiful in my ears. The VOX is just a bit more foggy. That should also make it the better choice to build on the sound of the B.J with pedals.. But then again, sound is a personal preference.

[@joe1969812]

They both do a great job of picking up the pick scraping

[@jasonusaf6326]

Honestly the blues Jr. Sounds way more up front and in your face but man....that pushed VOX sounded awesome. Tough choice

[@danielpecheny]

Great comparison. Difficult choice. Both are excellent. Depends on taste and with playing style. As a Fender lover, I'm tempted by Vox. However an AC10, closer to my budget. But the AC 15 is more of a classic

[@deanmccaskill5495]

Jaysis! Shanes on FIRE in this one1

[@intheblues]

Thanks, Dean. This is an old video now but I appreciate the kind words :)

[@LukeJackandWill]

Fender for me. However, Vox is great for the gain channel. The blues jr is a great pedal platform and has a phenomenal clean tone.

[@matrixarsmusicworkshop561]

Luke Kerr Fender is more sharp while vox clean

[@80sruler]

Luke Kerr very clean and stayed pretty clean even cranked up with gain

[@ciko_pancho8982]

Any chacce of demoing a Hanwired AC15?

[@brandonbryson3317]

After owning a few amps from both brands, I always yearn for that Vox tone. I do want a twin reverb tho...converted to a head. I hate 2x12 combos.

[@Ukulele_Ad]

I’ve had both, currently got a Seafoam green Blues Jnr iv. I loved the chime & breakup more on my AC15 but it was a back breaker for regular gigging so had to go sadly.

[@wenguo1193]

nice play

[@shane011471]

I know this video is OLD and I did not even pay much attention to the sound of both amps. I was watching you and it looks like you had more fun with the VOX sound preferences aside and that is just as important if not more so....

[@gutbucket260]

Have owned both. The Blues Jr. Sounded to "Boxy". Needs a bigger cabinet. Had a Vox AC15C1 and it sounded okay but was lacking a little in the treble. Traded both off. Just bought another Vox AC15C1X with the Celestian Alnico Blue speaker and am now in Heaven. This amp has "It". Great Chimey cleans and some kick-ass overdrive tone. It will bury a Blues Jr. and the standard AC15 for that matter.

[@JamesMcCutcheon]

Jr. seemed muffled like the speaker is holding it back but 2 different amp. I enjoyed the Vox burnout gain and the cleans. The Vox overall can do all the JR does but also allot more, its a matter of using the tone knobs on the guitar IMHO.

[@imagoforte6298]

BJR hands down due to it's more vintage sound , The Vox might sound fuller, The BJR more boxxy, but I really don't like the typical Vox top end chime at all. But I wouldn't mind have 'em both..

[@gish85]

I sold my ac15c1 a couple of years ago, and that was probably my biggest guitar related regret. Think I'm going to be buying another soon

[@AussieCornerStudio]

Hi Shane, great to kick off with the Vox and Fender two very good affordable amps and readily available. I confess I HAVE BOTH for two reasons sound and portability. Fender chime Vox crunch using a selector i can run either or both. Eq a bit tricky but once dialed in i have this spread of sound with harmonic content. a couple of pedals to finish the deal as both amps dig pedals very well. Cheers Professor.