VOX AC15C1 vs Fender Blues Jr IV - The 15 Watt Amplifier Shootout

Today we're comparing the Vox AC15C1 versus the new Fender Blues Jr IV. These amplifiers are very similar on the technical spec sheet but the Vox has a slightly larger cabinet. The Fender Blues Jr IV also has the advantage when it comes to the EQ control offering a "mids" control as well as a fat boost switch.
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[@gunthermartinhampel2628]

Vox AC15 is my 15th amp and hopefully the last one in my life. It has such a unique sound. I've been learning the entire covid time to grab the different moods and atmospheres it can create.

[@billbaker4359]

Sounds like the fender is being played under water

[@cannibalsausage5767]

Yeah, did he have the tone setting on 0 on the neck pup?

[@astiachi]

@@cannibalsausage5767 miked in different speaker angles

[@tornadoduran165]

The speaker must make a big difference, the Vox is sporting a better Greenback while the Fender has the stock OEM Celestion made for Fender

[@jeffreymcclelland2136]

Fender cabs sound that way in comparison to a vox. Much darker.

[@kevinthompson8201]

Boy the crunchy goodness of that VOX!!!

[@abradfordajb]

Right off, the Vox has a more "in your face" sort of sound ..... crisper high end with just the right "dash" of mids. The Fender would need to have the treble goosed some to try to match that. Also, the speakers are different, which is highly significant; the two guitars come across quite differently as well. SOLUTION: Buy Both and use with an ABY switcher. The blended sound would be really nice.

[@kurtisalan4018]

Nice comparison. I've always thought the Blues Jr. was boxey and kind of muffled, but holy cow, this comparison really demonstrates that in a bit way!

[@ruiseartalcorn]

I think the the Vox was the clear winner, which is a relief because I have one ;) Having said that, I think the Fender was a better fit for Shane's bluesy finger picking. For rock tones though, it's the Vox for me, all day and every day! Both great amps though - I'd love to get a Blues Jr and run it together with my AC15. That'd be a cool rig! :) Thanks for the great vid Guys :)

[@MrBossei]

As usual the Blues junior sounds like it has blankets over it. Vox clear and dynamic 😍

[@stevebarry8540]

I was looking for 15W x12" tube amp comparison. Had a Super Beatle as a kid, so, but Fender is so striking. Great comparison.

[@windmillcancersurvivor2568]

I like both but the Custom Shop Tele pick ups just get me there!! Nice Review and playing. The Celestion Big Box Vox also wins.

[@makhayatalbot-hogg7761]

Let's face it, 90% of people already know which amp they prefer, and they're just here to check the comments section to see if there are more VOX or Fender supporters!!

[@chucklakeridge7944]

Great comparison. I have both amps (older Bjr, III I think), this really demonstrated the core sonic differences. I will add, however, the AC15C1 w/ Greenback is too shrill at times, whereas the BJr doesn't sound so muffled as evident in this vid, Except in comparison the very open AC15. I got around it by swapping speakers in both amps, and tubes in both, w/ 5751's in the Vox. I also run them in stereo, and they work really, really well in tandem since they fill out different parts of the audio spectrum.

[@dsholt]

2:08 Appreciate that Toad the Wet Sprocket riff!

[@georgefromgreece4119]

Pure class

[@leotrejos1802]

The clean fender sound is immaculate.

[@nickhadjirallis4888]

The Vox wipes the floor with the Fender

[@kmickp1166]

Fender for me has a little more depth where the Vox is brighter but would be happy to use either of them as both are great! I would go for the Fender as it’s more to my taste but totally get why others would go for the Vox. Great review guys!👍👍

[@danhoustin4621]

Sounds weak

[@adammichaelchannel]

thanks for this comparison. the ac15 sounds more aggressive; the blues junior sounds better for finger-picked blues. both are great amps.

[@bluesysamurainao4557]

Nice!! I dig Fender amps on which a middle knob is mounted.

[@tjnugent62]

The Blues Jr sounds better than it used to, for sure, but while recording I think both amps would work well. You really have to hear the amp in a mix to get an idea of where it fits. Something we rarely do.

[@earllsmith2733]

They both sound great!! I already have the Jr!! Guess what I’m buying next? Why just have one 🤷🏽‍♂️

[@robertpetsel54]

Great timing ! I’m in the market for a 15 watt tube amp.

[@5150show]

Awesome Amps awesome playing

[@SkyMusicAU]

Thanks a lot Fender Guru! 😄

[@markdakel9253]

I’ve been wondering if you consider doing a review of the Vox MV 50 series amplifiers. they have quite a few new amp heads out with a new technology for tube amps. Thanks. Mark in Daytona Fla

[@LucMackowiak]

I like the vox sound with the telecaster, which telecaster it is ? a 60's model ? Nice guitar....

[@derekirving]

Forget about it, the Vox wins (IMO)

[@mragunathan1627]

I dunno what the heck Bonamassa is on about....Vox is objectively better sounding than Fender

[@johndrowe5281]

M Ragunathan On this video! (See my reply to Bill Baker above.) The EQs are set waaaaay differently! (Perhaps in the mix?) I’ve never heard a Fender Telecaster sound so muddy is… And through a Fender amp??! I don’t think so! They don’t show the amp knob settings except for a brief view of the Chinese-made AC15C1 (“C” stands for China, of course.) Do not be fooled! Go to your music shop of choice, and listen for yourself....

[@VoxJane]

@@johndrowe5281 "C" is not China, It is Celestion Speakers. C1 is 1x12", C2 is 2x12"

[@johndrowe5281]

Vox Jane Which Vox AC 15 C1 or AC 30 C2 Is made in the UK?

[@johndrowe5281]

Agree with Mr Baker (we’ve never met). What is up with the Blues Juniors EQ? It does sound like it‘s treble and midddle knobs are turned down quite a bit. I own a Blues Jr and I have played through the Chinese-made Vox AC15, and I would put them side-by-side and know that the Blues Jr would take home the prize - especially since all the knobs (at least on my bubinga “Woody”, treasured b-day gift from my wife) traverse the circle to a landing point of 12!!! A lot of space in-between...even for Spinal Tappers (not to be confused with those of us who have performed lumbar punctures!👨🏼‍⚕️😊) Bill Baker mentioned the lethargic sound a year ago ... and No One responds from Vox or “Sky Music”??! Knock, knock ...weee’re baaack!!!😉😴💤🌀💤✌🏻💜🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🇺🇸🎸👨🏼‍⚕️🎸Roctor

[@graysonkemp8870]

Some pictures of the amp settings would be cool

[@AllenPinchloaf]

Should have boosted the treble on the Jr.

[@massiegauthier1529]

How does he play that magic bend at 5:38 ? We hear two octaves, it's very powerful. Cannot reproduce it on my guitar

[@Fedethedangerous95]

he did a bi-chord and bend it all together

[@tce6969]

Great amps, But Vox Sparkle is my kind of sound

[@anthonycashero7605]

Be nice to see how bassbreaker 15 with the greenback speaker compared with the vox and blues jr. Sounds. Thanks for the video.

[@mattgilbert7347]

I have all 3 of those amps. The Bassbreaker15 can do the Vox "thing" and a Marshall-y tone, but has limited headroom, is fussy with pedals, and a tech's nightmare. The AC15 and Jnr. are serviceable. Beyond basic stuff like valve swaps, the Bassbreaker15 is a disposable amp.

[@edwarddilegge4307]

First of all i need to say Shane and Rick are amazing musicians with both having a wealth of knowledge from A to Z in the music instrument industry. Shane i started watching your videos a couple of years ago and have taken many of your demonstrations and have incorporated them into my style of playing and also for the tone i was searching for. Shane i just wanted to thank you for helping me find the tone i have been searching for and also for helping me become a better player. When you find the sound you have been trying to achieve thats when it all comes together and when you enjoy playing you become a better player. I am a big fan Shane its to bad i live so far away because i would like to visit your music store. Thanks for all your great advice your an awesome Dude keep up the great work and like i stated your an amazing guitar player, love your style !!!

[@BluesnG]

they both are really good. just think about what kind of sound you want to make. Vox is more british sound and fender is more EEUU blues sound. It doesn't means one is better than the other one or you just can't play those styles with X or Y amp. Is about wich sound likes you the more.

[@M5guitar1]

I have the VOX AC15C1, It's great for indoor gigs small clubs, and louder compared to my Fender Champ head. The VOX is fat and happy with a Gibson Les Paul.

[@bobt7484]

How about showing where the controls are set on each amp

[@bungy007]

Coil demo. Can you share the settings?

[@beamerstrumpet]

What if you add a 1x12 extension to the Jr? or the Vox?

[@santiagoterrazas3279]

Saludos desde México. A mi blues jr le puse una greenback y ahora suena muy similar al vox. Sería interesante este duelo pero usando la misma bocina para los dos amplificadores.

[@admiralkrankandhismightyba158]

The difference you're hearing is the extra fartiness of the junior with the bass. And it's much less well defined, the junior is. The vox maintains clarity as you crank it. Can't go wrong with either.

[@smillerp6503]

What speaker is in the AC15? Because I don’t think it would be a fair comparison if it had the Alnico Blue in it.

[@smillerp6503]

badger519 the AC10 isn’t being used

[@jaerichards7833]

The Vox killed it! I love all things Vox!

[@darkforest3333]

if you lower the high end of the Vox and boost the high end of the Fender you'll have a more similar sound

[@jokumvildmoosehawkfield3176]

The Vox sounds of more than the fender Blues Jr does. So though I'm not a big Vox fan I think the Vox is best.

[@markdakel9253]

Both are great amps, but in my view , I think the Vox would cut through better in a small venue / jam, both are good pedal platforms but I like Sparkle of the vox

[@LIHPIT]

Have you tried both at the same time

[@stevanaczel7785]

they are both great amps ,but i am going to buy the vox ac15 just sounds what iam looking for to go with my Gibson 2013 Les Paul.

[@scotthead4210]

How do you boost the gain on the Blues Junior when it has no gain knob? Newbie here.

[@TheManuel2909]

pre amp volume knob

[@ryr-9874]

Please help!! I've recently got a VOX AC15C1 from thomann and I can't get any cranky sound out of it? .. :(

[@vintagepipesnightmares]

Ryr-987 there is nothing you can do but buying a pedal. I have the same problem. I wish I busted the Fender Bassbreaker. The problem with the bassbreacker is that digital reverb

[@rupertveitch2349]

1. gain on the top boost channel 4 o'clock. 2. Have bass and treble set around 12 o'clock. 3. Set tone cut at 2 or 3 o' clock. That should get you good 'British' crunch. The louder you can set master volume the better. Humbuckers help too.

[@darkforest3333]

compare without the gains cranked so we can actually hear the tone differences?

[@gammaraygem]

thanks for that comment...saved me 15 minutes waiting for nothing.

[@scottmatheson2390]

Dr Rick sounded better through the Vox and Shane's finger picking Blues stuff sounded better through the Blues Jr to my ears. Overall the Vox did sound bigger and more resonant and present. The Fender sounded very subdued, like it was sitting in another room but really came alive when they cranked it up and got those power tubes working. I think the Vox was the clear winner in this shootout which I believe is due to it's abundance of treble and high mid frequencies which help it stand out in sharper definition than the Jr and it's larger cab lends it a more 3 dimensional sonic quality. I don't believe however that this is any kind of "final word" on the subject. I think you could repeat this shootout in another room with 2 different players and (and a different pair of these 2 amps)and wind up with an entirely different outcome.

[@dnantis]

Yep this is also my exact opinion 100% !

[@stewarttomkinson3356]

You got that swamp blues down

[@JamieMeyerArtist]

3:14 Bryan Adams - House Arrest

[@briansmart6602]

The Vox kills it

[@nicolasdelcastillo6497]

Use both!

[@laszlototh7026]

I want to play Shadows songs.What do you think, which amp would sound better for a clean, Hank Marvin stratocaster sound?

[@joemasse4568]

Marvin was one of the very early users of the Vox ac 15, all the shadows early songs were played through a Ac 15, so that’s the amp you want to get to recreate those classic sounds

[@drothberg3]

Why is there no discussion of how the tone controls are set? Or no manipulating them? Might be able to get rid of some of the muffled sound of the Fender. Seems like the presenters were hearing something way different than what came across on the video. In short, the Fender sounds very disappointing.

[@dannybeeler1122]

Ok I own both these amps and this is NOT a fair comparison.. Blues Jr 4 has a great sound but yours sounds muddy. I know it sounds way better than that. Love both my amps Vox has a bit of a buzz in the speaker.. both Amps sound good guys.. just dont think the Fender got a fair shake

[@DMSProduktions]

Hmmm I get a sense de ja vu...

[@israel_vazquezh]

Depende el sonido que quieres, pero AC15 buenísimo!!

[@brianrissi2114]

Vos que opinas?

[@israel_vazquezh]

@@brianrissi2114 Fender es más brillante y "metálico" por decirlo de alguna manera, Vox es menos brillante, un sonido un poco más redondito, sobre todo en bulbo, y podría varía dependiendo el ampli, claro no los he escuchado todos

[@davidbarlow431]

The vox handed the fender its arse. The tweed with the jensen speaker is a much better amp IMHO, it can give the vox more of a run for its money but I would personally go vox every time.

[@captainjaneway1111]

This particular Blues Jnr IV you are demonstrating sounds way too muffled - that's not how it sounded to me in person. Plus there is an EQ on the Blues Jnr IV. A strat sounds great through the blues junior IV.

[@Po1itica11yNcorrect]

I agree. These guys obviously know what they're doing, which leads me to believe that they deliberately made the Blues Jr sound horrible in comparison to the AC15C1. Did Vox pay them to make this demo?

[@joeymorse365]

It sounds good until you play it next to a vox. From what I've heard the blues jnr doesn't have great overdriven tones at all compared to competitors in its price range.

[@yeahproductions]

Sounds like the treble was down on the Fender. I have heard other demos of the Blues Jnr 1V and it sounded way better. The Vox lost definition when it was cranked.

[@lg2635]

Which do you think takes pedals better?

[@jussioman]

They both take pedals really well.

[@campbelltron]

a little toad the wet sprocket

[@TheBoomtown4]

Ahhhh, thanks! Was bugging me.

[@mattgilbert7347]

The Blues Junior IV is a definite improvement over the iii.

[@camerond8176]

Vox all the way, much more dynamic and responsive..................

[@troywm1016]

Vox all Day

[@estudiotamboril6025]

Vox: clear sound

[@F3502000]

Yeah that Fender sounded like it had a blanket over it. VOX wins this!

[@rashidrani2333]

Good lovin gone bad

[@ssvman100]

If the bass and treble are below 12 you get more mids. Once past 12 the sound becomes scooped. Amp starts to sound better with master on the vox on at least 12 or 1/2 way. The normal channel seems to take pedals better with a second lead into top boost for cleans!.

[@Strodio]

The Fender has more sustain it seems

[@kerimvarol4707]

Vox shine sound but Fender mat sound

[@kimlombardy3393]

I just bought the BJ ltd edition with the Cannabis Rex speaker... makes all the difference vs the stock speaker they are using! the BJ is a better all around amp Vox is a great one trick British pony. Also I'm getting a little weary off all this Chinese stuff.

[@jhnfalls]

The fender sounds like there’s a pillow in front of it. Vox wins with my ears!

[@charliewesley94]

The Vox for rhythm playing. The Fender for soloing.

[@billpolitis2831]

This particular fender is for nothing mate...don't you listen how it sounds?!? Completely trash

[@joelmiddaugh8229]

That's a lot of money to spend just to play rhythm AND lead with just a decent tone. Not even great tone. Just buy a $1000 amp that sounds better than both.

[@carlosdommar]

The BJ crushes the Vox

[@adrianocasacio9341]

VOX AC15C1!

[@GabrielVelasco]

Vox FTW

[@stewarttomkinson3356]

Fender bass breaker vs ac15

[@billpolitis2831]

Why fender is muffled? Somethings going wrong. Thats not real and fair for a fender? Check your mics..

[@pitchpolemusic3555]

I think VOX is known for having a fuller midrange while Fender is known for a scooped midrange. Seems accurate to me.

[@bobaldo2339]

I agree Bill. This doesn't feel right to me at all.

[@billpolitis2831]

Also VOX is legendary amps and way better than the Βlues Jr's. Vox ac15 is a pretty decent amp for its price!

[@urik]

I got to try the Blues Jr a few days ago and chose to go back home empty handed, that's just how it sounds. Lacks that "chime" the video's Vox provides. I love Fender amps and loved to death the Super Champ XD I used to own, the Blues Jr just lacks something. Would love to see the AC15 compared againt a Bassbreaker though, these beasts sounded NICE when I tried them.

[@billpolitis2831]

Well, the Blues Jr is the only fender amp uses EL84 power tubes, so it's a different kind of Fender amp than the 6L6 tubes series. You can't expect an original fender sound. It's more unique and mid sounded amp. Maybe you need to try the tweed one "blues jr iii" with the Jensen speaker, which is way more brighter amp.

[@zombiegator1]

I've been a pretty consistent Fender Man my whole life, but that Vox sounded really "big", but on the blues the Fender sounded better. IMHO Rock=Vox, Blues=Fender!

[@smokinjoe4709]

The fender amp sounded muddy compared to the vox.

[@superjam1446]

Blues jr all day.

[@Po1itica11yNcorrect]

There are a number of videos on KZbin demonstrating the Blues Jr IV and yet the tone in this particular video is by far the worst. Why is that? The sweet spot on a Vox isn't the same as the sweet spot on a Fender. Dialing in the best settings on the Vox then using those same exact settings on the Blues Jr is an unfair comparison. Makes me believe it's more about the settings being used in this demonstration than the amp itself. I'm not knocking Vox. They make great amps. But I promise you I could make a Vox sound just as muffled and bad as you made the Blues Jr sound if I messed with the settings.

[@nicolasortiz5534]

Everyone speaking about the fender midscoop or vox sparkle are CORRECT. As far as the video comparisons KZbin doesn't do any of these amps justice. In real life the Jr sounds angelic, while the vox is kick-ass with low end and grit. KZbin videos make the blues Jr sound dull, and the vox thin lol go to a guitar center if you have the opportunity!

[@TheDaniallstars]

Which of these two will fit better in a blues/souls/funk/jazz band???. I always mic my amp in the gigs. Can't decide between these two.

[@benoitbrule1893]

Vox all the way !!!!!!!!

[@acocote2137]

Fender BJ is clearly missing one or two valves... Vox amp is also much cheaper... Just think...

[@mrAbelaAbela]

I prefer the Fender, the vox is too Bright and harsh for my taste. And don't forget that the vox weight is 22 kg against 14 of the Fender!!

[@nickhadjirallis4888]

The Fender sounds muddy and muffled - Vox al the way

[@hugomejia593]

VOX GREAT FENDER TIDE AND BOXY

[@gmlasam]

Fender Blues jr... sounds great overall. The Vox sounds thin and shrill and fizzy.

[@petllazy8669]

Vox

[@joelmiddaugh8229]

Hey Intheblues love ya man but ya gotta stop playing "Hold On Loosely" and "Owner of a Lonely Heart" for every video dude. F.Y.I. I heard the former and I skipped the video.

[@tomthumb4325]

Vox smokes the fender

[@Chris-ng9vz]

vox vox the best

[@kennyofatoboiyo7447]

Jesus Christ it's not even close The Vox is much much better much more treble clarity

[@Zicky74]

The Brunetti Singleman 16w amp destroys these two toys.....

[@stephenkeddy6849]

Something ain’t right. My jr sounds way better than this

[@packingten]

Horrible demo 1 clean 1 dirty same time thanks!

[@esparka]

Why do these guys muffle the Blues Jr. So much? You fool no one here. I have owned several Blues Jrs & I NEVER have had an issue with the muffle. I think the body-headed guy just can’t play well.

[@packingten]

WHY DO THEY KEEP DIRTY SETTINGS NO CLEAN?. Then one guy dirt the other clean thanks shitty demo!.