HANGAR18 Posted September 26, 2013 Posted September 26, 2013 I've got a VOX AC15 Custom that I bought new. It's very nice, but if I ever need to go anywhere with it, I'm concerned that maybe it might not be loud enough to compete with a set of drums. So instead of getting rid of a perfectly good AC15 only to turn around and get an AC30, I was wondering if I could just replace a couple of parts and make an AC 30 out of an AC15. [Of course, I mean "safely" and in a prattical manner... ie where the cost of the upgrade wouldn't exceed the cost of just buying a whole new amp.] Does anyone know for sure if I can do that or not? Thanks.
PunkKitty Posted September 26, 2013 Posted September 26, 2013 This is a question for kbp810. As I understand it, it requires new transformers and some alterations to the circuitry. But it can be done.
212Mavguy Posted September 26, 2013 Posted September 26, 2013 Not with that particular amp because of the output tube used and the socket type. But the new Ceriatone OTS mini has already amassed a cult of followers that discovered that old stock 6l6wgb 5881 or 6l6ga/gb types could be used and rebiased in place of the stock 6v6's, upping the power a good third. There is quite a range of power ratings in output tubes that use the same socket and pinout as 6v6. Full gig power running a 2/12 with master on 4...according to one owner. The trannys in that amp are oversized and can handle that kind of overload. It's already quite loud with 6v6's because of the mongo iron. 6l6gc would be too much for the mini's health, though.
Guest HRB853370 Posted September 26, 2013 Posted September 26, 2013 Yeah, you need to understand that the an increase from 15 to 30 watts is really NOT double the loudness, and only incrementally louder. That is why a 22 W amp like a Deluxe Reverb seemingly is as loud as a Super Reverb at 40 watts. There are a few good threads on this forum about this.....
H Posted September 26, 2013 Posted September 26, 2013 As discussed in another thread a while ago, if you want more output it may be worth checking the efficiency (sensitivity) of the speakers in the cab. http://electronics.howstuffworks.com/how-to-explain-speaker-sensitivity.htm
big bob Posted September 26, 2013 Posted September 26, 2013 Said like Ron Warren, "what in the hell is wrong with you!" Why would you want to mod your AC 15 when you could use this as a reason to purchase a new AC 30? I have no idea who taught you math! 2 is twice as good as 1. You know it only take a couple of you nare do wells to screw it up for all of us. what's next, buy a guitar sell a guitar! You need to take off your damn panty hose and act like a Gasser. viva La Gas!
StephenK Posted September 26, 2013 Posted September 26, 2013 I agree with Steiner. Or drop a mic in front of it and run through your PA.
HANGAR18 Posted September 27, 2013 Author Posted September 27, 2013 Said like Ron Warren, "what in the hell is wrong with you!" Why would you want to mod your AC 15 when you could use this as a reason to purchase a new AC 30? I have no idea who taught you math! 2 is twice as good as 1. You know it only take a couple of you nare do wells to screw it up for all of us. what's next, buy a guitar sell a guitar! You need to take off your damn panty hose and act like a Gasser. viva La Gas! ROTFLMAO!!!!!
Blunote Posted September 27, 2013 Posted September 27, 2013 Drop a 4x12 under it and stand back! +1 Especially set up for 16 ohm. I agree with Steiner. Or drop a mic in front of it and run through your PA.+1
tulk1 Posted September 27, 2013 Posted September 27, 2013 I've gigged with a Vox AC15. And I currently gig with the Mesa take on the AC15. It will keep up as is. Then again, we always mic. But I haven't even tapped (or did tap) all the volume available in that amp. It'll keep up without breaking a sweat, unless the drummer is trying to break eardrums. And if thats the case, well, then good luck regardless of the amp.
rockabilly69 Posted September 27, 2013 Posted September 27, 2013 It will keep up, but for the best clean tone, I would get it: off the floor (so you can hear it if the band is playing loud), and mic it. Vox amps really develop their tone when turned up. A few weeks ago I played outdoors with a stock AC15C1 and a 1980's Rat pedal as my only FX. The band was 2 other guitar players, keys, bass, drums, and sax. The amp kept up un-mic'd but just barely as we used generator power and I think it was being starved for voltage. People in the audience heard it just fine! Here is the actual guitar and amp I used and the pic is from that gig... https://soundcloud.com/daniel-weldon-1/vox-test
bolero Posted September 28, 2013 Posted September 28, 2013 Daniel that clip is some killer playing Hangar you could also get a 2nd AC15, two 15w amps will sound glorious together & put out lots of volume. be easier to carry than an AC30 ( I owned one they are heavy mofos, mostly I think due to the overbuilt birch cab constructions ) then you can run the AC15's in stereo, too an AC30 is thing of beauty though
big bob Posted September 28, 2013 Posted September 28, 2013 Daniel that clip is some killer playing Hangar you could also get a 2nd AC15, two 15w amps will sound glorious together & put out lots of volume. be easier to carry than an AC30 ( I owned one they are heavy mofos, mostly I think due to the overbuilt birch cab constructions ) then you can run the AC15's in stereo, too an AC30 is thing of beauty though I like your thinking....
High Flying Bird Posted September 28, 2013 Posted September 28, 2013 Said like Ron Warren, "what in the hell is wrong with you!" What in the hell is wrong with you! We have a tiny little jam room, about 25 x 12. We have a drum set, PA, 15 watt, Vox, Fender, Ampeg a 50 watt Marshall stack and padded walls. It has been tried before but nobody has started a dick measuring contest since I got that Vox AC15. Tulk uses one outside and keeps up. The Vox can sound good without being cranked. But if you need it, it can buckle the walls.
High Flying Bird Posted September 28, 2013 Posted September 28, 2013 Here is a short clip of my Vox at about 1/3 volume with drums, another guitar and a bass. I don't know the song but it was in E major so I was able to get through. http://www.ronwarren.com/images/solo.mp3 Here is our tiny jam room. I don't know the crazy woman....
Guest HRB853370 Posted September 28, 2013 Posted September 28, 2013 Here is a short clip of my Vox at about 1/3 volume with drums, another guitar and a bass. I don't know the song but it was in E major so I was able to get through. http://www.ronwarren.com/images/solo.mp3 Here is our tiny jam room. I don't know the crazy woman.... Who is the guy holding the banjo on the far left??
Blunote Posted September 28, 2013 Posted September 28, 2013 Who is the guy holding the banjo on the far left?? You sure that's not a snare drum, Slammer?
DetroitBlues Posted September 29, 2013 Posted September 29, 2013 I think it's less about wattage and more about speakers... If you add a 2x12 or some other extension cab, you'll be fine. I've used a Blues Junior for live gig work, never had the volume beyond halfway on it. Again, it was a 15 watt 1x12 combo...
HANGAR18 Posted September 29, 2013 Author Posted September 29, 2013 Drop a 4x12 under it and stand back! That is an interesting idea. I do have a couple of 4x12's.
Guest HRB853370 Posted September 29, 2013 Posted September 29, 2013 You sure that's not a snare drum, Slammer? Oops, need me spectacles!
smurph1 Posted October 21, 2013 Posted October 21, 2013 I've got a VOX AC15 Custom that I bought new. It's very nice, but if I ever need to go anywhere with it, I'm concerned that maybe it might not be loud enough to compete with a set of drums. So instead of getting rid of a perfectly good AC15 only to turn around and get an AC30, I was wondering if I could just replace a couple of parts and make an AC 30 out of an AC15. [Of course, I mean "safely" and in a prattical manner... ie where the cost of the upgrade wouldn't exceed the cost of just buying a whole new amp.] Does anyone know for sure if I can do that or not? Thanks. why not just mic it and run it through the PA?
HANGAR18 Posted October 21, 2013 Author Posted October 21, 2013 why not just mic it and run it through the PA? I don't have a PA in my living room.
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